“I accept the responsibility, your honor,” I proclaimed with tears running down my face in front of the court. On February 17th, 2023, I became appointed as my mother’s legal guardian at the age of 25. Before I was born, my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder that impacts the central nervous system. I knew as a child that I would eventually have to help take care of my mother, but I never imagined it would occur when I was in my early twenties, trying to figure out my own life.
I was introduced to the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression early on in high school. I was devastated when I found out my stepdad had committed suicide when I was a sophomore.
I felt overwhelmed with my emotions and sought help from my school’s guidance counselor. They knew the emotional and financial toll my stepdad's passing meant to my mom and me. They provided resources, and for once, I felt like a typical high schooler. I wanted to advocate for others who experienced mental health conditions and decided to pursue a degree in psychology with a concentration in child development.
The COVID-19 pandemic started to impact my mom’s mental health. She was admitted into a psychiatric hospital due to having visual and auditory hallucinations along with memory distortions. She was there for nine months; however, her symptoms did not get better. The final diagnosis was early-onset vascular dementia and Lewy Body dementia at the age of 60. Being an only child, I was the one given the responsibility to become my mother’s guardian.
I had to make the hard decision of placing her in assisted living. This did not stop me from managing her affairs. I would transport her to adult day care and then to her numerous specialty doctors, including physical, occupational, speech, counseling, psychiatry, and neurology. This was all while working in special education and attending graduate school. Heartbreakingly, my mother passed away in December of 2023. I dedicate all the hard work and energy I once gave my mom to my career and education to honor my mother.
I have now experienced what it is like to lose two parents unexpectedly in two different situations. My goal is to show others that you can persevere despite hardships. I am active in the community of mental health awareness. I regularly donate to charities and participate in walks, including The MS Walk, NAMI Walks, Out of the Darkness (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I am involved in two non-profit support groups for young adults whose parents have early-onset dementia. I am an ambassador, facilitator, and member of the planning committee for Lorenzo’s House, which is an online support group. I am also a facilitator and program director for YES! (Young-onset dementia Education and Support), which is a local support group based in Maryland.
After being a caregiver for my mom, I learned what it is like to experience anticipatory grief along with the life I wish I had. Mental health needs to be addressed publicly to bring awareness to others. Resources need to be more readily available to help those who may be in crisis. I support pro bono counseling opportunities because people should not have to worry about money to get the help they deserve. I hope to one day start a nonprofit that supports young caregivers and their mental well-being. Ultimately, I will remind others that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Growing up in Southwest Baltimore, I witnessed the challenges of living in a low-income community. My peers faced barriers to education and opportunity, which made me realize the importance of capitalizing on any given opportunity.
I recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.8 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Systems. As a first-generation student, this achievement was more than just a degree; it was a step toward my future, and that of others like me. I hope to serve as a role model and inspiration for others to pursue higher education.
This fall, I will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park, to pursue a Master’s of Science in Data Science. I plan to specialize in healthcare data, enabling me to help identify and address critical issues within our healthcare system. I aim to utilize data to enhance outcomes for underserved communities and contribute to a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.
In addition to my academic goals, I’m also passionate about giving back to the community. I currently volunteer with a nonprofit organization called Thread, which connects volunteers with Baltimore City public school students who were at risk of dropping out. Thread regularly hosts events, maintains contact with all volunteers and young people, and provides resources and workshops to young people in need. As the head of a family volunteer, I mentor two young men and maintain regular contact, providing guidance, helping them navigate obstacles, and attending events together, either hosted by Thread or planned by me. Whether it’s offering guidance or simply showing up when it matters, I aim to be a consistent source of support in their lives.
I consider it a privilege to have made it this far, but I recognize that others do not have the same opportunities and resources that I have had. That’s why I believe that if we are in a position to give back, regardless of how small the gesture, it is our responsibility to do so. We don’t need wealth to make a meaningful impact. Listening, helping, and being there can make all the difference.
I know I can’t change the world overnight, but if I can help make someone’s day or life a little better, then I’m fulfilling my purpose. That’s my mindset with everybody I encounter. My plan to make a positive impact on the world is to improve the lives of anyone I encounter through volunteering, providing financial support, fostering meaningful connections, offering mentorship, and helping others reach their full potential. I believe the two greatest goals in life are to reach my highest potential and to help others achieve theirs. Although we may not live forever, we leave behind a lasting legacy when we uplift others, creating a chain reaction of kindness, empowerment, and inspiration that lasts for generations.
The ADP Scholarship would ease the financial burden of graduate school, enabling me to dedicate more time to my studies and community service. I am grateful to the Pruitt Family for supporting low-income graduate students. I’m inspired and hope to offer scholarships to students one day, paying it forward. Thank you for considering my application and investing in students like me.
