In my life journey, people typically react to me in one of four ways when they first meet me:

1. They immediately feel immersed in me.

2. They feel immediately overwhelmed by me.

3. They perceive that I feel superior to others based on my “status”—I usually view these people as secretly envious or jealous of me.

4. They feel immediately intimidated by my presence as soon as I walk into the room.

Leslie Mills fell into the first category. She was so immersed in me after one scholarship writing grant request that she became my scholarship angel while I was pursuing my first degree.

Leslie Mills was an elderly Caucasian woman with the most beautiful green eyes. One could look into her eyes forever as she had the most angelic face. She radiated sweetness, peace, and calmness, and always had a nurturing spirit. She was perfect for a scholarship advisor.

She zeroed in on my writing abilities and academic rigor. This woman went above and beyond. She would recommend me for scholarships without even notifying me. I would literally get checks in the mail from scholarships for being in foster care, being first-generation, being African American, being an English major, etc. Scholarships that I never even applied for. She would be like, “Oh, I saw that you fit the criteria, so I just signed you up. I didn’t want to tell you about it just in case you didn’t get it, so I thought it would be better as a surprise.”

During my time at Diablo Valley College (DVC) pursuing my first degree, I had the opportunity to apply for several impactful scholarships, thanks to the incredible support of Leslie Mills. Although I didn’t receive these scholarships, the process of applying for them was immensely beneficial.

Leslie Mills, with her dedication and belief in my potential, signed me up for scholarships like the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship, the DVC Foundation Scholarships, and the Osher Scholarship. Applying for these scholarships was an important step in my academic journey, even though I didn’t ultimately receive them.

The Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship could have provided significant financial assistance to students from underrepresented groups, like myself, who were transferring to four-year colleges. This scholarship, awarded based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need, would have been a beacon of hope and a testament to the hard work and dedication I had put into my studies.

The DVC Foundation Scholarships offered a variety of financial aid opportunities based on academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of study, including communication. Receiving support from the DVC Foundation would have allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries, empowering me to pursue my educational goals with greater confidence and determination.

The Osher Scholarship, funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, supports California community college students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to completing their education. This scholarship would have been a testament to the power of community support in helping students like me achieve our dreams.

Even though I didn’t receive these scholarships, the application process itself was beneficial. It allowed me to reflect on my achievements, aspirations, and the support system around me. It also provided me with valuable experience in applying for financial aid, which would be useful in future endeavors.

Leslie Mills’s support in signing me up for these scholarships was a demonstration of her belief in my potential and her commitment to helping me succeed. Her efforts made me feel valued and motivated, reinforcing the idea that I was worthy of these opportunities. While I didn’t receive the scholarships, the process of applying for them was a crucial part of my journey, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and the power of community support.

Reflecting back on this, I remember when the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship committee interviewed me. I got the sense that they didn’t read my scholarship paper that I had written for them because if they did, I feel like they would’ve picked me. Even though I didn’t get it, it was a privilege to be considered, and I was just thankful for Leslie’s recommendation and nomination. It was out of three students in the entire school, and I was one of them.

These scholarships and Leslie Mills’s unwavering support were like rainbows in my life, each promising hope and opportunity. They symbolized the belief that even an ordinary person, like Anne Moody and myself, could make a significant impact through writing and education. Dr. Maya Angelou’s journey taught me that greatness comes from perseverance and belief in oneself, echoed by Leslie’s efforts to champion my potential. Each application, each interview, reinforced my resolve and resilience, showing me that despite setbacks, the journey itself was a testament to my strength and determination to succeed.