Empowerment is more than just confidence; it is the ability to recognize your own strength, use your voice, and uplift others in the process. As a young Black woman and a first-generation college student, I have faced adversity, systemic barriers, and personal hardships that could have easily discouraged me from pursuing my dreams. Instead, I chose to use these challenges as fuel to empower myself and those around me. For me, empowerment means breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and making an impact that extends beyond myself. Through my leadership roles as Vice President of the Langston Leadership Club and Secretary of Upward Bound SGA, I have worked to uplift minority students, provide resources, and foster a sense of belonging in spaces where we are often underrepresented. My commitment to leadership and advocacy extends into my community, where I mentor younger students through LXI and Topper Mentors, guiding them toward their goals and helping them recognize their own potential. Empowerment also means embracing my personal story and using it to create meaningful change. Losing my sister to cancer and witnessing my mother’s health decline was an incredibly painful experience, but instead of letting it break me, I let it inspire me. I realized that my voice and experiences matter, and that I have the power to turn pain into purpose. This realization led me to create and host Hill Talk, a podcast dedicated to amplifying student voices, fostering important discussions, and building connections between students and educators. Through Hill Talk, I have had the privilege of interviewing community leaders, educators, and peers to bring awareness to opportunities and issues that impact students. Beyond my podcast, my experiences at LXI have strengthened my understanding of empowerment. LXI is an organization that provides mentorship and support for minority students in a town where diversity is lacking. Through this program, I have been surrounded by peers and mentors who have faced similar hardships, and together we have learned how to break generational barriers, defy expectations, and support one another in our journeys. The lessons I have gained from LXI are ones I will carry with me as I continue to grow into a leader who advocates for those whose voices are often unheard. Pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science and African American Studies is not just an academic goal, it is part of my larger mission to advocate for marginalized communities, challenge systemic injustices, and create policies that promote equity and opportunity. I aspire to work in public service and nonprofit leadership, eventually earning a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration to further my ability to enact meaningful change. However, financial limitations remain a significant barrier to my aspirations. The Empower Her Scholarship would relieve some of that burden, allowing me to focus on my education, continue my advocacy work, and one day become a leader who empowers future generations. I believe that when women are empowered, they don’t just change their own lives, they change the world. That is exactly what I intend to do. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Growing up in a low-income household, I quickly learned the value of money and the consequences of financial instability. My mother, who is visually impaired and suffered a stroke, has been unable to work, and we rely solely on her social security benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet. Because of this, financial literacy has never been just an abstract concept, it has been a necessity for survival. Watching my mother budget every dollar to ensure we had food, electricity, and rent paid gave me an early understanding of the importance of managing finances wisely. Despite these challenges, financial literacy was never something formally taught to me in school or at home. I had to seek out knowledge on my own, and through my involvement with Upward Bound and leadership organizations, I have been able to learn about budgeting, credit, and responsible financial habits. I have made it a priority to educate myself so that I do not fall into the financial pitfalls that many young adults face, such as accumulating unnecessary debt or mismanaging credit. As I prepare for college, I know that financial responsibility will play a crucial role in my success. I plan to major in Communications with a focus on Public Relations while minoring in Political Science and African American Studies. My ultimate goal is to work in public policy and government, advocating for marginalized communities and creating systemic change. To achieve this, I am actively seeking scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of student loans and minimize my reliance on debt. Additionally, I want to take advantage of financial education programs in college to further develop my knowledge of credit, investments, and long-term financial planning. Beyond my personal success, I hope to use my financial education to empower others in my community. Many students from low-income backgrounds, like me, are not given the tools to make smart financial decisions. I want to bridge that gap by advocating for financial literacy programs in schools and mentoring younger students on money management. Whether through my future nonprofit work, public service, or leadership roles, I will continue to emphasize the importance of financial education and provide resources to those who need it the most. Receiving the Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship would be a life-changing opportunity that would allow me to pursue my education with less financial stress. It would also enable me to focus on my studies, leadership roles, and community service rather than constantly worrying about how to afford my education. I am committed to using my financial literacy to build a stable future for myself and to help others do the same. