Mental illness has been present in my life since I was a child, shaping my experiences. struggles, and aspirations. Having battled depression and anxiety for six years, I have come to appreciate fully the importance of support, compassion, and activism. My stay in residential treatment during my sophomore year of high school transformed my world and allowed me not only to heal but also to help others. Something I have done to battle the stigma surrounding mental health is to be a safe space for those who need it. Because I know the feeling of being alone through my struggles, I make it a point to stay in contact with friends and classmates and offer them a judgment-free space where they can talk about their feelings. Mostly, people like teenagers do not like calling for assistance due to stigma, but I've found that by listening and acknowledging the way one feels, alters the mindset surrounding mental illness. Additionally, I have continually provided my personal experience when needed, ensuring mental health conversations are not something abnormal. In addition to direct conversations, I have actively taken part in spreading awareness. Whether I'm promoting self-care habits or pushing individuals to seek assistance when they need it, I put mental health on the agenda. I've spoken about the mental burnout of balancing academics, sports, and life problems as a student-athlete and deconstructed the toxic culture of "pushing through" that ignores wellness. Personal experiences with unhelpful coaches helped further reinforce the value of better mental health awareness in sports, and I have worked to be a change advocate on this issue. In the future, I plan to expand on better mental health through a career as a psychologist. My goal will be to help teenagers who have had similar experiences by giving them the support and guidance that they deserve. As either a therapist or an activist for mental health, I hope to be part of the forces that put a priority on early intervention and emotional well-being. I strive to be part of systemic changes in how mental health is addressed in schools, sports, and everyday life. Through assisting with research, policy change, and community activities, I wish to help create a world in which mental health receives the same level of importance as physical health. Improving mental health starts with empathy, education, and action. With my past accomplishments and future initiatives, I am committed to creating a lasting difference in the well-being of others.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed and experienced the challenges that bullying and mental health struggles can impose on young people. These experiences have shaped my passion for advocating for progress and social change regarding these critical issues in K-12 education. My journey has been personal and deeply rooted in my desire to empower others facing similar obstacles. During high school, I faced my battles with depression and anxiety, struggles that were exacerbated by feeling unsupported at times in my athletic and academic endeavors. These challenges forced me to seek treatment and develop resilience, which gave me firsthand insight into the barriers many young people face when trying to access mental health resources. Additionally, I saw how subtle or overt bullying could derail a student’s sense of self-worth and academic performance. These experiences ignited my determination to create a system where young people feel supported and valued. As I look toward my career in psychology, my primary focus is to streamline the process of obtaining appropriate treatment options for children and adolescents dealing with mental health challenges and bullying. The current system can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible for many families, especially those lacking financial resources or an understanding of where to begin. I aim to work directly with schools to implement proactive solutions, such as integrating mental health services within the school environment. By normalizing access to therapists and counselors on campus and creating anti-bullying programs, we can ensure that students receive help before crises escalate. My advocacy efforts thus far have been rooted in personal mentorship and community engagement. I have shared my story openly to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage others to seek help. In my community, I’ve participated in organizing mental health awareness events, where I spoke about the importance of seeking support and standing up against bullying. These experiences have taught me that while awareness is crucial, meaningful change also requires systemic reform. In my future career, I intend to push for policies prioritizing mental health education for teachers and students alike. Educators should be equipped to recognize signs of mental distress and intervene compassionately. I also hope to develop programs that empower students to speak out against bullying and foster peer support networks. By teaching empathy and resilience from a young age, we can cultivate a culture where bullying is no longer tolerated, and mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. My struggles have fueled my determination to break the cycle for future generations. Depression and anxiety have run in my family for years, but I believe in changing that narrative—not just for myself, but for the countless young people who feel trapped in silence. By becoming a psychologist, I will ensure that no child or adolescent feels they have to navigate their challenges alone.

