College is more than an educational step; it is a gateway to opportunity, growth, and purpose. Growing up in a Liberian household in the United States, I’ve seen both the strength and struggles of my family. My parents left Liberia, a country with limited resources, with courage and determination, in search of a better future for me. They worked tirelessly—sometimes sacrificing sleep, sanity, and possibly their favorite snacks—so I could have opportunities they never had. Their journey taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of not giving up, even when life feels like it’s throwing calculus tests at you faster than you can keep up.

    Being a first-generation student carries both challenge and pride. Balancing my piano skills, academics, athletics, church, and cultural expectations isn’t always easy. There were moments when I doubted myself—or even considered becoming a professional quitter—but each challenge shaped me into a person who perseveres, sets goals, and refuses to quit. These experiences taught me discipline, problem-solving, and determination—the very qualities that will help me thrive in college and beyond.

  A couples of years ago, my parents and I got in a serious car accident my life was changed. It was the kind of crash you only expect to see in an action movie — the car flipped, metal twisted, and everything happened so fast that it didn’t feel real. But this wasn’t a movie. This was my family, and the fear of possibly losing my parents stayed with me long after the accident was over. 

   Experiencing this opened my eyes to how dangerous the road can be when drivers are distracted, careless, or unprepared. My parents survived, but the emotional impact on our family was huge. That moment made me realize that safe driving isn’t just about rules — it’s about protecting lives and making sure families don’t have to go through what mine did. This experience motivates me to become a responsible driver who stays focused, follows the law, and values the safety of everyone on the road. I’ve learned that one decision — looking down at your phone, speeding, or ignoring conditions — can change everything. When I get my license, I want to carry the responsibility that comes with it, and I want to encourage others my age to do the same.

    Whether it’s leading youth outreach at my church, playing piano to inspire people, mentoring younger athletes, or supporting moms and foster kids in my community, I’ve always felt called to make a positive impact. Helping others gives me purpose, and being a safe, responsible driver is another way to do that. It means I’m not only protecting myself, but also everyone who shares the road with me.

The accident didn’t just teach me about danger — it strengthened my desire to be someone who brings safety, leadership, and responsibility into every area of my life. 

  That’s why the Driver Education Initiative Scholarship means so much to me. Safe driving is more than a skill; it’s a way to honor my family and live out my passion for helping and protecting others, and with your help, I can make a difference in my world.

   As a cybersecurity major, my passion for cybersecurity goes way beyond computers and code. It’s rooted in wanting to protect people, prevent harm, and keep others safe — just like safe driving does. Cybersecurity teaches me to think ahead, pay attention to details, and make responsible choices that can prevent disasters before they happen. The same mindset applies on the road. A careless click online can lead to a breach, and a careless decision behind the wheel can lead to a crash. Both require discipline, focus, and a commitment to protecting others. I want to go back home to West Africa someday and spread my passion for cybersecurity. Growing up between two worlds has shown me how much potential there is in young people back home — potential that is sometimes limited by a lack of resources and opportunities. Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most important fields in the world, and I want to inspire students in West Africa to explore technology, protect their communities, and build futures that go far beyond what they may think is possible. Just like safe driving, cybersecurity is about responsibility, awareness, and protecting others. Sharing that passion is part of the impact I hope to make. With your help, I can accomplish this and more.