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I never imagined that the walls of a hospital room would be where I learned my greatest lesson about strength. I was 15 when my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I spent months by her side, watching her fight for her life, praying she would make it home. She didn’t. Losing her shattered me. It wasn’t just losing my sister, it was losing my best friend, the future memories we were supposed to share, and the life she was meant to live. My niece and nephew, who were like siblings to me, were separated after her passing, and my mother fell into a deep depression that led to a stroke. My family was drowning in grief, and I felt helpless. In the aftermath, I faced a choice: let my pain consume me or use it as fuel to create change. I chose the latter. I threw myself into leadership and advocacy, determined to uplift others facing hardship. As Vice President of the Langston Leadership Club and Secretary of ETSU Upward Bound SGA, I helped create opportunities for minority students to find resources and mentorship. I also interned with ETSU’s Marketing and Communications Department, where I learned how to use media and storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices. These experiences strengthened my passion for communications, public policy, and education reform. I plan to attend The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Communications with a focus on Public Relations, with minors in Political Science and African American Studies. My long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration and use my platform to develop policies that support underprivileged communities, particularly in education reform. I want to advocate for students who have faced systemic barriers, just like I have. Losing my sister was the hardest obstacle I’ve ever faced, but it taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of turning pain into purpose. I learned that hardships don’t define you, how you rise from them does. With this scholarship, I will continue my education without financial barriers holding me back, ensuring I can dedicate myself fully to creating a better future for those who need it most. Receiving the Theresa Lord Future Scholarship would be life-changing. It would ease my financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies and career aspirations without the stress of overwhelming costs. As someone coming from a low-income background, I am determined to seek every opportunity to reduce my college expenses so that I can study abroad and attend national research conventions that will further my education and career. This scholarship is not just about funding my education, it is an investment in my potential to make a real difference. I am committed to breaking down barriers, challenging systemic injustices, and creating opportunities for those who feel unheard. My past has shaped me, but it does not define me. Instead, it has given me the passion, resilience, and purpose to pursue a future where I can advocate for change. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving that vision. Thank you for considering my application.

When I was younger, I never imagined how my story would shape my passions. Losing my sister to cancer and watching my mother suffer a stroke and visual impairment were life-altering experiences. I was overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty, yet these challenges pushed me to find purpose. I realized that the pain I carried could be transformed into something greater, a way to uplift others who feel unseen and unheard. This purpose led me to communications and public relations, a field where storytelling becomes a tool for connection, advocacy, and change. I have always been passionate about the power of words and media to amplify voices and inspire action. Through my internships with ETSU’s Marketing and Communications Department and the Langston Centre, I saw firsthand how media can shape narratives and provide solutions for underserved communities. These experiences reinforced my desire to use communication as a platform for social justice. One of my proudest accomplishments is the creation of Hill Talk, a school-based podcast I developed to connect students with resources and inspire them to discover their potential. Through interviews with community leaders and discussions on relevant topics, I’ve been able to give my peers a voice and show them that their stories matter. This project sparked my passion for leadership and advocacy, confirming that communication is more than a career path, it’s my mission. In addition to communications, I have chosen to minor in Pre-Law, Ethics, and Justice because I believe that effective advocacy requires understanding the systems and structures that create barriers for marginalized communities. By combining these disciplines, I aim to address systemic inequities while amplifying the stories that often go untold. My ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship, creative outlets, and resources for minority students and survivors of trauma. The impact I desire to create goes beyond individual achievements. I want to help others find their voice, just as I have found mine. Whether it’s through storytelling, mentorship, or policy advocacy, I am committed to creating a more inclusive world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. My personal journey has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of purpose. Pursuing communications allows me to combine my talents with my lived experiences to inspire change. I believe that by sharing stories and connecting communities, I can create a lasting impact that reflects the power of transformation and hope.

