Growing up in the Black community, I've witnessed firsthand how mental health issues are often overlooked or misunderstood. Whether due to shame, lack of access to resources, or generational silence, the concern of mental health has long been pushed aside in favor of being seen as strong or "just praying about it." As an upcoming sophomore in college majoring in Psychology, I am determined to change the narrative and impact healing and empowerment in my community by offering therapeutic services and raising awareness about mental health. From an early age, I noticed patterns of emotional distress that were ignored. I saw friends, loved ones, as well as myself, suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma in silence, often hiding their pain with humor, anger, or avoidance. Mental illnesses were rarely discussed, and when it was, it was usually dismissed as something that could be solved with more faith or a more powerful mindset. While I value the spiritual strength that many in the Black community rely on, I also believe that faith and professional mental help can coexist and support one another. It's heartbreaking to see so many people I care about carry invisible burdens without ever being taught how to unpack them safely. This environment sparked my interest in Psychology and the human mind. I became curious about why people think and behave the way they do, especially when faced with trauma, discrimination, and generational challenges. When I started college, I knew I wanted to study psychology. Not just to understand these issues academically, but to eventually become a therapist who could return to my community and offer the support so many could have gone without. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and validated, especially those who have never had the opportunity. If given the chance to improve my community, I would focus on providing accessible therapeutic services that are culturally competent and community-based. I believe that the healing happens not just in therapy rooms but also in schools, churches, and local centers, places where people already feel connected and comfortable. I would collaborate with local organizations to provide workshops on emotional literacy, coping mechanisms, and stress management. particularly targeting the young generation. By equipping our youth with mental health tools early on, we can break cycles of silence and normalize asking for help. Another important element of my vision is to reduce the humiliation around therapy. I would use social media, local events, and public speaking opportunities to share real stories and educate people about what therapy is and what it isn't. Many people still believe that therapy is only for those who are "crazy" or severely ill. I reality, therapy is a space for growth, self-reflection, and empowerment. By changing the terminology and perception around mental health, we can open doors for more people to seek the help they deserve. Mental health is important to me because it directly affects every area of our lives, our relationships, our ability to succeed, and our sense of purpose. When we ignore mental health, we're not just brushing off individual struggles; we're limiting the potential of our entire community. I want to be a part of changing that. As someone who has seen and witnessed the consequences of silence, I feel a personal responsibility to be part of the solution. In conclusion, I believe that improving mental health awareness and access in the Black community is not just a goal; it is a necessity. Everyone deserves to live a life, and for us to do that, we must start by caring for our minds.

When I was just ten years old, my life changed in ways I couldn’t understand at the time. Within a short span, I lost three people who meant the world to me, each one leaving behind a silence that felt too big for someone my age to carry. At an age when most kids are thinking about school recess or birthday parties, I was grappling with grief, confusion, and a heavy loneliness I didn’t have the words to describe. That pain left a mark, but over time, it also planted a seed, one that has grown into my deepest aspiration: to become a therapist and help others navigate pain that feels too big to face alone. Grief at such a young age is disorienting. I remember feeling like the world kept moving while mine had stopped. Adults didn’t always know what to say, and I didn’t know how to ask for help. Which is why I never got the help that I should've when I needed it. I was the one who got myself through such rough times. It wasn't something easy, and I wouldn't recommend facing times like this alone. That experience taught me that healing doesn’t always come from fixing the problem; it often comes from having someone beside you while you face it. Looking back now, I realize that losing those loved ones shaped not just my emotions, but also how I see the world. I’ve become more empathetic, more aware of the silent struggles people carry. I learned early that everyone has a story, and that pain often hides beneath the surface. Instead of turning away from it, I’ve learned to lean in with compassion, patience, and a willingness to understand. That’s why I want to become a therapist. I want to be the person I needed when I was ten years old: someone who sees the hurt, holds space for it, and walks with others as they find their way forward. Entering college as a freshman, I carry this purpose with me. I know the road to becoming a licensed therapist will take time, dedication, and a lot of learning, not just from textbooks, but from people. I’m excited to study psychology, learn about the human mind, and understand how trauma and healing work. But more than anything, I want to become skilled in listening, supporting, and connecting. I want to learn how to be present for people in their darkest moments, just like someone was present for me. I also hope to use my story to reach others who may feel alone in their grief. Maybe that means working with children who have experienced loss, or with teens struggling to process emotions they don’t yet understand. Maybe one day I’ll create a safe space where young people can talk openly about their pain without feeling judged or broken. In whatever form it takes, I want my work to be a tribute to the people I lost, to carry their memory forward by helping others find light in their darkness. Losing three loved ones at such a young age was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but it also gave my life direction. It taught me the value of empathy, the importance of mental health support, and the power of simply being there for someone. Through my future career as a therapist, I hope to honor those I lost by helping others find the strength to keep going, even when it feels like the world has stopped.

