The Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship represents far more than just a financial opportunity it serves as a pivotal stepping stone toward achieving a brighter future for both myself and my immediate family. Growing up as an only child in a single-parent household, I have faced numerous challenges, but these problems have also shaped me into the person I am today. Over the years, I have developed the perseverance, focus, and determination needed to overcome obstacles and push forward in search of bettering my life. This scholarship would not only help get rid of some of the financial burdens, but it would also give me a vital chance to further my academic and professional aspirations in a way that would ultimately help the status of my family as well. One of the most defining parts of my character is my ability to rise above adversity. From an early age, I recognized that the world wasn’t going to make things easy for me, and that I would need to rely on my own strength, resilience, and determination to move forward. My mother, the only person who has been there for me throughout my life, worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs to ensure that I had what I needed. Despite the financial strain we faced, she made sure that I never lacked in any area that truly mattered whether it was love, support, and encouragement. She instilled in me a powerful sense of purpose that, no matter the circumstances, I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it. This belief became my driving force, and it pushed me to apply myself far more than most of my peers. While many others had the luxury of extra support, I knew that if I wanted to create a different future for us, I would need to work much harder than anyone else. This mindset has helped me excel both academically and athletically, areas where I continually strive to outdo myself and reach my full potential. As an only child, I understand that it is up to me to break the cycle and pave a path that leads to a brighter future. By securing this scholarship, I am not just investing in my own future but in the future of my entire family. It would allow me to pursue my academic and career goals with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the rewards of my efforts would help those who have supported me most. I am deeply committed to using the opportunities provided by this scholarship to become a successful finance professional. My ultimate goal is not only to improve my family’s situation but also to give back to my community in meaningful ways. I want to use the skills I acquire through my education to help others who are facing similar struggles. Through my success, I hope to be an example that hard work, determination, and the support of loved ones can transform lives. This scholarship is more than just an opportunity for me it is enabling me to unlock a better future for my family.

Growing up in a low Income family, I experienced firsthand how insurance and insurance agencies can significantly impact lives. For families like mine, where every dollar matters, the burden of insurance premiums can be overwhelming. We frequently struggled to afford the basic coverage necessary for health, car and home insurance, often making tough choices about which types of insurance to prioritize. There were times when we went without certain coverages simply because we couldn’t afford them. Health insurance has always been a major concern. We didn’t always qualify for government assistance, and private health insurance was often prohibitively expensive. Auto insurance presented another financial challenge. If we owned an older car or didn’t drive often, the cost of premiums sometimes seemed unnecessary, yet not having insurance could leave us in dire financial straits if an accident happened. The choice to skip auto coverage or settle for minimal plans was a constant balancing act between risk and what we could afford. Insurance agencies play a vital role in whether families like mine can find good protection during tough times. The high costs and complex understanding of insurance can create a divide, making low-income families more vulnerable. Despite these challenges, My family has attempted to understand the system and focus on what’s most important for my family’s safety and security. The recent exodus of insurance companies from disaster areas states like Florida, California, and Texas has created a severe insurance crisis, especially for homeowners and single parents. As disasters like hurricanes, floods, and fires have started to become more frequent, insurance premium prices have skyrocketed to the point where many individuals cannot afford basic coverage. To solve this problem in a way that benefits both the insured and insurance companies, an approach where seeing both sides involves government intervention, minimizing risks, and ideas being collated between insurers and consumers. One potential solution is the establishment or expansion of government-backed insurance. These programs would serve as a safety net for homeowners in areas affected by disasters, offering affordable coverage. Governments could also implement stricter building codes and encourage the use of disaster-resistant materials in construction, which would reduce the number of claims during disasters and lower premiums over time. Another idea is insurance companies can reduce their overall risk by sharing it with other companies through reinsurance. States could facilitate partnerships where insurers contribute to a shared reinsurance pool, which would help minimize large scale losses from major disasters. This would allow insurers to maintain financial stability and keep premiums more affordable for homeowners. Minimizing risks can also encourage companies to remain in these markets, offering consumers greater access to coverage. Reducing the risk of damage and ultimately lowering insurance premiums. Insurance companies could offer further discounts to policyholders who make improvements to their homes, creating a win-win scenario where both parties benefit from reduced risk.

