As a student, mental health is not merely a concept I acknowledge; it is an intrinsic and deeply personal component of my daily life and academic journey. My own struggles with social and generalized anxiety, PTSD, depression, and various phobias have illuminated, with stark clarity, the profound impact that mental well-being has on one's capacity to learn, engage, and thrive. For me, maintaining mental health as a student isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity that directly influences my ability to absorb information, participate in discussions, manage academic pressures, and ultimately, succeed in my educational pursuits. When my mental health is compromised, the simplest tasks can become monumental challenges. Social anxiety can make participating in group projects or even asking a question in class an agonizing ordeal. The weight of depression can drain my motivation, making it difficult to concentrate on readings or meet deadlines. PTSD can trigger intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, disrupting my focus during lectures or exams. These personal battles have taught me that mental clarity and emotional stability are prerequisites for effective learning and academic performance. Without a healthy mind, the intellectual curiosity that drives me is dulled, and the capacity for critical thinking diminishes. Therefore, prioritizing my mental health as a student means ensuring I have the necessary internal resources to engage fully with my studies and navigate the demands of university life. My personal experiences have also fueled a strong commitment to advocating for mental health within my community, specifically here in Bridgeport, CT. I believe that breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness begins with open dialogue and visible support. One of the primary ways I advocate is by actively partaking in mental health awareness events. These events, whether organized by local community centers, non-profit organizations, or even student groups, provide invaluable platforms to share personal stories, distribute educational materials, and promote resources. By attending and contributing to these gatherings, I hope to demonstrate that mental health challenges are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. My presence serves as a testament to the fact that individuals can live fulfilling lives while managing mental health conditions. Furthermore, I am a regular participant in support groups. For me, these groups are not just a source of personal solace and understanding; they are powerful tools for advocacy. Within these spaces, individuals share their struggles and triumphs, creating a sense of shared humanity and reducing feelings of isolation. By contributing to these discussions and offering my own experiences, I help to foster an environment where vulnerability is embraced, and mutual support is paramount. This form of advocacy, while often informal, is incredibly impactful as it empowers individuals to become their own advocates and to extend that support to their wider networks. It reinforces the idea that mental health is a community responsibility, not just an individual burden. Through these actions, my aim is to normalize conversations about mental health and to ensure that resources are more accessible and less stigmatized. My journey as a student, compounded by my personal mental health struggles, has imbued me with a profound understanding of its importance. This understanding drives my advocacy efforts, as I strive to contribute to a community where mental well-being is genuinely prioritized and supported for everyone.

The most profound period of prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health began on December 2, 2019. I was three months pregnant when I experienced the traumatic event of finding my baby’s father deceased. The shock, grief, and immense emotional distress that followed plunged me into a deep struggle, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For a long time, simply existing felt like an insurmountable challenge, let alone navigating pregnancy while grappling with such immense personal loss. During that period, prioritizing my well-being wasn't a choice; it was a matter of survival for both myself and my unborn daughter. I recognized, with the support of a few close loved ones, that I couldn't navigate this alone. This realization pushed me to seek professional help, leading me to consistent therapy and counseling. These sessions became my lifeline, providing a safe space to process the trauma, mourn my loss, and develop coping mechanisms. I learned to identify triggers, manage panic attacks, and gradually, painstakingly, began to rebuild a sense of equilibrium. It was a journey marked by setbacks and small victories, but each step forward was a testament to my commitment to healing. Beyond the mental and emotional support, I also had to make conscious efforts to prioritize my physical health, especially given my pregnancy. This meant trying to maintain a healthy diet, getting as much rest as my circumstances allowed, and engaging in gentle physical activity when I felt able. It was a holistic approach to recovery, recognizing that my mental, emotional, and physical states were inextricably linked. What I learned from this experience was invaluable. Firstly, I discovered the immense strength and resilience I possessed, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and self-preservation. This period taught me the critical importance of self-compassion and patience; healing is not linear, and progress often comes in waves. Most significantly, I understood that my well-being is the foundation upon which everything else in my life rests. Without a strong and healthy self, it's impossible to be the mother I want to be or to achieve the professional goals I envision. This traumatic experience and the subsequent journey of healing have profoundly shaped the way I am preparing for my future. Two years after his death and the birth of my daughter, I made a pivotal decision to return to school. This wasn't just about career advancement; it was about reclaiming control, finding purpose, and demonstrating to my daughter the power of perseverance. Pursuing a BBA and an MBA in Business is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a strategic step towards building a future where I can create positive change, not just for myself, but for others. My commitment to holistic health and wellness, clean beauty and health products, homeless shelters, and housing initiatives directly stems from my personal ordeal. Having experienced profound vulnerability, I feel a deep empathy for those struggling with their own mental health challenges or facing homelessness. My educational path is equipping me with the business acumen to establish and manage ventures that are not only sustainable but also address these critical societal needs. I've learned that true impact comes from a place of authenticity and lived experience. My past has not negatively defined me; instead, it has forged within me a powerful drive to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others, transforming personal pain into purposeful action.