My academic and professional goals are rooted in a deep desire to uplift and empower marginalized communities, especially survivors of trauma, minorities, and those who feel unseen or unheard. As a first-generation college student, I am driven by the desire to be a trailblazer in my family and break the generational curses that have shaped my family's history. I am passionate about earning a master’s degree in Communications, with a double minor in Social Work and African American Studies. These fields will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for underrepresented communities, work towards breaking mental health stigmas, and ultimately create a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for those who lack resources. My personal journey has fueled my academic and professional pursuits. Surviving sexual assault, losing my sister to cancer, and witnessing my mother’s health decline due to a stroke and visual impairment have profoundly shaped my perspective on resilience, community, and purpose. These hardships, while incredibly difficult, have inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others navigate their own struggles. I am determined to be a beacon of hope for those who feel isolated and marginalized. In terms of giving back to my community, I have been actively involved in several initiatives that focus on uplifting others. I am the creator and host of Hill Talk, a podcast that amplifies student voices and showcases school initiatives. Through this platform, I work to give students a space to share their stories and experiences, empowering them to realize their potential. I also mentor younger students, offering guidance and support as a Christian role model. Additionally, I have volunteered with organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities, Coalition for Kids, and Science Hill Showstoppers, where I focus on building connections with others and spreading positivity. The adversity I have faced in my life has inspired my commitment to making a difference. Having seen the challenges that survivors of trauma face, I am passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the Black community, where generational trauma often goes unaddressed. I want to create spaces where individuals feel safe sharing their struggles and seeking support. Through my future nonprofit, I hope to provide resources and programs that empower individuals to take control of their healing and build stronger, healthier communities. Giving back has not only allowed me to help others, but it has also been a catalyst for my personal growth. The process of connecting with others in need, offering support, and seeing the impact of my efforts has deepened my commitment to making a difference. It has solidified my belief that the true measure of success is not what I achieve for myself, but how I use my experiences and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others. This scholarship will help me continue my education and professional development, giving me the tools to further my mission of serving others. With the financial support, I will be able to pursue my academic goals without the burden of financial stress, allowing me to focus on expanding my knowledge and preparing to lead a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities. My education and work in the future will be driven by the desire to give back, to advocate for those who are often left out of the conversation, and to make a lasting impact in the world.

Success, for me, is not defined by accolades or external achievements. Instead, it is found in the process of overcoming adversity, staying committed to growth, and using those experiences to make a positive impact on others. Success is living a life of purpose, finding gratitude even in the midst of struggle, and using your unique journey to inspire those who are facing their own challenges. It is the ability to persevere through life’s hardships, learn from them, and emerge stronger, while helping others rise above their circumstances as well. I have faced significant adversity in my life, including surviving sexual assault, losing my sister to cancer, and witnessing my mother’s health decline due to a stroke and visual impairment. These experiences could have defined my life as one of trauma, but instead, I have chosen to see them as opportunities for growth. I am learning that resilience isn’t about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about growing through them. Through the pain and grief, I’ve found my purpose: to uplift others, especially survivors, minorities, and those who feel unseen or unheard. Success for me is about using the lessons learned from my struggles to help others find their strength. It’s about guiding young people, particularly minorities, to recognize their own potential, despite the generational curses or limited opportunities they may face. It’s about creating spaces where people feel empowered to share their stories and find the resources and support they need to thrive. Through my experiences, I’ve discovered the importance of building community, of showing up for others even when I feel like I’m struggling myself. This scholarship opportunity will provide the resources and platform I need to continue pursuing my education, reducing the financial burdens and using my time in higher education to study abroad which is critical to achieving my goals of also gradating without student debt. By earning a Masters degree in Communications/Public Relations and minoring in Social Work and African American Studies, I will be better equipped to lead and inspire others through my future nonprofit organization. I am committed to using my education to amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and advocate for communities that often lack the resources to thrive. The opportunity to study abroad will also allow me to broaden my perspective, gaining cultural insights that will enable me to serve diverse communities more effectively. I believe that by learning from different cultures and experiences, I can better understand the challenges faced by those around me and use that knowledge to create lasting change. Success is not a destination; it is a journey of discovery, resilience, and purpose. This scholarship will help me continue on that path by providing the necessary financial support to complete my education, gain practical experience through internships, and expand my reach through my nonprofit work. Most importantly, it will enable me to live a life of service, where success is measured not by what I accomplish for myself, but by how I use my journey to inspire, empower, and uplift others.

