🌍 Belonging Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Lifting Others Up

Growing up biracial, I’ve always wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. My mom’s side of the family is Lao, and from an early age, I struggled to communicate with my grandparents. My siblings and I tried to teach ourselves the language—watching YouTube videos, taking notes, repeating phrases—but nothing seemed to stick. Even now, I understand them, but I still answer in English. And every time I do, I feel a pang of guilt, as if I’m somehow betraying part of who I am.

For a long time, I never questioned my identity as Black, but when I got to high school, things changed. I entered a more diverse environment, expecting to feel at home—but instead, I felt out of place. I didn’t know the popular R&B songs. I didn’t have rhythm. I started to feel like an outsider in a culture I thought was mine. These moments shaped me, but they didn’t defeat me. They ignited a passion for inclusion, for building spaces where no one has to feel like they don’t belong.

💛 A Turning Point

One of the most impactful experiences of my life was joining a special education classroom, where the teacher asked me to sit with the students as a peer. That moment shifted something in me. It hurt to think about how people judge others based on things they can’t control. But it also made me realize just how important empathy, understanding, and community really are.

I know it may sound cliché, but I truly believe that building a better world starts with kindness. I’ve learned that belonging isn’t about what you look like or where you come from—it’s about how we treat each other. Inclusion means celebration, not just tolerance.

🎓 Why This Scholarship Matters

Winning the Warrior On The Rise Scholarship is more than financial help—it’s a message that my voice, my experiences, and my values matter. This scholarship gives me the chance to learn, grow, and engage with a diverse campus community. It helps me further my education while advocating for a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

As I continue my journey as a biracial student, I am committed to shaping inclusive spaces, leading with empathy, and contributing to a campus where everyone can belong—just as they are.

🌟 Help the Next Warrior Rise

I’m one of 27 Warrior On The Rise scholars this year—more than double the number awarded in past years. That growth is possible because of people like you who believe in students like me—students working to rise above the barriers and create positive change.

By supporting the Warrior On The Rise Scholarship Fund, you help students like me not only attend college, but help transform it—into a more welcoming, joyful, and inclusive place for all.

Thank you for believing in me.

— Aaliyah