My journey into community involvement began in high school with T. Rose Inc., an organization focused on supporting youth, especially young women. Participating in programs like the Girlpreneur Expo, which promoted teenage girls and their business endeavors, cultivated my appreciation for community support. These experiences inspired me to take an active role in my community, laying the foundation for my continued involvement in college. At Tuskegee University, I became an active board member of the Skegee Service Committee, eventually serving as president for two years. As the President of the Skegee Service Committee at Tuskegee University, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that extend our impact beyond campus and into the Tuskegee community. This role has involved coordinating with local organizations, managing volunteer efforts, and directly engaging in community service events. My hands-on approach has allowed me to forge meaningful partnerships and ensure our efforts are genuinely beneficial to the community. One of the most significant initiatives was my role as the volunteer coordinator for the "Cruise N 2 Good Health" event, organized by Macon M.E.A.N.S. This event provided free prostate cancer screenings and healthcare services to men in Macon County, an area with significant health disparities. I coordinated 50 university volunteers, managed vendor participation, and boosted the event's visibility through media appearances. Our collective efforts raised awareness and provided essential health services, reinforcing our commitment to community health. This experience exemplifies my dedication to addressing health inequities and my belief in the importance of accessible healthcare for all. Our committee's commitment to health and wellness extended to organizing the Breast Cancer Walk, where I recruited volunteers and helped set up hydration stations, highlighting our support for cancer awareness. Additionally, our participation in the Veterans Day Parade at the Tuskegee VA Hospital, where I managed volunteers and logistics, honored those who served our country. Addressing food insecurity, I led initiatives with the Macon County Food Distribution program to ensure access to essential nutrition for vulnerable populations. During the Thanksgiving food distribution at the Living Word Christian Center, we provided relief to numerous families, underscoring the importance of community support in tackling local challenges. Each of these activities reinforced my commitment to community engagement and demonstrated the impact of collective efforts on improving the quality of life for Tuskegee residents. These experiences have profoundly shaped my academic and professional aspirations, fueling my interest in community psychology. I aim to pursue a career in this field to continue making a meaningful difference, using my skills to promote mental health and support minority populations. The fulfillment I derive from helping others is a constant reminder of the importance of community engagement and reinforces my dedication to service as a lifelong endeavor. Through these initiatives and roles, I have embodied selflessness by putting the needs of others first and working tirelessly to uplift my community. My commitment to service is a reflection of my belief in the power of collective action to create lasting, positive change and my desire to continue this work on a larger scale in the future.

“Nothing beats a failure but a try.” As a child, I could not go more than a week without hearing those words; it became a guiding principle in my family. My grandfather Emanuel served as my father figure as I come from a single-parent household, so his influence was heavily a part of me. He reminded me to embrace challenges with optimism, learn from our mistakes, and persist in any venture I set my mind on. Many opportunities have been presented to me because I live by this quote and his words daily. Since I was a little girl, I knew I could conquer anything I set my mind to if I gave my all to myself and the community around me because of him. The lessons I learned from my grandfather have also greatly influenced how I approach succeeding as a Black person in America. His focus on resiliency and community empowerment gave me the strength to fully embrace my Black identity. But, navigating life as a woman gives my experience an additional dimension by bringing different viewpoints and insights into play. I confidently navigate the intricacies of being Black and female in America with his knowledge by my side, using it to succeed and inspire others along the way. My grandfather was one of the main reasons I reached for the sky in everything I did, especially as the first grandchild at a four-year university. Sadly, in March of 2022, my world fell when he passed. I did not excel as high as usual—I became a hermit, and everything reflected that change. However, in the face of adversity, I embraced the mantra, "Nothing beats a failure but a try." This powerful mindset functioned as a guiding principle in my life and the fuel that propelled me forward. Despite facing this challenge, I persevered and acknowledged that his words will forever live on and not let his passing adversely define my future. As a recent graduate from Tuskegee University, my goal is to obtain my Master of Science degree in Community Psychology at DePaul University this upcoming fall. Advancing my academic career will equip me with the knowledge and expertise to address the healthcare disparities in the Black community. With my degree, I desire to work within the research psychology field, focusing on social injustices, discrimination, and health inequities in minority communities. I aspire to decrease health stigmatization and inequities by allowing Black people to benefit from my research. The quote "Nothing beats a failure, but a try" carries the message of strength and the importance of acting despite the possibility of failure and relates to my interest in social psychology and personal life. Historically, the Black community has faced discrimination, marginalization, and systemic barriers. It is known that Black individuals in America often overlook the significance of psychological well-being and education. Motivated by these considerations, I, as a young black woman, aspire to enter a field where I can actively contribute to improving my community in these areas and advocate for much-needed inclusion. In tying the quote to my academic goals, I recognize that addressing societal challenges involves facing obstacles. DePaul University's MS program in Community Psychology equips students to be advocates for vulnerable populations, encouraging progress in both the world and communities. As a student in the program, I aim to contribute to psychological health and education within the Black community.

