Fostering Change through Education: My Ambition and Resilience by Terran

Fostering Change through Education: My Ambition and Resilience by Terran - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Dear Scholarship Selection Committee,

My name is Terran Coles, a rising sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University. As a dedicated student majoring in Teacher Education with a cumulative GPA of 3.8. I am greatly committed to the pursuit of not only academic brilliance but also bringing transformative change within my community. Growing up as a Black woman in America, I have come to comprehend the institutional barriers that often hinder the growth of individuals sharing my demographic background. It is this insight that shapes my passion for teaching, with an innermost desire to reduce these barriers by influencing the next generation's thinking paradigm. In line with this, I am honored to apply for the CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier Scholarship, to further equip myself with the requisite skills while simultaneously easing the financial burden of my studies.

One of the greatest challenges facing marginalized communities is the lack of correlation between education and relevant life skills. As a future educator, I plan to bridge this divide, intending to foster an education system that integrates career development with academic learning. While my curriculum extends the scope of understanding the theory, I believe the essence of education lies beyond classrooms, instilling students with confidence, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.

At North Carolina A&T State University, I have fully invested my efforts into my studies, demonstrated by my impressive GPA. However, I also recognize the importance of holistic growth, involving myself in on-campus organizations that promote cultural awareness and social change. Balancing academics and co-curricular activities, I am shaping myself into an equipped educator that can impart the balance of intellect, character, and civic responsibility to her students.

Nevertheless, my drive to achieve my goals faces the potent threat of financial instability, a persistent challenge for many students. This scholarship could pave the way for a worry-free academic journey, allowing me to focus more on refining my pedagogical skills rather than surviving the financial strain.

Moreover, by winning the CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier Scholarship, I aspire to exemplify that financial obstacles should not define a student's educational journey nor their prospective success. Receiving the necessary funding should be a stepping-stone to victory, not a barrier to educational aspirations.

In conclusion, as I work towards reshaping education within my community, I understand that every ounce of support goes a long way in catalyzing my goals. My dedication is unyielding, my resolve is resilient, and my ambition is as high as the attainable sky. Receiving this scholarship will not only be a testament to my academic tenacity but also an investment in the dreams and aspirations of many other young, Black students who hope to witness a better tomorrow through education.

Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly look forward to the prospect of joining a network that recognizes and rewards genuine commitment to reducing financial barriers in higher education.

Warm Regards,
Terran Coles.