Mental health affects every single one of us, yet it is still one of the most misunderstood and overlooked aspects of human well-being. As someone who has witnessed how deeply mental health challenges can impact students, families, and entire communities, I’ve developed a deep commitment to being part of the solution. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist who not only provides care but also builds more supportive environments where mental wellness is a priority, not an afterthought. During my high school years, I learned that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, misunderstood, or stigmatized. I saw classmates struggle in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, stress, or depression. I also saw the courage it takes to reach out for help in a world that doesn't always understand. These experiences have fueled my desire to not only study mental health but to be an advocate for change and awareness. When I begin college, I plan to take an active role in raising awareness for mental health on campus. One of the first things I will do is seek out or join a student-led mental health organization. If one does not exist, I hope to help start one. Creating safe spaces where students can talk openly about their struggles, share resources, and support each other is a key part of breaking the silence that surrounds mental health. Peer-led discussions, workshops, and wellness events can go a long way in making students feel seen and heard. I also want to collaborate with campus counseling services to improve access and visibility. Many students are unaware of the resources available to them, or they may feel uncomfortable using them. I want to help bridge that gap by promoting counseling services through events, awareness weeks, and social media campaigns. Sometimes, just knowing that you are not alone and that help is available can make all the difference. In addition to peer support, I want to use my education to advocate for mental health policy changes on campus. Whether it is pushing for mental health days, increased counselor staffing, or improved training for professors on recognizing signs of distress, I believe students deserve an environment that supports both academic success and emotional well-being. Ultimately, I believe that mental health awareness begins with empathy and grows through action. My goal in college is not just to learn about psychology in the classroom but to live it through service, advocacy, and connection. By speaking up, supporting others, and staying involved, I hope to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a light for those still finding their way through the dark.

Psychology has always been more than just an academic interest to me; it’s a deep-rooted passion shaped by a desire to understand the human mind and help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. As an aspiring psychology major, I am especially drawn to the fields of clinical and health psychology because they offer powerful tools for addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. These disciplines allow us to explore the complexities of human behavior, and more importantly, use that knowledge to promote healing and well-being across diverse communities. One of my greatest interests lies in how psychological research can be translated into real-world impact, particularly in marginalized populations. After exploring Drexel’s Psychology Department, I was especially inspired by Dr. Pamela Geller’s Women’s Health Psychology Lab. Her focus on reproductive health and the intersection of life stressors with women’s well-being aligns with my own desire to pursue research that centers on underrepresented voices. I am excited by the lab’s use of diverse methodologies, such as surveys, experimental designs, and interviews, to gain a deeper understanding of women's experiences. This kind of work not only produces critical insights but also helps inform policies and interventions that can lead to more equitable healthcare outcomes. I would be honored to contribute to this research and use my skills to advocate for more inclusive and accessible mental health care. My academic background has laid a strong foundation for this path. In school, I’ve excelled in rigorous courses such as Chemistry Honors and Psychology Honors, where I gained a better understanding of the scientific and biological aspects of human behavior. These classes strengthened my analytical thinking and deepened my curiosity about the psychological mechanisms that shape who we are. Beyond academics, I took part in the Summer Business Apprenticeship Program and worked at the Women’s Rights Information Center. There, I helped supervise client counseling services and organized data for over 100 clients weekly. This experience gave me a firsthand look at how critical mental health services are, especially for women in vulnerable situations. It also reinforced the importance of representation, empathy, and support in professional spaces. As a future clinical psychologist, I hope to use my education and experiences to expand access to mental health care for communities that are often overlooked. I am especially committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the field, whether through research that centers marginalized voices, community-based initiatives, or culturally responsive care. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I want to be a part of building a mental health system that reflects and supports that belief. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. It would be a meaningful step toward my goal of becoming a psychologist who not only understands the science behind mental health but also works actively to create positive change for others.