Nicole (Nikki) D. Scott Scholarship Fund, Inc.

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I am currently 22 years old, born and raised in South America, Guyana for the first 4 years of my life before moving to Queens, New York at the age of 4. I grew up and continue to grow up with one working parent who works tirelessly each day to put three children through private universities. When I was accepted into Veritas Academy High School, I did not know what to expect, being that it was a new school and I was part of the first graduating class of approximately 65 students. Though I am forever grateful for my time at Veritas, it was a small school and I had difficulty expressing myself, especially my creativity. During my senior year of high school, I was given the opportunity to apply for the Nicole (Nikki) D. Scott Scholarship, where I was chosen to be a recipient. Though the transition to high school was difficult, as it is for many students, transitioning from a small environment to a large one like college was even more complex. However, I can truly say, I have adored Hofstra University ever since I stepped foot on to the campus Summer of 2017 for orientation. Since then, I made it my sole mission to experience almost everything Hofstra had to offer. I have been involved in Student Government, the Deans Business Scholars Program, ALPFA Hofstra, a business organization on campus, Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and both the Deans and Provosts lists. I have also served and continue to be a Resident Assistant on campus, a position that has allowed me to expand on my social skills immensely. Furthermore, none of these accomplishments and experiences would have been possible without the constant support from the Nikki D. Scott Scholarship fund. Thanks to them, I have been able to fulfill my dreams as a Business Management major and have completed all 4 years as an undergraduate student, graduating with the highest honors. I am now in graduate school at Hofstra pursuing my Masters in Business Administration and I anticipate graduating in May 2022. Throughout my years in college, I have grown as a person which in turn means slowly figuring out my future and what I am most passionate about. I am currently in the process of looking to begin my career in Marketing, a place where my creativity can freely blossom in Management. Over the years, past internship opportunities and my current position as a Marketing Assistant at Hofstra have fueled my love for marketing even more. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified to complete my Masters and begin my career, but I am also incredibly optimistic and enthusiastic for what my future holds.

Nikki was such a brilliant, vivacious, funny, supportive, and inspiring person. Her guidance and mentorship provided invaluable support every step of the way as I worked to design the Bronx Envision Academy. I will never forget hearing from Nikki when she called to let me know that “Envision Academy” was approved to open. I felt a little like Justin, Gabriel, Pilar, Elton, and Samuel today: ecstatic, grateful, and proud. Creating a new school from scratch has been a true privilege, and supporting our students as they prepare for college is an enormous responsibility (and for many, they will be the first in their families to attend college). I’m not entirely sure how to express it, but I find it very moving that the scholarship allows Nikki to continue changing the lives of wonderful young women and men. I am so grateful that her support continues for the students of Bronx Envision Academy.