Before I tell you about my background, I am Tajizhanae Hanson, and attend Prairie View A&M University. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. My background is that I am African-American with a rich history and bloodline of the Cherokee Natives. My great-great-grandmother was born on the Cherokee reservation in the early 1900s. The Cherokees have a deep history with the southern land of the United States. During the early 20th century, they faced significant challenges like the Trial of Tears and government policies. The people had to learn and maintain their customs, language, and spirituality. Life on the reservation was tough, with the challenges of hardship and solidarity. With limited access to education and healthcare while relying on farming and hunting to make a living. Like my grandmother, her blood travels through mine, who passed on deep history and revitalization of Cherokee culture and language. Despite these challenges of economic hardship and forced removal, the Cherokee bloodline remains within my family and myself. As of today, being an African-American or even being of African descent is very challenging in the world today. As we are in the 21st century, we still require time, effort, and systematic changes to create a more equal society for us as people. As a criminal justice major, I would like to reform our justice system to provide better care for our people. I am going through this journey of following law and technology; both fields require me to create a better environment for people of color to feel more comfortable around others of the same background. It may all take some time, but my goal is to represent my community. Since starting college as a freshman, I was introduced to many opportunities and service work around my campus and local areas. Despite completing a criminal justice degree, I have learned to understand the justice system and the need for reforms that promote equality and rehabilitation within our communities. Regarding post-college, I still want to help my community by motivating other minority females and creating better opportunities for themselves and our future generation. As far as my family, I want to be able to support them financially. I am enrolled in two schools and trying to earn my associate's and bachelor's simultaneously. Coming from a low-income family, they have worked hard to pay for my education, including taking out loans. In return, I show them my greatest gratitude by finishing school, making a living, and paying them all back with every hard work I've put in to make them comfortable. With all these goals in mind, it will take time, but that is what I am willing to do.

My name is Tajizhanae Hanson, and I am enrolled in my last year of the 24-25 school year at Prairie View A&M University. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and when I was sixteen years old, I had the grand opportunity to be blessed owning my snow cone shop. My cone shop is a family-owned business, and owning a small black-owned business made me realize the importance of the community's economic empowerment. My business was first launched on July 4th, 2020, and was a huge success, but since COVID-19 hit the market, it ended up plummeting. It was challenging for my family to be able to get the tools and specific needs to repair and the income needed to build my business up again. During this time, my business was supported by others in the community and the promotion of diversity and representation in the business industry. Even though it is only a snow cone shop, in the local communities of Dallas, I was able to serve as a role model. I inspired other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the black community and young teens and children. It was one of the most significant times in my life to see the unique opportunities that opened up, the number of people who supported within the community, and the networking opportunities. As a high school sophomore, I created a commercial for my business at an internship I attended. It was a lot of hard work, but my name and business were out there because of that. It created a supportive ecosystem of entrepreneurs and communities to collaborate and learn from one another. Now that I am 20 years old, unfortunately, I have not been able to open up my business due to being in school and the income that my family has to be able to pay for college and other expenses. One day, I want to open my business once I graduate with my associate's and bachelor's degrees in the upcoming school year. That being said, whenever I return to business, even though it is a snow cone shop, it will be one of the best in the city. For a simple reason, snow cone shops are spots where people can socialize and connect, creating an atmosphere where families and friends are welcome. Snow cone shops are typically small and local, and customers can support local entrepreneurs like myself to help earn money within the local economy. One unique thing about my business is that it offers a variety of flavors and toppings, which are named after the city and neighbors, allowing creativity and experimentation. Snow cone shops are also helpful in hot climates or the summer months as they provide refreshing treats. Also, it can create memories. These kinds of establishments create long-lasting memories of joy within children and families. I know I am not that same 16-year-old girl who never owned a business before and did not experience the growth and loss of something you worked dearly for. But based on my experience, it doesn't matter how old I become or how long it will take to open my business again. I know I will make a comeback and create a family legacy by becoming one of the best snow cone shops in Dallas, called "Taj's Snow Cone Shack."

