Where are you from, what school will you be attending, and what you’re majoring in?

I am from Seneca, South Carolina. I graduated high school from Oconee Christian Academy in 2022. I am currently a Junior at Clemson University studying Human Capital Education and Development Major with an emphasis in Education. 

How did you find out about the All-Star Scholarship?

I found out about the All-Star Scholarship through a social media ad on Facebook and decided to look into the program and apply!

​What does this scholarship mean to you and your education?

This scholarship allows me to follow my dreams and pursue a career in a field that I am passionate about. While also supporting me throughout my college career. This opportunity truly means the world to me that I have a group of supporters on the UMPS CARE team who cares about me as well as helps support me financially to reach my goals. It is so much more than a scholarship, it’s helping me pursue my dreams and create connections that will last a lifetime. 

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know that I am a part of the American Sign Language club! I am partially fluent in sign and can use that knowledge to carry on conversations with people in the deaf community. 

What does this scholarship mean to you and your education? 

This scholarship allows me to follow my dreams and pursue a career in a field that I am passionate about. While also supporting me throughout my college career. This opportunity truly means the world to me that I have a group of supporters on the UMPS CARE team who cares about me as well as helps support me financially to reach my goals. It is so much more than a scholarship, it’s helping me pursue my dreams and create connections that will last a lifetime. 

Tell us about your family and your adoption. How old were you when you were adopted?

My family are my biggest supporters, the place where I always feel like I belong, my rock. I was fostered by them for three years before being adopted. One of my favorite days in my entire life was my adoption day, October 27th, 2021. Though I was taken in as a teenager, and adopted at 17, I have always felt like family. I am forever grateful for the family I get to call mine. 

What do you hope to accomplish during school?

I want to build lasting connections with peers and professors, as well as build a foundation for my professional portfolio. I would love to graduate with my undergraduate degree in Human Capital Education and Development and then proceed with a masters degree. 

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

I would love to see myself as someone who loves their job and invests in the lives of others. It is important to me to hold true to my values and I would love to see myself investing in the lives of others just as people have done for me. Though I don’t know what I want the details to hold (like a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, or where I want to move) I do know the impact I want to leave on people. I can easily see myself being a positive and authentic person to all those around me.