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"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. " Marcus Garvey

 Growing up in the small coastal Garifuna village of Barranco has been one that helped to shape my identity, my morals, and my values. It has taught me to appreciate who I am, where I came from, and where  I am heading. Growing up in a Garifuna Home has taught me to appreciate the struggles and the sacrifices that my ancestors made for me to understand my role and my responsibility in doing my part to preserve my legacy.  

For me being a Garifuna is the most unique experience that I have. Born in a home where  I hear my grandparents and parents expressing themselves in a language not known to many, and being part of a rich culture and tradition makes me proud. Being a Garifuna brings me to the realization that my Language and culture are a map that tells people who I am, where I came from, and where I am going.  

My parents often say, "Our Garifuna Culture is rich, especially our music and dance. However, our Language is slowly becoming extinct, so do what you can to learn and speak your Language cause wherever you go, your Language will be your treasure. It will always remind you of where you come from." This was what motivated me at the age of 10 to compete in the Mr. and Miss Garifuna mini Garifuna Pageant for my school. After thrilling the crowd with my skillful presentation, I was crowned Mr. Garifuna. Two years later, I took up the challenge to represent my school in the National Garifuna translation contest and was able to walk away with first place. I was awarded a monetary prize and a laptop that helped me through high school. While at primary school, I often play drums for any cultural event at school or during mass at church. My siblings would sing and dance at home while I played drums, skillfully changing from Punta to Paranda and Hunguhu.  

 My Grandmother has played a major role in shaping my identity as  Garifuna. When at her home, she often encourages me to speak  Garifuna. She often told me stories and songs that her Grandparents taught her. For her, it was of utmost importance that I passed on the Garifuna heritage to my generation. She believes that losing our identity as Garinagu is like losing our place on the planet. She often told me that it is essential to learn my language before learning any other language.  

As I prepare to go out and further my education and become a law student, I can already see how everything that I have learned from my grandparents and parents regarding my culture and Identity as Garifuna will help me to be more open-minded, respectful of other people culture and traditions It will allow me to become more creative in doing my assignments and projects. Most of all, it will help me to educate others about who I am and understand my history as a descendant of African and Arawak Indians. It will ensure that I remain proud of my identity wherever I go.

1. Understand the Prompt: Every essay starts with a prompt or a question. Read it multiple times to ensure you grasp its nuances. What are the scholarship providers seeking? Are they interested in a specific experience, value, or future goal? Tailor your essay to address these specific points.

2. Brainstorm Thoughtfully: Before diving into writing, spend some time reflecting. Consider:

• Personal challenges and how you've overcome them.
• Leadership roles or community involvement.
• Academic achievements or extracurricular activities. Jot down ideas and stories that resonate with the prompt and showcase your unique perspective.

3. Craft an Engaging Introduction: Your opening should captivate the reader. Begin with a hook—a brief anecdote, a relevant quote, or a powerful statement—that aligns with the prompt. Follow this with a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main message of your essay.

4. Structure Your Content: A well-organized essay is key:

• Introduction: Engage the reader and present your thesis.
• Body: Use two to three paragraphs to detail your experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Ensure they align with the scholarship's objectives.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate why you're the ideal candidate for the scholarship.

5. Edit and Refine: Once your first draft is complete, take a break before revisiting it. Read it aloud to check for flow and clarity. Look for any grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. Ensure your essay adheres to any word or page limits set by the scholarship provider.

6. Seek Feedback: A fresh perspective can be invaluable. Share your essay with a teacher, mentor, or trusted peer. Their insights can help you refine your content, ensuring it's polished and impactful.

7. Stay Authentic: While it's essential to address the essay prompt, it's equally important to let your unique voice and experiences shine through. Authenticity can set your essay apart, making it memorable to the scholarship committee.

In Conclusion: The scholarship essay is your chance to share your story, aspirations, and what makes you unique. Approach it with dedication and authenticity, and you'll be well on your way to crafting an essay that leaves a lasting impression. Best of luck in your scholarship endeavors!