There are many ways to make a difference in the criminal justice system. Before I go into details, My name is Tajizhanae Hanson; I am a junior attending Prairie View A&M University, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in cybersecurity. As a genuine advocate for transformation, addressing these critical social issues and reforming the criminal justice system requires multi-faceted approaches involving policymakers, activists, community leaders, and citizens. I want to leverage my education to impact the justice system. Catalyzing advancements and enhancing safety, integrity, and fairness in our world. For one, its advocacy and awareness, policy reforms, and proper education and training. These domains converge in safeguarding communities, preserving justice, and combating emerging threats in the new era of criminal justice and the digital age. Raising awareness about injustices within the criminal justice system is crucial. Advocating for policy reforms and mobilizing public support for change are vital steps in driving progress. Policy Reforms, which need to support and promote policies to reduce systemic biases, improve access to justice, and implement incarceration alternatives, can lead to meaningful change. When it comes to education and training, there is a need for education and training programs for law enforcement officers. It is a way for legal professionals to take proper precautions in and out of the workforce, including citizens. Judges can be based on issues such as implicit bias, cultural competence, and de-escalation techniques that can help improve interactions within the justice system. So, I plan on starting my journey with a deep-seated desire motivated by my mother. My mother plays a crucial role in emergency response. She is a 911 supervisor who ensures calls are received and responded to. Being a 911 supervisor is one of the most demanding jobs because supervisors must monitor and evaluate performances and uphold the highest service standards, including the training and support provided to other dispatchers to help handle high-stress situations. So, because of her, I genuinely want to uphold justice and protect the people. As technology evolves exponentially, my goal is to apply the principles of criminal justice. I aim to develop innovative strategies for threat detection, incident response, and digital forensics by leveraging my understanding of criminal behavior, investigative techniques, and legal frameworks. Through collaboration with cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers, I am driven to bridge the gap between traditional criminal justice and cutting-edge technology by pursuing a career in cybersecurity. As an African-American woman, I aspire to bring justice and stay at the forefront of criminal justice, cybersecurity, and forensics advancements through ongoing professional development, academic research, and community engagement. I will inspire the next generation to make a difference in their communities. My journey is driven by justice, excellence, and a commitment to the common good. With firm willpower and persistent determination, I am eager to pioneer change for our future and uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and equality for future generations.

My name is Tajizhanae Hanson; I am a junior in college. I attend an HBCU in Prairie View, TX, called Prairie View A&M University, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in cybersecurity. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and I live with a family of 6. As a fervent advocate for positive societal transformation, I have long been drawn to the fields of criminal justice, cybersecurity, and forensics. These disciplines converge at the intersection of safeguarding communities, preserving justice, and combating emerging threats in the digital age. I aspire to leverage my criminal justice education to profoundly impact cybersecurity, catalyzing advancements that enhance safety, integrity, and fairness in our interconnected world. My journey into the realm of criminal justice began with a deep-seated desire to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, along with the amount of motivation from my family through academic pursuits and practical experiences in the criminal justice system, ranging from law enforcement procedures to legal frameworks. This foundational knowledge has instilled a profound responsibility to catalyze positive change within this sphere. However, as technology evolves exponentially, the crime landscape has profoundly transformed. Cybersecurity breaches, digital fraud, and cyber warfare pose unprecedented challenges to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Recognizing the critical need to address these emerging threats, I am driven to bridge the gap between traditional criminal justice and cutting-edge technology by pursuing a career in cybersecurity. In cybersecurity, my goal is to apply the principles of criminal justice to safeguard digital infrastructures and protect against cyber threats. I aim to develop innovative strategies for threat detection, incident response, and digital forensics by leveraging my understanding of criminal behavior, investigative techniques, and legal frameworks. Through collaboration with cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers, I seek to fortify our defenses against cyber attacks and promote a safer digital ecosystem. Furthermore, I do have a passion for forensics. In the field of forensics, I am passionate about utilizing my expertise in criminal justice to unravel digital mysteries and solve complex cases. Whether it involves analyzing digital evidence in criminal investigations or conducting forensic examinations of cybercrime scenes, I aspire to bring perpetrators to justice, exonerate the innocent, and ensure that truth prevails in the face of adversity. Central to my vision of effecting positive change is a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, continuous innovation, and ethical leadership. Through ongoing professional development, academic research, and community engagement, I aim to stay at the forefront of criminal justice, cybersecurity, and forensics advancements, inspiring the next generation to make a difference in their communities. In conclusion, as an African-American woman, my journey to positively impact the world through a degree in criminal justice and a career in cybersecurity or forensics is driven by a deep-seated passion for justice, a dedication to excellence, and a commitment to advancing the common good. With steadfast resolve and unwavering determination, I am poised to pioneer change, catalyzing advancements that safeguard our digital future and uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and equality for future generations.

