Fall 2026 Winner of the Breaking New Ground Scholarship

Comfort Squire

Comfort’s parents came to the U.S. from Sierra Leone and built careers in healthcare while caring for their family, and their example shapes everything she does. She is honoring their sacrifices by preparing for a career as a communications professor and children’s book author, inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Read Their Essay Here:

The seeds we sow today often become the blessings of tomorrow. My parents planted those seeds when they immigrated from Sierra Leone with hope, determination, and a desire to create greater opportunities for their children. Through careers in healthcare, they cared for others while working tirelessly to provide for our family and help care for my grandmother. Their example taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.

Becoming a first-generation college graduate is one way I hope to honor their sacrifices. As the first in my family to attend college, I had no guidebook for navigating higher education. I learned to seek scholarships, ask questions, and pursue opportunities that would help me grow. Navigating this unfamiliar path strengthened my determination to complete my education and make the most of the opportunities before me.

My work ethic began developing in high school, when I started working at Topgolf while balancing my education and other responsibilities. I continued working there throughout college and eventually became a Guest Service Team Lead. The experience taught me discipline and how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Most importantly, working throughout high school and college taught me that reaching my goals requires consistency and perseverance.

At Montgomery College, I earned my associate degree in Communication Studies while becoming involved in my campus community. As a Student Government Association Senator, I advocated for students, and as Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, I encouraged academic excellence and involvement. As a Community Engagement Student Aide, I connected prospective students and families with college resources and opportunities. These roles strengthened my ability to communicate, lead, and serve others.

My passion for service also extends to my church, where I teach children and teenagers and encourage them to recognize their potential. These experiences led me to pursue Communication within the liberal arts because I have seen how communication can connect people with resources, build confidence, and create opportunities.

This fall, I will transfer to George Mason University to pursue my bachelor's degree in Communication. My long-term vision is to establish a nonprofit organization that expands educational opportunities for children and families. I also plan to earn a Ph.D. and become a communications professor, while writing children's books that inspire young readers. Although these goals take different forms, they share one purpose: using communication and education to help the next generation succeed.

There is a Krio proverb that says, "Smɔl smɔl, wata ful pot," meaning, "Little by little, the pot fills with water." My journey toward becoming a first-generation college graduate has unfolded the same way: one class, one work shift, and one opportunity at a time. Each step toward earning my degree brings me closer to opening doors and helping the next generation recognize what is possible for their lives. My parents planted the first seeds in me, and I hope to continue planting them for generations to come.