Living with anxiety and depression is a daily battle, one that has shaped both my academic journey and personal life. There are days when simply getting out of bed feels like a victory, when my mind is clouded by self-doubt and fear. On top of that, I’ve struggled with body dysmorphia, which for a long time distorted how I saw myself and made it hard to feel comfortable in my own skin. At one point, that pain led me to self-harm, as I struggled to find a way to express what I was feeling inside. This strained my relationship with my friends and family, especially my mom. It felt as if all my relationships were built on lies and like my true emotions were hidden away. Mental health challenges like these have made school especially difficult at times. It’s hard to focus on a lesson when your mind is racing or when you're trying to hold back tears in the middle of a crowded hallway. There were moments I felt like giving up, when I truly believed I wasn’t strong enough to keep going. But the truth is I am still here. And I’m not just surviving anymore, I’m learning how to thrive. I’ve worked hard to make my mental health a priority. That means checking in with myself daily, journaling as a form of reflection, setting boundaries when I need rest, and practicing self-compassion. I lean on a small but strong support system of people who remind me I’m not alone. I even started attending therapy, which has been a great way cope with my emotions. Lastly, I have learned how to advocate for myself. Whether that means talking to teachers when I’m overwhelmed or asking for help when I’m struggling or even cancelling plans when I feel too overwhelmed. What once felt like a weakness is now one of my greatest strengths. My experience with mental health has made me more empathetic, more driven, and more determined to succeed. This is not in spite of my challenges, but BECAUSE of them. I no longer let my anxiety or depression define me. Instead, I use my voice to raise awareness and to support others who might be facing similar battles in silence. Now this does not mean my mental health issues have disappeared. There are still days that are harder than others. But I have learned how to cope and power through these days. Taking care of my mental health is not just something I do on the side, it’s the foundation that allows me to show up fully as a student, a leader, and a future changemaker. Now, I plan to pursue a career in international relations and diplomacy. I want to represent marginalized voices on a global scale, advocate for human rights, and help shape policies that promote equity and justice. My lived experience has given me the empathy to connect across cultures and the resilience to navigate tough conversations with courage. I believe real change starts with understanding, and I’m committed to building a world where every voice is heard and valued.

From a young age, I felt like an outsider in every room I entered. As the only Black girl in my class, I was not only visibly different but also felt deeply silenced. Add to that the weight of growing up in a Women's Living Home with my little sister and single mother, and you get a life that constantly challenges societal expectations of what success should look like, who belongs, and whose voice deserves to be heard. I used to carry shame like a second skin, shame about my body, my family's financial struggles, and my early battles with mental health. I shrunk myself to fit into spaces that never made room for me. My silence wasn't just a response to bullying and isolation, it was survival. Teachers overlooked me, classmates mocked me, and I convinced myself that I deserved it. But everything changed when I picked up a pen and began to journal. In the quiet of my notebook, I started to find my voice again. Writing gave me the space to process my pain, name my dreams, and rebuild my self-worth. Slowly, I realized that my silence had protected me, but it was also keeping me from becoming who I was meant to be. I began listening to stories from others who had been bullied or marginalized, and something clicked: I wasn’t alone. And more importantly, I didn’t have to be quiet. I started speaking up, not just for myself, but for others who didn’t yet know how to. What began as personal healing became public purpose. I fell in love with public speaking and found strength in vulnerability. I was no longer embarrassed by my past, I was empowered by it. Now, I plan to pursue a career in international relations and diplomacy. I want to work at the intersection of policy and human rights, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities around the world. Whether I’m standing on a stage, leading a classroom discussion, or sitting across from a policymaker, I will carry with me the voices of those who’ve been silenced, including the girl I used to be. I am proud of the unconventional path I’ve taken. It’s made me resilient, empathetic, and unafraid to speak up when it matters most. I may have started this journey as a girl who felt invisible, but I am emerging as a trailblazer, one determined to light the way for others.

From a young age, I felt like an outsider in every room I entered. As the only Black girl in my class, I was not only visibly different but also felt deeply silenced. Add to that the weight of growing up in a Women's Living Home with my little sister and single mother, and you get a life that constantly challenged societal expectations of what success should look like, who belongs, and whose voice deserves to be heard. I used to carry shame like a second skin, shame about my body, my family's financial struggles, and my early battles with mental health. I shrank myself to fit into spaces that never made room for me. My silence wasn't just a response to bullying and isolation, it was survival. Teachers overlooked me, classmates mocked me, and I convinced myself that I deserved it. But everything changed when I picked up a pen and began to journal. In the quiet of my notebook, I started to find my voice again. Writing gave me the space to process my pain, name my dreams, and rebuild my self-worth. Slowly, I realized that my silence had protected me, but it was also keeping me from becoming who I was meant to be. I began listening to stories from others who had been bullied or marginalized, and something clicked: I wasn’t alone. And more importantly, I didn’t have to be quiet. I started speaking up, not just for myself, but for others who didn’t yet know how to. What began as personal healing became public purpose. I fell in love with public speaking and found strength in vulnerability. I was no longer embarrassed by my past; I was empowered by it. Now, I plan to pursue a career in international relations and diplomacy. I want to work at the intersection of policy and human rights, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities around the world. Whether I’m standing on a stage, leading a classroom discussion, or sitting across from a policymaker, I will carry with me the voices of those who’ve been silenced, including the girl I used to be. I am proud of the unconventional path I’ve taken. It’s made me resilient, empathetic, and unafraid to speak up when it matters most. I may have started this journey as a girl who felt invisible, but I am emerging as a trailblazer, one determined to light the way for others.

Servant leadership, which emphasizes the growth and well-being of others rather than focusing on the leader’s own power or status, is something I deeply resonate with. I firmly believe that leadership should not be defined by how many followers one has, but by how many people are empowered to lead, grow, and reach their potential because of you. At the core of servant leadership is the idea of putting others' needs first. Over the years, I have strived to apply this principle in various aspects of my life whether in the workplace, during community service, or within my personal relationships. I believe that a true leader is someone who serves others, helping them to unlock their own strengths and accomplish their goals. Instead of focusing on asserting authority or achieving personal recognition, I focus on fostering a sense of trust, respect, and collaboration. I am driven by a desire to create environments where others feel seen, valued, and supported. One key aspect of servant leadership is being willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others. I have always placed the success of my team ahead of my own individual achievements. For example, when faced with challenges, I make sure that my team has the resources and support they need to overcome obstacles. I do not hesitate to take on additional tasks or work late hours if it means that it will relieve some pressure from others. This willingness to go above and beyond for my team has allowed me to build trust and create a positive, supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to excel. The results of embodying servant leadership are clear in the impact it has on those around me. I have seen team members flourish when they feel empowered, supported, and appreciated. They develop stronger confidence in their abilities and are more likely to take initiative, knowing that they have a leader who is there to guide and support them. This, in turn, strengthens the team dynamic and leads to a more collaborative and productive environment. It has also allowed me to build lasting, meaningful relationships both in and outside of the workplace. While servant leadership is deeply ingrained in my philosophy, I know that it is not always easy. It requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, I am steadfast in my belief that by focusing on serving others, I am helping to create a ripple effect that benefits not just individuals, but entire communities. By continuing to cultivate these leadership qualities, I hope to inspire others to adopt a similar approach and make a positive, lasting impact on those they lead. In conclusion, striving for servant leadership has shaped the way I approach challenges, relationships, and leadership roles. It is an ongoing journey, one that requires humility, dedication, and the willingness to put others first. By constantly improving in this area, I can continue to build strong, supportive teams and help others achieve their fullest potential.