Resilience is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about using the pain to fuel your growth, while also serving as an example for others. Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges, surviving sexual assault, losing my sister to cancer, and watching my mother suffer from a stroke and visual impairment. These events have tested me in ways I could never have imagined, but they have also been the catalyst for my drive to inspire others to keep going, even when it feels impossible. When I reflect on the adversity I’ve faced, I realize how it has shaped my understanding of resilience. It wasn’t just about surviving these traumatic experiences, it was about how I learned to thrive in the aftermath. My resilience was rooted in my ability to find purpose and strength even when life seemed unbearable. Losing my sister left a hole in my heart, one that will never fully heal, but it also gave me a sense of responsibility to live a life that honors her memory. Watching my mother fight through health issues, including the stroke that left her visually impaired, showed me the power of perseverance and the importance of supporting those who are struggling. Throughout these challenges, I struggled with my mental health and faced many moments of isolation. I lost friends, and sometimes felt as though I was walking through life alone. But in the midst of this solitude, I discovered something powerful: sometimes being alone is the key to finding your purpose. I learned that true strength comes from within and that resilience doesn’t always mean bouncing back quickly, it means getting up after every fall, no matter how many times it takes. I’ve used my story to inspire those around me, particularly other survivors of sexual assault and young people who have faced similar struggles. I have been involved in various mentoring and community outreach programs where I’ve shared my testimony and used it to show others that they can rise above their circumstances. In my podcast, Hill Talk, I amplify the voices of students, offering them a platform to share their stories and experiences, and encouraging them to embrace their strength. Additionally, through internships and leadership roles, I’ve worked to create programs that empower minority communities. I want to be the person that others can look to and see that despite the worst life throws at you, there is always a way forward. I am currently researching generational curses and how they affect the lives of minorities, and I hope to create a research project and outreach program that will help others understand their own resilience in the face of adversity. By remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, I have learned how to turn my struggles into tools for change, not only for myself but also for others. I have learned that my story is not just mine, it belongs to every person who has felt unseen or unheard. And I want to be the example of how, even when it seems like everything is falling apart, you have the power to rebuild and rise again. This resilience is what I aim to inspire in others, showing them that they too can use their pain as a stepping stone toward something greater.

Mental health has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, influencing my goals, relationships, and worldview. Surviving sexual assault, losing my sister to cancer, and witnessing my mother’s decline due to a stroke and visual impairment have tested my resilience in unimaginable ways. These experiences brought emotional turmoil, but they also fueled my determination to turn my pain into purpose. The trauma of losing my sister to cancer and watching my mother’s health deteriorate has been compounded by my own struggles, including the grief of losing my childhood innocence. The pain and isolation I felt during these times seemed unending, yet it ignited a fire within me to help others who face similar battles. In my darkest moments, I discovered that healing is not linear. It’s messy, painful, and sometimes feels impossible, but it’s also transformative. This understanding has deepened my empathy for others, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. I have learned that everyone’s journey with mental health is unique and requires patience and compassion. My mental health struggles have shaped how I approach relationships and how I offer support. They’ve allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, offering the understanding and support I once needed. I’ve realized that true strength is not found in silence, but in acknowledging pain and seeking help when necessary. These realizations have inspired my passion for advocacy, particularly within marginalized communities. I want to create spaces where survivors and minorities feel empowered to share their stories, seek help, and heal together. I am committed to using my experiences to break the cycle of generational trauma and to help others rise above adversity. Mental health struggles are often stigmatized, especially in communities of color. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in Black communities, has been a significant barrier to healing. This is compounded by the generational curses and trauma that have been passed down through families. However, through my experiences, I’ve come to see that true strength lies in speaking out and seeking help, not in silence. I want to be part of the movement that breaks the cycle of shame and encourages others to prioritize their mental health. In my future nonprofit work, I aim to support communities by providing resources, mentorship, and spaces where people can find healing without fear of judgment. One of my biggest goals is to uplift and empower others through my story and work. My journey with mental health has shaped my purpose: to advocate, create change, and be a resource for others. It has taught me that adversity does not define me, how I rise from it does. These experiences have prepared me to serve as a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and an example for others to follow. I want to remind people that no matter what they’ve been through, they are not alone, and they have the power to rise above their circumstances. Through my work in advocacy, mentorship, and storytelling, I hope to create a lasting impact and show others that they too can overcome their struggles and create their own path to healing.

