Born from an interracial marriage, I’ve come to understand the sheer complexity, harshness, and simultaneous beauty of experiencing life as a minority. Growing up, the disparities in the way different races were treated in the U.S. (and specifically in the state of Florida) were made blatantly obvious to me not only by observing the way in which my black father was treated but also by experiencing discrimination and microaggressions firsthand throughout my childhood. From being confused as adopted (because how could a white woman give birth to a brown girl?), to hearing negative comments about my curly hair, and even frequently being followed around stores under suspicion of stealing, I was made aware very early how prejudice and social discrimination can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and overall mental health. However, I found a way to actively engage in active social change and bring back confidence in myself through my dedication and passion for meaningful education; my dedication to overcoming educational obstacles for black girls like myself is clear through my 4.0 GPA, double major, and double minor. As a psychology and philosophy student (with minors in both Ethics and Sexuality, Women, and Gender Studies), I’ve developed a strong interest in the complex intersections between mental health, marginalized minorities, equity, and social ethics. My interdisciplinary interest in minorities led me to my current senior thesis, which aims to make clearer the ethical implications and health-related impacts associated with the oppression that LGBTQ+ and racial minority students face at private, primarily white institutions in Florida. In addition, as a student representative for my college’s Presidential Strategic Planning DEIB Taskforce, I’ve researched best practices in minority equity on college campuses and have developed high proficiency in the complex approach that working to ameliorate social issues can require. I served as secretary and student representative for the DEI curriculum sub-committee and advocated for DEI-focused curriculum change, which resulted in amending my college’s curriculum to include required DEI classes and faculty training in addition to enhancing my skills as a leader and activist on campus. Furthermore, as Chair of the DEIB Student Advisory Council, I’ve worked hard to identify equity-related challenges that underrepresented students on campus experience and to work alongside Council members to formulate effective action plans. I am prepared and excited to bring my knowledge of DEIB policies and change-making strategies to my research in graduate school and plan on using the critical framework my DEIB experience has fostered throughout my studies. My dedication to activism and education also fostered my interest in becoming an academic tutor and writing consultant on campus. As a tutor, I’ve worked alongside peers of all ages and social backgrounds, simultaneously strengthening my ability to problem-solve as a peer leader and my appreciation for effective, open-minded collaboration. The Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship will provide a unique opportunity for me to build the expertise necessary for my future career in the health of marginalized minorities with less stress from financial strain. My studies will work to build a strong foundation for my future career as an expert, activist, and professor in minority health.