High school is a transformative time for many students, and for student-athletes, the challenges are often amplified by the demands of balancing academics, sports, and personal growth. As a student-athlete who dedicated myself to volleyball, I encountered numerous obstacles that tested my resilience, taught me valuable life lessons, and ultimately shaped the person I am today. Among the most significant challenges were dealing with unsupportive coaches and balancing my commitments, but these experiences also provided me with the strength and perseverance to grow. One of the most difficult challenges I faced was continuing my passion for volleyball under the guidance of coaches who were more focused on criticism than support. Rather than encouraging improvement, their approach often involved ridicule, leaving me questioning my abilities and self-worth. Instead of fostering a positive and motivating environment, these experiences created a mental and emotional hurdle that I had to overcome to remain committed to the sport I loved. It was painful to feel dismissed or belittled, especially when I was giving my all. However, this adversity taught me the importance of self-belief and seeking inner strength even when external validation is absent. I also learned the power of constructive leadership, which I aim to embody in future roles, ensuring others feel supported and uplifted in their pursuits. Balancing academics, personal life, and athletic training added another layer of complexity to my high school experience. The rigorous schedule of early morning practices, long school days, and late-night study sessions often felt overwhelming. Sacrifices were inevitable—I missed social events, family time, and moments of rest. Yet, through this demanding lifestyle, I developed exceptional time management skills and a strong work ethic. I learned how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and maintain a disciplined routine to ensure I could meet both my academic and athletic commitments. These skills have carried over into other areas of my life, preparing me to handle challenges with grace and determination. Being a student-athlete also taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, communication, and resilience. Volleyball is a sport that relies on collective effort, and while I faced challenges with my coaches, my teammates were often a source of strength and camaraderie. Together, we learned to adapt to different situations, overcome setbacks, and celebrate victories as a unit. These experiences highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual respect, which I carry with me in all group settings. Another significant lesson I learned was the importance of perseverance. There were moments when quitting felt like an easier option, especially when faced with negativity from authority figures. However, I refused to let discouragement define my journey. Continuing to play volleyball despite the challenges became a personal victory, proving to myself that I am capable of pushing through adversity and finding joy even in difficult circumstances. In hindsight, my experiences as a high school volleyball player were about more than just competing in a sport—they were about personal growth and self-discovery. I learned how to advocate for myself, manage my time effectively, and persevere through hardship. While the road was not easy, the lessons I gained have prepared me for future challenges, both in academics and in life. These experiences have instilled in me the resilience and determination to face whatever comes my way. High school sports are not just about wins and losses; they are about the journey, the struggles, and the growth that comes with them. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade the lessons I learned for anything. These experiences have made me who I am today—a stronger, more determined, and more compassionate individual ready to take on the world.

Success is often portrayed as reaching the pinnacle of wealth, fame, or power. For me, however, success is far more personal and profound: it is achieving stability and happiness, despite the challenges and struggles I’ve faced. Stability represents the foundation I am striving to build in my life—a foundation where I can stand strong even when life’s storms rage around me. Happiness, on the other hand, is the light I am working to cultivate, no matter how dark the circumstances may feel. Together, these goals symbolize the victory I am redefining for myself. Growing up, my journey has been deeply intertwined with battles against depression and anxiety. Diagnosed at the age of twelve, I vividly remember sitting in the doctor’s office, unsure of how to make sense of the overwhelming emotions that seemed larger than I could handle. These feelings persisted through my adolescence, shaping my worldview and testing my resilience. Yet, it was during these times of struggle that I began to understand what true success meant to me: not the absence of hardship, but the ability to grow and find meaning through it. One of the turning points in my life was attending residential treatment during my sophomore year of high school. While many of my peers were experiencing the typical milestones of adolescence, I was embarking on a path of healing and self-discovery. This experience not only gave me the tools to manage my mental health but also transformed my perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life. It taught me the value of self-reflection, the importance of seeking support, and the strength that comes from embracing vulnerability. It was here that I began to redefine success, not as a destination, but as a journey of finding balance and purpose. To me, stability means creating a life where I am emotionally, mentally, and financially secure. It means breaking the cycle of generational struggles with mental health that have persisted in my family and building a future where I can thrive. Stability is not just about myself; it’s also about being a pillar of support for those around me. I want to create a life where I can contribute to my family and community, offering the same kind of support that has helped me during my darkest moments. Happiness, on the other hand, is a deeply personal goal that involves finding joy in the simple, everyday moments. Whether it’s having long, meaningful conversations with loved ones, taking spontaneous trips to the beach, or pursuing a career that aligns with my passions, happiness is about living authentically and wholeheartedly. It’s about cultivating gratitude for what I have, even as I work toward what I hope to achieve. This scholarship represents an opportunity to bring my vision of success closer to reality. By pursuing higher education, I aim to enter the field of psychology, where I can use my experiences to help other adolescents navigate their own struggles. I know firsthand the importance of having someone who understands and listens, and I want to be that person for others. My goal is to create safe spaces where young people can feel seen, heard, and empowered to overcome their challenges. Financially, this scholarship would alleviate the burden of student loans and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and personal growth. It would represent an investment not only in my future but also in the lives of those I hope to impact. With this support, I can continue working toward stability by gaining the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference in the world. Ultimately, success for me is not about erasing the struggles I’ve faced but about transforming them into stepping stones toward a brighter future. It’s about proving to myself—and others—that we are not defined by our hardships, but by the resilience and hope we cultivate in their aftermath. Through this journey, I am redefining victory as the courage to embrace life fully, the strength to overcome adversity, and the commitment to helping others do the same.