I want to make a change in my life because I refuse to let my circumstances define my future. Growing up in a family where generational curses held us back, I’ve seen firsthand how cycles of adversity and trauma can stifle potential. From watching my mother, who is visually impaired and suffered a stroke, to losing my sister to cancer, I’ve experienced the profound effects of hardship. I have also faced personal struggles, including surviving sexual assault and grappling with feelings of isolation. Yet, through all of these challenges, I’ve found strength in resilience, purpose in pain, and a deep drive to create a different narrative for my future. In the face of adversity, I’ve chosen to pursue a path of empowerment and service. I have actively worked to transform my pain into purpose by immersing myself in opportunities that allow me to grow and give back. Through my internships with East Tennessee State University’s Communications and Marketing Department and the Langston Centre, I’ve learned how to engage with and uplift my community. As a first-generation college student, I’ve made it a goal to break generational cycles and build a future that not only benefits me but also leaves a legacy of empowerment for my family and others like me. Thus far, I’ve been proactive about seeking opportunities for growth, including mentoring younger students, working with organizations that support minorities, and advocating for change in my school and community. My goal is to continue this journey by using the education and experiences I gain to create a nonprofit organization that helps underrepresented students realize their full potential. This scholarship is crucial to bringing me one step closer to my dreams. It will relieve some of the financial burdens of attending college, allowing me to focus on my studies and internships as well as gain the cultural experience I yearn to have in order to apply perspective toward my career goals. With this support, I will be better equipped to pursue a master’s degree in Communications, as well as minors in Social Work and African American Studies, fields that align with my passion for advocacy and community development. In the future, I plan to pay it forward by serving as a mentor and role model to others, especially underrepresented minorities who feel that their opportunities are limited. By creating a space for them to see their own potential, I hope to inspire them to overcome their challenges, just as I have learned to do. I want to use my platform and knowledge to show that, with determination, anything is possible. This scholarship will not just impact my life, it will allow me to impact the lives of others and create a ripple effect of change.

Being a first-generation college student is more than just a personal achievement, it is a statement of resilience, transformation, and purpose. In my family, education has often taken a backseat to survival. Generational curses have limited opportunities, forcing many before me to choose stability over dreams. But I refuse to let the past dictate my future. Instead, I am determined to break these cycles, not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and those who come after me. I have witnessed the struggles of those closest to me, watching my mother, despite being visually impaired and suffering a stroke, continue to persevere; losing my sister to cancer and seeing the impact it had on our family; and facing my own battles, including the trauma of sexual assault and the pain of feeling alone. Through it all, I have been surrounded by strong men and women who have shown me the power of resilience. Their dedication and wisdom have shaped my mindset, pushing me to go further in life with a purpose far greater than my own success. Being the first in my family to attend college is not just about earning a degree, it is about proving that breaking barriers is possible. I want to set an example for my sister’s children, showing them that no matter where you come from, you can define your own future. My experiences have fueled my passion for storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement. I want to use my education to amplify minority voices, create opportunities for underrepresented students, and build a nonprofit organization that empowers those who, like me, once felt unseen. This opportunity is not just for me. It is for my family, my community, and every first-generation student who dares to dream beyond the limits placed before them. I am determined to go further, to break cycles, and to pave the way for others to follow.

Adversity has shaped every part of who I am, but I refuse to let it define me. I have faced grief, trauma, and solitude, each challenge testing my strength, but ultimately revealing my purpose. Losing my sister to cancer was the first tragedy that shook my world. She was more than family; she was my guide, my protector, and my safe space. Her passing left a void that could never be filled, and in the aftermath, I watched my family crumble. My niece and nephew were separated, forced to grow up without each other. My mother, already visually impaired, suffered a stroke from the stress of loss, and I found myself stepping into a caretaker role while navigating my own grief. In the face of all this, I had to grow up quickly, learning how to hold others together while I felt like I was falling apart. Then, I endured a trauma that no one ever should. Being sexually assaulted left me feeling powerless, stripped of my voice and my sense of self. I struggled to process what had happened to me, burying my pain in silence. The weight of these experiences made me feel isolated, as if I were walking through life alone, carrying burdens too heavy for anyone else to understand. Friends drifted away. Calls went unanswered. My world shrank, forcing me into a season of solitude that, at first, felt like punishment. But in that silence, I found something else, purpose. I realized that my experiences, as painful as they were, had given me a unique perspective and a mission to help others. I refused to let my suffering be in vain. Instead, I became an advocate, determined to break generational cycles and uplift those who have felt invisible. I threw myself into leadership, storytelling, and outreach. I began working with East Tennessee State University’s Communications and Marketing Department, learning how to use my voice to connect with people and spread awareness. I started internships at the Langston Centre, engaging minority students and helping them see their own potential. I launched Hill Talk, a student-led podcast amplifying voices that often go unheard. Through organizations like Upward Bound and Topper Mentors, I mentored younger students, showing them that their stories matter and that they, too, could rise above their struggles. Most importantly, I became dedicated to advocating for survivors of sexual assault. I want to be a source of light for others who feel lost in the darkness I once knew. My dream is to write a book sharing my testimony, to intern at BET and Disney to expand my reach, and to eventually create a nonprofit organization that helps minorities and survivors heal, grow, and thrive. I used to see my adversity as something that held me back, but now I understand that it has shaped me into a leader, a survivor, and a changemaker. My journey isn’t just about overcoming adversity, it’s about transforming it into something greater. And this is just the beginning.

