Mental health has shaped every chapter of my life, my beliefs, my relationships, and ultimately the career I am building. My journey began when I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a moment that completely changed my trajectory. Before my diagnosis, I believed that struggling meant failing. When I finally reached a point where I had to step back from college and confront my mental health, I learned one of the most life-changing truths: I wasn’t alone, and it was okay to have mental health challenges. This understanding reshaped my identity. Instead of seeing myself as broken, I learned to see myself as someone who could rebuild, grow, and help others do the same. During my time healing, I gained a deeper sense of empathy and self-awareness. I learned to prioritize my mental well-being, communicate more intentionally, and create healthier boundaries. This experience strengthened my desire to contribute to the mental health field, not from a clinical standpoint, but by creating accessible resources for the people who often fall through the cracks. My diagnosis didn’t end my journey; it redirected it. It gave me purpose, clarity, and a vision for how I could make an impact. Raising two autistic sons has also deeply influenced how I view mental health. Parenting them has taught me a level of discipline, patience, and understanding that I never knew I had. Their needs pushed me to become a better communicator, a better listener, and a more creative problem solver. It also opened my eyes to how limited, expensive, and inaccessible support services can be for families like mine. Many parents feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn for help. I’ve lived that reality, and it’s what drives me to create better solutions. Although my major is Management & Technology, my long-term career vision is rooted in mental health advocacy and innovation. I plan to create digital applications that support individuals with mental health challenges, autistic children, and the caregivers who support them. My first project will be an app designed to provide free or extremely low-cost mental health resources for people who cannot afford therapy or treatment. This includes self-guided tools, crisis support pathways, educational content, and a directory of accessible services. I want to reach the people who need help the most but often have the least access, those who feel unheard, unseen, or financially blocked from seeking care. Mental health has defined my past, but it will also define my future. My experiences have inspired me to build a career focused on compassion, accessibility, and impact. I want to use technology to break stigma, expand support, and create solutions that truly make a difference. By combining my lived experience with my academic path, I hope to open doors for families, individuals, and communities who deserve better resources and a judgment-free place to start healing.

My name is Tony Johnson, and I am a Management & Technology major at Bowling Green State University. I am passionate about using technology to make a difference in people’s lives, particularly those who face challenges that are often misunderstood or overlooked. My long-term goal is to create a company that develops digital applications for children with autism, parents of autistic children, and individuals struggling with mental health. My motivation to pursue this path stems from my personal experiences with adversity, leadership, and a deep belief in the power of perseverance and purpose. One of the most significant challenges I have faced was battling major depressive disorder. During that time, I felt disconnected from my goals, my motivation, and even my sense of self. Depression can cloud every aspect of life, making even small achievements feel impossible. For a period, I stepped away from school to focus on my mental health. It was a painful decision, but it also became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Through counseling, faith, and the support of my family, I learned that strength is not about avoiding hardship. It’s about confronting it head-on and choosing to keep going, even when progress feels slow. Returning to college after that period required courage and discipline. I had to rebuild not only my academic momentum but also my confidence in my own abilities. Each semester became a personal victory, and I started to view education not just as a path to a degree, but as a symbol of my resilience. Overcoming my depression taught me empathy and patience, qualities that now shape how I lead and connect with others. While managing my personal growth, I also worked to make an impact in my community. As a manager at Sam’s Club, I led by example, focusing on integrity, accountability, and teamwork. I learned that leadership is not about authority, but about empowering others to reach their potential. During my time there, I also volunteered at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank, where I helped optimize the distribution of donated items to reduce waste and ensure that families received the support they needed. That experience reminded me that small actions like organizing supplies, improving systems, and mentoring a team can create lasting change when done with purpose and compassion. Those experiences deeply influenced my desire to merge technology with service. I realized that technology has the power to connect, educate, and heal, but only if it’s designed with empathy and inclusivity. As a father of two autistic sons, I understand firsthand the challenges families face in accessing resources and support. I want to create applications that make those resources more accessible, intuitive, and personalized tools that help parents, children, and individuals manage their unique needs with dignity and confidence. Through every challenge, I have learned that faith, perseverance, and integrity are not just values; they are lifelines. They are the same qualities that defined Anthony Belliamy’s legacy: strength in adversity, ethical leadership, and compassion for others. My journey has not been an easy one, but it has taught me that hardship can become the foundation for purpose. I strive to embody that same spirit in everything I do as a student, a leader, a father, and an aspiring entrepreneur. Receiving the Anthony Belliamy Memorial Scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also honor a man whose life mirrored the principles I strive to live by. It would allow me to keep pushing forward in my mission to use technology as a bridge between compassion and innovation to help others rise above their challenges, just as I have learned to rise above mine.

