Scholarship Finalist - Armoni Redmon

Armoni is a Business Marketing Honors Scholar and Junior at Jackson State University.

Prompt: Share a personal story of how you overcame a major life challenge or obstacle and what lessons you learned that prepared you for college and beyond. How will these experiences provide you with a unique perspective in pursuing a career in business?

One major challenge I overcame was balancing my academic responsibilities with helping my mom, who was unemployed and on a fixed income, while also working part-time to support my family. Growing up in a financially unstable household, I learned the importance of prioritizing and managing my time wisely. I often found myself juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and jobs, all while helping with household responsibilities. This experience taught me resilience, discipline, and resourcefulness—qualities that prepared me for college and life beyond. When I enrolled in college, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity. I graduated as valedictorian from high school and earned an associate’s degree in business administration at just 18 years old. These accomplishments came from my ability to stay focused on long-term goals despite short-term difficulties. While working part-time, I also learned practical skills like teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving, which became invaluable in my personal and professional development. This journey shaped my perspective on pursuing a career in business. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and adapt. Whether it’s finding creative solutions to financial hardships or managing a team under pressure, I’ve developed the resilience to face challenges head-on. These experiences give me a unique perspective in the business world: I approach problems with a solutions-driven mindset and value the importance of leadership, empathy, and hard work. In college, these lessons have guided me in leadership roles and helped me advocate for resources that benefit students like me. In the future, I aim to leverage these skills to create opportunities for others, build impactful organizations, and make a difference in the business world.