It means to me dealing with hard times and not crumbling, and as a Southern-raised GRIT girl, I have had to learn it face to face. The fact that I was raised in a low-income family framed my perception in ways that were never expected. My mom works full time at Chick-fil-A in order to keep us going, and while I am deeply inspired by the strength and devotion she demonstrates, it is no less easy not to feel the pressure to make ends meet. Our financial struggles weighed on me many times, but in place of allowing that to bring me down, I channeled my energies into my education for a better life. There were nights I had to stay up late doing homework, with the hope that balancing my extracurricular activities would pay off. I remember feeling overwhelmed at times, but not being afraid to ask my teachers for help, knowing this was part of the process and required in pushing through tough moments. From tutoring programs to online materials, I availed myself of every resource, ready to stay on top and make my circumstances not define me. This commitment to my academic success eventually led me into the National Honor Society, where I learned the importance of teamwork and the power of staying determined. It has been among my most enriching life experiences to be the president of the Black Student Union. This is not a mere title for me, but about creating space where my peers are valued and not ignored. In BSU, I have organized events celebrating our culture or advocating for issues that affect our community. In each of these lead initiatives, I've found leadership is about lifting each other up, standing with each other, and facing problems head-on. The effectiveness of our resilience beared witness only furthered my belief in community. These experiences defined my aspiration for fashion to be the field through which self-expression inspires others. Fashion, as a very strong medium of self-expression that I would want to provide a platform for, can uplift and empower everybody irrespective of background or circumstances. I feel this is a medium that can break barriers, build confidence, and connect people from all walks of life. I envision a future wherein my designs reflect and capture diversity and inclusivity, thus making everyone feel represented and valued. I am also deeply concerned about inequities within the fashion industry for the underserved communities-out there so full of talent, without access to resources and opportunities that would give them fertile ground to flourish. I want to be part of that change in narrative, creating pathways to success for others and affording them the same opportunity to pursue my dreams as I am now striving to do. The scholarship would mean a lot to me, not only in helping me with the financing of my education but also as a stepping stone to inspire more people. I know I can bank on this being just the right opportunity for building upon my journey of resiliency and determination with full conviction. With this, I am sure we all stand above our circumstances and, in unity, take steps to make a better future. Ultimately, grit is not an individual struggle; it is a community effort of support and the perennial belief in the fact that we can all be dream-fulfillers. I look forward to embarking on the challenges ahead, making rich contributions toward the good of the people around me.

My cousin Samuel DuBose's death, which occurred in 2015, was one of those gut-wrenching moments that changed my view of the world forever. It was not just a loss but that brute reminder of how unjust our society can be at times. Samuel was more than just family; he was someone with whom I shared laughter, memories, and love. When that police officer killed him senselessly, it was as if my world had come crashing down. It was like something was ripped from me, and it left a gaping hole that no length of time can ever really fill. Afterwards, I wrestled with a storm of emotions: grief, anger, confusion, and helplessness. There were days when getting out of bed, to face the world knowing someone I loved was taken so violently and unfairly, seemed impossible. Seeing his face plastered on news and hearing his name chanted at protests drove the reality home. It wasn't just a personal loss, it was an agonizing symbol of the systemic injustice so many families endure. Throughout it all, my mother was my rock. A single mother who works tirelessly at Chick-fil-A, she was always a rock of strength and love in my life. But the way she balanced her own grief and was at the same time still able to hold our family together taught me about another new level of resilience. She had her heartache, her battles, but never once did she make me feel alone in my pain. And those days that felt like the world was falling apart, well, she was there to remind me we'd get through this all together. Her strength became my strength, and her love gave me courage to continue. I turned instinctively to meditation and journaling as ways to sort through my emotions in the wrangling. Meditation gave me a quieted place to breathe through the overwhelming weight of it all. In those moments, I learned the power of stillness and how to find a sense of peace when everything felt chaotic. But it was journaling that helped me heal the most: it gave me an outlet for releasing all the pain, anger, and confusion that was bottled up inside my body. Writing about Samuel-what he meant to me, the memories we shared, the injustice of his death-was cathartic in and of itself. It allowed me to confront my grief head-on, and in so doing, I began to understand that healing didn't mean forgetting; it meant learning to live with the loss while keeping his memory alive. This has been the experience that has driven me to continue my education for a purpose other than that of personal achievement. I want to honor Samuel's memory by working for change-by being a voice for those who feel silenced and powerless. For me, college isn't just a pathway to a career; it's a means to an end of acquiring the knowledge and tools I need to fight for justice. I would like to contribute to a future where fewer families have to go through the kind of pain my family has gone through. The two most important people in my life have been my mother and Samuel. My mother, for the strength, love, and determination; Samuel, for the beauty he saw in life and believing in fighting for what is right. It is their love, their memory, that gives me the fuel to make a difference in this world, and it is of them that I carry with me in everything I do.

