Abbey's Bakery Scholarship

Mental health affects every single one of us, yet it is still one of the most misunderstood and overlooked aspects of human well-being. As someone who has witnessed how deeply mental health challenges can impact students, families, and entire communities, I’ve developed a deep commitment to being part of the solution. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist who not only provides care but also builds more supportive environments where mental wellness is a priority, not an afterthought. During my high school years, I learned that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, misunderstood, or stigmatized. I saw classmates struggle in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, stress, or depression. I also saw the courage it takes to reach out for help in a world that doesn't always understand. These experiences have fueled my desire to not only study mental health but to be an advocate for change and awareness. When I begin college, I plan to take an active role in raising awareness for mental health on campus. One of the first things I will do is seek out or join a student-led mental health organization. If one does not exist, I hope to help start one. Creating safe spaces where students can talk openly about their struggles, share resources, and support each other is a key part of breaking the silence that surrounds mental health. Peer-led discussions, workshops, and wellness events can go a long way in making students feel seen and heard. I also want to collaborate with campus counseling services to improve access and visibility. Many students are unaware of the resources available to them, or they may feel uncomfortable using them. I want to help bridge that gap by promoting counseling services through events, awareness weeks, and social media campaigns. Sometimes, just knowing that you are not alone and that help is available can make all the difference. In addition to peer support, I want to use my education to advocate for mental health policy changes on campus. Whether it is pushing for mental health days, increased counselor staffing, or improved training for professors on recognizing signs of distress, I believe students deserve an environment that supports both academic success and emotional well-being. Ultimately, I believe that mental health awareness begins with empathy and grows through action. My goal in college is not just to learn about psychology in the classroom but to live it through service, advocacy, and connection. By speaking up, supporting others, and staying involved, I hope to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a light for those still finding their way through the dark.

Hello, My name is Jacoby Martinez, and I am a senior at Copperas Cove High School, located in Copperas Cove, Texas, approximately two hours from Dallas. I intend to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, but I am also considering other options, such as Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin. My primary goal is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which will serve as a foundation for my future career in nursing school. I am determined to enter the healthcare field and make a difference in the lives of others through compassionate and dedicated patient care. Nursing is a passion of mine. I have always been drawn to helping and caring for others. It brings me immense satisfaction to make a positive impact and contribute to society. Throughout my high school years, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health, not only for my well-being but also for the people around me. One of the most important lessons I have learned about mental health comes from watching my mother struggle with depression. Seeing her battle through difficult times has taught me how vital it is to be patient, empathetic, and supportive of those fighting silent battles. I’ve seen how even a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day when they are dealing with emotional struggles. Being by my mother’s side during her hardest moments made me realize that nurses don’t just treat physical illnesses; they also play a big role in emotional healing. This experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming a nurse who cares for patients in every way, not just physically, but emotionally as well. I want to be a nurse who listens, understands, and advocates for mental health awareness in healthcare settings. Many patients feel scared or anxious when dealing with health issues, and I want to be the person who helps them feel seen, heard, and cared for. In addition, my grandfather’s heart transplant had a huge influence on my career choice. I spent countless hours with him in the ICU, watching the nurses care for him with such compassion and professionalism. They didn’t just treat his medical needs; they supported our family, explained procedures, and offered comfort when we needed it the most. Being in that environment showed me the true heart of nursing and inspired me to follow this path. I want to provide that same level of care to my future patients and their families. With these personal experiences, I have developed a strong sense of empathy, patience, and a desire to advocate for both physical and mental health in my nursing career. I am excited to continue my education and take the next steps toward becoming a nurse who truly makes a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small the moment may be.

What have you learned about mental health during your high-school years and how will you apply it in the yearstocome? When I turned 15, everything changed. I faced going back to in-person school for the first time in a year and a half since Covid restrictions had been lifted, and I was overwhelmed with nervousness and self-doubt. The isolation and time away from a normal school environment had plunged me into a spiral of insecurity and fear of the year to come. Fortunately, I found a wonderful therapist who helped me sort through my thoughts. But more importantly, she helped me feel like my emotions were valid and that I wasn’t crazy for feeling the way I did. I was also fortunate to have supportive friends and parents who listened to me when I needed to vent. I was lucky because I had access to resources that allowed me to feel heard and work through my issues. My name is Grace Newman, and I’m a freshman at UW-La Crosse studying Psychology and Spanish. I grew up in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. My passion for mental health started early; in seventh grade, a friend and I organized a Mental Wellness Month at our middle school. Our main goal was to reduce the stigma around mental health by encouraging open conversations and active listening in school and among friends. In high school, I took AP Psychology and Child Development Psychology, deepening my understanding of mental health. Both of these classes gave me a broader understanding of the human mind and mental health. These classes helped me connect academic material to my own personal experiences and realize how fortunate I am to have supportive people in my life, unlike many who lack such support. I’ve also experienced a darker side of mental health issues. In 2020, my cousin Alex, who had schizophrenia and drug issues, took the lives of my aunt, cousin, and himself. This tragedy shocked my family and I observed the unfortunate reality of untreated mental illness, and the impact it can have when people struggle with medication, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Currently, my brother, who has ADHD and OCD, is also battling drug abuse and treatment acceptance. Mental illness is deeply personal to me due to these experiences. In college and beyond, I aspire to be the listener that I once needed. Dr. Ralph G. Nichols, known as the ‘father of listening,’ once said, “The most basic of all human needs is to understand and to be understood.” These words inspire me deeply. My goal is to create a space where people feel truly heard and valued. While listening alone can't cure serious mental illnesses, it's essential for individuals like my cousin Alex to have their conditions recognized so they can begin the journey toward help. I am also driven to learn more about why mental illness occurs, and be a part of solutions for people who are struggling. For my career, I am considering psychiatry or neuroscience so I can have a deeper understanding and make an impact. I also want to pursue a career in psychology because there is not nearly enough mental health support for young people and teens. My brother has struggled to find the right person to talk to, hitting many dead-ends along the way. I want to be a part of the solution of making sure anyone with a mental health concern can access resources to be heard and helped. By providing listening, empathy, and support, I hope to make a positive impact on others' lives, just as these values have impacted mine.