“Nothing beats a failure but a try.” As a child, I could not go more than a week without hearing those words; it became a guiding principle in my family. My grandfather Emanuel served as my father figure as I come from a single-parent household, so his influence was heavily a part of me. He reminded me to embrace challenges with optimism, learn from our mistakes, and persist in any venture I set my mind on. Many opportunities have been presented to me because I live by this quote and his words daily. Since I was a little girl, I knew I could conquer anything I set my mind to if I gave my all to myself and the community around me because of him. My grandfather was one of the main reasons I reached for the sky in everything I did, especially as the first grandchild at a four-year university. Sadly, in March of 2022, my world fell when he passed. I did not excel as high as usual—I became a hermit, and everything reflected that change. However, in the face of adversity, I embraced the mantra, "Nothing beats a failure but a try." This powerful mindset functioned as a guiding principle in my life and the fuel that propelled me forward. Despite facing this challenge, I persevered and acknowledged that his words will forever live on and not let his passing adversely define my future. As a recent graduate from Tuskegee University, my goal is to obtain my Master of Science degree in Community Psychology at DePaul University this upcoming fall. Advancing my academic career will equip me with the knowledge and expertise to address the healthcare disparities in the Black community. With my degree, I desire to work within the research psychology field, focusing on social injustices, discrimination, and health inequities in minority communities. I aspire to decrease health stigmatization and inequities by allowing Black people to benefit from my research. The quote "Nothing beats a failure, but a try" carries the message of strength and the importance of acting despite the possibility of failure and relates to my interest in social psychology and personal life. Historically, the Black community has faced discrimination, marginalization, and systemic barriers. DePaul University's MS program in Community Psychology equips students to be advocates for vulnerable populations, encouraging progress in both the world and communities. As a student in the program, I aim to contribute to psychological health and education within the Black community. It is known that Black individuals in America often overlook the significance of psychological well-being and education. Motivated by these considerations, I, as a young black woman, aspire to enter a field where I can actively contribute to improving my community in these areas and advocate for much-needed inclusion. In tying the quote to my academic goals, I recognize that addressing societal challenges involves facing obstacles. While my grandfather was unable to attend my undergraduate graduation, I still feel a profound responsibility to carry forward the values he instilled in me. Pursuing a higher degree became a way to embody his wisdom and make him proud, turning my achievement into a testament to his enduring impact. If you are facing similar circumstances, my advice is to honor the memory of your loved ones by continuing to pursue your goals with dedication and perseverance. Challenges will come, but always remind yourself that “nothing beats a failure, but a try.” By striving to make your loved ones proud, you not only honor their memory but also fuel your growth and achievements.

All my life, my mother has been my only provider. She is a single mother who gives her all to provide for me and make sure that I am given the opportunities to thrive amongst those who are equipped with better cards than I was dealt. She drove two hours roundtrip every weekday just so she could afford to pay for our two-bedroom apartment in Novi, Michigan, home to the best school district in Michigan, solely because she wanted the best educational opportunities for me. This is only one example of the lengths my mother would go to push me forward in life, despite the hardships that may come with it. Attending college was always the end goal for me, but life sometimes has a way of trying to stop one from following their dreams. For me, finances are the primary, determining factor that could defer my dream. While my single mother’s salary might reflect her ability to afford certain things in life, it does not reflect her multiple responsibilities as a guardian, parent, and daughter. However, with our determination, I graduated from Tuskegee University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology this semester debt-free. My next goal is to obtain my Master of Science degree in Community Psychology at DePaul University this upcoming fall. Advancing my academic career will equip me with the knowledge and expertise to address the healthcare disparities in the Black community. With my degree, I desire to work within the research psychology field, focusing on social injustices, discrimination, and health inequities in minority communities. I aspire to decrease health stigmatization and inequities by allowing Black people to benefit from my research. It is known that Black individuals in America often overlook the significance of psychological well-being and education. Motivated by these considerations, I, as a young black woman, aspire to enter a field where I can actively contribute to improving my community in these areas and advocate for much-needed inclusion. In tying the quote to my academic goals, I recognize that addressing societal challenges involves facing obstacles. Acquiring scholarships can assist in paying for fees related to my cost of attendance for graduate school. The funds will not only relieve some of the financial burden off my mother but allow me to attend DePaul University and continue to thrive as a young, educated black woman. The Henry Bynum, Jr. Memorial Scholarship will allow me to expand beyond my undergraduate career which Tuskegee University helped shape. As a new student orientation leader, psychology and sociology club vice president, and service committee president, I honed my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to community engagement. My academic prowess and community engagement showcase my ability to be a responsible leader with a true innate passion to assist others regardless of title. This scholarship will enable me to transition smoothly into being an involved graduate student at DePaul University, where I can further develop my skills and continue making a positive impact all while alleviating financial stress from my household.

