I grew up in a single-parent household with four brothers Tyree Shelton, Jerrell Johnson, Terrell Johnson, and Jeffrey Johnson and I am the only girl. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Sacramento, California, my family and I have always been rooted in our Christian faith and strong family bonds. However, life was far from easy. Homelessness and numerous hardships defined much of my childhood, but those trials also shaped my resilience, independence, and determination to succeed. From an early age, I found solace and purpose in education and athletics. I ran track and field throughout my school years and into college, achieving significant success in the sport. Despite this, my journey was not without its obstacles. In fourth grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and was told by doctors, teachers, and school officials that I would never succeed academically. They suggested I be placed in special education and medicated because they believed I would struggle to graduate middle school, let alone high school or college. I endured bullying from peers and even ridiculed teachers who knew I had difficulty reading and understanding material. Those experiences took a toll on my self-esteem, but they also fueled my determination. Thanks to one exceptional teacher, Mrs. Ghee, who taught me how to learn in a way that worked for me, I began to rebuild my confidence and belief in my abilities. In fourth grade, I made a promise to myself and my mother: I would achieve the highest level of academic success, no matter what the challenges. That promise has been my guiding light through every obstacle I’ve faced. Today, at 32 years old, I am proud to have been accepted into a doctoral program in Educational Leadership. My field of interest is deeply personal. I aspire to make a lasting impact by advocating for equitable education and creating systems that empower students who, like me, face unique challenges. I want to be a voice for students with learning disabilities, ensuring they have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. Paying down my student loan debt will give me the freedom to focus entirely on my doctoral studies and community impact. It will also allow me to allocate more resources to advancing my professional goals, such as attending educational conferences, conducting meaningful research, and initiating programs that address disparities in education. This financial relief will provide the stability I need to achieve my dream of leading systemic changes in education and creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all students.

I grew up in a single-parent household with four brothers Tyree Shelton, Jerrell Johnson, Terrell Johnson, and Jeffrey Johnson and I am the only girl. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Sacramento, California, our family was rooted in Christian faith and unity, even during our most challenging times. Homelessness and other hardships shaped my resilience and taught me the value of independence and hard work. Despite these challenges, I found solace and discipline in school and athletics, running track and field throughout my teen years and into college, where I achieved significant success. However, my journey wasn’t without obstacles. In fourth grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and labeled as "different" by teachers, doctors, and others who doubted my potential. I faced relentless bullying from peers and even endured humiliation from educators who mocked my struggles. Yet, one teacher, Mrs. Ghee, changed my life. She believed in me and taught me how to learn in ways that worked for me. In the face of adversity, I made a promise to myself and my mother: I would not only graduate but achieve the highest level of academic success. That promise has been my guiding light. At 33 years old, I am proud to say I have been accepted into a doctoral program in Educational Leadership. This milestone is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that every challenge can be a stepping stone to success. My passion for educational leadership stems from my personal experiences. I know firsthand how critical it is to have educators who believe in their students and provide them with the tools to thrive. I want to create an impact by advocating for equitable education, supporting students with learning disabilities, and fostering inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued and capable of success. With my PhD, I aspire to lead initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers in education, ensuring that no child feels marginalized or underestimated as I once did. My journey proves that any obstacle can be overcome with determination, faith, and the right support. This is the legacy I hope to leave behind one of resilience, empowerment, and transformational change in education.

I am deeply passionate about promoting health equity and addressing the systemic disparities that affect children’s physical and mental well-being, particularly in underserved communities. Currently, I am working on developing a theory of childhood obesity for children in K-12 settings. My goal is to identify the root causes of obesity, such as food insecurity, lack of access to safe recreational spaces, and limited education on healthy lifestyle habits. Through my work, I aim to design practical, scalable solutions that educators, families, and policymakers can implement to create healthier environments for all children. This scholarship will be instrumental in supporting my educational journey at Oregon State University, where I plan to further my studies in health sciences. The financial assistance will allow me to focus on my research and community engagement without the added stress of financial barriers. It will also enable me to attend conferences, collaborate with experts in the field, and access resources that will enhance the quality and reach of my work. To drive meaningful change in health equity, I plan to: Develop and Implement Inclusive Curriculum: Create physical education programs that cater to diverse abilities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic realities, ensuring every child feels included and empowered. Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with schools and local governments to implement policies that improve access to nutritious meals and safe, affordable spaces for physical activity. Community Outreach: Partner with community organizations to provide workshops for parents and children on the importance of balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. Research and Publication: Continue my research on childhood obesity and publish findings that highlight actionable solutions to health disparities. With this scholarship, I will be equipped to make a lasting impact in advancing health equity and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to lead a healthy, active life.

