![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/aliaskewheadshotc80c95e096a64a85917667b482232b15.webp)
Hobbies and interests
Acting And Theater
African American Studies
Art
Babysitting And Childcare
Tutoring
Baking
Community Service And Volunteering
Concerts
Drawing And Illustration
Fashion
Graphic Design
Psychology
Mentoring
Step Team
Softball
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Youth Group
Ali Askew
745
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/aliaskewheadshotc80c95e096a64a85917667b482232b15.webp)
Ali Askew
745
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a creative thinker who enjoys collaborating with others. I enjoy art, design and fashion. I am interested in social justice and community restoration through mental health. Through volunteer work I've developed a passion for helping others learn to advocate for themselves. I look forward to attending an HBCU where I will have an opportunity to grow and develop in a community of diverse thought while still being surrounded by a heritage and culture that I am passionate to learn more about.
Education
Archbishop Molloy High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Graphic Communications
Career
Dream career field:
Mental Health Care
Dream career goals:
Sports
Softball
Intramural2017 – 20203 years
Arts
Ashcan Art Studio
Drawing2017 – 2019
Public services
Volunteering
Archbishop Molloy High School — Campus Ministry Leader2021 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship
White collar. Plaid skirt. Criss-cross tie. Knee-high socks. Sneakers. This uniform wasn't just clothes; it was the routine, the comfort of a small school and lifelong friendships. Until it wasn't. The abrupt transition to public school at 12 was a whirlwind: 250 students to 2,000, multiple teachers, unfamiliar faces. Self-doubt crept in. Did I fit in? What did I wear, now that everyone wasn't the same?
Looking back, most of those anxieties were unfounded. Yes, the adjustment was rough, but belonging wasn't defined by uniforms. I discovered shared experiences, not appearances, built genuine connections.
Then came the pandemic. Suddenly, clothes were irrelevant. It was about mental health, community, and confronting global issues. As a young Black woman attending a predominantly white, private high school during social unrest, racial awareness hit differently. The uniform remained, but the feeling of "otherness" did too. I braided my afro, seeking invisibility. Microaggressions stung, and finding my identity felt daunting.
But clothes only masked the real need: belonging. Not the superficial kind, but the connection built through shared purpose. I joined the Afro-Caribbean club, led the step team, and facilitated retreats, helping others find their voice and build connections. In supporting others, I found my own.
Now, as I near the end of my senior year, my perspective has evolved. While fashion and outward appearances may have their place, true fulfillment lies in service and empowerment. If awarded this scholarship, I am committed to utilizing it as a springboard to champion causes that matter deeply to me.
My interest in pursuing a career in mental health by majoring in psychology stems from a desire to address the root causes of social issues like bullying and harassment. I am determined to streamline the often convoluted process of obtaining appropriate treatment options for children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues that are often heightened by bullying.
Driven by my own experiences and fueled by a relentless ambition to effect positive change, I envision a future where students like me are no longer marginalized or overlooked. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, I aim to dismantle stereotypes that prioritize outward appearances over intrinsic value.
In the footsteps of trailblazers like the family of Ryan Yebba, I am committed to building bridges and amplifying voices to ensure equitable access and opportunities for all. Belonging, I've come to understand, transcends the superficial; it's about forging connections, fostering empathy, and creating spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. It is also a major reason why I specifically opted to be a campus ministry leader for the incoming freshman and returning sophmores in my high school to ensure that all students, whether we share the same attributes or not, have a true sense of community and belonging.
As I embark on this journey, I carry with me the belief that education and equity are the cornerstones of stronger, more resilient communities. My experiences have taught me that true belonging isn't found in the clothes we wear, but in the bonds we form and the impact we make.