Unlimited by Aukema

Unlimited by Aukema - April 2023 Scholarship Essay

There are so many people I would bless and so many things I would do if I had unlimited time and money. The idea itself seems completely unrealistic, like a fever dream. This change in life would change my entire mental thought process and emotional health, as I would live many lifetimes. Although eventually I would have to remove myself from the confines of society, in the first couple hundred years of my lifetime I’d have to change the world.

The absolute first thing I would do is pay off my college tuition. My parents are paying everything out of pocket and are sacrificing so much of their time, energy, effort, and money in keeping me at my school, and I want to be able to experience college with the stress of constantly searching for scholarships. Due to my major, Comparative Women’s Studies, there are just fewer opportunities for me to receive money through scholarships.

After making sure my tuition is paid I would go on a sprawl of covering cost for my family and friends. I’d set aside money for all three of my younger siblings to have a higher education, I’d pay off my parents mortgage so they can fully own their house, and I’d make sure that my cousins were set up to do well in life. In addition to making sure all my parents, siblings, and cousins are good, I’d make sure that all my grandparents were in a comfortable financial state to live out the rest of their lives in comfort.

As for my friends, the process would be slightly different. After making sure my family is situated, I’d donate money to my college to pay off all the tuition for all currently enrolled and accepted students, covering not only my friends but all my peers. Additionally I’d pay off the tuition of the students at Spelman’s brother school, Morehouse college, and the other school with the AUC (Atlanta University Center), Clark Atlanta. After paying off everyone’s tuition I’d make sure all my friends at home had their education completely paid.

Now that I’ve addressed the money aspect, having an unlimited amount of time would be a mental game. With all my time I would have to travel the world with the knowledge I’ve gained, visiting every country. I’d set up spaces where people can find refuge and not have to worry about expenses in times of need. Wether they be rape victims, victims of war, immigrants with no place to stay, or children disowned by their families. With my education I’d set up programs to educate the public by opening schools that emphasize the importance of women, people of color, and changing the initial narrative.

Throughout my lifetime I would continue to be an advocate for women’s rights, by going where people need me and advocating for women who can’t advocate for themselves.