My journey through the NYC public school system has been shaped by resilience and a determination to achieve what many believed was impossible for me. I entered a New York City middle school after transferring from Spring Valley in upstate New York, where I had been placed in advanced classes and was on track to take my Regents exams before entering high school. Education had always been a space where I felt challenged and supported. When I transferred, I was placed in classes far below the level I had previously been studying. Instead of continuing in advanced biology, I was moved into earth science with only four months left in the school year. I went from being stimulated to feeling unseen. The shift was so drastic that I failed the Regents exam and had to attend summer school. I was also unable to sit for some of the Regents I had spent months preparing for simply because I was no longer in the classes that aligned with them. That experience taught me a hard lesson: sometimes, even when you work hard, the system still determines the worth of your efforts. High school brought its own obstacles. I began experiencing severe seizures almost every time I entered the school building. Despite my best efforts, accommodations were limited and unrealistic. Eventually, I was placed into online schooling. Instead of receiving the support I needed, I often felt forgotten. Teachers missed assignments, grading, and even attendance for me. I was enrolled in four AP classes, yet several teachers never registered me for the AP exams. Although discouraging, these experiences strengthened my resolve to pursue higher education. Socially, high school was just as challenging. Bullying made it difficult to feel comfortable in classrooms. Still, I pushed myself to participate in as many activities as I could—equity groups, journalism, debate, robotics, culture club, wrestling, Still I Rise, and student council. I refused to let negative experiences take away my ambition. Ultimately, I graduated a year early by taking my Regents exams ahead of schedule, proving to myself that while I cannot control others’ actions, I can control my own path. What motivates me now is my aspiration to provide children with the support I did not receive. I have spent years working in childcare supporting children with developmental and behavioral needs while studying psychology. I plan to earn my master’s degree in social work and special education. My goal is to become a licensed social worker and special education teacher focused on child development and family systems. I want to work as a teacher during the school day and as a play therapist after school, creating nurturing environments where children can build the life skills they need to thrive. My experiences have shown me how deeply school support impact a child’s life. This scholarship would provide the financial foundation I need to continue my education. I am determined to transform barriers into opportunities, just as I did for myself, I will do for my students.

As I developed my sense of purpose, I learned that the most meaningful change that I can make stems from my compassion, patience, and belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. As a young Black woman I dedicate myself to pursuing a career in supporting children with behavioral and developmental needs. I am motivated not only by my professional experiences, but also by a deep commitment to accessible care. Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of working closely with children on the autism spectrum, as well as those with oppositional defiance disorder, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. These experiences have shaped my identity and inspired my ambition into opening a therapeutic center that provides integrated case services to children and their families. My career and academic journey trajectory is meticulously designed to help me reach this goal. I am currently studying psychology, and I plan to earn my master’s degree in social work and special education. I intend to obtain licensing as a social worker with a focus on child development and family systems as well as a teachings license. My experience will include working in the public school system as an early childhood special education teacher during school hours, while simultaneously serving children as a play therapist after school. In both roles, I hope to create safe and nurturing environments where children can not only express themselves freely, but be able to learn the life skills necessary for them to live independently in the future. Deepening my career advancement, I plan to transition into working as an evaluator for children in juvenile services and police custody. These children are often misunderstood and require attention that is regularly overlooked. I want to be their advocate and provide support resources, physically, socially, and mentally, that is in their best interest. As I learn from working with them I hope they learn while working with me. My experiences as a special-needs tutor, ABA therapist, and early-intervention teacher assistant enables me to approach these circumstances with both cultural awareness and a competence. The experience that I gain from each stage will help me build the foundation for my aspiration. The center will offer a multidisciplinary approach, several types of therapies and support groups, to the children of this demographic. I envision a future where art therapy, play therapy, occupational or speech therapy as well as more is provided on a case to case basis for students being serviced. They will have individualized plans that incorporate their strengths and weaknesses together in developing their care plan. I also plan to offer in-center and in-home parent training, as a parent who can understand the purpose of the work being provided can integrate what the child is taught into their daily lives. My primary goals is to teach children effective communication, both verbal and nonverbal, so they can navigate their life without maladaptive behaviors interfering with it. As such the target to develop these skills are teaching them an understanding of their bodies needs, emotions, or sensory needs. Majority of children who need support are misunderstood as behaviorally inappropriate when in reality they are unable to process their needs and react in response to it. By teaching parents how to support their child's goals at home, I hope to strengthen their familial bonds and reduce friction in their relationships. Inevitably, I aspire to create a space where children are not only supported therapeutically, but also nurtured for their identity and potential.