As a freshman in high school, my experience with anxiety was overwhelming. I struggled with crippling social anxiety that dictated every aspect of my life. The thought of walking through crowded hallways, speaking up in class, or interacting with my peers filled me with so much fear that I often stayed home from school just to avoid it. My anxiety wasn’t just discomfort—it was paralyzing. It created a constant battle between wanting to be a part of the world and feeling utterly incapable of doing so. Those days were some of the most challenging in my life. I remember feeling trapped, frustrated by my inability to control my own fears, and hopeless about my future. I avoided social and academic opportunities because they felt like insurmountable obstacles. Anxiety wasn’t just holding me back—it was holding me hostage. But over time, I realized that I didn’t want my anxiety to define me or limit what I could accomplish. With the support of my family, therapy, and a determination to reclaim my life, I began to take small steps toward managing my anxiety. I started by setting small goals, like attending class every day, even if I felt uncomfortable. Over time, those small steps grew into larger leaps. I pushed myself to participate in group projects, join extracurricular activities, and even speak in front of a classroom—things I never thought I’d be able to do. The progress wasn’t immediate, and there were setbacks along the way, but I kept moving forward. Now, looking back, I hardly recognize the person I was as a freshman. While I still experience anxiety at times, it no longer controls me. I’ve developed coping strategies, built confidence, and proven to myself that I am capable of so much more than I thought. This transformation is one of the reasons why pursuing a college degree is so important to me. College represents more than just an education—it’s an opportunity to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone, building the skills I need to succeed, and working toward a future where I can use my experiences to help others. My struggles with anxiety have shaped my passion for psychology and mental health advocacy. I know how isolating anxiety can feel, and I want to dedicate my life to ensuring that others don’t have to face it alone. Earning a degree will allow me to achieve these goals and serve as a tangible reminder of how far I’ve come. It’s proof that anxiety didn’t win and that I can persevere even through the hardest moments. My experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, and determination—qualities I will carry with me into college and beyond. Anxiety has been one of my greatest challenges, but it has also been one of my greatest teachers. It forced me to grow in ways I never imagined and gave me a perspective I wouldn’t trade. Pursuing a college degree is my way of proving to myself, and others, that no matter how impossible things may seem, growth is always possible.

