Reginald "Reggie" Jackson Jr. Scholarship

Health and wellness have played a major role in shaping both my personal life and my future career goals. As someone who has been involved in sports and has recovered from Sports injuries, I've come to understand that Health isn't just about physical strength – it is about balance, care, and perseverance. Please guide me as I prepare for my studies in Sports Health at the University of Delaware, where I plan to become an athletic trainer dedicated to helping others live healthier and more confident lives. My interest in health and wellness began through sports, but it deepened after I experienced my physical setbacks. Dealing with injuries while still wanting to stay active was tough, and it changed my perspective as well as challenged me both totally and emotionally. However, it also emphasized the importance of proper recovery. The values of supportive care, and how deeply connected our physical health is to our overall well-being. I started asking questions– not just about how to heal faster but how to prevent injuries, stay mentally strong, and take care of the body. This curiosity soon turned into a passion. As I learned more, I became inspired to share this with others. While I volunteered at an elementary school, I saw a student become so enamored by Athletics and just learning. I saw how powerful it is to support young people in their Journeys in all ways, especially health. Whether it was helping them with physical education activities or encouraging them to stay active and believe in themselves. I realize that this could have a real impact. I stayed involved with the kids and culture camp, where I served as a counselor-in-training and continued mentoring young children through fun educational activities that are based on wellness. Health and wellness have shaped my belief that everybody deserves care, support, and knowledge about their bodies. It happens too often that communities, especially black and brown communities, don't have the resources or education needed to take control of their health. I want to be a part of the solution. I believe that meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and being someone they can trust during their recovery and growth is important. That's why I want to become an athletic trainer– not just to help athletes, but to build a healthier and stronger community. After college, I plan to work with professionals, schools, youth programs, and communities where I can bring my skills to those who need them most. I want to promote injury prevention, offer wellness shops, and eventually build an Empire where physical training and mental health support are combined to help our younger generations. I'm also passionate about representing black women in the health and fitness field. People need to see themselves in their care providers, and I want to be that person who shows up with empathy, scale, and dedication, just like Reggie Jackson Jr. did. Reggie’s story reminds me of the kind of professional and human being I strive to be: someone who uses their gifts to uplift others, who makes people feel seen and supported, and who treats every person like family. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would help carry Reggie’s legacy forward through the lives I hope to impact in the years to come.

One Friday afternoon, I dragged myself up the hill to my house. I thought about the rest of my day, the same routine as always: do homework, practice French horn, go to swim practice, take a shower, study for tests, and sleep. My daily routine had once seemed ideal: I simply powered through my activities with sheer discipline and persistence. I used all my inward strength to become this perfect, versatile person who was never burdened by his busy schedule. However, the more I committed myself to this routine, the more I felt disconnected from myself: I was on autopilot and my inner core was lost somewhere. Then it struck me: did my inward strength really make me strong? Later that evening, I was yawning over my math textbook when my mom entered. “Ebeshaye, you need to get some rest. You need a break, so we’ll have a yoga flow class tomorrow.” I assumed the class would be like my activities: the goal would be to simply learn and practice the poses. Yet, the class proved to be much more fruitful. As I meditated, I became more aware of my breath, and the silence that enveloped me opened my mind. In one moment, I was kayaking in the Grand Canyon, sunlight splashing on my face. In another, I was climbing the Eiffel Tower, captivated by the panoramic view of Paris. This feels like paradise… I’ve never felt so relaxed: I love this. The following week, I read a newsletter entitled What are Students saying about their mental health? I wasn’t surprised to find that many students reported mental issues related to demanding coursework and personal commitments. Realizing that I wasn’t alone, I began to think. If I feel glued to this endless cycle of hard work, maybe other people feel something similar. But, maybe I can address this issue… maybe by creating a club for it? Yes, I can try… I’ll try that. Little did I know, though, that my endeavor would pave the road to discovering a new, more promising type of strength. I co-founded the Mental Illness Matters Club dedicated to fostering community among people struggling with mental health issues. During our first meeting, we shared our coping methods. Although hesitant, I started the discussion by sharing with everyone how yoga helped alleviate my long-term stress with school and work. When I finished, I became engrossed in the stories that unfolded. “I’ve struggled with anxiety, so I love to do oil paintings of my cat in my garden,” offered one girl. “As a bipolar person, a nice Chopin Nocturne goes well with Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer,” remarked another girl. Wow, these stories are so relatable. I can just feel this sense of empathy and belonging; I really have to continue expanding this club. In subsequent meetings, I hosted personal journal sessions and ‘letters to psychiatric teens' workshops. We became immersed in our writings, crafting compassionate creative letters: we were dedicated to spreading love and joy throughout our community. Today, I’ve found a profound sense of vitality rooted in my openness and leadership. My enthusiasm has inspired me to continue bringing change to my community by becoming a certified yoga instructor. I’ve cultivated an outward, more fulfilling kind of strength based on emotional resilience, courage, and thoughtfulness. While my diligence undeniably contributed to my success, my newfound mental fortitude has provided a sense of meaning and purpose to my life. It has led me to my new role as a student leader and a mental health advocate who will continue to mature and serve others in college and beyond.