Mental Health Importance Scholarship

“Happy birthday Ian!” I sang to my cousin. “Thanks G. If your singing was bad, you know I’d have to tell you”, he laughed. We spent the rest of the evening discussing birthday plans and, of course, music. My cousin and I shared a bond over our deep love for music, as Ian was an artist, who was always willing to help me evolve musically. Most people, however, knew him for his radiant, energetic personality and fascinating ability to capture any room’s attention with his impressive dance moves. Before the call ended, Ian gave me words of advice and shared how proud he was of me, leaving a smile on my face. The following morning, I was informed my cousin committed suicide late that night. Navigating the loss of my cousin Ian taught me a profound lesson about mental health’s importance and the quiet struggles many people face. I remember our last conversation, filled with laughter and plans for his birthday. Ian’s vibrant personality and ability to light up any room was a gift, and the shock of his passing weighed heavily on my heart. In the wake of his loss, I found myself grieving deeply, trying to process the overwhelming emotions while maintaining my focus on academics and life. Singing “Heaven” by Beyoncé at his celebration of life became a turning point for me. It was a way to honor Ian, connect with his spirit, and remind myself of his ever-present influence in my life. Mental wellness is not just about getting through difficult days; it’s about having the tools to build resilience, seek support, and find balance in the face of life’s challenges. Losing Ian taught me that mental health deserves attention just as much as physical health does, if not more so. I’ve learned that grief, anxiety, and sadness aren’t always visible to others, and even those who appear happy can carry deep pain. This has made me deeply committed to promoting mental health awareness and supporting those who struggle in silence. To honor Ian’s legacy, I have worked with Euphoric.777, a clothing brand that champions mental health causes, to amplify the message that “Are You Really Happy?” is more than a slogan—it’s a prompt to look beyond the surface and offer support. Wearing and promoting this brand has sparked conversations in my community, as people share their own struggles, making me realize the power of compassionate dialogue and the need for continued advocacy. At USC, I carry Ian’s memory and the lessons he left me, staying connected to his spirit through shared memories and the support of those who knew him. Through this experience, I’ve become resilient, learning to appreciate every moment and lean on my support systems when needed. To maintain my mental wellness I recognize I have to look after mental health and well-being. I talk to my dad, mom and sister regularly about my day and how I’m feeling and from time to time a therapist. Additionally, I also work out to care for my physical health and pray daily to nurture my spiritual well-being. Moving forward, I am dedicated to using my voice to reduce stigma, foster awareness, and remind others that no one should face their mental health journey alone. I know he’s watching over me with his contagious smile, while breaking out into a few dance moves, of course.