I consider one of the most personal and impactful ways my storytelling through fashion manifests to be captured by the homecoming dress that I designed and created. While the theme was *Sleeping Beauty*, instead of playing the traditional princess, I went as Maleficent-a character whose complexity, power, and allurement have always inspirited me. In this dress, I wanted to bring her story into life in a way that was bold, unexpected, and entirely my own. My design was of a tight, bodycon silhouette, with a mermaid-style bottom, tailored to bring about the dramatic striking presence of Maleficent. Sleek and form-fitting fabric was meant to be symbolic of elegance and control, while the flare at the bottom was feathered to reflect her ability to take another creature-like form and just fly. I completed the look with a matching feather fan, reinforcing the atmosphere of regality and mystery surrounding this character. Everything, from the cut of the dress to the textures, was handpicked to make Maleficent strong, complex, and mesmerizing. But it was not about creating a masterpiece; it was about telling a story. This dress spoke of Maleficent's duality, her fierceness, and her grace-all characteristics that need no words to convey who she is. This approach to fashion has shaped the way I view my work: using fashion as a medium for narrative expression. Going forward, I would like to develop this philosophy into more weighty projects. My long-term goals include creating a TV series or comic where fashion is integral to the storytelling process. In it, characters could continue to express emotions, growth, and even their culture through what they wear, similar to how I did with my homecoming dress. More than the aesthetic, the fashion would be part of the narrative. Whether through fashion or visual art, the want for world-making and telling stories that strike a chord remains constant. It's that creative spirit and storytelling that keeps me going; I am excited to continue weaving it through in every project I pursue.

Coming from a single-parent, low-income household has taught me the value of resilience, determination, and resourcefulness. My mother works full-time at Chick-fil-A to support our family, and witnessing her sacrifices has been a constant reminder of the importance of hard work. This upbringing has shaped me into someone who faces challenges head-on and finds creative solutions to obstacles, both in my personal and academic life. I’ve learned that when resources are limited, persistence and adaptability become essential tools for success. One of the ways I’ve used my experiences to make a positive impact in my community is through my role as president of the Black Student Union at Chandler High School. I advocate for underrepresented students, creating programs that foster inclusivity and provide a safe space for dialogue. Additionally, I work as secretary of the A/V Club, where I produce fashion-related content to inspire and educate my peers about creativity and self-expression. These leadership positions allow me to give back to my school and serve as a role model for others who may face similar challenges. I’m also pursuing my passion for fashion, having completed a program at the East Valley Institute of Technology. I plan to use my skills to become a seamstress and mentor young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them see the potential in their own creativity. Actively seeking mentorship and job opportunities in the fashion industry is part of my journey toward this goal. Through my life experiences, I’ve developed a commitment to uplifting others, especially those from marginalized communities. I plan to continue this work by using my platform and skills to create opportunities for people who might need an extra hand to succeed. My ultimate goal is to empower others to overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams, just as I’m striving to do.