Living the life of my dreams means achieving complete financial freedom and using that freedom to uplift my family and community. Being debt-free would be a significant milestone, as it represents not only financial stability but also peace of mind and the ability to dream and act without limitations. No longer having to stress about every dollar or micromanage my bank account would allow me to focus on my true purpose of giving back and creating opportunities for others. In this dream life, I see myself as a source of support for my loved ones. I would help my family achieve their goals, whether by funding my daughter’s education, ensuring my mother’s comfort and security, or empowering my husband to pursue his dreams. I want to break generational cycles of struggle and replace them with a legacy of abundance, hope, and opportunity. My dream extends beyond my family to my community. I envision creating programs or initiatives that address the needs of children and families, particularly those facing challenges like the ones I once endured. As an educator, I would invest in resources for students who are struggling academically or emotionally. I’d provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and spaces where kids feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving greatness. This dream life is not just about financial comfort it’s about purpose. It’s about waking up each day knowing that my efforts have a positive ripple effect on others. I want to build a legacy of resilience and generosity, showing that with determination and faith, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to a life of meaning and impact. For me, the life of my dreams is one where I am free to give freely, lead boldly, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. This vision is so important to me because it reflects the values and experiences that have shaped my life. Growing up, I faced significant challenges financial hardships, homelessness, and the weight of being told I wouldn’t succeed. Those experiences taught me resilience, but they also instilled in me a deep understanding of how difficult it can be to dream or thrive when basic needs aren’t met. I know firsthand what it feels like to struggle, and I am determined to create a different reality for my family and my community. Breaking free from debt and financial stress is about more than money; it’s about freedom and empowerment. It’s the freedom to make choices that align with my values and the empowerment to pursue opportunities that make a lasting impact. For my family, it means creating a foundation of stability and security that allows them to dream bigger and achieve more than previous generations could. I want to leave behind a legacy where struggles like the ones I faced are replaced with stories of success, perseverance, and hope. For my community, this vision matters because I see so much potential in others who are held back by circumstances beyond their control. I want to give them the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to rise above their challenges. My dream life isn’t about personal success; it’s about using my success as a platform to inspire and uplift others. This matters to me because I believe every struggle I’ve endured has prepared me for this purpose: to be a source of light and hope for others. Achieving this dream would mean fulfilling not just my goals but my responsibility to pay forward the blessings I’ve received and the lessons I’ve learned.

I come from a single-parent household and have spent most of my life surrounded by four brothers as the only girl. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised primarily in Sacramento, California, my family is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and the importance of staying connected. My journey has not been an easy one. Homelessness and significant challenges shaped my early years. What keeps me accountable and focused is a promise I made in fourth grade to my mom and myself a promise to rise above the obstacles placed before me. At that time, doctors, teachers, and even school board members told my mother that I would fail academically. They recommended putting me on medication and placing me in special education, claiming I wouldn’t graduate from middle school, let alone high school or college. I wasn’t struggling due to a lack of effort or potential; I was navigating life with a learning disability and the challenges of being a hyperactive child. The school wasn’t kind to me. I was bullied by students and, at times, even teachers. I was called names like “dumb” and “stupid,” and my difficulties with reading were often mocked. One teacher, in particular, would call on me to read aloud, knowing I struggled, and I would hear her laugh softly as I tried to finish. For years, I hid my learning disability out of shame. But then, Mrs. Ghee came into my life. She was the first teacher to meet me where I was and help me learn in a way that worked for me. Her support sparked a change in me. I held on to that fourth-grade promise to prove the doubters wrong, to persevere, and to achieve the highest level of educational success. Now, at 32 years old, I have received my acceptance letter into a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership. I am stepping into this next chapter with a heart full of determination and faith. My husband, daughter, and mother are my biggest cheerleaders, and they remind me every day why I cannot give up. My daughter, who is currently working to overcome developmental challenges, inspires me to push forward. I want her to see that, no matter how hard life gets, perseverance pays off. I want her to know that her mother climbed the mountain despite the odds. As I work toward my Ph.D., I dream of becoming the best teacher I can make a difference for children in my community, whether they are struggling or excelling. I want to be the kind of teacher who sees potential where others see limits, just like Mrs. Ghee saw in me. With faith, resilience, and a heart for service, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students I teach and the community I serve. There will be no saving this money. My student loan on average is about 90,000 dollars. Also by the time that I am done with Doctoral school, it will be much higher than that.