From Struggle to Strength: How Mental Health Shaped My Journey Mental health is often a silent battle, and for much of my life, it was mine. I have struggled with major depressive disorder and anxiety, challenges that once left me feeling paralyzed, isolated, and unsure of my path. At one point, these mental health struggles became so overwhelming that I had to leave college to focus on my healing. Stepping away from school wasn’t an easy decision, especially since I had always seen education as the path to a better future. But in that season of life, survival had to come first. That period of darkness could have defined me. Instead, it became the foundation of my strength. I learned that healing isn’t linear and that choosing to prioritize my mental well-being was an act of courage, not failure. Each small victory, i.e. returning to school, applying for scholarships, or simply showing up for my children, was a reminder that I am capable of more than I once believed. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to embrace healing as a process, and to understand that seeking help is not weakness, but wisdom. This journey profoundly shaped my relationships. As a parent to two autistic sons, Kayson and Kahri, my experience with depression and anxiety has made me more patient, present, and intentional. I’ve learned to communicate with empathy, listen with my heart, and build a home where emotions are acknowledged rather than suppressed. My experiences have helped me connect more authentically with others because I recognize the signs of internal struggle and offer support without judgment. Beyond my personal life, mental health has become a cornerstone of my career aspirations. I am now back in school, pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University. My goal is to develop digital applications that support children with autism, parents like me, and individuals coping with mental health challenges. These apps won’t just be tech solutions; they will be lifelines for families navigating a world that often doesn’t understand them. I’ve also created an Instagram channel called “Mental Health is Mental Wealth” where I post motivational quotes, conduct mental health check-ins, and share personal stories and resources from my own personal experiences. What started as a way to process my own emotions has become a supportive online community. I believe in using my voice and my journey to help others feel seen, supported, and encouraged to keep going. The I Can and I Will scholarship speaks directly to the mindset I’ve had to adopt in my own life. I can overcome the weight of my mental health struggles, and I will use my experiences to empower others. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a purpose greater than myself. I am no longer defined by what I’ve endured, but by how I’ve turned my pain into progress, and my experience into advocacy. With the help of this scholarship, I will continue to walk that path, with hope, with passion, and with the unshakable belief that I can, and I will.

Math has always been more than just numbers and equations to me, it’s a language of logic, patterns, and endless possibilities. I love math because it challenges me to think critically, analyze problems from different angles, and find precise solutions. Every equation is a puzzle, and every problem solved gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. What fascinates me most about math is its universality. No matter where you are in the world, two plus two will always equal four. Math transcends cultures, languages, and borders, making it a powerful tool for connection and innovation. Whether it's calculating the trajectory of a rocket, predicting stock market trends, or developing algorithms for technology, math plays a crucial role in the advancements shaping our future. As a Management & Technology major at Bowling Green State University, I use math daily to analyze data, manage budgets, and study algorithms. My love for math has fueled my passion for entrepreneurship, particularly in developing digital applications to support children with autism and individuals dealing with mental health challenges. From designing user-friendly interfaces to measuring outcomes through data, math is at the heart of creating impactful, effective solutions. Math teaches me perseverance, discipline, and creativity. It sharpens my mind and pushes me to always look for better, more efficient ways to solve problems. It’s not just something I study; it’s something I rely on to build a better future for myself, my family, and my community. That’s why I love math.