In the realm of business, particularly within the sectors I am passionately building—holistic health and wellness, clean beauty and health products, homeless shelters, and housing—sustainability is not merely a buzzword; it is an imperative. Its prioritization in these fields is multifaceted, encompassing ethical responsibility, long-term viability, and a profound potential for positive societal and environmental impact. For me, sustainability is the bedrock upon which truly impactful and enduring enterprises are built. Within the holistic health and wellness sector, sustainability translates to a deep respect for natural resources and a commitment to practices that nurture both individual well-being and planetary health. My clean beauty and health products business, for instance, inherently relies on sustainable sourcing of ingredients. This means prioritizing suppliers who employ ethical farming practices, avoid harmful pesticides, and minimize their ecological footprint. Packaging also plays a crucial role; opting for recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable materials significantly reduces waste. Furthermore, the very ethos of holistic health promotes a preventive approach to well-being, which often translates to less reliance on resource-intensive medical interventions in the long run. Embracing sustainability here ensures that the healing modalities we offer are not at the expense of the environment that supports all life. For homeless shelters and housing initiatives, sustainability takes on an equally critical, albeit different, dimension. Building and maintaining structures, regardless of their purpose, consume vast amounts of resources and energy. Prioritizing sustainable practices in these areas means designing and constructing buildings with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing renewable energy sources like solar panels, and incorporating sustainable building materials such as recycled content or locally sourced timber. Beyond the construction phase, the operational sustainability of these facilities is paramount. This includes implementing robust recycling programs, conserving water, and fostering community gardens that can provide fresh produce while promoting a sense of shared responsibility. A sustainable shelter isn't just a roof over one's head; it's a stepping stone to a more stable and environmentally conscious life. In the future, my professional endeavors will be deeply intertwined with reducing environmental impact. For my clean beauty and health product line, I envision establishing a closed-loop system where waste is minimized at every stage. This will involve investing in advanced recycling technologies, exploring innovative packaging solutions derived from plant-based materials, and potentially even offering a product take-back program for end-of-life items. My goal is to set a new standard for transparency and accountability in the beauty industry, demonstrating that high-quality, effective products can be produced without compromising environmental integrity. In the realm of housing and shelters, I plan to champion the development of eco-friendly and affordable housing solutions. This means not just building green, but also educating residents on sustainable living practices. I aim to integrate environmental education into the support services offered at shelters, empowering individuals to make conscious choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. Imagine community-led composting initiatives, workshops on energy conservation, and the cultivation of urban green spaces that not only improve air quality but also foster a sense of pride and ownership. Ultimately, my professional vision is to demonstrate that profitability and positive environmental impact are not mutually exclusive. By embedding sustainability into the core of my business models, I aim to create enterprises that are not only financially successful but also serve as models for responsible and regenerative commerce. My journey in business will be a testament to the belief that a thriving enterprise can, and should, contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.

