Fall 2026 Winner of the Difference Makers Scholarship

Trinity J Warfield

A senior at Kennesaw State University, Trinity is an interdisciplinary studies major with a Spanish minor. Trinity dedicated a significant amount of time to volunteering iwth Cascade United Methodist Churchs Homeless Ministry, where she prepared food and distributed meals, crafts, and books to families and children.

Read Their Essay Here:

My name is Trinity Warfield. I am a 22-year-old senior student at Kennesaw State University, where Im working toward my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Spanish. Being at Kennesaw State University has pushed me to grow through challenging classes, new experiences, and independence that comes with navigating college life. Outside of school, I spend a lot of my time on the hobbies that really define me, like curating music, painting and catering to my businesses. These interests shape my routine, mindset, and the way I connect with the world around me. Its a big part of what makes me who I am.

The best memory Ive made while making a difference in my community was teaching and helping children read. Oh golly, I dont even know where to begin. Ive been a member of the Homeless Ministry at Cascade United Methodist Church since I was twelve, and now Im twentythree. My love for helping others comes straight from my grandma. Whenever my mom couldnt take me to practice, appointments, or even class, my grandma stepped in without hesitation. It didnt matter the time or the day, she always found a way. Her consistency shaped me more than shell ever know. One summer, I remember being awakened at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday to help prepare meals for the homeless. I used to hate getting up that early. I got dressed and walked to the car. To my surprise, we pulled into the churchs basement parking lot. I could already hear music thumping through the walls. When I stepped out of my grandmas car and walked inside, I saw the older ladies of the church dancing around the kitchen, playing gospel, laughing, and preparing meals and goodie bags.

I just stood there in awe. Im a visual learner, and seeing people who were welloff use their time to serve strangers taught me something I still carry: If you have abundance, be fruitful to those who do not. These women couldve been at home resting, but instead they chose to pour love into every sandwich, every salad, every warm meal. Their joy made community service feel sacred. After everything was cooked and packaged, we loaded the van with food, games, crafts, and books. As we passed out meals, I set out games for adults, crafts and books for the kids to keep. Those moments helping children pick out books, kneeling beside them as they traced the covers with their tiny fingers, watching their faces light up when they found the story that spoke to them. Ill hold onto it for the rest of my life. I didnt expect something so simple to matter so much. Every Tuesday and Thursday, no matter how early the morning felt clockwork, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., we moved through the kitchen together, half-awake but committed, prepping sandwiches, tossing salads, wrapping warm breakfast croissants, and arranging those little danishes that made even the sleepiest mornings feel brighter. About two Saturdays each month, the church transformed its donations into something bigger. Long tables, hot grills, music humming in the background, and a crowd of people who showed up not just for food but for connection. Over time, I watched my community choose compassion over convenience, service over sleep, and love over everything else. Being part of that rhythm changed the way I understood what it means to show up for others.

The positive changes I hope to make in my community in the near future are after graduation, I will be working as a public policy analyst in the government. I want to use research, data, and community insight to help shape policies that directly impact peoples lives. I want to understand the problems at their roots and this role will give me the foundation to analyze issues with depth and clarity. After gaining experience in policy work, I plan to enlist in the Air Force to continue developing discipline, leadership with a deeper understanding of service. My goal is to transition into military law, where I can combine my analytical skills with commitment to justice and structure. Serving in the Air Force will not only strengthen my character but give me experience in national service that will shape the way I advocate for others in the future. I want to understand the sacrifices, responsibilities, and realities of those who serve because true leadership requires perspective and humility. My journey from overcoming personal challenges to building businesses, serving my community and pursuing a diverse education has taught me that change begins with courage and compassion. I want to bring both into the political world. Every step I take, from policy analysis to military service is preparing me to be the kind of leader who not only speaks about change but actively builds it.

My passion for creativity has always been the light that keeps me moving forward, especially in darkness. Whether Im sewing clothes, designing new ideas, or planning book designs to release for my business that is dedicated to kids. Creating gives me a sense of purpose that nothing else can replace. Being creative takes time, energy, and resources. Community service is important to me because it connects me to a place that reminds me that Im part of something bigger than myself. Living in Atlanta, I see every day how much this city depends on people stepping up for one another. Whether its supporting local families, keeping neighborhoods clean, or showing up where help is needed. When I volunteer, I know I am contributing to the strength and spirit of the community around me. It gives me a sense of purpose, belonging and helps me grow as a person. Community service pushes me to understand people whose experiences are different from mine, it teaches me empathy, patience and understanding in ways that life doesnt always offer. I learn how to communicate better, how to work with others, and how to stay grounded in what truly matters. Most of all, it reminds me that I can help shape my city. That sense of responsibility and connection is why community service feels so meaningful to me.