Mental health is deeply personal to me. I’ve lived through the silence, the stigma, and the struggle. As a college student living with major depressive disorder, I had to step away from school for a period to take care of myself. At the time, it felt like failure, but it was a critical turning point. That break didn’t mark the end of my academic journey, it marked the beginning of a new chapter defined by resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Today, I’m back in college as a Management & Technology major at Bowling Green State University, thriving academically while raising two autistic sons. My experiences have shown me how essential mental health is to student success. It's more than just a personal issue, it's a foundation for everything else: learning, relationships, and the ability to show up fully in life. Yet mental health is often overlooked, especially in educational spaces where students are expected to push through exhaustion, anxiety, or depression just to keep up. That’s why mental health is not only important to me and why I actively advocate for it in my community. I use my story to create change, hosting Instagram Live sessions that offer a safe space for people to talk about mental health struggles. I speak openly about my own experiences with depression, parenting, and the pressures of being a student. These conversations reach people who may feel invisible in their struggles and remind them that they are not alone. In my local and school communities, I advocate by showing up for others in small but powerful ways. Whether it’s guiding a fellow student to counseling services, checking in on a classmate, or simply listening without judgment, I’ve learned that advocacy doesn’t always require a microphone, and often starts with compassion and presence. When I worked as a manager at Sam’s Club, I promoted mental wellness by encouraging emotional check-ins during stressful seasons, helping my team feel seen and supported. Looking forward, I want to continue turning my experiences into impact. My ultimate goal is to start a tech company that designs digital applications for autistic children, their families, and individuals struggling with mental health. These tools will provide accessible, user-friendly support systems rooted in empathy and real-life experience. This mission is born out of love for my sons, my journey through depression, and a desire to create tools I wish had existed when I needed them most. Mental health shouldn’t be a barrier to education. It should be part of the foundation that supports it. Through honest conversations, everyday support, and long-term innovation, I’m committed to being a part of the change. I don’t just want to succeed despite my mental health journey, I want to succeed because of it and help others do the same.

My biggest dream in life is to start my own tech company that develops applications specifically designed to support individuals with autism, parents raising children on the spectrum, and people living with mental health challenges. This dream is deeply personal. I am a father to two autistic sons, and I’ve faced major depressive disorder myself. These experiences have shown me the power of technology, not just as a tool for innovation, but as a bridge to understanding, communication, and healing. Every day, I witness both the beauty and the struggles of navigating the world with autism. Many tools on the market today fall short in offering real, personalized support. I envision building apps that go beyond generic solutions, apps that help children regulate emotions through interactive visuals and sounds, apps that allow nonverbal users to express themselves more fully, and apps that give parents real-time strategies, scheduling help, and support networks. I also want to develop mental health tools that feel human, not clinical ones that are designed with empathy at the core. To achieve this dream, I’ve taken several concrete steps. I returned to college after a break caused by my mental health challenges, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Management and Technology at Bowling Green State University. This program is helping me build the business and technical skills necessary to lead a company in the tech space. I’ve also been learning about UX/UI design and app development through online courses and side projects, slowly building the foundation I need to turn my ideas into prototypes. But beyond technical knowledge, I believe my passion and lived experience are what truly set me apart. I’m not just creating products; I’m designing lifelines—tools I wish I had years ago. I plan to partner with educators, therapists, and developers to ensure the solutions are both practical and evidence based. Eventually, I hope to secure funding, start a team, and launch my company right here in Ohio, where I’ve seen firsthand the need for better support tools. Being awarded the Austin Hays Scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of my education, but it would also be a deeply meaningful reminder that my dream is valid and worth pursuing. Meeting Austin Hays, a fellow Ohioan who beat the odds to follow his dream, would be both an honor and an inspiration. I know the road ahead will not be easy. But like Austin, I’m ready to face every obstacle with determination and grit. My dream is not just to build a tech company, it’s to create a more inclusive, compassionate world for families like mine. And I won’t stop until that dream becomes reality.

