“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

Hi there! I'm a freshman at Howard University but originally from Southern California. Due to a severe lack of communication, the portion of my scholarship previously designated for on-campus housing is no longer available to me. My mother has been laid-off and cannot afford the exorbitant housing rates within the DC area.

I'm no stranger to overcoming adversity, so I see this as an opportunity and not just another hurdle in my path to overcome. Let me explain.

At eleven years old, I was struck with Gastroparesis, a rare chronic condition. It’s a condition a person is generally born with and not acquired later in life. It affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. However, if you have gastroparesis, your stomach's motility is slowed down or doesn't work, preventing your stomach from emptying properly or at all.

For over six months, I would vomit profusely several times a day, unable to hold down foods or liquids (including water). As a result, I was admitted to several hospitals. They became temporary housing that felt nothing like home. The environment offered no sense of hope; I was subjected to a myriad of aggressive tests and medications that never helped or eased my symptoms. The treatment plan prescribed often made me feel physically worse than before.

The entire experience was unrelenting. Through it all, I was determined not to buckle under the pressure or pain. My faith in God was unshakable. My grades never faltered with the support of my mother and an extraordinary teacher. I maintained my honor society status, graduated from one of the top high schools in Southern California with honors, and was offered admission into several universities, including Howard University.

I don't avoid challenges because I know they bring growth and reward. I approach each problem with a fresh outlook, discipline, and commitment. I learned early on that there is power within the process of any battle I encounter and that victory is MY choice to make. So, I’m determined to exhaust all financial options, possibilities and resources available to acquire safe and adequate housing.

I know this is not the end of my Howard journey but rather the beginning, where overcoming adversity with conviction and resolve will lead to receiving a first-rate education. I appreciate whatever contribution you make; your investment is being planted in fertile ground!

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.