Mississippi First Scholarship

I was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and I take great pride in calling this place home. The Gulf Coast has taught me about strength, independence, and the value of community. Growing up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, I saw both the struggles and the determination that make this area unique. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I can give back and make a real difference -- through education. Graduating from Pascagoula High School, I chose to further my education at Alabama State University, where I plan to major in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology. I chose Alabama State because it is a Historically Black University that I believe will support both my professional and personal growth. I'm excited to be in an environment where I can continue learning about myself while preparing for a career I am passionate about. During high school, I had the opportunity to intern at Arlington Elementary School as a teacher assistant in a first-grade classroom. I worked there for five hours each school day, gaining hands-on experience supporting students and helping the teacher with daily lessons. That internship confirmed my passion for teaching and learning. In addition to my internship, I also completed over 100 volunteer hours at Central Elementary School and Eastlawn Elementary, both in Pascagoula. Whether it was helping a student sound out words or giving encouragement during a rough day, I saw the power of small actions in shaping a child's confidence and success. After graduating from Alabama State University, I plan to return to Mississippi Gulf Coast and teach in a public elementary school. I want to work in a community like the one I grew up in. Where students may face challenges but have big dreams. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students believe in themselves, who creates a classroom that feels like a second home, who never gives up on them and to help them beyond just learning academics. Eventually, I may explore becoming a school counselor or taking on a leadership role in education. But no matter what, my focus will always be helping children succeed and supporting schools in my home state. I believe in education is one of the strongest tools for change, and I want to use it to build a stronger future for Mississippi. Receiving this scholarship would help me move forward without worrying about the financial stress of college. It would allow me to stay focused on my goals and return home with the tools I need to make a real impact. I'm proud of where I come from, and I'm committed to making a difference right here on the Gulf Coast.

My name is Gabrielle Drews, and ever since my sophomore year, I have noticed a need in my community that needs addressing: mental health access. After my best friend attempted suicide, I saw her go through hospitalization and therapy, but she still felt unsupported by her community. Since then, I have also watched others my age, both in my community and others on the Gulf Coast, attempt and commit suicide at unprecedented numbers. In my personal experiences with seeking therapy, I found it difficult to find clinical psychologists and other types of therapists who were close by, and some of them had critical reviews questioning their expertise. Despite this, I still see hope in the future of mental health in Mississippi. I went to Ocean Springs High School and began advocating for suicide prevention by joining the recently established Hope Squad that has been implemented along the Gulf Coast, as well as the Mississippi chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). With these groups, I have recruited volunteers for the Out of Darkness Walk in Biloxi and spread awareness about suicide to my peers and how to support positivity and growth. My best friend started seeing a therapist brought in by the school, so mental health access has improved significantly. I believe that through my education, I can keep making a difference on the Gulf Coast and across Mississippi. I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and Creative Writing with the intent to become a Clinical Psychologist. I would like to either start a practice on the Gulf Coast or work in a clinic to provide my services to adolescents in need of therapy. After seeing the success of the Out of Darkness Walk in Biloxi, I intend to implement one on Mississippi State's campus, and have already joined the AFSP Committee for Out of Darkness Walks on the Gulf Coast. In particular, I will be leading the tent that distributes Hope Beads, colored beads that each represent someone lost to suicide or the person's own attempt/struggle. I feel that these beads not only connect Mississippi's Mardi-Gras culture with suicide prevention, but also allow those who attend to connect with others who share struggles, and create conversations that break the stigma around discussing mental health struggles. Another way I intend to make an impact in Mississippi is by promoting the arts, particularly the performing arts such as theatre and choir. When stress took a toll on my own mental health when I started high school, I turned towards the performing arts as a healthy way to cope, and I believe that other adolescents can do the same, and continue building the arts on the Gulf Coast, which already has a strong connection to the arts. Together with the strong community on the Gulf Coast, I believe I can make a positive impact on the youth so that they can live, grow, and change Mississippi for the better.