One of the most meaningful and personal projects I’ve worked on is the early development of a digital application designed to support children with autism and their families. As a father of two autistic sons, Kayson and Kahri, I’ve witnessed firsthand the daily challenges families like mine faced. From communication barriers to limited access to tailored resources, it often feels like we’re navigating a world that wasn’t built for our children. This inspired me to blend my personal journey with my passion for technology to create a solution that could fill this gap. The concept behind the app is simple: it offers customizable tools that support routine-building, emotional regulation, and real-time communication for children on the autism spectrum. The app would also include a parent dashboard, offering insights, activity suggestions, and access to community resources. What makes this project so important to me is that it's more than a piece of software, it's a way of giving families like mine something we’ve never had: a digital space built with our unique needs in mind. While this project is still in its developmental phase, it’s already inspired my academic and professional path. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Management and Technology at Bowling Green State University, and every class I take gives me new ideas and tools to improve the project. My studies in technology systems, user experience, and data management are all directly shaping how I approach app development. This integration of learning and real-life impact is what keeps me motivated. Working in technology inspires me because it is one of the few fields where innovation can directly solve real-world problems in creative ways. Tech isn’t just about building devices or writing code, it’s about improving lives. Whether it's through accessibility apps, mental health platforms, or educational software, technology has the power to transform struggle into support. My own experience with major depressive disorder has also deepened my understanding of how powerful and necessary mental health tools can be, particularly when integrated with user-friendly tech. My goal is to create digital solutions that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered. This scholarship would help me continue my education and bring this project closer to reality. More than just financial support, it would represent belief in a vision shaped by lived experience and driven by purpose. I’m not just learning technology to get a job, I’m learning it to make a difference. That’s the heart of everything I do.

From the outside, my path to computer science looks unconventional; in truth, every step has been a direct line toward the work I feel called to do. Eight years ago, both of my young sons, Kayson and Kahri, were diagnosed with autism. That diagnosis instantly made me a full-time problem-solver, researching therapies, learning to code simple visual-schedule apps to keep them calm during transitions, and teaching myself Python at midnight because the existing tools on the market simply did not meet their needs. Each time I managed to automate a task or build a digital aid that helped my boys communicate a little more easily, I felt the spark that now drives my pursuit of a Computer Science degree. My dream job is to found and lead a company that designs evidence-based, affordable mobile applications for neurodivergent children and for families navigating mental-health challenges. I want to fuse rigorous CS skills (algorithms, AI, human-computer interaction) with the management expertise I am gaining in my Management & Technology major at Bowling Green State University. In the long run, I envision an “inclusive tech lab” that hires autistic developers, conducts user-centered research with therapists and educators, and rolls out products that translate clinical best practices into engaging, game-like experiences. I believe I am the strongest candidate for the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship for three reasons: 1. Proven resilience and growth. Major depressive disorder forced me to pause my education once before, yet I returned stronger, earning dean’s-list grades while parenting, working, and volunteering as a donations-optimization lead at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank. 2. Service-driven technical ambition. My coding journey began in service to others, and every project I tackle is measured by its social impact. This mindset echoes Chris Jackson’s legacy of using technology to uplift communities. 3. Leadership ready to scale. Managing multimillion-dollar inventory at Sam’s Club taught me how to direct teams, streamline processes, and deliver results under pressure. Those same skills translate directly to shepherding software from prototype to launch. Winning this scholarship would lighten my financial load, letting me focus on advanced coursework in machine learning and accessible-design research. More importantly, it would amplify my capacity to turn personal experience into scalable solutions, so that the next parent searching at 2 a.m. for help will find an app that makes life a little brighter.