Mental health influences not only academic performance but also everyday life, especially when trying to balance different activities across many spectrums. Now, being the president of the Black Student Union, member of the Audio Visual Club, and aspiring fashion professional-the pressure between these various roles and academics requires great attention to one's mental state. Pressures from both leadership roles and academic responsibilities lead to stressful and anxious moments that would negatively affect performance either way. For instance, leading the BSU entails event organizing, community concerns, and creating an openness within the community; these can be stressful. Similarly, fashion content creation for the school news through the AV Club and managing its fashion-related projects takes a lot of time and effort. While enriching, the commitments sometimes overwhelm me and divert my attention and performance in academics. These are some of the ways I show self-care to cushion the blow of poor mental health on my studies and extracurricular activities. First, I make sure that my schedule is structured but flexible enough to accommodate my academic responsibilities and involvement with the BSU and AV Club. Time management is of essence; by apportioning specific time for studying, clubs, and relaxation, I will create a regimen that balances out and would keep me from burnout. The second most important part of my mental health strategy is regular physical activity. Be it jogging or yoga exercises, this physical activity dissolves stress and sharpens my focus. Because the state of one's physical health relates directly to one's mental health, physical activity supports both my academic pursuits and my fashion projects and club activities. Healthy nutrition also plays a role in keeping up mental health. A healthy diet contributes to cognitive function and finally, general well-being, so important to stand school and extra-curricular pressures. I really try to eat healthy because proper nutrition stabilizes mood and energy levels that can help me be more alert and productive. One other much more critical part of maintaining good mental health is reaching out to make sure help is there. I go to the counselor at school; I talk to my mentors and my peers. As president of the BSU, I make sure it is an open subject in the group so that no member feels afraid to talk about any pressing issues and that others might be able to give them advice if they need it. Additionally, working on projects with other members of the AV Club makes me feel like we are all in this together, therefore making any single individual's burden lighter. Equally essential to me are the mindfulness and relaxation methods. Meditation and deep breathing exercises could help me keep my head focused and manage my stress levels efficiently. By incorporating these techniques into my daily routine, I remain clear-headed and calm; hence, it supports my academic success as well as my involvement in extracurricular activities. This, in turn, influences my academic performance and personal life in balancing the multiplicity of roles in BSU, AV Club, and the fashion domain. I can handle my mental health well through the adoption of a scheduled regime, regular exercises, healthy eating, seeking support, and practicing mindfulness. These strategies not only enhance my academic performance but also equip me to contribute meaningfully towards extracurricular activities for an overall well-rounded experience.

I was growing up, and I very aware of the invisible challenges that so often beset those around me, even when they aren't always spoken about. My cousin struggled with homelessness and mental health issues that just wouldn't quit. It has irrevocatively changed the way I view life: the things that I want to achieve, who and how I relate to others, and the very notion of reality itself. I encountered the brutal honesty of mental health disorders through my cousin. It wasn't some far-off story of trauma, homelessness, and mental health struggles; it was my everyday reality. I witnessed how mental health could embed its existence in the daily functions of a person-right to his core. Observing his pain and struggling for stability opened my eyes to see how deeply the effects of mental health could reach within one's identity and wellbeing. This exposure instilled in me a deep urge to pursue a career that would enable me to help people with similar struggles. I realized that even though I am not in a position to change the past for my cousin, at least I can strive to be someone who could offer support in whatever way possible. It is in the area of mental health and fashion that I have been drawn to, not particularly as a career but more in terms of creating spaces where people can be expressive, find comfort, and even healing. I envision this to be a time when fashion will be more about appearance but also about taking care of mental well-being and self-expression. This understanding greatly influenced my goals. I am keen on joining my passion for fashion with my drive to contribute to a difference in the field of mental health. I want to see how this industry can be used as an avenue to raise awareness for mental health, create a space to speak openly about one's