Mattie's Way Memorial Scholarship

Sometimes the people who seem the strongest are the ones carrying the most weight in silence. Learning about Mattie’s story really stayed with me, because it reflects something I’ve seen in my own generation, how easy it is to smile on the outside while struggling on the inside. It is also why I feel so strongly about pursuing psychology. I do not just want to understand people, I want to help them feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that might truly change or even save a life. My name is Savannah Anderson, and I am currently a senior at Northview High School in Georgia. Throughout high school, I have worked hard academically, maintaining honor roll every semester while completing both healthcare and language pathways . But what matters most to me is not just what I have achieved in the classroom, but how I have been able to connect with and support others along the way. A big part of who I am comes from my leadership and service experiences. As President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I have opportunities to create a space where students feel encouraged and accepted. I have also served as a co leader in our school’s Big Little mentoring program, where I help freshmen adjust to high school life. In that role, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming transitions can be, and how much of a difference it makes when someone simply listens without judgment. Sometimes those conversations go deeper than academics. Sometimes they are about anxiety, pressure, or feeling like you are not enough. Those moments are what truly drew me toward psychology. I have also explored my passion for helping others through hands on experiences. During a medical mission trip to Panama, I worked in rural clinics serving hundreds of patients . While the focus was physical health, I could not help but notice how closely mental and emotional well being are connected. A kind word, a patient smile, or simply taking the time to listen often made just as much of an impact as any treatment we provided. What draws me to psychology is the opportunity to understand the deeper reasons behind what people feel and experience, and to use that understanding to make a real difference. Mental health is still something many people struggle to talk about openly. There is often fear, stigma, or the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I see it differently. I see strength in vulnerability, and I want to be part of a generation that changes that conversation. In college, I plan to major in psychology and continue building the knowledge and skills needed to support others. My long term goal is to work in a field where I can directly help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, whether through counseling, clinical work, or integrating mental health support into healthcare settings. I want to be someone who creates a safe space for people to open up, especially for those who feel like they have to keep everything inside. Mattie’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also a powerful reminder of why this work matters so much. No one should feel like they have to fight their battles alone. If I can be even one person who helps someone feel understood, supported, and hopeful, then I know I am on the right path. At the end of the day, my passion for psychology comes down to this, I care deeply about people, and I want to spend my life helping them heal, grow, and realize they are not alone.

It is okay not to be okay. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, which I am now on medication for, I know how it feels not to want to seek help. When I first started to experience signs of depression, I was in ninth grade. I thought of it as nothing more than just having a hard time adjusting to high school, especially after coming back from COVID. I started feeling alone despite having friends around me. I would get angry or irritated, and have periods of deep drag where I wouldn't want to do anything, and living seemed to be a heavy burden. Even through all this, I thought nothing of it. There were people in the world who had bigger issues than I did. I lived a good life with friends around me and a great support system from my parents and siblings, so why should I feel the way I do? I ignored how I felt, how sometimes I would harm myself or collapse into tears for no reason. I ignored the war in my head because I had no valid reason to bring light to it. I felt, if I told someone, they would call me "dramatic." So, I kept quiet. I kept smiling, and as I went through my freshman and sophomore year, I managed to keep it together. Then I moved, and I fell apart. I could feel myself starting to crack, but I believed my long-standing glue would hold me together. Finally, one night after a softball game, I collapsed on my knees and told my dad that I wanted to take my own life as I sobbed in his arms. Everything inside me felt like it was breaking. Then, at that moment, I could admit to myself that I needed help. And that it was okay. Worldwide, over 70% of young people and adults with mental illness do not seek help. Reasons may be because they don't feel safe or validated or even for a reason similar to mine. It is also true to note that teenagers may not feel prompted to get help because of those around them, and the idea that it's weak to get help or mental illnesses aren't real are commonly normalized. Psychology is so important to me for these reasons that persist, and why it's my passion to bring light to those who are suffering. No one should deal with these things alone or feel they cannot seek help when needed. Three of my family members have tried to take their own life, and every time I think of them, my passion for what I want to do grows stronger. I want to do this for them, for me, for Mattie, and for every child who feels that taking their life is the only escape. I plan to develop my studies in clinical psychology and focus on teenage mental health. As this world evolves with technology, human connection, and interaction are as important as ever. Teenagers are the future, and the mental health crisis is not something that is ever going to disappear. This is why I think the Mattie's Way Memorial Scholarship is so inspiring. To keep spreading awareness of mental health issues in teens and encouraging passion in the subject. And I hope, through my career, to do the same. To encourage everyone, whether interested in the field or not, to reach out to someone. A simple call, text, or presence can save someone's life. There's nothing quite so beautiful in the vastness of human kindness.