Title: Unbreakable: A Season of Purpose Opening Scene: The screen fades from black, revealing a young African American woman sitting on her bedroom floor, journal in hand, writing furiously. The room is dimly lit by a small desk lamp, its glow reflecting the determination in her eyes. Her voice narrates: "They say your past doesn’t define you, but it shapes you. If that’s true, then my story is one of survival, solitude, and purpose." As the narration continues, the camera zooms out, showing flashes of her past, moments of pain and perseverance. A hospital waiting room, where she sits gripping her mother’s hand after a stroke left her visually impaired. A funeral, where she watches her sister’s casket lower into the ground, her heart heavy with grief. A dark street, where she walks home alone, carrying the weight of a trauma she never asked for. The scenes flicker like memories: raw, real, unfiltered. Then, new flashes. A group of friends laughing in a school hallway, cut to an empty seat beside her in class. A phone ringing, cut to silence when no one picks up. A text left unanswered. Scenes of her standing alone in the middle of a crowded room, smiling on the outside but feeling unseen. One by one, friendships fade, leaving her in solitude. She sits alone at a church pew, hands clasped, head bowed. Tears slip down her face, not just from loss, but from revelation. “Maybe this season of solitude isn’t meant to break me. Maybe it’s meant to find me.” She sits there looking back on memories of what her life was like before her sister passed from cancer. Before her niece and nephew were split up, not just losing each other, but losing their entire world. She remembers the weight of being the one to carry the strength for others, the one who had to find hope when it seemed like there was none left. The scene shifts to the moment where she finally stopped running from her pain. The moment she realized she couldn’t erase the past, but she could use it. She could take the broken pieces of herself and build something greater, something that would help others. The girl stands in front of a microphone, speaking to a room full of young survivors, her voice steady and powerful. Another scene shows her mentoring a student, helping them see their own worth. In a different clip, she’s packing a suitcase, ready to study abroad, her heart set on cultural exploration and global impact. The final shot is her standing before a group of minority students, presenting a program that she created to help them find their voices. The narration continues: "I am a survivor. A trailblazer. A Black woman on a mission to break generational cycles and create change. I used to fear being alone, until I realized that solitude is where I found my purpose, my faith, and my strength. My story isn’t just about what I’ve endured, it’s about what I’m building, who I’m becoming, and the lives I will impact." The screen fades to black. Three words appear: This is only the beginning.

Mental health has been an integral part of my journey, shaping my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Surviving sexual assault, losing my sister to cancer, and witnessing my mother’s health decline due to a stroke and visual impairment have tested my resilience in unimaginable ways. These experiences brought emotional turmoil, but they also fueled my determination to turn pain into purpose. My battles with mental health have deepened my empathy for others, particularly those who feel unseen or unheard. I have learned that healing is not linear, and everyone’s journey looks different. This understanding has strengthened my relationships, allowing me to connect with others on a deeper level and offer the kind of support I once longed for. It has also solidified my passion for advocacy. I want to create spaces where survivors and minorities feel empowered, whether through my future nonprofit, storytelling, or mentorship. The world often stigmatizes mental health struggles, especially in marginalized communities. Through my experiences, I have come to see that strength is not in silence but in speaking out and seeking help. I want to use my voice to break the cycle of shame surrounding mental health, particularly in Black communities where generational trauma is often overlooked. Ultimately, my journey with mental health has shaped my purpose: to uplift, advocate, and create change. It has taught me that adversity does not define me—how I rise from it does.