struggles, and show ways of helping those in need. I am committed to effecting positive change through either fashion therapy or the design of inclusive clothes with my skills and passion. My relationships have also been influenced powerfully. Witnessing my cousin's struggle taught me empathy and compassion in ways no formal education could. It has taught me to approach relationships with much sensitivity about the experiences and feelings other people go through. I try to be the friendly, familial, and mentor-like figure who is supportive because I understand everyone's struggles differ yet are valid. Transferred into my presidency of Black Student Union and secretary of Audio Visual Club, this creates an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for students of all walks of life. As a matter of fact, it even shaped my general outlook on the world. Understanding mental health has taught me that each individual has his or her own battles-ofttimes unseen and unspoken. This awareness implants in me a sense of humility and so much gratitude, making me never judge anyone based on superficial impressions. It makes me create awareness and support systems regarding mental health, not only in my personal life but also in society. In the process, I have learned about self-care and when to ask for help. It dawned on me that I needed to manage my own life of stress and emotions if I was going to create that space where I could authentically assist others. This has been major in bringing self-awareness into my life, enabling me to hold together my responsibilities, relationships, and personal aspirations in true balance. Ultimately, it is my experiences with mental health that have shaped my view of life. They give me direction and an in-depth view of the sense of compassion and support needed in one's life. I am willing to merge my passion for fashion and mental health to drive meaningful change from creating supportive spaces, advocating for awareness of mental health, down to being just that support a person around me may need. From my academic life to my personal relationships, I have found that these lessons learned from my cousin's struggles indelibly mark the progress of life. They taught me how strong I had to be, the power of empathy, and how important it is to provide space for people to themselves without being engaged in criticism. Therefore, I am still committed to carrying this experience with me into the future and using it as a building block toward reshaping my goals, enriching my relationships, and contributing to a world where mental health is something that is understood, respected, and supported.

My mental health is a big part of my life as a student; it affects my grades, social life, and emotions. Through high school, I’ve realized that mental health is not just about coping with stress but also about bouncing back emotionally from life’s hardships. It’s clear to me that mental health is the foundation for everything, especially when responsibilities feel overwhelming. In my life, I’ve seen how mental health affects not just an individual but an entire family. I come from a poor family and have seen my mother work tirelessly to support us while I care for my 4-year-old niece and grandmother. Managing these responsibilities along with school has shown me the importance of taking care of my mental state. At one time I thought that I had to do everything on my own but now I realize that asking for help is no type of weakness. Also my cousin, who is homeless, has been a victim of mental health. It has been horrible watching her struggle, and she has no support, the important kind. This reinforces my belief that everyone should have access to mental health assistance, no matter their situation. These experiences have shaped my leadership approach at school. I am president of the BSU and I want it to be the kind of place where people feel comfortable enough to talk about their issues, even if that includes mental health. Mental illness is a "taboo" subject within many communities of color. We have these open discussions at our BSU meetings about culture, identity, and mental health. We just want students to know that they do have a voice and that they are not alone. Besides being BSU president, I'm also secretary of our Audio Visual Club, where I make various reports for the school's news, I do a lot on mental health and self care. One of the projects focused on easy self care methods (i. e. journaling, meditation. It’s rewarding to know my work helps others improve their mental well-being. The pandemic highlighted how crucial mental health is, as many friends and classmates struggled with isolation. I made a point to check in regularly, offering support and encouraging them to seek help. These conversations reaffirmed my belief that mental health should always be a priority, especially during tough times. Through my experiences and leadership roles, I’ve learned that advocating for mental health is about more than raising awareness, it’s about taking action to support others and encouraging open dialogue. We need to make these kind of conversations the norm and we need to learn to take care of ourselves first, and by doing so we can create stronger communities, where everyone feels as if they have someone.

