Ashanti McCall Life & Legacy Scholarship

My mother’s incarceration has profoundly shaped my life, creating an emotional void that I struggled to fill. After giving birth to my youngest brother, she faced severe postpartum depression, which went untreated. She insisted that she was fine, masking her struggles with a facade of normalcy. Her denial not only affected her mental state but also impacted her ability to care for us. This mental turmoil caused her to be in and out of jail most of my life. After being taken away from her at a young age, I was left without the maternal guidance that many girls take for granted. This absence meant navigating the complexities of growing up without learning essential aspects of womanhood, such as self-care, understanding my body, and building healthy relationships. Instead of having a mother to turn to during pivotal moments, I felt isolated, grappling with confusion and self-doubt. My father, while loving and supportive, simply couldn’t provide the insights that only a mother could. This experience significantly impacted my self-esteem and understanding of what it means to be a woman. To avoid the same circumstances that led to my mother’s struggles, I have developed a proactive plan focused on education, self-awareness, and mental health advocacy. I recognize the importance of addressing mental health issues early, so I prioritize my emotional well-being through therapy and self-reflection. Seeking knowledge about mental health helps me understand the signs and symptoms that I, or others, may experience. I also surround myself with positive role models like strong women who can provide guidance and support as I navigate my path. Breaking the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding mental health, especially in the black community, is essential to me. By advocating for awareness and resources, I aim to create a supportive environment for others who may face similar challenges. I want to ensure that future generations are equipped with tools to seek help and understand their mental health, fostering a culture of openness and support. To cope with the emotional weight of my mother’s incarceration, I have adopted several self-care measures that help me manage my feelings and promote resilience. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, allow me to process my thoughts and emotions. Writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for my feelings of loss and confusion, helping me articulate my experiences. Additionally, while my single dad is not as maternal, he still provides me with the tools I need to succeed. He has been there since my mom went back to jail when I started college. He was even there when she got out and wanted to see me. Ultimately, my mother’s incarceration has shaped my journey, but it has also fueled my determination to create a different narrative for myself. Through education, advocacy, and self-care, I am committed to breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering resilience. I strive to cultivate a life defined by empowerment, transforming my experiences into a source of strength for myself and others. By addressing mental health openly and seeking support, I hope to create a brighter future.