My journey into the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is deeply personal. As a father of two autistic sons and someone who has navigated the challenges of major depressive disorder, I have witnessed firsthand how technology can either exclude or empower. These life experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can design digital solutions that support neurodivergent individuals and those struggling with mental health, populations that are often underserved by current technology. I am currently majoring in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University, where I’m learning to integrate business acumen with technical knowledge. This unique program equips me with skills in data analysis, systems thinking, and innovation strategy, tools that are vital for leading AI-driven projects in the real world. While I’m still early in my coding and development journey, I have begun experimenting with app design and user experience frameworks, with a focus on accessibility and emotional intelligence. I am particularly interested in how AI can be trained to recognize behavioral patterns that signal stress, sensory overload, or emotional dysregulation, challenges common for both autistic individuals and those with mood disorders. When I took a break from school in 2011 due to my own diagnosis of major depressive disorder, I gained a new level of empathy and motivation. That period taught me how isolating and misunderstood mental illness can be, but it also showed me the gaps in the tools available for support. I started researching how AI could be used to create smarter interventions, apps that go beyond tracking mood and instead anticipate needs, connect users to resources, and even adapt to individual communication styles. I began mapping out a vision for a future app: one that could help parents like me manage their children's routines with adaptive sensory tools, while also providing self-care guidance and mental health check-ins for the caregivers themselves. My hands-on experience so far includes building basic prototypes using no-code and low-code platforms, experimenting with data sets in beginner machine learning environments like Teachable Machine, and studying open-source projects focused on autism and mental health. These early steps have fueled my desire to pursue more advanced technical training, particularly in natural language processing and human-centered AI design. Looking forward, my goal is to create a startup that specializes in developing AI-powered tools for neurodivergent individuals and their families. I want to ensure that autistic children have apps that are not just functional, but empowering! Digital apps that speak their language, understand their unique behaviors, and support their growth. At the same time, I want to offer tools for parents and caregivers to manage stress, track progress, and access community resources with ease. AI has immense potential to bridge the gap between people and the support they need. My personal journey, both the hardships and the healing, has uniquely positioned me to lead innovation in this realm. I am not just passionate about technology, I am driven to make it inclusive, compassionate, and life changing!

Mental health advocacy isn’t just something I believe in, it’s something I live out loud. After being diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 2011, I made the difficult decision to step away from college to prioritize my mental health. It was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made, but also one of the most important. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the deep stigma, isolation, and lack of resources that so many people battling mental illness face, and it sparked my commitment to help others feel less alone. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University, with the goal of combining innovation and empathy to drive real change in mental health advocacy. One way I currently support others is through Instagram Live, where I host mental health seminars. During these seminars, I openly share my own journey, my struggles, my healing process, and the tools I’ve learned to cope. These sessions are raw and real. They’re not just about telling my story, they’re about listening to others, answering their questions, offering guidance, and helping them find professional resources. I’ve had people message me afterward saying it was the first time they felt truly understood, and that alone keeps me going. In my previous role as a manager at Sam’s Club, I used that same empathy to check in with team members and create a supportive work environment. I learned that a simple act like recognizing someone’s burnout or offering a listening ear can completely shift a person’s day. Since 2023, I’ve also volunteered at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank, where I’ve seen how emotional health and basic needs are deeply intertwined. Even after leaving Sam’s Club in 2024, I return to the foodbank twice a month and continue to spread awareness about mental health and smarter ways to give back. My long-term goal is to create a company that develops digital applications to support children with autism, parents of autistic children, and people facing mental health challenges. Through my education at BGSU, I’m gaining the management, tech, and leadership skills I need to make that vision real. Mental health deserves space, conversation, and innovation. I’m committed to making sure the support I once needed is available to others, and that no one ever has to feel alone in their struggle again.