As a 34-year-old mixed-race woman with a beautiful daughter, my journey has been a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a persistent drive for growth. My academic foundation began with a BBA. I am pursuing my MBA degree at SU. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge reflects my belief in lifelong learning and my commitment to personal and professional development. My educational plans are more about acquiring the tools and understanding necessary to bring about meaningful change in the world. My vision for positive impact centers on three critical areas: promoting holistic health and healing, curbing homelessness, and improving mental health services. The current healthcare landscape often prioritizes symptomatic treatment over root cause resolution. I believe in reintroducing and integrating holistic, clean, and natural approaches to health and well-being, empowering individuals to take a more active role in their own healing journeys. This involves advocating for nutritional education, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes that foster true wellness. Beyond physical health, the interconnected issues of homelessness and mental health weigh heavily on my heart. I envision contributing to initiatives that provide not just shelter, but also comprehensive support systems for individuals experiencing homelessness, including access to mental health services, job training, and community integration programs. My aim is to help create sustainable solutions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Furthermore, I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues and expanding access to quality mental healthcare for all, regardless of socioeconomic status. This includes advocating for greater awareness, early intervention, and diverse therapeutic approaches. Financing my studies is a practical consideration that I have carefully planned for. I intend to utilize a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and student loans to dedicate myself fully to my academic pursuits without undue financial burden. I am actively researching and applying for various scholarships that align with my academic and career goals, and I am committed to exploring all available avenues to fund my education responsibly. My journey to becoming a MOA, a fan of TXT (Tomorrow X Together), was somewhat serendipitous. While I had been aware of K-pop for some time, TXT truly captured my attention with their debut. What sets TXT apart for me, beyond their undeniable talent, is their genuine artistry and the profound lyrical depth of their music. Many groups focus on specific concepts, but TXT consistently explores themes of youth, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up in a way that resonates deeply with me, even at 34. Their storytelling through music feels authentic and universally relatable, transcending language barriers. Among the members, Yeonjun stands out to me. His versatility as a performer – from his powerful rapping to his captivating dance and strong vocals – is incredibly impressive. But beyond his stage presence, his dedication to his craft and his genuine interactions with fans are what truly endear him to me. He seems to embody the group's message of striving for growth and facing challenges head-on. One of my favorite TXT songs is "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori." The raw emotion conveyed in the lyrics and the powerful, almost desperate, vocals create an unforgettable experience. The song beautifully captures the feeling of finding hope and love in a chaotic world. Another cherished moment was watching their performance at Lollapalooza. Seeing them command such a massive stage with their energy and passion was incredibly inspiring. TXT's influence on my career aspirations might seem indirect, but it is profound. Their music often touches upon themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams despite obstacles. These messages have reinforced my own resolve to pursue a path that aligns with my values, even if it's challenging. Watching them consistently strive for excellence and connect with their audience on a deep level has inspired me to think more broadly about how I can connect with and serve my community. Their artistry has encouraged me to approach my own ambitions with greater creativity, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive difference, whether in the realm of health, housing, or mental well-being. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication and a clear vision, one can truly make a positive impact on the world.

My Dream Life: A Purposeful Journey of Love, Growth, and Grit. In my dream life, the morning still greets me with purpose, though perhaps not always with perfect tranquility. The sun still filters through the windows of our large beautiful home, a place that feels lived-in and loved, full of the comfortable hum of a busy household. There might be the occasional forgotten toys on the floor or a morning scramble for one or two lost shoes, but these are just the endearing realities of a full life. This is the dream of my life, Alexis’s dream life. My days begin with a deep breath, a quick internal check-in, and then the delightful, often noisy, unraveling of family life. My husband is my rock, and our partnership isn't without its challenges, but we face them together, growing stronger with every shared laugh and every overcome hurdle. Our seven children bring an immense, boisterous joy, each one a unique personality unfolding. Our assortment of pets adds to the beautiful chaos – four dogs needing a morning walk, the cats demanding breakfast, and the soft chirps of our two birds – all part of the symphony of a home overflowing with life. Professionally, my dreams are grounded in impact and sustainability. My holistic health and wellness center isn't just a serene space; it's a dynamic hub where real people come seeking real solutions. There are days of profound breakthroughs and days of quiet, persistent effort. My beauty spa thrives on repeat clients and word-of-mouth, a testament to its authentic commitment to clean, effective treatments. As a landlord, I navigate the practicalities of property management, finding satisfaction in providing quality homes while ensuring my investments are sound. And my restaurant is a testament to resilience – a place where the pursuit of organic, delicious food meets the daily demands of running a successful business, from sourcing to staffing. Each venture requires grit, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in its mission. Our lifestyle is intentionally clean and organic, a choice we make daily, even when it's not the easiest path. Our garden yields incredible produce, but also occasionally battles pests or unexpected frosts. We prioritize healthy meals, knowing some evenings will still end with a quick, simple dinner. We embrace movement and nature, finding solace and energy outdoors, even if it's just a brisk walk after a long day. Evenings are for connection, a mix of quiet moments, lively discussions, and the shared effort of winding down a bustling household. This dream life isn't a flawless picture, but a vibrant, unfolding tapestry woven with intentional choices, deep connections, and the fulfilling work of building something meaningful. It's about finding immense joy not despite the challenges, but often because of them, appreciating the beauty in the everyday imperfections. It’s a life lived authentically, always striving for balance, and enriched by the enduring love of family and the deep satisfaction of purpose.