Angelina Jackson Scholarship Essay CUNY Baruch 6.17.23 The Loss Of A Loved One: The Generational Curse Growing up I often wondered why my family was in the position it was in. Why I had no father, why we were always broke, why my mom was too mentally unstable to take care of us or keep a job. Why these characteristics were the same throughout the family tree, my aunts and uncles reflected the same behavior my mother exhibited. Despite my love for my Nana who I only have positive memories of I cant help to resent her for creating a family whose trauma response is so destructive for them and the people around them. My Nana wasn't reliable. She was nasty and vindictive. She had a drug and attitude problem. Though as a child I hadn't really understood that. She didn't care for her children and they were put through the system where they undertook abuse too. Her neglect created generational trauma that my cousins, sister, and I now have to suffer through. Yet I still love her and all her faults. Her death shocked my family. Her funeral was emotional turmoil. I cried but when I think about it today I cannot remember what I particularly cried about. I had limited time with her. As I learned more and more about her over the years I grew to understand how socioeconomic status and the nature nurture my family lacked created the stagnant position we are in. Even when my family is stuck I have found security through my education. I graduated high school with a high average, debate captain, and project experience. I have achieved the things I have because of the different organizations that supported people who are like me. A black woman, previously in foster care, poor, and disabled. However, even with the help of achieving it was difficult. My goal is to stop the trauma at its roots. Help individuals like my Nana so that generations of individuals like me don’t have to suffer the faults my family had to survive. I am studying operations in data analytics to soon get my master's degree. My plan is to establish a space where individuals can regain their dignity, independence, and financial stability. I am committed to utilizing my education and experience to establish a nonprofit organization that offers employment opportunities to marginalized individuals. My personal journey has been shaped by the consequences of generational trauma. By establishing a nonprofit organization that uplifts marginalized individuals, I aspire to break the cycle and provide a foundation for future generations to thrive. Thank you for considering my application.

Angelina Jackson Scholarship Application CUNY Baruch 6.17.23 The Pursuit of Social Comprehension My journey to overcoming the obstacles my seizures have presented me with was more a psychological battle than a physical one. Physically I had all the resources I needed to obtain the goals the average non-disabled person could. It took me two years to get diagnosed but even before my diagnosis my high school as well as my college accommodated me. I receive therapy and see a psychologist regularly that reduces my seizures from multiple times a day to a couple every few months. Yet I still struggle to allow myself to believe that my disability has more of a presence in my life than I like to acknowledge. I cannot find myself to accept the fact that I do have a disability, that it's not all in my head and it is truly out of control. While the physicality of my seizures stopped, my mind stayed unfocused. People would direct simple instructions to me but I couldn't understand it. I felt dumb. Compared to my previous academic achievements and aspirations the whiplash dropped me into a spiral of depression that I still struggle with. It is easier for me to ignore my condition when the physical aspect is not present. However, coming to terms with my disability and somewhat making peace with the effect it has on me in full has opened up the door that I mentally kept shut. Through the support of my network and the medication I take, I am finally allowed to excel where I was not. Driven by my childhood passion to explore social and psychological development, intercultural relationships, and the utilization of data collection for social advancements I am restless to delve into the analytical field of project management to eventually launch my own project. I am studying operations in data analytics to soon get my master's degree. Though my education will exceed academically where I will then go abroad to study different cultures interactions and history. I am committed to utilizing my education and experience to establish a nonprofit organization that offers employment opportunities to marginalized individuals. I recognize the resources I received from organizations as a black female in New York have given me extensive opportunities that a lot of my fellow new yorkers do not have. Things I have struggled with growing up poor and homeless as a black woman. My plan is to establish a space where individuals can regain their dignity, independence, and financial stability. This scholarship is a validation of my abilities and supports the future I want to create. With this money, I can pursue my education, create networks, and gain the experience I need to contribute my claim to transform aspects of our society. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to using my education to prevail.

Angelina Jackson Will Johnson Scholarship CUNY Baruch 6.17.23 The Pursuit of Social Comprehension My journey to overcome the obstacles my seizures have presented me with was more a psychological battle than a physical one. Physically I had all the resources I needed to obtain the goals the average non-disabled person could. It took me two years to get diagnosed but even before my diagnosis my high school as well as my college accommodated me. I receive therapy and see a psychologist regularly that reduces my seizures from multiple times a day to a couple every few months. Yet I still struggle to allow myself to believe that my disability has more of a presence in my life than I like to acknowledge. I cannot find myself to accept the fact that I do have a disability, that it's not all in my head and it is truly out of control. While the physicality of my seizures stopped, my mind stayed unfocused. People would direct simple instructions to me but I couldn't understand it. I felt dumb. Compared to my previous academic achievements and aspirations the whiplash dropped me into a spiral of depression that I still struggle with. It is easier for me to ignore my condition when the physical aspect is not present. However, coming to terms with my disability and somewhat making peace with the effect it has on me in full has opened up the door that I mentally kept shut. Through the support of my network and the medication I take, I am finally allowed to excel where I was not. Driven by my childhood passion to explore social and psychological development, intercultural relationships, and the utilization of data collection for social advancements I am restless to delve into the analytical field of project management to eventually launch my own project. I am studying operations in data analytics to soon get my master's degree. Though my education will exceed academically where I will then go abroad to study different cultures interactions and history. I am committed to utilizing my education and experience to establish a nonprofit organization that offers employment opportunities to marginalized individuals. I recognize the resources I received from organizations as a black female in New York have given me extensive opportunities that a lot of my fellow new yorkers do not have. Things I have struggled with growing up poor and homeless as a black woman. My plan is to establish a space where individuals can regain their dignity, independence, and financial stability.

