The Spring 2025 Miami Family Law Breaking The Cycle Scholarship

Sanaa Morris

Recognizing education as a tool for change, she chose to pursue a degree in accounting. Her experiences have instilled the value of hard work and perseverance, which she applies to her studies and beyond. Congratulations, Sanaa on your resilience and strength!

Read Sanaa’s here:

My family's story isn't one of privilege or ease. It's a story etched with the harsh realities of addiction, poverty, and a lack of opportunity. My mother, battling her own demons of drug and alcohol addiction, couldn't raise us, so my aunt took us all in. We were grateful, but things were hard. Seeing my siblings start families young during high school made me want something different for myself. Witnessing their struggles, I recognized a pattern I desperately wanted to escape. I wanted a stable future, and a career in accounting seemed like a good way to get there. It felt like a job where I could learn a lot and make a good living. Growing up like that taught me a lot about hard work and never giving up. I had to grow up fast, helping out with chores and taking care of my younger siblings. It wasn't easy, but it taught me how to manage my time, solve problems under pressure , and be tough – things that will help me in college. Seeing my mom's struggles showed me how important education is. She didn't have many choices because she chose not to finish school. Her recent passing from a disease exacerbated by her struggles serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the cycle of adversity I am determined to break. I don't want that for myself. Going to college is important to me, not just for me, but also to show my younger siblings that it is possible to break the cycle. College is my key to a better future. I want our family story to be about hope, not just hardship. This scholarship is more than just money; it's how I can make this happen. It's what I need to get my accounting degree and build a good life. Without it, college might not be possible. This scholarship is a chance for me to break free from the struggles my family has faced. It's a chance I'm going to take, for myself and for the future I want to build. In pursuing my education, I also hope to inspire others in my community facing similar challenges. I believe that education can be a powerful tool for change, not just for individuals but for entire families and communities. By sharing my story and experiences, I want to encourage others to seek opportunities and strive for their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. I envision a future where I can return to my community, perhaps mentoring young people, showing them that they, too, can overcome obstacles. The journey to success may be fraught with difficulties, but with determination, resilience, and the right support, it is achievable. I am committed to making a difference, not just for myself, but for others who need hope and guidance. This scholarship is the first step on that journey, and I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.