From a young age, I’ve always believed that giving back isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about showing up consistently, even when no one is watching. As a manager at Sam’s Club, I was in a unique position to connect our store’s resources with the needs of the community. In 2023, I began volunteering at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank, where I helped sort through donated goods. That’s when I witnessed something that changed the way I think about service, and supply chains. During one of the shifts, our team learned that any donated food items containing milk, eggs, or bread that had been previously frozen were automatically deemed unusable due to food safety regulations. That day, we watched eight full pallets of donated food get broken down, and only two pallets were salvageable. The rest had to be thrown away. Despite everyone’s good intentions, so much was wasted, and it hit me hard. Our donation process at Sam’s Club was flawed, and the people relying on these resources were the ones paying the price. I couldn’t let that realization go. I brought it back to my colleagues and led the charge to reform our store’s donation process. We developed clearer donation guidelines, trained staff on what could and couldn’t be donated, and introduced new checks to ensure quality and compliance. The goal was simple: to make sure that what we donated actually made it onto someone’s table. It was a lesson in accountability, and in the power of taking initiative. Even after I left Sam’s Club in 2024, my commitment didn’t stop. I still volunteer at the foodbank at least twice a month. Whether I’m sorting food or mentoring new volunteers, I continue to spread the word about “donating smarter.” I’ve come to see this work not as a side project, but as part of a lifelong commitment to service, one that informs how I plan to build my future. That future centers around creating a company focused on developing digital applications for children with autism, parents of autistic children, and individuals struggling with mental health. I’ve seen the gaps in resources and support for these communities, and I want to help close them. I envision tools that help autistic children learn and communicate more easily, apps that guide parents through daily routines and emotional challenges, and mental health platforms that offer real, practical help, not just surface-level solutions. This won’t be a one-person journey. I plan to collaborate with nonprofits, schools, and mental health professionals to ensure everything we develop is accessible, empathetic, and rooted in real-world needs. I also want my company to provide job opportunities and mentorship to neurodiverse individuals, helping them thrive in environments built with their strengths in mind. The life and legacy of Priscilla Shireen Luke is an inspiration to me. Her dedication to service reflects everything I value: showing up, doing the right thing, and leaving the world a little better than you found it. This scholarship wouldn’t just fund my education, it would be an investment in a mission built on empathy, action, and the belief that small changes can lead to big impact. I’m committed to carrying that torch forward, one act of service at a time.

If I’m being honest, I hate calculus. In high school, it felt like an abstract puzzle that never quite clicked. In college, it was even more intense. Despite countless late nights and tutoring sessions, I still found myself frustrated and overwhelmed. But somehow, through persistence, grit, and a lot of Redbull I managed to earn B’s both times. They may not have been A’s, but they were hard-earned victories, and they represent more than just a letter grade. They’re a symbol of my commitment to pushing through challenges in order to pursue something greater. That “something greater” is my passion for STEM. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University. It’s a field that combines analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, skills that calculus, for better or worse, helped strengthen in me. Even though I struggled with the subject, it gave me a deeper appreciation for complex systems and how small changes can have large-scale impacts. That mindset has been invaluable in both my academic and professional journeys. I’ve worked in retail management for over a decade, and through that role, I developed a passion for using data and systems thinking to solve real-world problems. One of the most meaningful experiences I had was partnering with the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank to reduce food waste by optimizing how perishable items were donated. It was a logistical challenge, one that required careful planning, coordination, and, yes, math. Without realizing it, I was using the problem-solving muscles that calculus helped build. Now, as a non-traditional student and a father of five, including two sons with autism, my STEM aspirations are deeply personal. I’m working toward launching a tech company that creates digital tools for people with autism and those managing mental health challenges. My goal is to use technology to create support systems that are accessible, user-friendly, and rooted in empathy. I believe the future of STEM is not just about solving technical problems, but improving lives, and that’s the impact I want to make. Calculus was never easy for me. It wasn’t a class I loved, and I’ll probably never revisit integrals or derivatives by choice. But it taught me something far more valuable than formulas or graphs, it taught me how to endure, how to adapt, and how to learn even when things don’t come naturally. That’s the essence of STEM. It’s not just about intelligence; it’s about perseverance, curiosity, and the drive to understand the world more deeply. I may have hated calculus, but I love what it helped me become: a more capable student, a more resilient problem-solver, and a more determined leader. The Learner Calculus Scholarship would not only help lighten my financial burden, but would also affirm that struggle and persistence are part of the journey, and sometimes, they’re the most important parts.