Over the past year, as the President of the Skegee Service Committee at Tuskegee University, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that extend our impact beyond campus and into the Tuskegee community. My role involves coordinating with neighboring organizations, facilitating volunteer participation, and directly engaging in the events we organize. This hands-on approach has allowed me to forge meaningful partnerships and ensure our efforts are genuinely beneficial to the community. To address long-standing inequities, it is imperative to provide support to the Tuskegee community, a disadvantaged city with a mostly Black population. In the past year, I have actively contributed through multiple service initiatives. One notable initiative was my role as the volunteer coordinator for the "Cruise N 2 Good Health" event, organized by Macon M.E.A.N.S. This event focused on providing free prostate cancer screenings and healthcare services to men in Macon County. I coordinated 50 university volunteers, managed vendor participation, and boosted the event's visibility through media appearances. Our collective efforts not only raised awareness but also provided essential health services to those in need, reinforcing our commitment to community health. The committee’s commitment to health and wellness extended to the Breast Cancer Walk, where I assisted in recruiting volunteers and setting up hydration stations, emphasizing our dedication to supporting cancer awareness and affected individuals. We honored veterans through our involvement in the Veterans Day Parade at the Tuskegee VA Hospital, where I organized volunteers and managed logistics. Addressing food insecurity, I led efforts with the Macon County Food Distribution program to ensure access to essential nutrition for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Thanksgiving food distribution at the Living World Christian Center allowed us to bring relief to many families. Each initiative underlines the importance of community engagement in addressing local challenges and enhancing the quality of life for Tuskegee residents. Through these initiatives, I have not only fulfilled my role as President of the Skegee Service Committee but have also deepened my connection to the Tuskegee community. Each event has reinforced the importance of community engagement and demonstrated how collective efforts can create lasting, positive change. Supporting my local community is a reflection of my commitment to service and my belief in the power of the community to uplift and sustain its members. The impact of community involvement on my life has been transformative; it has instilled in me an ingrained passion for helping others and has significantly shaped my academic and professional aspirations. My work with the Skegee Service Committee fueled my interest in community psychology, a field where I can continue to make a meaningful difference. Pursuing a career in community psychology will allow me to use my academic skills to benefit my community, furthering my commitment to promoting mental health, promoting strength, and supporting minority populations. The fulfillment I derive from helping others is a constant reminder of the importance of community engagement and reinforces my dedication to service as a lifelong endeavor.

As a graduate of Tuskegee University, I understand the dire need for accessible healthcare in underserved areas. The city of Tuskegee, with no local emergency or mental support services, exemplifies the reality many marginalized communities face. This scarcity highlights the importance of ensuring that mental health care is both affordable and accessible to all. My unique contribution to this issue would be using my education from DePaul University and my commitment to mitigating healthcare disparities. Education is pivotal in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. I would like initiatives through my academic program that allow for the integration of mental health literacy into local schools and community gatherings, emphasizing the normalcy of seeking help and the benefits of mental wellness. By working with faculty and local organizations, I would create culturally relevant educational materials that resonate with urban community members. Furthermore, I would advocate for policy changes that allocate more resources to mental health services in marginalized areas. In all, my contribution focuses on community engagement, education, and public advocacy. By reconstructing current mental health care systems and making it a communal effort, I aim to build a supportive network that not only provides necessary services but nurtures a culture of proactive care. This approach ensures that no one, regardless of their background or financial status, is left without the mental health support they need.