1. Like Dr.Doofenshmirtz I was born alone, Literally, my host faded from existence and I was left to the streets. Because I was born a turtle and had to live on sardines for the majority of my life I decided that the world must pay me back in offerings of treasures, however, the only way to do that is with a college education, which is why I deserve this scholarship. 2. I want to become the richest famous tyrant in all of existence by studying psychology. After my studies, I will then use my amazing 10/10 manipulation skills to gather all the world leaders in one room and lock them in there like pandora's box. With that only, I would be the most powerful tyrant. 3. The first obstacle I ever overcame was when my turtle shell was too small to overcome a water bottle that was in my walkway. I gathered a nearby cardboard flap of a box and hoisted it up on the water bottle, I then sat on one side of the flap while my seagull buddy who I manipulated swooped down on the other side effectively launching me over the bottle.

I love to learn and experience new things. Besides traditionally learning different languages and researching various topics I satisfy this desire through reading. Books are stationary yet are still capable of taking you to a different world and experiencing new things. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Adventure because of their complexity. I am also greatly interested in improving the world around me through self-improvement. One of the reasons I love education so much is because I've come to the realization that I can become a better me by learning. A lot of people underestimate how much the world can improve if we were kinder to ourselves. The kindness we give ourselves reflects back into the world through our actions. Growing up I've suffered a lot trying to come to terms with the fact that I deserve to live. That even though life was boring or stressful my life was still more important than any factor I had to deal with. I was unmotivated to exist. I was self-destructive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Most of this stemmed from my anxiety about things that were not changeable in my scope, the future, finances, and family members. It was sometime in the summer and I was watching an anime in the anime, there were high schoolers just living and having fun. The character's life was in absolute turmoil but she just did not care. It was then it dawned on me that I was fretting myself over factors that I could not control and it was eating away at me. I could achieve happiness if I just put in the effort that I was lacking, just like the characters in the show. Afterward, I implemented treatment plans for moments I knew would end in bouts of depression. I physically changed my everyday surroundings and schedule to prevent and shorten my depressive episodes. This includes expanding my reading scope to comedy, romance, chick flicks, and mystery, taking my blinds out my window and buying candles to make my house smell better. When I do laundry I sort my shirts and pants into different laundry bags to later make outfits easier. I meal prep, shower more often, lock apps after certain hours, and even have a designated time to work. I know that I most likely will not be able to dig out the root of my disarray but I'm satisfied with the amount of effort I put in to ensure that it creates as little disruption as possible. My idea is that if I can change the tiny small things that cause me discomfort then I can, later on, learn how to battle the larger problems. Eliminating the little things that build up in tension is also another factor I take into consideration. I also try to train myself in emotional regulation by re-assessing situations and taking classes. I take numerous classes versed in communication, mental preservation, and culture. I am confident that these experiences are building my character and mental strength to build myself for the better. I base most of my actions on this ideology that education and growth can improve a person. In the future, I will open an organization called PILLAR that will help individuals in stagnant life positions by offering them partnership programs, financial literacy classes, emotional/mental regulation classes, communications classes, and cultural awareness classes. The name PILLAR comes from the belief that “Education, Confidence, Discipline, Opportunity, and Perseverance are the PILLARS of success.” Through this organization, I hope to change thousands if not millions of lives.

My goal in life is to change the lives of others for the better. As a person who’s be so inconvenience with life in many different aspects I was frustrated with situation I was born into, homeless on multiple occasions, poor, in broken household. However growing up I received so much help that I decided I wanted to become those people that helped me. I would not be here pursuing a higher education without it. I want to open a non-profit organization geared towards helping people of typically low status. This being Ex.Convicts, Ex-Current Drug Addicts, Immigrants, The homeless, and so on… The idea is that people who come through this program are housed and partnered with an individual who works in the field that they are interested in. The point of this program would be for these people to get the help they need to get back on their feet, the partner they receive would be giving them mentorship on how to execute the job that they are interested in. Thus giving them experience that employers are looking for. The program would also enlist classes for participants in classic education, financial literacy, communications, emotional regulation, networking, cultural awareness, inclusivity and so on to build their constitution. The participants would be connected through a link of networks for validation. I hope at the end of their participation in the program they not only take away a job but a new understanding of the world and how to interact with it based on the classes they had taken. I will go to college to achieve my dream of launching this organization as well as two others for children/teenagers and a social change project. As of now I am educating myself in different cultures, learning different languages, planning to study abroad, researching in debate on topics related to the unfortunate members of our society, learning self discipline and emotional regulations and work ethic because I believe the best way to improve the world is by improving yourself. By learning how to communicate properly, regulate my emotions and maintain I drive I excerpt positive reinforcement to improve my life. This improvement in my life reflects in my everyday actions which then snowball into improvements for others. This is something I wish to install in individuals participating in my organization. In college I will build the foundation I need to launch my dream as I study in business, communications, public relations, political science or international relations. Hopefully in the future when my dream is in action I can own multiple offices and apartment buildings in different locations in the United States. In success of my United States location I will then launch internationally continuing to promote inclusivity, cultural awareness, mental/emotional awareness and experience aid.