I have always believed in the power of creativity and community to bring about change, and my life experiences have continually reinforced this belief. I am a senior at my high school, the president of my BSU (Black Student Union) and the secretary of our Audio Visual Club, I have taken on several leadership roles that have allowed me to help others and make a difference in their lives. Growing up in Gautier, Mississippi, and now living in Arizona, I have faced challenges, particularly related to financial hardships, but I’ve always remained focused on my goals and the contributions I want to make to society. As the youngest in my family, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices my mother and sister make to provide for us. My mother works full-time at Chick-fil-A, and my sister, while also working, is raising my four-year-old niece. I help take care of my niece while my mother and sister work and assist with caring for my grandmother, who is recovering from a severe knee injury. These experiences have left me with a strong sense of responsibility and determination. Even through all of this, I have kept up a good standing with my grades (I have a [Insert GPA] GPA) and I am still active in my organizations that I care about. My love for fashion began at a young age, but it truly blossomed when I completed the fashion program at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). In this course I learned to sew, design, and construct a garment, realizing that fashion was not only an artistic expression for myself, but a way to express myself to others and make a difference. Fashion can change culture, allow self-expression, and create confidence. I am a seamstress and I wish to design clothing that speaks, gives a voice to the voiceless, and allows people to feel like the beautiful creatures they are. I am the President of the BSU and I have done my best to provide a place where the Black students at my school know that they can come and have a voice. We've hosted cultural events, talked about serious topics such as social justice and inequality, and encouraged our members to be leaders not only on our campus but out in the community as well. Through this work, I have developed a deep passion for advocacy and social change, and I believe that leadership is about lifting others up while striving for personal growth. I am the secretary of the Audio Visual Club and I mix fashion with media production and I make fashion videos for our school's news channel. This role allows me to use storytelling and visuals to communicate messages of empowerment and creativity, sharing my passion for fashion with my peers. The Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would really help to relieve the financial stress of college and enable me to concentrate on my studies and goals. I will use this scholarship to get my fashion degree, and continue to improve my craft, and one day open a fashion business, that gives back to the underprivileged communities. I don't just want to be a designer who produces beautiful and meaningful designs, but I want to be a leader that will help others realize their potential and help them make a change. In receiving this scholarship, I am committed to using the opportunities it provides to contribute to the fashion industry and society in meaningful ways. With your support, I will continue to lead, grow, and make an impact, empowering others through fashion and community.

Adversity has always been a part of my life and it has helped me to learn how to overcome challenges with strength and hope. Growing up in a low income household in Gautier, Mississippi I’ve seen firsthand what it means to work for every opportunity. My mom works at Chick-fil-A F/T to support us, she does as much as she can. Her sacrifices are what drive me. I've seen perseverance watching her work long shifts and still have the energy to look after us. Taking care of myself has been tough especially with helping to take care of my grandma and my niece. But through it all my mom’s example has shown me that hard work and determination will get me through no matter how tough it gets. Graduating from the Fashion program at EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) was a really important thing for me. EVIT is hands on career training and being in the program gave me the skills to pursue my dream of being a seamstress. But there were many times when balancing my school work, family responsibilities and my passion for fashion felt overwhelming. But I never lost sight of why I started. Fashion is more than a sewing clothes its about having a career or future that will give me and my family some stability. As president of the Black Student Union (BSU) at Chandler High School I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned and use it to uplift others. I am also the Community Service Chair for BSU (Black Student Union) and I help organize events, community projects etc. to encourage Black culture and try to get everyone together. Being in charge of these projects has really helped me develop my leadership abilities, and it has also taught me that we are all better when we help each other out, we are all stronger with community. I want to use my passion of fashion someday to help others. I want to create programs that teach young people especially those from underserved communities skills in sewing and design just like I learned at EVIT. I am from a place where opportunity is scarce but I know that a little creativity and determination can go along way and I want to help provide that chance. I want to give those with no voice the ability to speak out and I will do that through fashion. My mother always taught me that hardship is not something to be avoided, but rather something to be overcome. Every obstacle I’ve faced has made me stronger and I’m ready to keep going not just for myself but for my family and my community.