My name is Tajizhanae Hanson. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and I am a junior attending Prarie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in cybersecurity, and I plan on graduating this fall of 24'. I chose Prairie View because of its ambiance and the endless opportunities. Since starting college as a freshman, I was introduced to many opportunities and service work around my campus and local areas. Despite completing a criminal justice degree, I have learned to understand the justice system and the need for reforms that promote equality and rehabilitation within the justice system. I've noticed within the justice world that I would like to participate in workshops and seminars about educating the community about rights, crime, and even ways to reduce the number of victims of crime. The most considerable ideal is to work with individuals involved in the workplace and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to implement different community policies to build trust in the community and improve relationships with the public. As for my minor, I plan on using my degree to spread awareness about the importance of the technical side of law. Furthermore, the justice system is experiencing a high demand for skilled professionals—of all ages and races, including people of color and women. To spread awareness about cybersecurity, I would like to create a better environment for people of color and women to feel more comfortable around others of the same background. It may all take some time, but my goal is to represent my community, help others know about job opportunities, and gain personal connections. This field is a great way to be aware of service work. Much needs to be done within the justice system, and it's not only in Texas. The world constantly needs law enforcement and people to take on these responsibilities. Once accomplished, I plan to become a mentor for those who are motivated and have a passion for technology and law.

I am a junior attending Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity. I am going through this journey of following law and technology; both fields require me to think critically and analyze complete problems, demonstrating a passion for staying ahead and being aware of current trends and challenges. It reflects the amount of dedication and consistency. As an African-American, since I've been at my HBCU, HBCUs have a rich history and culture that prides the education of African American students. Attending an HBCU has given me a strong sense of community and cultural connection. Since I've been at my HBCU, I have found a lot of valuable networking opportunities for myself and other students. I even found great mentors, internships, job opportunities, and broad career opportunities. Since attending Prairie View A&M, I have become more outgoing in expanding my horizons and taking leadership roles. With my family, I want to be able to support them financially. Coming from a low-middle income family, they have worked hard to pay for my education and apply for loans so I can go to school without worrying about making it. As a junior in college, life has been challenging due to the new changes of becoming an adult. I always thought about giving up because it was too difficult, but the person who has inspired me to keep going is my father. My father has motivated me greatly since he passed away in 2017. I wish I could tell him what I have accomplished since his passing. When times get rough, there's no such thing as "impossible." Without my father's motivation, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He expects me to continue his legacy by being his first family member and his first daughter to graduate college. The past two years since I have been in school have been a harrowing journey, and thanks to my family, I will have the honor to graduate this fall with my associate's, bachelor's, and minor degrees. For these reasons and the kind of profession, I am actively involved in community service. I would do anything to give back to where I came from and my family. In many cases, I would have never thought that helping others I surrounded would benefit me. I have over 40 hours of community service work and many more service works in mind. Because of the amount of service, I have developed outstanding leadership and communication skills, often involving leadership roles and effective communication. In my community, I've always loved doing community service work. As an African-American female, I have a pure interest in law and cybersecurity as I continue to grow on this new path. There are so many directions that I can go in thanks to the many opportunities and career choices I have been thankful to be able to receive. As the world heads today, it will be a challenge to be in two fields crucial for individuals and adapt to changes in laws and technology. However, these fields are experiencing a high demand for skilled professionals, including people of color and women. My long-term goal is to represent my community and my loved ones to use my degrees to spread awareness. Make others feel more comfortable around others of the same background, and help them have better job opportunities. This scholarship will help aid my degree and help me pursue the younger generation with a passion for technology and law. Once accomplished, I will become the next generation of black female leaders representing minority women in STEM and law careers, motivating other minority females, and creating successful technological jobs and better opportunities for minority students and young women.

