An Eye Toward the Future
Scholars Plan to Use Business Technology, Finance, and Health and Physical Education Degrees to Usher in a Brighter Future
Scholarship Winners: Kylin Willis, Latricia Goldston, Mallory Wheat
Kylin Willis
Seeking a Finance Degree to Help Break the Cycle of Poverty in Underserved Communities
Kylin Willis is pursuing a finance degree at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with the goal of helping people in underserved communities build wealth and break the cycle of poverty.
A natural leader who shows great maturity, Kylin is a 2023 graduate of Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport. He said his drive to succeed comes in part from having grown up in a community where “opportunity felt limited” and Kylin, in turn, cultivated persistence. “By pushing forward, through education and self-discipline, I can change not only my life, but inspire those around me.”
Kylin plans to promote financial literacy in underserved communities and “build a career rooted in service, education and long-term impact.”
Kylin appreciates The 431 Exchange’s shared commitment to removing barriers to education and “uplifting first-generation students. The 431’s mission to create access and equity motivates me to keep striving for my goals and give back through service and leadership.”
Latricia Goldston
Studying Business Technology with a Desire to Serve
Latricia Goldston is a 43-year-old mom of seven who is returning to school to achieve a brighter future and show her children that “they can have anything they want in life. They are my inspiration to finish (my education) and use my knowledge to achieve better.”
Latricia, who obtained a GED in 2010, is studying business technology at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College in Minden and plans to work in a field using her skills to help others. “I’m a people person and I love to connect with people and let them know I’m here, to discuss, help and provide what’s necessary to help them. This helps build loyalty and a relationship with the customer,” said Latricia, a friendly and upbeat student who feels blessed by her family, which includes 10 grandchildren, and by her good health and energy.
What she admires most about The 431 Exchange is that it helps people who need support. “It shows that people like you are out there and care and are willing to help without something in return.”
Mallory Wheat
Helping Students Become the Best Version of Themselves
Mallory Wheat is working toward a degree in health and physical education as a means of helping others “to become the best version of themselves.” She explained that movement, confidence, teamwork and health play a role in children’s physical and emotional growth.
“My plan is to become a physical education teacher who has a lasting impact. I want to help students discover their strength and grow into healthy, happy individuals.”
A personable and outgoing student, Mallory graduated from Central High School in Baton Rouge in 2022 and received an associate’s degree in general science from Bishop State Community College. She is now studying at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and has a 4.0 GPA while also working as a waitress to help support herself. She sees her future role as a coach as a way of helping others succeed, and she said this mission “gives my life purpose and fuels my passion to keep growing too.”
Mallory is inspired by The 431 Exchange’s commitment to helping adults attain the education necessary to succeed. “Supporting people who face challenges to learn and grow is really important and it makes me appreciate how powerful education can be at any age.”