2021 Scholarship Recipient - Laurynn Jeter

University of South Carolina

Laurynn Jeter is a junior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise science.

In one of her essays, Jeter shares how a female leader inspires her.

"There are many women worldwide that have influenced me with their inspirational work, but perhaps the woman that has influenced me more than anyone else is my mom. My mom is undoubtedly a leader to me and everyone in my family. She has always been a God-fearing woman who has lived her life following the teachings of the Word, therefore leading by example. She has also taught the Word to me and my siblings. Being a leader means to have compassion for others and my mom is very compassionate and loving to anyone she encounters. By showing me her love, I have learned to care unconditionally for others and be genuinely good towards others. Being selfless is another good quality to have as a leader and it is a quality that my mom shows daily. My mom is a social worker, therefore it is basically her job to always do for others, but she does not only do for others because it is her job. She genuinely cares about other people no matter what background they come from. Seeing how selfless she is and willing to do things for other people has impacted me because it has made me want to give back to others whenever I can."