For many years, I didn’t have the words to explain what I was going through. I just knew that some days I couldn’t get out of bed, even though I had class, practice, and other obligations. I knew I was smart and capable, but I couldn't concentrate, couldn’t finish school, and couldn’t see a future that felt worth fighting for. In 2011, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. It was a painful moment, but also a liberating one, because it finally gave a name to what I had been feeling for so long. My experience with mental health has reshaped every part of my life. It changed the way I view myself, the way I build relationships, and the way I set goals. It also taught me something I had never really been shown growing up: that it’s okay to not be okay. That it’s okay to ask for help. That healing isn’t a weakness, it’s courage. Growing up in a Black household, mental health was rarely talked about. You prayed, you pushed through, you didn’t let people see you struggle. And I carried that silence into adulthood. I tried to bury my depression in work, in sports, in busyness. But when it finally caught up with me, I had to face it head-on. It took time, therapy, and support to begin managing my mental health, and there are still days when it’s hard. But now, I have tools. I have understanding. I have hope. That experience made me a better parent. I’m now raising five children, including two sons who are on the autism spectrum. My journey through mental health struggles has made me more empathetic, more patient, and more open with my kids. We talk about our feelings in our house. We name them. We validate them. We create a safe space for mental health because I know firsthand what happens when that space doesn’t exist. It also deeply shaped my career goals. Today, as a non-traditional student pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University, I am working toward creating a tech company that builds apps for individuals with autism and mental health challenges. I want to use technology as a bridge, something that helps parents adapt and understand their children better, that gives kids tools to manage their emotions, and that creates access for families who feel isolated. When my sons were diagnosed, I searched everywhere for digital tools that could help support them, and I was shocked at how limited the options were. I want to be the person who changes that. I don’t want other parents to feel the helplessness I felt. I don’t want children to grow up feeling broken simply because they’re different. And I don’t want people living with mental illness to continue feeling unseen. My personal journey with mental health has also led me to become an advocate. I speak openly about my diagnosis because I know there are others out there who feel like they’re alone. I volunteer, I share my story, and I work to educate others about the importance of mental wellness, especially in marginalized communities where these conversations are still considered taboo. Every time I share my experience, someone tells me they feel seen. That’s why I keep going. The impact of mental health goes beyond the individual, it touches families, relationships, workplaces, and communities. It’s time that we stop treating it like a secret. It’s time that we stop hiding in the dark. That’s why the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship resonates so deeply with me. It’s about honoring the lives of those we’ve lost while working to change the world for those still here. It’s about legacy, healing, and hope. My journey isn’t over. I’m still learning, still growing, still managing. But I am no longer ashamed. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I am committed to using everything I’ve been through to help others feel less alone. Whether it’s through building a tech company, advocating for mental health resources, or simply being a loving and present mother, I know my purpose is to create change. Because when we bring the darkness to light, we create space for others to heal. And that’s how we change the world, one honest conversation, one helping hand, one open heart at a time.

Mental health is often an invisible battle, but its effects can be deeply visible in every corner of life. In 2011, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a turning point that changed everything for me. At the time, I had to pause my education and focus solely on my well-being. I wasn’t just trying to stay on top of schoolwork anymore; I was trying to stay afloat. Fourteen years later, I’m proud to say I’m in the best mental health space I’ve ever been in, but the journey here was anything but easy. That experience profoundly shaped how I view the world. Before my diagnosis, I used to believe in pushing through everything, powering forward no matter how broken I felt inside. I was raised in a culture and environment where mental health wasn’t openly discussed. I didn’t know how to ask for help, and I felt ashamed for needing it. But as I faced the reality of living with depression, I learned to embrace vulnerability instead of hiding it. I came to believe that strength is not about denying pain, but about confronting it with honesty and seeking healing. Today, my beliefs center around empathy, openness, and the importance of showing up for others, especially those silently struggling. My mental health journey also redefined my relationships. Depression isolated me for years, making me feel like I couldn’t connect to others or be fully present. But it also taught me how to value and nurture the relationships that mattered most. I became more intentional, more understanding, and more compassionate. Not just with others, but with myself as well. As a father of five, including two sons on the autism spectrum, I’ve used those lessons every day to support and advocate for my children. I know how hard it is to feel misunderstood, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure they never feel that same loneliness. We’ve built a home where mental health is talked about, not buried, and where love is unconditional. These life experiences have greatly influenced my career aspirations. As a non-traditional student now pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University, I am working toward launching a tech company focused on building digital tools to support mental health and neurodivergent communities. When my sons were first diagnosed with autism, I realized how few accessible tools existed for children or their parents. I want to change that. I want to develop apps that offer emotional support, coping tools, and educational resources. Technology designed with compassion, not just code. My goal isn’t to make money, it’s to make change. I believe that technology, when built with the right intentions, can offer a lifeline to people who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or alone. And I believe that my lived experience with mental health gives me a unique insight into what those tools should look like. I know what it feels like to be in the dark. Now, I want to create light for others. As a first-generation college student, getting here has taken resilience, self-reinvention, and a deep commitment to growth. The Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship would not only provide crucial financial support, but it would also affirm the journey I’ve taken from surviving depression to building a life and career rooted in purpose. My story, like Mikey’s, is one of struggle, but also one of hope, transformation, and impact. Because mental health matters. Because people matter. And because when we start truly supporting one another, we create a world where healing is possible.

