My name is Alexis Brooks, and I am a college Freshman at Missouri State University, I am pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology in hopes of becoming a psychologist to help those in need of mental health services For this essay, I will share how my experience in JROTC helped me discover my passion for helping others. In my Freshman year of high school, I decided to try something new and join Forsyth’s JROTC program to help me step out of my shell. My first impression of the program was that it wasn’t meant for me and that I was destined to quit sooner or later. I held this thought until I had gotten closer to the other JROTC cadets and my Instructor, First Sergeant Voegel. Although she seemed unapproachable and demanding, I realized it was her way of pushing myself and other cadets to the best of our ability. Months flew by, and what I had once seen as a military program was becoming a place that taught me leadership, dependability, and the importance of helping others inside our community. JROTC taught me confidence, critical thinking skills, and a handful of other skills that could secure me a career outside of the military, all while prioritizing the ability to help those around me. However, the main reason I stayed in the program was First Sergeant Voegel. First Sergeant Voegel extended a hand to the cadets in the program unable to secure transportation for the volunteer events and would offer to pick them up and drop them off, and had even allowed the cades that could not afford updated uniforms to have a less expensive alternative or stick with the older versions. Although this may not seem like much, she was one of the few teachers I had seen lend this much of a helping hand and had a visual impact on lives. I saw her able to make kids more excited about getting involved in the community and listening to their troubles while offering advice and opportunities they would not have otherwise. I found myself idolizing her and striving to become the best version of myself that she saw and be like her in the ways that she helped me and others. She also taught me the importance of volunteering, whether the event is for veterans or toys for tots, she always showed me and others the way we could impact lives positively, no matter how small the action. Under her guidance, I became more confident and sure in my decisions as an individual in a leadership position as she taught me ways to help those around me and what kind of helping hand is the best in different situations. She had also inspired my interest in psychology, my current major, and my minor in sociology. I want to be like her in the way she was able to support people, much like she did for me. Everyone needs a source of emotional support, and I want that for individuals who need guidance and are unable to find it elsewhere. Helping people through the situations that life throws at us unexpectedly, and being the cheerleader when individuals need it the most is what pushes me to fulfill this future. Thank you for your time and consideration while reading this essay. After being inspired by someone I saw firsthand to be a great leader, teacher, and friend, I will do everything I can to strive to be my best while encouraging others to do so too. Once again, thank you for your consideration.

To introduce myself, my name is Alexis Brooks, and I am a first-generation college student at Missouri State University. For some background information, I am majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology due to my interest in mental health services. This essay is going to be focused on a situation I encountered during my time in my high school JROTC program. To start, I would like to introduce a specific cadet I often worked with, who I will refer to as Hunter. Hunter was severely underweight and had a mental disability with a history of seizures, on top of having a permanent brace on one leg. Many, including myself, pitied Hunter because of the struggles we perceived he faced in everyday life. Of course, this was until I realized all that Hunter was capable of after a bit of help. Not only was Hunter able to keep up with our physical training once a week, but he even surpassed some cadets. As the underclassmen in the program got to know him more than his appearance and disabilities, we also got to see his humor that, more often than not, took us by surprise and made us laugh. Because of the example other upper-classmen and I had set to befriend him, we never encountered any issues of him being alienated because of his disabilities. Others and I would often help him with uniform regulations and ask him to do tasks we knew he could accomplish to make him an essential part of our team. While Hunter was challenged, he still participated to the best of his ability with the help of myself and others in the program. Although this is only one example, the support we gave Hunter allowed him to stay strong even when he was suffering from worsening health conditions and had to be taken in for surgery to get a tumor removed. This inspired me to look into careers centering around mental health, hence the psychology major. In the future, I want to be better prepared to help both those around me and individuals seeking someone to talk to and aid them in their mental health journey. No matter the background an individual has, everyone deserves a source of unconditional support and I would like this source for those who need it. As for my personal career goals, I am currently unsure of whether I would like to work in a hospital or private practice setting. However, I am sure that I want to pursue a Doctorate in clinical psychology as a first step. As an upcoming sophomore, I am still unsure of my exact career goals but my passion for helping others with mental health-related struggles remains and will continue to fuel my passion for helping others. Mental health providers and professionals have become a widely demanded service, leading to many online options and telehealth organizations such as BetterHelp. Becoming one of these professionals would allow me to both fulfill my goals and bridge the gap between the lack of mental health resources and the demand for them, even if it is a small step. In conclusion, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Helping others is a trait that all individuals should have, even if it is as small as holding a door for a peer or complimenting those around you. Pursuing a mental health career is the source of helping others that I want to obtain, no matter how hard the task may be. Again, thank you for your time and consideration for this scholarship.

At the beginning of last year, It felt like I was just going through the motions and doing what others told me to. I was unsure of myself then. I was stressed and anxious because graduation was getting closer and closer with every passing moment even though it was still a year away. Often I would find myself being praised for things I didn't think I had earned. I believe the person I was last year and the one I am today are similar, but also a bit different in the way we think and see the world. At the beginning of last year, everyone saw me as someone they could count on. I attended every one of my MCJROTC events, did color guards, and volunteered because I thought it was expected. I tried my hardest to live up to their expectations of me and how I should act, always trying to be one step ahead of everyone else. This included always going to events, helping underclassmen, and being involved in anything I could. At this point, I still didn't think I was doing anything extraordinary. As the year went on, I continued on that path of thought. This started to affect my confidence and I didn't see the point of working so hard. I was burnt out and passed up color guards and volunteer events because I just wanted to sleep and do nothing. This was also partly because I felt as if I would get the same treatment and be looked up to anyway. However, I soon got the validation I had been needing. The big turning point was In the middle of last school year. It was decided that I was going to be the next Company Commander for my MCJROTC program. It became apparent just how many others believed in my abilities when I didn't. It had felt like I was just doing something everyone else was able to do until this point. Finally, I felt as if I had earned something from my time and dedication. Although others thought I would get this position I didn't believe it would be me. I believe it was the only thing I have ever really earned with time and commitment. Currently, I am in my senior year and leading the MCJROTC program. My confidence in my ability to lead others and decision making has increased and I no longer doubt myself. Another thing that has changed is that I don't push myself as hard. While I still enjoy a challenge and help others whenever I can, I make more time for myself to wind down. I don't take on others' responsibilities and trust that they can do it on their own. While a majority has changed, I still do get anxious at times and stressed but I have people I know I can lean on. Without the MCJROTC program, I don't believe I would have become the person I am today, or have the friends I have now.