Winning a local scholarship or award: 4 points

 

Winning the Joy Worldwide Scholarship was such an uplifting experience. It truly recognized my academic dedication and my passion for community-centered leadership. During the process, I was able to reflect deeply on my purpose and how my work can make a difference, particularly in mental health, emotional wellness, and connecting with African American and Afro-Latino communities. The scholarship aligned perfectly with my values of giving African American students the opportunity to expand their perspectives and gain new experiences. Additionally, it pushed me to really reflect on why I wanted to study abroad in Cali, Colombia.  

That said, there were definitely some challenges along the way. My timeline for submissions was quite tight, as I discovered the scholarship a week before it was due, which made it challenging to fully capture all aspects of my leadership and personal growth. Also, having clearer communication about what the evaluators were looking for would have helped applicants like me to shape our responses more effectively. It would be great if they could incorporate information sessions or provide feedback in the future to further enhance the accessibility and transparency of the process. 

 Regardless, this experience connected well with the information I’ve learned in my psychology studies, previous study abroad adventures, and my work with the Liberation Through Legacy platform as Miss 1910 for the Granddaughters Club at Spelman. As I filled out the application, I noticed a consistent theme of leading with empathy and storytelling to ignite change, while always keeping the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Black communities at the forefront. This scholarship reaffirmed my commitment to using education as a means to heal and empower within marginalized communities. Looking ahead, I’m excited to mentor other students, expand my advocacy for emotional wellness, and explore research and graduate opportunities that combine psychology, culture, and social justice. 

-Zaria Samuel