As a first-year college student, my passion for mental health and helping others is deeply personal and rooted in my experiences. Coming from a marginalized community, I’ve seen how mental health struggles are often overlooked or misunderstood, particularly in Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. These groups often carry the weight of generational trauma, systemic oppression, and cultural shame around mental health. These factors make it hard to talk about our feelings, let alone seek help. I want to change that. Over the past few years, I experienced the loss of three family members, and the emotional weight of that grief pushed me into a mental health struggle I didn’t know how to navigate. At the time, I didn’t have access to proper therapy or even the language to express what I was going through. I felt alone, overwhelmed, and confused. Looking back, I now realize how much it would’ve helped to have someone who truly understood—someone I could trust to listen and guide me through it. That experience shaped how I view mental health and inspired me to pursue a path where I can make a difference. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be for people, especially in marginalized communities, to get the help they need. There’s often stigma, a lack of resources, or services that don’t reflect our culture or experiences. Because of what I went through without support, I want to be the kind of therapist who offers that support to others. Now that I’m in college, I am majoring in psychology, intending to become a licensed therapist. I want to use what I learn to make a real difference, especially in marginalized communities where therapy often isn’t accessible or culturally relevant. I believe therapy should be a right, not a luxury. When I become a therapist, I plan to offer affordable services, work with local schools and organizations, and help normalize conversations around mental health in places where they’re often avoided. My ultimate goal is to create a community-based mental health practice that centers people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who often feel unseen by traditional mental health systems. I want my future clients to feel heard, respected, and empowered to heal. I know what it’s like to need help and not have it, and I never want someone else to feel as alone as I once did. Losing my family members broke my heart, but it also opened my eyes. It showed me how much our communities need healing, and how powerful it can be to support one another through life’s hardest moments. I may just be starting, but I’m committed to turning my pain into purpose—and building a future where no one has to suffer in silence.

Overcoming adversity is a common experience for many individuals, and it can greatly shape one's path toward achieving goals and dreams. Adversity can come in various forms, such as personal challenges, setbacks, failures, or external obstacles. I never understood the effects of losing loved ones and how much it could change a person. It is said that, during times of challenge and discomfort, we often develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Now that I’ve experienced grief for myself, it has not only opened up a new perspective on my life, but also contributed to who I am as a Person, and the person I desire to be. My name is Aniyah Grier. I am a 17-year old, Senior athletic and academic scholar, who's looking forward to making my first mark upon the world as a graduate of Woodland High School. Though I've done well, it hasn't come without challenge. Growing up, I was faced with Family, Health and Housing Challenges. My Mother was disabled due to medical conditions. I’ve gone from moving from house to house, to being displaced and staying with family members. As a young girl, it became my duty to help my mother while also helping with the well-being of my little sister. While we had the help of supporting family members such as my Grandmother and Great Grandmother, becoming a caregiver as a child, led to the loss of my innnocent childhood, and therefore the beginning of my Grief I am grateful for the support we did have and for the village we created during these challenging times. Typically, it was Myself, My mother, my Little Sister, My Grandmother, and My Great-Grandmother. Our situations weren't ideal, but together, we made it work and managed to overcome the odds. In 2017, our family unit was disrupted forever. After a long exhausting fight, my mothers health journey ended in peaceful passing. Some may say I was too young to really understand the effects, but how old must you be to understand losing your mother? Before able to process fully this loss, my Great-Grandmother took ill and passed away. Before my young eyes, the only family unit I knew, I was losing. Six months later, my Grandmother was diagnosed with Cancer and passed away shortly after, leaving myself and my little sister potential orphans. Today, I currently reside with my Mothers father, my grandfather and step-grandmother, while my sister currently resides with her biological father. While I'm beyond thankful, I was taken in by family instead of the unthinkable. This journey was not easy. Having to start a new school, live in a new area that comes with its own set of challenges, while being raised by your grandparents is also challenging. This was my new normal and it took some getting used to. I had days where I would reminisce and cry. I would often be rebellious towards my grandparents. I took to Social Media for an outlet, but was quickly reminded just how alone I felt. These tragic events and my personal journey, has helped me understand that Grief is real, death is inevitable, but love conquers all! I am stronger, wiser, and I hold on to the belief that everything happens for a reason. Overcoming these challenges has taught me the importance of nourishing relationships with those who are still here with me. In the end, experiencing loss at such a young age has contributed to my personal growth and gave me a deeper understanding of Love, Empathy, Compassion, and relationships. My advice would be to always think of the positives.

Empowerment to me means the ability to inspire and uplift others to reach their full potential. It involves giving people the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to take control of their own lives and make positive changes. Empowerment, to me, means the ability to and enable individuals to realize their of their full potential own lives, to take control of their lives, make decisions that impact choices that align with their values and goals, and realize their full potential their future. They can advocate for themselves. It is about fostering confidence, self is about helping people find their voice, build their confidence, and break-belief through barriers, and that may be holding independence in others. Empowerment is about instilling a sense of confidence, self-worth, and independence in individuals, allowing them to believe in themselves and their abilities. In my "life" as a young black female, empowerment plays a significant role in how I interact with and help other individuals. By providing inspiration, guidance, and support, I am able to empower other females to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. Through meaningful conversations and helpful suggestions, I aim to inspire and motivate others to take charge of their lives and work towards success. Empowerment is especially significant to my narrative. Empowerment as a young black female also means recognizing the strength and navigate these obstacles with resilience and determination, to challenge stereotypes and biases, and to resilience within create opportunities myself and for myself and others my community like me. My inspiration of empowerment comes from those who have come before me and paving young black the way woman means for those reclaiming the narrative, celebrating my identity, and embracing my worth in who will come after. It means striving for excellence, pushing boundaries, a world and creating that often spaces where diverse voices and perspectives are not seeks to diminish it. It means recognizing and leveraging only heard but valued. In navigating the my unique strengths and talents, challenges and complexities of and using them to being a young black female, empowerment is both a shield and a sword uplift those around me. Empowerment is about pushing boundaries, pushing. It equips back against injustice, me with the tools and pushing to combat forward towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. By empowering others, I am able to make a positive difference in the world and play a meaningful role in helping others achieve their goals.