As an eighth grader, I wanted to take my own life. This statement holds such unbearable weight as I look back on my young teenage years. Like many other teenagers, I am no stranger to the stigma around mental illness in our society. Even after overcoming my suicidal thoughts, I struggled with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm for several years, and I was terrified of admitting that I needed help. I grieve for our society, that we poison our children with toxic individualism. This rugged refusal to seek help devastates so many families, including my own. Still struggling with my own mental health at the age of sixteen, I talked one of my closest friends out of committing suicide. He was the same age that Mattie Wilmoth was when he died. I am so grateful that my friend is still alive and thriving today, and this experience made me realize how grateful I am that I did not decide to take my own life at the tender age of thirteen. Both of us have a second chance at living – but, as Mattie’s story shows, not everyone is so blessed. After helping my friend out of the same situation I once experienced, I realized that so many others suffer in silence. Roughly one in five teenagers struggle with clinical depression, and nearly a third struggle with anxiety. Even with these crippling statistics, our society still harbors the stigma that people with mental health issues are somehow unusual, pathetic, or asking for attention. So often, teenagers feel like there is no hope for their lives, even though we’ve barely experienced a sliver of truly living. Adolescence brings many difficulties, but it also nurtures the joy of meeting one’s first real friends, of discovering budding gifts and talents, of making one’s first life decisions, and of enjoying one’s last few years of childhood. I hope that through a career in psychology, I can help teenagers discover this joy and realize that there truly is hope for their lives. I’ve always been passionate about psychology, but my own mental health struggles and my motivation to help others intensify this passion. I’ve also discovered a passion for Music Therapy. I am double-majoring in Psychology and Music Therapy in the fall, eventually opening a private therapy practice and earning my Board Certification in Music Therapy. I hope to specialize in teenagers so that I can bring more awareness to their mental health and help break down the stigma surrounding it. Through my work, I hope to create a welcoming and non-judgemental platform for teenagers to feel safe and supported in asking for help. I’ve seen the tragic effects suicide and mental illnesses have on my family and the families of my close friends. However, I am amazed by how Mattie’s family has carried on his legacy, creating beautiful opportunities and championing mental health advocacy with the Mattie’s Way Memorial Scholarship. While their wounds and the wounds caused by mental health issues around our world will never fully heal, the beauty and real change that they’ve created from the worst of circumstances inspires me to do the same. I hope to help teenagers create beauty from their suffering, learn to embrace their emotional scars, and find joy in their adolescence, all while raising awareness for mental health issues through my career. I am honored simply to apply for this scholarship and to know about Mattie’s story, and if I receive the scholarship, I hope to use it to achieve the most possible good for other teenagers like him.

As someone who has personally struggled with anxiety and depression, I am deeply passionate about psychology and the impact it can have on mental health. I have seen firsthand the stigma surrounding mental illness and the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. That's why I am applying for the Mattie Wilmoth Memorial Scholarship, to not only honor Mattie's legacy but also to raise awareness about mental health issues and support those who are struggling. Growing up, I often felt like I had to hide my struggles with anxiety and depression from others. It wasn't until I took a psychology class in high school that I realized the importance of seeking help and the role that therapy and medication can play in managing mental health. From that point on, I became fascinated with the field of psychology and the ways in which it can improve people's lives As someone who is passionate about psychology, I believe that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. I have always been interested in learning about the human mind, emotions, and behaviors. My fascination with psychology began in high school when I took a psychology class, and it has only grown since then. One of the things that drew me to psychology is its broad scope, which covers topics such as clinical psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, to name a few. Each subfield offers a unique perspective on the human experience, and I find it fascinating to explore the connections between them. As a student pursuing a degree in psychology, I hope to use my education to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have always been interested in working with people and providing them with support, and I believe that studying psychology will allow me to do so in a meaningful way. In particular, I am interested in pursuing a career in counseling to help individuals struggling with mental health issues. Unfortunately, mental health issues are often stigmatized in our society, which can prevent people from seeking the help they need. I believe that this scholarship can play a crucial role in raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. By encouraging students to pursue a degree in psychology and counseling, we can ensure that more people have access to the help they need. In addition to my academic interests, I am also passionate about mental health advocacy. I have participated in several events and organizations that raise awareness about mental health issues, and I believe that it is crucial to have open and honest conversations about mental health. By speaking out and sharing our experiences, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a more supportive and understanding community. In conclusion, I am honored to apply for the Mattie Wilmoth Memorial Scholarship. As someone who is passionate about psychology and mental health advocacy, I believe that this scholarship can make a significant impact in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. If awarded this scholarship, I will use it to continue pursuing my education and advocating for mental health awareness.