Hello, my name is Carllie Meeks and I am currently a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago, studying social work and peace studies. After getting my Masters degree from Loyola’s five-year Bachelor/Masters program, I hope to begin my career in the Peace Corps. I really want to focus on children and families in third world countries who are facing turmoil.
My passion for service runs very deep and I want to be able to use my privilege to give other individuals opportunities. My time at Loyola has been very special and has increased my passion for social work due to the heavy influence of social justice. I am honored to receive this scholarship because I know that in the future I want to inspire young black girls to be their best selves. I was born and raised in a low income area in Omaha, Nebraska. Even though I was surrounded by many negative aspects, my family never allowed me to become another statistic. My single parent Mother, worked three jobs to make sure that my brother and I had the best education.
Due to the encouragement from my family and my mentor I was able to break the cycle and become the first in my family to be a traditional college student. With all of the resources I was offered during this challenging time in my life, it motivated me to want to give back to those who share similar life issues. I still have a long journey until I am able to say that I am truly satisfied with all the work I have done. However, I know that through this journey I will have many individuals, especially my mentor Mrs. Neary, to cheer me on.