I come from a single-parent household and have spent most of my life surrounded by four brothers as the only girl. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised primarily in Sacramento, California, my family is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and the importance of staying connected. My journey has not been an easy one. Homelessness and significant challenges shaped my early years. What keeps me accountable and focused is a promise I made in fourth grade to my mom and myself a promise to rise above the obstacles placed before me. At that time, doctors, teachers, and even school board members told my mother that I would fail academically. They recommended putting me on medication and placing me in special education, claiming I wouldn’t graduate from middle school, let alone high school or college. I wasn’t struggling due to a lack of effort or potential; I was navigating life with a learning disability and the challenges of being a hyperactive child. The school wasn’t kind to me. I was bullied by students and, at times, even teachers. I was called names like “dumb” and “stupid,” and my difficulties with reading were often mocked. One teacher, in particular, would call on me to read aloud, knowing I struggled, and I would hear him laugh softly as I tried to finish. For years, I hid my learning disability out of shame. But then, Mrs. Ghee came into my life. She was the first teacher to meet me where I was and help me learn in a way that worked for me. Her support sparked a change in me. I held on to that fourth-grade promise to prove the doubters wrong, to persevere, and to achieve the highest level of educational success. Now, at 33 years old, I have received my acceptance letter into a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership. I am stepping into this next chapter with a heart full of determination and faith. My husband, daughter, and mother are my biggest cheerleaders, and they remind me every day why I cannot give up. My daughter, who is currently working to overcome developmental challenges, inspires me to push forward. I want her to see that, no matter how hard life gets, perseverance pays off. I want her to know that her mother climbed the mountain despite the odds. As I work toward my Ph.D., my dream is to become the best teacher I can be a teacher who makes a difference for children in my community, whether they are struggling or excelling. I want to be the kind of teacher who sees potential where others see limits, just like Mrs. Ghee saw in me. With faith, resilience, and a heart for service, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students I teach and the community I serve.

I have come from a single parent household for most of my life. There are four boys, and I am the only girl. . My siblings are Tyree Shelton, Jerrell Johnson, Terrell Johnson, and our baby brother Jeffrey Johnson. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was raised most of my life in Sacramento, California. We are big on our Christian belief, and family. Growing up, becoming homeless at an early age and all the trials and tribulation made me who I am today. I never had it easy growing up. The things that we experienced growing up taught us how to be independent and work hard for whatever we want to achieve in life. My early teen years I went to school and ran track and field most of my life. I also ran track in college as well, and I was very successful in my field. What keeps me accountable, and focused is the simple fact that in fourth grade me/mom told by doctors, nurses, teachers, the broad committee that I will never be like normal kids. Also, we were told in a subtle way to put me on medication, and put me in special ed. Because I would never make it to or graduate from middle school, high school, and college. Not because I did not apply myself and give my all. But because I had a learning disability and was a hyper child. Other students and teachers bullied me. They knew that I had a challenging time reading and a challenging time understanding what they were saying. Getting called dumb, stupid, ugly, retard, and getting physical pushed around. Teachers knew that I could not read very well, and they would pick on me to read. After I finished reading, I could hear the teacher softly laughing. For a long time, it made me hate myself, and I tried to hide that I had a learning disability. Thanks to Mrs. Ghee! She was the first teacher to help me learn my way. I also promised my mom in fourth grade that I would go all the way and reach the highest form of educational success. I never gave up no matter how hard it got. I am now 32 years old and still holding on to the fourth-grade promise to myself /mother that I will reach the highest form of educational success. Now, I have received my acceptance letter for a Doctoral program. I will be going this fall to get my PhD in Educational of Leaderships. If God be before me, he is more than the entire world against you.