Returning to school as a single mother with a neurodivergent child, psychological disorders, and limited support has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. When I made the decision to go back to school, I knew it wouldn't be easy—but I also didn’t fully grasp just how many obstacles I would need to overcome just to stay on track. Time management quickly became one of the biggest challenges. Balancing coursework, assignments, exams, and discussion posts with the demands of daily life felt almost impossible. I’m not just a student—I’m also a full-time mom, homeschool teacher, emotional support system, cook, housekeeper, and more. I’ve had to learn how to work late into the night or wake up early to squeeze in study time. There have been many days when my eyes burned from exhaustion, but I kept going because I believed in my purpose. Finances were another serious struggle. Returning to school as a single mom meant stretching an already thin budget. Tuition and other education costs—on top of bills, food, and other necessary expenses. At moments I questioned if pursuing my degree was financially responsible, but I knew I needed to break the cycle of instability for myself and my child. I applied for scholarships and budgeted every dollar. There were loads of sacrifices like no extras and postponing basic needs. Childcare was the most complex issue to navigate. My child is neurodivergent and requires extra attention, structure, and support. Reliable, affordable childcare options that understand and accommodate neurodivergence are almost nonexistent. Knowing that, I became both caregiver and educator. I chose to homeschool because it was the only way to ensure my child received the attention and flexibility she needed. Juggling my schoolwork while planning lessons, guiding therapy routines, and managing meltdowns was overwhelming at times. There were days I submitted assignments with tears in my eyes because I had just finished helping my child through a difficult episode and still had work to do. All of this was compounded by my own psychological and physical health struggles. I live with mental health challenges that can affect my focus, energy, and emotional stability. Depression, anxiety, PTSD triggers, and periods of burnout appeared quite frequently. At the same time, I’ve had to deal with physical health concerns—chronic fatigue, migraines, and other issues that made studying feel like a marathon. On the days my body or mind didn't cooperate, I had to find deep wells of resilience within myself just to get through. Therapy, grounding practices, and small moments of self-care became lifelines. Perhaps the hardest part of all this was doing it with little to no support. I didn’t have a partner to split responsibilities with. I didn’t have family or friends I could regularly lean on. Most days, it was just me. There were times I would have given anything for someone to say, “I’ve got this, you take a break.” But instead, I kept pushing forward because I had no other choice. My dreams and my child’s well-being were on the line. Despite all these challenges, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned how strong and capable I truly am. I’ve proven to myself that even in the face of chaos and hardship, I can thrive. Going back to school hasn’t just been about earning a degree—it’s been about reclaiming my life, my identity, and my hope for a better future. Every assignment turned in, every class passed, is a step toward a life where I can provide more for my child and stand proudly knowing I did not give up.

Growing up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, I was raised in a large and vibrant family, with five full sisters, four half-sisters, and two half-brothers. Being part of such a diverse and dynamic family instilled in me a deep understanding of community, empathy, and resilience from a young age. These qualities have remained with me throughout my journey, shaping the woman, mother, and aspiring entrepreneur I am today. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by earning my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. This accomplishment marks just the beginning of my academic and professional pursuits. Eager to deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills, I am currently working toward a master’s degree in business. I believe that education is a continuous journey, and expanding my knowledge base is crucial to building sustainable, impactful businesses that can truly make a difference. As a single mother to a remarkable five-year-old daughter who is neurodivergent, I am deeply familiar with the unique challenges and extraordinary strengths that come with neurodiversity. I, too, am neurodivergent and live with psychological disabilities, experiences that have greatly influenced my perspective on wellness, health, and community support. These personal experiences have ignited a passion within me to create change—not just for myself and my daughter, but for others who may often feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional healthcare and wellness systems. My ultimate goal is to build health and wellness businesses that focus on holistic, inclusive, and accessible care. I am particularly drawn to integrative approaches that nurture both the body and mind. Too often, individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent or managing mental health challenges, do not receive care that fully acknowledges their complex, interconnected needs. I aspire to bridge that gap, offering services that are compassionate, personalized, and deeply healing. Through my businesses, I aim to serve people of all backgrounds, with a particular focus on those who have been historically marginalized or underserved. I want to create spaces where individuals can feel safe, seen, and supported—whether they are seeking relief from physical pain, coping with mental health challenges, or simply striving for greater overall well-being. My commitment extends to offering accessible services, including options for those without insurance, because financial barriers should never stand in the way of health and healing. In addition to providing direct services, I also hope to foster education and empowerment within my community. Workshops, classes, and wellness events will be central to my business model, helping individuals gain the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their own health journeys. I believe that when people are informed and empowered, they can create lasting positive change not only in their own lives but also in their families and broader communities. Ultimately, my mission is to uplift, heal, and empower. I want to show others—especially single mothers, neurodivergent individuals, and those living with disabilities—that their dreams are not just valid, but achievable. By sharing my story and building businesses grounded in empathy, integrity, and excellence, I hope to inspire others to pursue their own paths to wellness and success. Bridgeport, the city that raised me, deserves vibrant businesses that care deeply about the well-being of its residents. I am committed to being a force for good, dedicated to enriching the lives of those in my community and beyond. I envision a future where health, hope, and healing are accessible to all—and I am determined to be part of making that vision a reality.

