EIU Personal Statement

On the night I shared the news of my nomination as one of EIU’s 2016 Top Black Achievers with my family, my younger cousin, Diana, sent me a message saying, “Congratulations. I aspire to be as great as you. You literally inspire me to try hard to be successful.” To which I responded, “Aspire to be even better!” I was moved beyond expression. Diana’s words made me realize that by remaining steadfast in my quest for educational enrichment, I am also positively influencing young people who look like me and come from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. My quest for education is sending the message that not only can they reach the doors of higher education, but they can work even harder and accomplish so much more. Coming from a social climate that either indirectly or
In continuing my work with programs involved in community outreach, such as Access Granted, I am looking to build a foundation of knowledge that will allow me to forge a career dedicated to changing the continuous cycle of apathy concerning communities of color. I want to aid in creating an environment in which a mentality of limitations is a foreign concept to those of us considered to be underprivileged. Ultimately, I want to construct a platform for community activism that assists in building relationships between existing service providers, community members, and government representatives. Without exposure to the experiences gained through my college education, none of this would be possible. Sure there are ways to influence change that extend beyond pursuing higher education, but in the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I have only been in college for two years now, and in that short time the meaning of my education has grown to be profoundly personal. It is mine, and I no longer lack the courage to claim it or to be bold within