My name is MacKenzie. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and I am a student at Bedford Stuyvesant Collegiate Charter School. I live with my mom, dad, brother, two dogs, and cat. I proudly identify as African American and Guyanese. Over time I’ve learned a lot about both sides of my family. I’ve learned how to cook different dishes like mac and cheese, fried chicken, candied yams, rice and peas, pepperpot, and homemade bread. My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because it expanded my creativity. While reading, I could visualize Hogwarts’ cafeteria and Harry’s adventures. My hero is Marvel superhero Wanda Maximoff because she is a strong, independent, powerful woman. She inspires not only me, but young girls around the world. When I grow up, I want to be a neurosurgeon because I want to help people live a better, healthier life. I want to help both patients and their families because I know what it feels like to have to worry about your loved ones being gone one day. 

Recently, I joined a program at my school called BK2BAMA, which brings students to Alabama and Georgia to study the Civil Rights Movement. My favorite quote is “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” by Martin Luther King. This quote reminds me to be optimistic even in the face of challenge. BK2BAMA is a scholarship program that teaches eighth graders about historic Black moments and figures. Ultimately, BK2BAMA helps young people like me become powerful leaders. In April, we’ll travel to HBCUs in Alabama and Georgia, but also visit famous sites from the Civil Rights Movement. I joined BK2BAMA because I believe it will help me build my character and learn about my history.