The IB Learner Profile trait that is most prominent in my character would be reflective. To me, being a reflective person means considering how you feel and react to situations and people. Reflection is essential for growth, allowing me to look back on my actions and their outcomes. I reflect on what I have experienced to become the person I am today and how I can use those lessons to pursue my passions and make a difference in the world. I reflect on a daily basis, and it often helps me manage my tendency to overthink. One fun fact about me is that I am a "people watcher" at my job. I work at Chuck E. Cheese, where I observe the different ways families interact. For example, I notice if parents truly spend quality time with their children or if a father is distracted, following his child around while holding his phone in one hand and wearing AirPods. I don’t just watch—I also listen. I pay attention to how people’s lives have unfolded, and sometimes, I hear about the challenges they face. These observations help me reflect on my own actions and performance. I think about how, as just one individual, I can make a positive impact—whether it's by entertaining a child on their birthday or serving a family with kindness and care. I strive to make their experience more enjoyable by taking their trash so they can simply relax and enjoy their time. Reflection, to me, is an ongoing process that influences how I live and share love with others. I apply this mindset in the work I do through my internship at my high school. As a first-generation minority raised in a single-parent home, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow. I’ve learned to excel by being ambitious and passionate in seeking wisdom and purpose. One of the proudest achievements I’ve had is creating a podcast. This project emerged from my internship at East Tennessee State University, where I worked in the Marketing and Communications department. I entered my senior year with the mission of creating a school-based podcast, “Hill Talk”, that would not only inform students but also provide resources to parents in the Science Hill and Johnson City community. This podcast aims to help others find purpose and direction, just as I have. This project is a reflection of my growth and is something I am incredibly proud of. In short, reflection is a core part of my life, helping me to improve both personally and professionally.

My name is Trea’zur Cassidy, and I am a senior at Science Hill High School, where I’m actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including weightlifting, Topper Mentors, and serving as a teen ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities. I also participate in ETSU Upward Bound, Science Hill Showstoppers, and volunteer as my school’s mascot. I’m passionate about communications and plan to pursue a master’s degree in this field, with the ultimate goal of using my skills to uplift and empower others, especially those who face systemic challenges and adversity. I have had the opportunity to have 3 different internships that align with my career goals. One of which where I am honored to share my creation of a school based podcast called “Hill Talk”. The podcast is essentially a way for students and parents to learn about the resources and opportunities available within the community to better help them grow, achieve and excel. If I could start my own charity, my mission would be to provide resources, education, and support for students who are victims of trauma, abuse, or systemic injustice relating to sexual assault, helping them to understand their worth and navigate the challenges they face. Through this charity, I would aim to teach young people how to advocate for themselves, understand and assert their boundaries, and recognize that being a good person should never leave them vulnerable to mistreatment or manipulation. The charity would offer a variety of services focused on healing, empowerment, and skill-building. Volunteers would play an essential role in creating a safe, supportive environment for students to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Services would include one-on-one mentoring, group workshops on topics such as self-advocacy, healthy relationships, and emotional resilience, as well as access to mental health resources and crisis intervention. One key element of the charity’s work would be to provide educational resources that empower students to recognize and set boundaries. I believe it’s essential for young people to understand that being kind and compassionate doesn’t mean they should tolerate mistreatment or allow others to take advantage of them. By offering workshops and mentorship, I would help students learn the importance of self-respect and how to navigate difficult situations with confidence, knowing they are deserving of respect and kindness. Additionally, I would focus on providing students with access to resources that can help them overcome the challenges of trauma or systemic discrimination. Whether through therapy, academic support, or job-readiness programs, the goal would be to ensure that every student has the tools they need to rise above their circumstances and achieve their fullest potential. Ultimately, my charity would serve to create a community where young people feel supported, seen, and empowered to advocate for themselves. Through mentorship, education, and access to resources, I hope to help them navigate their struggles and grow into leaders who are not only strong in themselves but who also know how to use their voices to uplift others who are in need.