In America, there are so many underlying issues that African Americans face. These factors include systemic racism, police brutality, economic inequality, and horrible access to healthcare, education, and even housing. Being an African-American or even being of African descent is very challenging in the world today and even for centuries. These issues have deep historical roots, and these previous events continue to impact the lives of African Americans in various aspects. As we are in the 21st century, we still have to address these issues, which requires time, effort, and systematic changes to create a more equal society for us as people. These addresses require multiple approaches that involve some policy changes, including societal reforms, and leaders to step up in action. Regarding policy reforms, we must include our state and nationwide governments to address these systemic racism concerns to promote economic equality. As a criminal justice major and an African-American female, I would like to reform our justice system to provide better access to healthcare and education for our people. I have volunteered for over 40 hours, serving my neighborhood and other black communities. These challenges need to be addressed for us to have decent living standards. The second is community engagement. As the community as a whole starts encouraging others to raise awareness and advocate for change, the more recognition and the more support the community receives that needs to address the vital needs of Black communities. As I've mentioned multiple times, it is our education. Our education is most important because our history, culture, and justice are all being tampered with and taken away daily. The more a community promotes the need for education and awareness about these issues, the younger the generation will understand and have empathy. As a college student who attends an HBCU in Texas called Prairie View A&M University, I've noticed a lot of our funding doesn't go to our black schools and universities. It is hard nowadays for our race of people to attend school due to the overcost and lack of aid that we receive. Healthcare has always been an issue with African-Americans; we tend not to trust the healthcare system due to the number of experiments done on us in the past, such as the Tuskegee Airman Experiment. Our access to healthcare services and even mental health resources is the lowest out of every race in America. There needs to be preventive care for African Americans and need of aid to address these disparities. The most common of all of these concerns is the police system. Since the BLM movement and the times during the end and the beginning of segregation, advocacy for police records and accountability is a must. There should be efficient community policing practices and proper training and regulations to reduce the chances of police brutality and racial profiling. Lastly, it's our housing, cultural representation, and allyship. Many predominantly black neighborhoods are in desperate need of help. Housing should receive proper care and affordable housing options for African-American communities, along with the need to address housing discrimination. We as people should be able to promote and encourage relationships to form these allyships and cultural representations: collaborations and fostering diversity in social media, arts, and our voices and experiences. By working together to address these issues, I, as a young woman who is part of the younger generation, must make these changes for our future kids and grandkids. African- Americans and minorities can create a more inclusive and equal living for everyone, including our justice and equality.

