My name is Ebonee Johnson, I am originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I am a 2016 graduate of Bowling Green State University. Since college, I have worked in operations management in Texas. I am currently finishing my last year of law school at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C.

From childhood, I never considered not going to college. I started elementary school with a dream of becoming a chemical engineer. By high school, I was no longer a fan of science and wanted to become a foreign service officer. Now, a lawyer. No matter my dream, I wanted to go to college to achieve it. As a then-aspiring foreign service officer, I chose to major in International Studies with a minor in Political Science. I wanted to study international institutions and political organizations to understand globalization's impact on American commerce and culture.

As I studied and became an active student leader, the Thompson scholarship allowed me to focus on dreaming bigger dreams rather than stress and struggle through my BGSU experience. As a Thompson scholarship recipient, I served the local BGSU community, developed my leadership skills, and influenced meaningful change on campus. The Thompson's desire to uplift communities and their belief that any student, no matter the circumstances, can succeed has become engrained in my leadership philosophy. It inspired me to push beyond my current dreams and work toward the next goal. It also inspired me to be a line of support for young people, particularly young Black women, and continue to serve my community through mentorship, fundraising, and advocacy.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, for investing in dreams! Thank you for believing that students like me, fellow Michiganders and Detroit natives, deserved the chance to obtain higher education without superfluous sacrifice. Thank you for seeing a need in the community and dedicating your lives to serving others. Your selfless devotion to the service of others is a true inspiration!