Growing up i barley knew well the challenges in my mom's life, primarily in her strife to raise and build up a better life than what she and I had to endure. She had me when she was 16 and had little time to focus on her education or career, which of course caused some financial ills, making it hard to be comfortable sometimes in life. It is a fact that I felt and changed how I thought to both education and success. I admired her resilience but also knew that our circumstances were difficult and limiting. I saw firsthand how her struggles to make ends meet were tied to her lack of education, and this left an impression on me. Without a high school diploma, I realized, doors to more life opportunities stayed shut, which I did not want for my life. I wondered what my future could be like when nothing different was done from what had already been the case. Even with these challenges, I felt an inner urge to break the family history of not completing high school and striving for a higher education. Growing up in a single-parent home, times were hard when it came to our basic financial and emotional needs, sometimes I didn't always have the stability or support others might have had. My mother always encouraged me to do the best I could, but with no formal education herself, she was not able to support me academically in the manner I needed her to. Sometimes, it felt like I was on my own, trying to find ways to deal with school myself. Throughout school, I applied myself to my studies more than ever, knowing that education was the first step to overcoming the limitations set upon me. I asked for help when I needed it, which was not easy, and grasped every opportunity that came my way to learn and grow. This sometimes meant I had to give up social activities or things I may have wanted to pursue for the sake of school, but I knew the long-term benefit would outweigh any short term sacrifices. Breaking the cycle of not graduating high school will be one of the most significant accomplishments of my life. It taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in myself, even when the odds seemed stacked against me. My experience also showed me that even when faced with adversity, education can be the key to unlocking new possibilities and creating a different future for yourself and for those who follow you. Now i strive for a higher education because breaking one conformity in my bloodline at a time is a step to success.

The Anthony B. Davis Scholarship represents not just a financial opportunity, but a pivotal step toward building a better future for myself and my immediate family. Growing up as an only child in a single-parent household, I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve also developed the perseverance, focus, and determination necessary to overcome them. This scholarship would alleviate my financial burden and, importantly, give me a chance to enhance my academic and professional pursuits in ways that would ultimately help uplift the welfare status of my family as well. One of the biggest things about me is my ability to rise above adversity. My mother, my only support, worked day and night to give me what I needed, even with her finances being a problem. She instilled in me the values of hard work, resiliency, and the importance of education. Early on, I realized that if I ever wanted to make a change for us and create a better life, I would need to apply myself much more than others. It's this same drive that has allowed me to excel in both academics and athletics. I have always taken great pride in the fact that I can absorb and apply quality information so fast. Whatever it is, in class or on the field, my attention and focus are constantly honed, finding ways to do better. Excellence has been my commitment, which helped me to shine through, not only in academics but also as an athlete. Being team captain in both varsity football and basketball for three years serves as good proof of my leadership and also my ability to inspire others. This position as captain required not only leading by example but also taking the fore in ensuring teammates remained focused, united, and working toward their common goals. I was recognized as one of the top players on Long Island in football and basketball, a huge honor considering the level of competition at this level. To date, my role on the team has demanded discipline, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence qualities that I will carry with me into my future career. All this has been taught to me through a perfect blend of academics and sports: time management, teamwork, and the way to overcome pressure will help in my finance career. My reason for targeting finance is that I understand the power it holds to change lives and empower communities. Having grown up in a household where financial stability was often a struggle, the way money works and how financial literacy can transform someone's future interests me. I want to make an impactful difference in my community, where one day, through finance, I can use my knowledge to help others with struggles similar to what I've been going through. The Anthony B. Davis Scholarship will enable me to attend college without the overwhelming burden of student debt, allowing me to focus on my studies and seek out valuable internships and networking opportunities that position me for entry into the finance field. Being the only child, the responsibility to create a better future for my family rests squarely on my shoulders. This scholarship would give me the tools to follow my dream while lessening my mother's financial burden, affording her a sense of relief and accomplishment in knowing her hard work has led up to this moment. I am committed to using the opportunities that this scholarship will provide to become a successful finance professional, return the favor to my family, and ultimately give back to my community.

Growing up as a young African American from a poverty stricken environment and household, basketball became more than just a game to me—it became a lifeline. It was the one thing that allowed me to dream big, to escape the confinement of my circumstances, and to prove to myself that everyone isn’t given the same opportunities because god gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. Basketball shaped me in ways that go beyond the court, It taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of hard work, and it filled me with a sense of pride that no trophy or accolade can fully represent. Being named Freshman of the Year in 2022 was an early validation of the sacrifices I had made and the work I had put in. I had spent countless hours in the gym, hooping at the town courts, skipping hanging out with f,riends to be a step ahead, and to see those efforts recognized was a powerful reminder that, despite the odds, I could make a name for myself. But the journey didn’t stop there. Earning All-Conference honors two years in a row only fueled my determination. I knew that each success was not just for me but for my family, my community, and every young person who might look up to me and think, “If he can do it, so can I.” For me, it was more than just a recognition of my skills it was a statement about perseverance, about the idea that a young kid from a not so bright background can rise above and be counted among the best in his area. As I approach 1,000 career points, I hope that every kid who sees my name hung up in that gym gives them motivation that they can do the same just like the confidence the ones before me gave me. I can’t help but reflect on how much this game has shaped me. Each point represents a piece of my journey each dribble, each shot, each win, and each defeat has been a lesson. I know that I didn’t get here alone. My mother’s sacrifices, the support of my coaches and teammates, and the struggles I faced growing up have all shaped me into not only the player I am today but also the man I have become. More than the accolades, more than the points, more than people from the city knowing my name, what I’m most proud of is how basketball has taught me to overcome adversity, Basketball isn’t just a game it’s a reflection of who I am a young African American man from humble beginnings who refuses to let his circumstances define his future.