I am a junior pursuing a bachelor's and minor degree at Prairie View A&M University in Criminal Justice and Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity. I am actively involved in community service. I have a passion for law. Having an interest in law demonstrates the amount of dedication, justice, critical thinking, and advocacy. My passion drives me, as well as my academic and professional pursuits. Law students typically require solid academic performance and the skills that scholarship committees often look for in those who excel in their studies. Law students like myself are trained to uphold these qualities and values and work promoting society. This substantial commitment towards social justice and advocacy make me and others stand out against other scholarship recipients regarding communication skills, including both written and verbal. Also, I can lead and collaborate, one of my top skills to develop over time. I have an interest in cybersecurity. For those interested in this field, there is a virtual need for cybersecurity experts and problem-solving skills. As I am going through this journey of pursuing law and technology, cybersecurity requires individuals, including me, to think critically and analyze complete problems, which demonstrates a passion for staying ahead and being aware of current trends and challenges in the near future. As this scholarship requires, it targets those pursuing law; it also aligns well with my interests and the scholarship's objectives and criteria. Overall, I am genuinely interested in studying criminal justice and STEM, combined with the skills, passion, and potential to excel in the field, making me a strong candidate. Furthermore, the justice system is experiencing a high demand for skilled professionals, including people of color and women. As an African-American female, as I continue to grow into this new path, I have been brought to many opportunities and career choices I may be interested in. There are so many directions that I can go in thanks to the endless programs and scholarship/internship opportunities I have been thankful to be able to receive. My long-term goal is to use my degrees to spread awareness, make others feel more comfortable around others of the same background, and help them have better job opportunities. I am determined to accomplish my goal of motivating other minority females in law and STEM careers. I will be a great recipient of this scholarship because it will aid my degree and create a new future in justice and service.

I am a junior pursuing a bachelor's and minor degree at Prairie View A&M University in Criminal Justice and Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity. Actively involved in community service and intensely interested in law would be perfect for this scholarship. Mainly, I have a passion for law. Having an interest in law demonstrates the amount of dedication, justice, critical thinking, and advocacy. My passion drives me, as well as my academic and professional pursuits. As a criminal justice major, I truly believe that the qualities that I have set will align well with the scholarship's criteria and increase my chances of being selected as a great candidate. At first, I didn't know what career I wanted to be in. When I came to Prairie View, I started as a Computer Engineer and then switched to Computer Science. I found it difficult and struggled to find my passion; I didn't know what to do but knew I was interested in technology. As a young child, I always knew that technology was my passion. But finally, I realized I loved the law, and one of the reasons is because of my mother. She has motivated me to pursue this career because she has one of the bravest jobs in the world, a 911 supervisor. I went through a lot of emotional stress during my first year of school because I did not fit in with the major I was pursuing. Sometimes, I wanted to drop out of school simply because I didn't know my purpose. But thanks to my mom, she asked me, "Well, since you like law and technology. Why don't you pursue cybersecurity?" Since then, I've decided to pursue this degree and make cybersecurity my minor. In my community, I've always loved doing community service work to help out my community. I would have never thought that helping others I surrounded would benefit me. As they all say, "Treat others how you would want to be treated," and you'll have lots of blessings and respect for yourself. In many cases, people would want to show themselves helping their community by recording a video to prove that they're "helping" their community as a reach. Whatever you do that is right does not need to be seen on social media to prove a point. The more you do in silence, the better you will receive respect from others. As an African-American female taking this route, it is rare to hear. As I continued to grow into this new path in life, what I wanted to do was to work in the Cybersecurity field. As I continued to study at Prairie View, I have been brought to many opportunities and career choices I may be interested in. There are so many directions that I can go in thanks to the endless programs and scholarship/internship opportunities I have been thankful to be able to receive. My biggest accomplishment so far is that I plan to graduate with all my degrees by the Fall of 24'. My original graduate year was 26'. I will graduate with an associate's degree in Summer 24' in the upcoming year. After receiving my associate's degree, I will receive my bachelor's and minor degrees at Prairie View at the age of 20 and work at Homeland Security or elsewhere as a cybersecurity specialist. By the next generation, I plan on using my degrees to spread awareness about the importance of the technical side of law. I want to create a better environment for people of color and women to feel more comfortable around others of the same background and have better job opportunities. If given this scholarship, I can accomplish my goal of motivating other minority females to expand their horizons. I am determined to become the next generation of black female leaders representing minority women in law and STEM careers. So, I believe I will be a great recipient of this scholarship because it will aid my degree and help me create better opportunities for minority students and young women.