Find out what already engages your students and build it into the learning process. Using mathematics as an example, you could have students chart their performance in a video game over the week. You might even get your budding social media influencers to calculate a projected number of Instagram followers. Learning what excites your students does more than just engage them. You’ll build strong relationships and rapport, too. giving students a regular opportunity to share their thoughts and demonstrate learning in front of their peers drives engagement in two ways: it makes students accountable it lets them hear from someone other than their teacher. If your students quiver in fear at the thought of speaking in front of the class, combine presentations with group work. A few ideas: Have students present in groups after a group task. Let students share each other’s work within smaller groups before asking them to choose one piece to share with the rest of the class. Let students read or present their work while sitting down. It avoids the pressure of having to “stand and deliver”. Ask for one contribution from each group after discussion, with each group nominating a “spokesperson”. Above all else, make presenting and sharing a regular part of class activity. Your class will become an equitable and engaging space that echoes with the voice of every student, not just your own! When I saw their eyes light up with curiosity, and when they eagerly raised their hands to share their thoughts, I knew that I was doing something right. This excitement is contagious. It made me excited to go to school every day. I still feel that way, but now my goal is to create that excitement and eagerness in each classroom and the whole school building. I find JOY in seeing the smiles and excitement on students’ faces as they disembark from the busses or emerge from parent drop off. They are full of energy as they talk with friends or run into the building. Imagine our day if students kept that excitement until the end of the day. Better yet, what if we created so much enthusiasm for learning in our school and classrooms that students didn’t want to leave? Celebrate student successes: Recognizing and celebrating students’ achievements can help boost self-esteem and motivate them to continue working hard. Every child wants to feel like they are contributing to the excitement of the classroom.

A time when I helped someone selflessly was when I volunteered at a local homeless shelter. My selfless act was serving meals to the homeless individuals and helping clean up afterwards. I was compelled to do this because I wanted to make a positive impact in my community and help those who were less fortunate. I believed that everyone deserves a warm meal and a clean place to stay, and I wanted to contribute to that cause. This act can be considered an example of true altruism because I did not expect anything in return for my actions. I volunteered my time and effort purely to help others, without seeking personal gain or recognition. I genuinely wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who were struggling. Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others, and in this situation, my actions aligned with this definition. I did not have any ulterior motives or hidden agendas; my sole intention was to assist those in need. Overall, my selfless act of volunteering at the homeless shelter and serving meals can be seen as an example of true altruism because it was motivated by a genuine desire to help others without expecting anything in return. Their act seemed to embody altruism. There was no external incentive or expectation of personal gain just a genuine wish to help and support those facing hardships. While some might argue that any act can be tied to some personal gratification, true altruism often transcends personal benefit, arising purely from a place of compassion and empathy for others. In this instance, the motivation appeared to be solely focused on assisting others without expecting anything in return. There are small examples of people showing acts of selflessness in everyday life. Some common examples include, holding the door open for another person, moving down a seat or two at the bar so other patrons can have a bit more room to relax, or even letting someone go through the checkout process at the grocery store that has fewer items than yourself. These may be small acts that some don’t think twice about but these are all great examples of acting with selflessness in everyday life. All of these examples I have done through out my life. My mother always told us that learning how to serve/helping people is something we all have to learn before we become good leaders.

Understanding the nature of our universe is crucial for humanity's development and progress. By seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, we can gain valuable insights into the fundamental workings of the world around us. This knowledge can have a profound impact on our technological advancements, philosophical understanding, and overall worldview. One reason it's important to better understand the nature of our universe is for the advancement of technology. By comprehending the laws of physics and the fundamental forces at work in our universe, we can develop new technologies that can benefit society. For example, understanding the nature of dark matter and dark energy could lead to breakthroughs in energy production and storage. Similarly, a deeper understanding of the nature of time and space could revolutionize transportation and communication systems. Furthermore, seeking to understand the nature of our universe can also lead to advancements in medicine and healthcare. By studying the universe, we can gain a better understanding of the origins of life and the potential for life beyond Earth. This could lead to breakthroughs in medical research and biotechnology. Understanding the nature of our universe also has profound philosophical implications. It can lead to a greater appreciation for the grandeur and complexity of the cosmos, sparking deep existential questions and inspiring a sense of wonder and awe. It can also challenge our preconceived notions and beliefs, opening up new avenues for intellectual inquiry and exploration. In order to better understand the nature of our universe, I hope to employ a combination of theoretical and experimental methods. Theoretical physics allows us to construct models and theories that can help us explain the fundamental nature of the universe, while experimental methods allow us to test these theories and gain empirical evidence. I also hope to integrate interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on insights from fields such as astronomy, cosmology, particle physics, and quantum mechanics. In addition, I believe that collaboration and open-mindedness are essential in our quest to understand the universe. By working with researchers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we can gain new insights and perspectives that can push the boundaries of our understanding. Finally, I hope to employ innovative technologies and methods, such as the use of artificial intelligence and big data analysis, to help us tackle the complex and intricate questions about the nature of the universe. In conclusion, it is critically important that we work to better understand the nature of our universe in order to advance technology, gain philosophical insights, and foster a greater sense of wonder and awe. By employing a combination of theoretical and experimental methods, interdisciplinary approaches, collaboration, and innovative technologies, we can continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and unlock the secrets of the universe. This pursuit is not only a scientific endeavor, but also a deeply human quest for knowledge and understanding.