I believe I am uniquely deserving of this award because my journey has been one of perseverance, transformation, and purpose. As a single mother of a neurodivergent five-year-old daughter, I have faced emotional, financial, and personal challenges that have tested every part of me. I suffer from various forms of anxiety, PTSD, and depression—conditions that can be deeply isolating and debilitating. Yet, I choose every day to keep moving forward, not just for myself but for the little girl who looks to me for strength, love, and stability. What makes me stand out is not the pain I’ve endured, but the compassion, empathy, and resilience I’ve developed because of it. These traits are not just part of my personality—they are tools I use to navigate life with agility, grace, and purpose. Losing my daughter's father was a devastating turning point, forcing me into single parenthood sooner than I ever imagined. Yet, it was also a powerful awakening. I realized I could not wait for life to become easier. I had to become stronger—and I have. My experiences have taught me how to advocate fiercely, love deeply, and adapt quickly. Raising a neurodivergent child requires an extraordinary level of patience and understanding. It means researching therapies, attending countless appointments, and constantly adjusting to meet her evolving needs. It also means being her safe place—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Balancing all of this while pursuing my MBA has required extraordinary time management, emotional strength, and unwavering determination. This award would not only ease some of the financial burden I carry as a full-time student and full-time mother—it would affirm that my hard work, sacrifices, and resilience matter. It would validate that my story, while filled with hardship, is also one of purpose and growth. I don’t just want to survive—I want to thrive, and I want to help others do the same. My “why” for pursuing higher education is rooted in both personal and professional purpose. I am working toward an MBA not only to build a better life for my daughter and myself, but to create a business that makes a meaningful difference in our community. I dream of launching a wellness center that embraces holistic healing—particularly for families dealing with trauma, neurodivergence, or chronic stress. I want to create a space where people are not treated like cases, but like whole human beings, worthy of dignity, support, and empowerment. Higher education is helping me gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to turn that dream into reality. I want my daughter to grow up seeing her mother lead with heart, courage, and integrity. I want her to know that while we don’t choose our hardships, we do choose our response—and we can choose to grow from them. In essence, I am pursuing higher education to break cycles, build bridges, and be the change I wish to see. I may carry invisible scars, but I also carry purpose, vision, and an unstoppable will to rise.

Living with social anxiety has shaped many aspects of my life, influencing how I communicate, how I navigate public spaces, and how I build relationships. As a single mother to a five-year-old neurodivergent daughter, the challenges are compounded—but so are the reasons to persevere. My anxiety often makes the simplest interactions feel overwhelming, from participating in class discussions to attending meetings or social gatherings. There are days when stepping outside feels like stepping into a storm. But motherhood has given me purpose, and my daughter’s resilience teaches me daily that I am stronger than my fears. Raising a neurodivergent child requires patience, advocacy, and emotional regulation—skills that anxiety can sometimes make harder to access. However, my experience with anxiety has also made me more empathetic, more observant, and more attuned to the emotional needs of others. I understand what it means to feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. These insights help me connect with my daughter in a meaningful way and have shaped my commitment to creating inclusive, compassionate spaces for people like her—and like me. Pursuing a college degree, especially an MBA, is deeply personal. It’s not just about education—it's about reclaiming my voice, building my future, and showing my daughter that fear does not have to win. Earning this degree symbolizes growth, independence, and the kind of stability I want to provide for my family. I want my daughter to see that it’s okay to struggle, but that it's also possible to rise. Through long nights of study, navigating deadlines, and balancing the endless responsibilities of motherhood, I am proving to both of us that we are capable of achieving great things. College has also been a space for transformation. Though anxiety sometimes tells me I don’t belong, every course I complete is a reminder that I do. Every paper I write, every discussion I participate in, every challenge I overcome chips away at the fear that once controlled me. The MBA program is not just an academic pursuit—it’s a way to develop the skills I need to build something meaningful: a future business that prioritizes healing, wellness, and holistic care. I want to create a space that supports families, especially those navigating neurodiversity, mental health, and life transitions. My goal is to blend business with heart—to lead with both strategy and compassion. In many ways, my journey through anxiety, single motherhood, and higher education is a story of quiet courage. It’s about showing up when it’s hard, advocating when it’s uncomfortable, and dreaming when it feels impossible. I may carry anxiety with me, but it no longer defines me. What defines me is my determination to grow, to lead, and to make a difference—not only for myself and my daughter but for the community I hope to serve.