My journey with mental health began at the age of twelve when I was diagnosed with depression. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to carry this weight, but as the years went on, I became familiar with its challenges. Coupled with anxiety, my teenage years were marked by periods of darkness and self-doubt that often felt impossible to overcome. By my sophomore year of high school, I reached a breaking point and entered a residential treatment program. My mental health was at an all-time low. I reached a point where I found myself on the sidewalk at the edge of a busy road, contemplating ending my life. So I made what I thought was the lowest moment of my life became the turning point I needed to rebuild, grow, and reimagine my future. During treatment, I learned to confront the roots of my mental health struggles while acquiring tools to cope and thrive. Therapy sessions taught me the power of self-reflection, mindfulness, and the importance of leaning on others I love and trust when life feels overwhelming. It was there that I realized I didn’t have to face my battles alone. This transformative experience not only saved my life but also shaped my worldview. I became determined to take control of my narrative, fight the darkness in my mind, and use my experiences to make a positive impact on others. As I began my recovery journey, I committed myself to personal growth and academic success. Despite the setbacks I faced early in high school, I worked hard to regain my footing, focusing on my studies and learning how to prioritize my mental well-being. My struggles also ignited a passion for psychology and mental health advocacy. I decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping adolescents who, like me, face mental health challenges and feel lost in their struggles. Now, as I prepare to pursue a degree in psychology, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. My educational goals are rooted in a desire to help others understand that their challenges don’t define them. I aspire to become a therapist specializing in adolescent mental health, working to break the stigma around mental illness and provide young people with the tools and support they need to thrive. Recovery, I’ve learned, is not a linear path but a lifelong commitment. Managing my mental health means continuing to prioritize the strategies I’ve learned, such as journaling, maintaining a strong support system, and recognizing when I need to seek help. I’ve also found solace in creative outlets like writing, which allow me to process my emotions in a healthy way. By remaining proactive about my well-being, I’ve been able to focus on my goals while maintaining a balanced life. My journey with mental health has not been easy, but it has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of using my experiences to uplift others. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it’s an opportunity to continue on the path I’ve worked so hard to build. I hope to inspire others to believe that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always hope for a brighter future.

In the world of volleyball, setters are often the unsung heroes—the ones who orchestrate plays, create opportunities, and ensure their teammates shine. As a setter myself, I know the position requires a unique blend of leadership, precision, and mental toughness. This is why Lauren Carlini, one of the most accomplished setters in American volleyball, is my favorite athlete to watch and a role model I deeply admire. Lauren Carlini’s journey to becoming one of the best setters in the world is nothing short of inspiring. From her time as a standout collegiate athlete at the University of Wisconsin to her success with Team USA, Carlini’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her game. Watching her play, I’m captivated by her ability to control the tempo of a match, make split-second decisions, and deliver perfect sets no matter the circumstances. Her composure on the court is a constant reminder of the importance of staying calm under pressure—a skill I strive to emulate every time I step onto the court. What sets Carlini apart is not just her technical skill but her leadership. Setters are often referred to as the “quarterbacks” of volleyball, responsible for reading the game, making strategic decisions, and inspiring their team. Carlini embodies this role with precision and determination. Her ability to inspire confidence in her teammates, even in the most high-stakes moments, has taught me that being a great setter is about more than just physical ability—it’s about fostering trust and unity within your team. One of the qualities I admire most about Lauren Carlini is her work ethic. She is known for her relentless drive to improve and her refusal to settle for mediocrity. This mindset resonates deeply with me as I continue to hone my own skills as a setter. Whether it’s perfecting my hands, improving my court vision, or developing a stronger connection with my hitters, Carlini’s example pushes me to give 100% in every practice and match. She has shown me that greatness is not achieved overnight but through consistent effort and a passion for the game. Carlini’s resilience is another trait that inspires me. Like all athletes, she has faced challenges and setbacks, yet she approaches each one as an opportunity to grow. Her ability to bounce back from disappointment and keep striving for success reminds me that failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to improvement. As I watch Lauren Carlini compete at the highest level, I am motivated not only to become a better volleyball player but also to grow as a leader and teammate. She has taught me that being a setter is about more than delivering the perfect ball; it’s about having the vision to see the bigger picture, the courage to take risks, and the heart to put your team first. Lauren Carlini’s journey inspires me to chase my own volleyball dreams with the same passion and determination. Whether I’m setting during a critical match or working on my craft in practice, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned from watching her play. She is proof that hard work, resilience, and leadership can turn any dream into a reality—and that’s a legacy I hope to follow.