I have come from a single parent household for most of my life. There are four boys, and I am the only girl. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was raised most of my life in Sacramento, California. We are big on our Christian belief, and family. Growing up, becoming homeless at an early age and all the trials and tribulation made me who I am today. I never had it easy growing up. What keeps me accountable, and focused is the simple fact that in fourth grade me/mom told by doctors, nurses, teachers, the broad committee that I will never be like normal kids. Also, we were told in a subtle way to put me on medication, and put me in special ed. Because I would never make it to or graduate from middle school, high school, and college. Not because I did not apply myself and give my all. But because I had a learning disability and was a hyper child. Other students and teachers bullied me. They knew that I had a challenging time reading and a challenging time understanding what they were saying. Getting called dumb, stupid, ugly, retard, and getting physical pushed around. Teachers knew that I could not read very well, and they would pick on me to read. After I finished reading, I could hear the teacher softly laughing. For a long time, it made me hate myself, and I tried to hide that I had a learning disability. Thanks to Mrs. Ghee! She was the first teacher to help me learn my way. I also promised my mom in fourth grade that I would go all the way and reach the highest form of educational success. I never gave up no matter how hard it got. I am now 32 years old and still holding on to the fourth-grade promise to myself /mother that I will reach the highest form of educational success. Now, I have received my acceptance letter for a Doctoral program. I will be going this fall to get my PhD in Educational of Leaderships. If God be before me, he is more than the entire world against you. My husband, daughter, and my mom are my biggest cheerleaders. My daughter is struggling with meeting milestones right now. But I will never let her give up on herself. I must go all the way and graduate with my PhD. Because I can tell her that when times get hard your mother pushed through all the adversity to reach the mountain top.

I have come from a single parent household for most of my life. There are four boys, and I am the only girl. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was raised most of my life in Sacramento, California. We are big on our Christian belief, and family. Growing up, becoming homeless at an early age and all the trials and tribulation made me who I am today. I never had it easy growing up. What keeps me accountable, and focused is the simple fact that in fourth grade me/mom told by doctors, nurses, teachers, the broad committee that I will never be like normal kids. Also, we were told in a subtle way to put me on medication, and put me in special ed. Because I would never make it to or graduate from middle school, high school, and college. Not because I did not apply myself and give my all. But because I had a learning disability and was a hyper child. Other students and teachers bullied me. They knew that I had a challenging time reading and a challenging time understanding what they were saying. Getting called dumb, stupid, ugly, retard, and getting physical pushed around. Teachers knew that I could not read very well, and they would pick on me to read. After I finished reading, I could hear the teacher softly laughing. For a long time, it made me hate myself, and I tried to hide that I had a learning disability. Thanks to Mrs. Ghee! She was the first teacher to help me learn my way. I also promised my mom in fourth grade that I would go all the way and reach the highest form of educational success. I never gave up no matter how hard it got. I am now 32 years old and still holding on to the fourth-grade promise to myself /mother that I will reach the highest form of educational success. Now, I have received my acceptance letter for a Doctoral program. I will be going this fall to get my PhD in Educational of Leaderships. If God be before me, he is more than the entire world against you. My husband, daughter, and my mom are my biggest cheerleaders. My daughter is struggling with meeting milestones right now. But I will never let her give up on herself. I must go all the way and graduate with my PhD. Because I can tell her that when times get hard your mother pushed through all the adversity to reach the mountain top.

This has really been a challenge for me through out the years. I have always put everyone before me, and allowing people to do anything to me. This year I made it my number one goal to put me first. Everyday I make my business to take out at least ten to thirty minutes to do whatever I want. Take time for a vibe booster. I have learned to take care of my physical health. Mental health is not independent of physical health. This has help me so much with my anxiety, and depression. Just to sit down in mediated when everything is going bad/good in my life is a bonus. Practice being kind everyday with myself. Often time I find myself being to hard on myself. Self-care can take you along way in life. Being at peace in your mind and soul is worth more than anything the world can buy.

Just Tell Me I Cant

That Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and he never fails.

Never settle for what someone else have. But be hungry enough to work just as hard to get yours.