Haywood Reed Jr. Well Being Scholarship

One healthy habit I’m going to adopt in school to manage my mental and emotional health is setting clear boundaries. Coming from New Orleans, where life moves fast and everyone’s always got something going on, I’m used to juggling a lot at once. But I’ve learned that I need to protect my own space and not let the hustle take over. Whether it’s saying no to extra commitments or carving out time just for myself, I’m going to make sure I have room to breathe. In college, it’s easy to get wrapped up in everything—there’s always something happening—but I’ve realized that if I don’t prioritize my own mental health, I’ll end up burned out. Boundaries will help me stay focused on what matters and give me the time I need to recharge, so I can show up as my best self. When it comes to creating a safe space for my friends and other students to manage their mental and emotional health, I think it’s all about bringing that sense of community I grew up with in New Orleans. Down here, we look out for each other, and I want to carry that same energy into my relationships at school. I’ve been through my own ups and downs with mental health, so I know how important it is to have someone who listens without judgment. I plan to be that person for my friends—a safe space where they can vent, cry, or just talk about what’s on their mind without feeling like they’re being judged or brushed off. One thing I’ve learned is that people don’t always need you to fix their problems; they just need to feel heard. So I want to be intentional about checking in on the people around me and making sure they know they don’t have to carry their burdens alone. Whether it’s encouraging someone to take a break when they’re overwhelmed or just being there when they need to talk, I want to create an environment where it’s okay to not be okay. I’ll remind my friends that taking care of their mental health isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. College is stressful, life is stressful, but that doesn’t mean we have to go through it alone. By being there for each other and fostering open, honest conversations about mental health, I hope to create a space where my friends and classmates feel supported.