Movies can shape our perspectives, challenge our beliefs, and ignite a fire within us to create change. For me, The Hunger Games series profoundly impacted my life, inspiring me to confront societal flaws and fight for the betterment of society. Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist, is a symbol of resilience, courage, and defiance against oppression, particularly the systemic oppression of women. Her journey inspired me to recognize my own strength and fueled my desire to challenge the inequities in our world. Katniss’s fight against the Capitol is not just a battle for survival—it is a fight against systemic injustice. Her bravery and determination to dismantle the oppressive structures that control her life resonated deeply with me. As a young woman, I have often observed the challenges women face in achieving equality. From societal expectations to institutional barriers, I have seen how these pressures can limit women’s potential. Katniss’s refusal to conform to a system designed to suppress her inspired me to question the structures in my own life and advocate for change. Her story empowered me to stand up for myself and others, even when doing so feels insurmountable. Beyond the theme of gender equality, The Hunger Games provided me with a stark lens through which to view the flaws that fill our world. The Capitol’s exploitation of the districts for its gain parallels real-world issues of inequality, corruption, and greed. It forced me to reflect on how wealth and power are distributed in our society and the devastating consequences for those who are marginalized. This realization ignited a sense of responsibility within me to be an agent of change. Whether through volunteering, participating in activism, or pursuing a career aimed at helping others, I strive to embody Katniss’s spirit of resistance and hope. The movies also taught me that change is rarely comfortable or easy. Katniss’s journey is filled with pain, loss, and sacrifice, yet she persists because she knows the fight is worth it. Similarly, my own battles with anxiety and depression have been challenging, but they have taught me the value of resilience and the importance of advocating for mental health awareness. Katniss’s story reminded me that struggles, while painful, can serve as a foundation for growth and transformation. What makes The Hunger Games so impactful is its universal message: no matter how broken a system may seem, individuals have the power to ignite change. This idea motivates me as I prepare to enter the field of psychology. Just as Katniss fought to protect her community, I want to dedicate my life to helping adolescents navigate the challenges they face. I want to empower them to recognize their own strength, advocate for their needs, and overcome obstacles—much like Katniss did for her people. The Hunger Games gave me hope in a world that often feels overwhelming and unjust. It reminded me that small acts of defiance and courage can ripple outward, creating waves of change. Katniss Everdeen inspired me to fight for a better future—for myself, for women, and for society as a whole. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, and it is a lesson I carry with me every day.

I was twelve years old when I first heard learned the definition of “depression”. The walls surrounding me were painted like a jungle. With vibrant colors, and animals scattered along the panels as if they were there to make this sterile, cold space feel more inviting. Despite the optimistic surroundings, I could smell the unmistakable scent of antiseptic wipes and latex gloves that made the air feel distant, almost clinical. I shifted uncomfortably on the crinkly paper-covered exam table, the sound filling my ringing ears. The nurse who had previously checked my vitals handed me a questionnaire and placed it neatly on a clipboard. I stared down at the mere piece of paper that would change my life forever, and one particular question stood out to me. Do you experience thoughts that you would be better off dead, or hurting yourself? The moment of my diagnosis began a journey that would shape my life in ways I could never even imagine. My daily battles became consumed by the depression and anxiety that lingered within me. Setback after setback plowed toward me as I navigated my teenage years. Some days, the weight was nearly unbearable, and I found myself deepening the pit in the mattress I grew to know so well. During my sophomore year of high school, I faced a breaking point. My depression had intensified, and I was no longer able to keep up the facade of my well-being. I knew I needed help. That’s when I decided to enter residential treatment. 2,130 miles away from home. I distinctly remember standing on the facility's doorstep, clutching my mom’s hand so hard my knuckles turned white. I was faced with the most pivotal decision that would change the course of my life. Do I go back to the comfort of my home? Or do I stay, and retaliate against the forces that oppress me? I chose to fight back. By the time I left residential treatment, I wasn’t the same person I had been when I walked in. I had found a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed. I began the realize that the ghosts of my past didn’t have to hold me back. I could change the course of my life, not by ignoring my struggles, but by confronting them head-on. I could build a life of resilience and hope, rather than one defined by silence and fear. Now, as I look ahead, I am committed to continuing this journey of change. I want to help others who are facing similar challenges. I know first-hand the impact that mental health struggles can have, but I also know the power of overcoming them. I want to be part of breaking the cycle for others, just as I am breaking it for myself. Depression and anxiety may be a part of me, but they do not run my life. I am not bound by the limits of my diagnosis. Instead, I am creating a new narrative, one built on resilience and self–discovery. My journey has taught me that challenges don’t have to be walls; they can be stepping stones to a stronger, fuller life. As I move forward, I am committed to changing not only my future but also to helping others find their way out of the darkness. I am determined to build a legacy of compassion, empathy, and strength– one that breaks the silence, honors each person's struggle, and reminds them that they, too, have the power to transform their lives.