My name is Nadia. I am a high school senior in Gautier, Mississippi-a place imprinted with Southern hospitality and community support, which have shaped my character to be the person I am today. Growing up here in the South, I have learned to be kind, compassionate, and be able to lend an arm or hand to other people. Those values have become my base, what I live for; everything I do is from those base roots. This makes me so proud as the president of the Black Student Union at Chandler High School because I build inclusion and celebration among all students. I plan events to celebrate our diversity, host discussions about critical social issues, and make each student feel welcome and important. Well, my leadership is motivated by a great passion for community service and dedication to making a difference. Outside of my work with the Black Student Union, I channel the spirit of B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. through my love of fashion. Fashion to me is more than just clothes; it's a powerful medium for self-expression, creativity, and empowerment. It was the vibrant, rich traditions that influenced my community and truly inspired me while growing up in Mississippi. These are things to which I now try to funnel some of my inspiration into my fashion endeavors. I design clothes reflective of our cultural heritage and that aim to uplift and inspire others. I approach each piece-whether it tells a story or a fashion show to boost self-confidence and individuality-with the same love and nurturing my child-rearing instilled in me. One of the most powerful experiences in my life was organizing a fashion show at my school contributed to African American culture. It brought students and community members of all ages together with their families to show our unique styles and share our stories. This was one of those heartwarming moments where fashion could serve as a medium for constructive change and connection. It really reaffirmed my belief in the power of fashion to uplift and empower, by the looks of happiness and pride on the participants and attendees. My commitment to living out the B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. spirit goes past the reaches of my school and fashion projects. I commit myself to serving my community with a pure heart, faithful to my purpose. As a leader through my fashion work or just being there for people, I would strive to reflect the values of love, empowerment, and education in all that I do. Thank you for considering the ways in which I bring forth the spirit of B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. with my passion for service, leadership, and fashion. I am excited to continue applying my knowledge and all these experiences toward effecting meaningful change and uplifting those around me.

To me, fashion is so much more than a skill or a craft-it is how I connect with the world and make a difference toward it. Along the way, I learn that anything that I make can tell a story, evoke emotions, or even call people to action. My time at the East Valley Institute of Technology has been integral in shaping both my skills and my vision to use this art form as a force for good. In addition to learning the technical skills needed for sewing, pattern making, and design at EVIT, I found a purpose in fashion. My teachers and mentors always encouraged me to think beyond just the idea of aesthetics and more about how my designs might influence the world around me. This has been my mindset when approaching any project I have undertaken in my career. One of the most important projects for me is the dress made completely out of recycled plastic bags. This was not just a cool experiment; this was a statement: I just wanted to show that fashion doesn't necessarily have to come with the cost of our environment. I contribute a great deal to pollution with fast fashion, and therefore, I felt responsible to make something which could spark a conversation about sustainability. By taking something that most people would throw away without a second thought and making it into wearable art, I hoped to challenge others to rethink their relationship with waste. The dress wasn't about creativity; it was to make a statement-that fashion can and should be part of the solution to environmental challenges. Another piece very meaningful to me is a black homecoming dress with feathers that I made. The dress was personal. I put every feather in there with a reason, sewed every seam with purpose and love. It is more than just a dress but an articulation of who I am and what I believe fashion can be. It had to be elegant, yes, but at the same time tell a story of resilience and beauty, of creativity and craftsmanship. That dress was my way of saying that fashion can be the most personal and powerful thing in the world. Looking back at these projects, I realize that what drives me is wanting to make a difference with my designs. Fashion is that potent medium; it holds this amazing power to alter perceptions, to make statements, and to mobilize. The time spent at EVIT just laid the very foundation I needed to begin this process, but it also taught me something more: fashion is not only about cloth and thread. It's one avenue through which a person can say so much, inspire others, and even bring about change. Moving forward in my career, I want to continue to design with purpose. I want to create pieces that will make not only the wearer feel beautiful but also inspire thought about the world we live in. Whether through sustainable fashion-my plastic bag dress-or personal expression-my feathered homecoming dress-I promise to be committed to using fashion as a force for good. EVIT has given me the tools to do that, and I'm excited to see where this next leg of my journey takes me. Fashion will be how I make my positive mark on this world, and I just can't wait to keep creating pieces that inspire change, beauty, and hope.