Mental health has never been an abstract issue for me. It has shaped the very foundation of my life, from the way I see the world to the path I’ve chosen to pursue. In 2011, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. It was a life-altering moment, not just because of the diagnosis itself, but because of how it changed the trajectory of my life. I had to put school on hold. I had to step back from my plans and dreams to simply survive. That break lasted over a decade. And while I’ve made incredible strides since then, that experience and the daily work I still put into my mental health has permanently changed how I think, who I connect with, and what I feel called to do in this world. For years, I navigated the mental health system alone. I encountered the brokenness firsthand: long waits, overworked professionals, misdiagnoses, and a heavy reliance on medication without adequate support. There were moments when I felt invisible, unheard, and reduced to symptoms rather than seen as a person. It was isolating, and it taught me that while we may have more awareness around mental health today, we still lack systems of care that truly nurture and empower people to heal. This journey didn’t just affect me, it affected my relationships as well. Depression robbed me of presence at times. It made it harder to show up for my children, friends, and family the way I wanted to. But in that darkness, I also found an unexpected gift: empathy. I began to understand pain in others more clearly. I started to see beneath the surface of people's actions and recognize silent suffering in people who smiled on the outside. That understanding deepened my compassion and strengthened my relationships, especially with my three daughters and two sons, two of whom are diagnosed with autism. I want my children to grow up in a world where emotional struggles aren’t hidden or punished, but met with care and community. My experience with mental health has also directly shaped my career goals. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University as a non-traditional student. My goal is to create applications and digital tools that support people navigating mental health challenges and neurodivergence, starting with autism. When my sons were first diagnosed, there were so few tools to help them (or me) adjust. I had to learn everything on my own. Now, nearly a decade later, the need still exists. So, I’ve decided to be the one to fill that gap. I want to design applications that are rooted in compassion and accessibility, tools that help people feel less alone, more supported, and better understood. Eventually, I want to launch my own tech company dedicated to mental health and neurodivergent communities. But for me, this is about far more than business. It’s about purpose. It’s about making sure that no one else has to feel like they’re battling their mind in isolation. It’s about providing the tools I wish I had back when I first received my diagnosis or when I was trying to understand how to support my boys. Mental illness is often invisible, but its effects are profound. And for far too long, those of us affected by it have been expected to remain quiet, ashamed, or simply "deal with it." I want to be part of the wave that changes that. I want to raise awareness, build solutions, and create a community of support that acknowledges pain without judgment and offers healing with dignity. Receiving the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship would not only provide financial support for my continued education, it would also be a deeply personal affirmation that my story, my pain, and my goals matter. It would allow me to continue this path of turning struggle into service, of transforming personal battles into public impact. In the end, I believe that healing is possible, but only when we’re willing to bring the darkness into the light, or in some cases, the light to the darkness. My life’s mission is to be part of that light, for my family, my community, and for everyone who’s ever felt like their story didn’t matter. Because it does. Mine does. And so does yours.

My journey into STEM didn’t begin in a classroom, it began in a crisis. As a father of two sons with autism and someone who has battled major depressive disorder, I’ve lived through moments where the right tools or support systems could have made all the difference. But too often, those tools didn’t exist. That absence is what inspired my passion for STEM. I am now pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University, with the goal of using innovation to bridge the gap in mental health and neurodiversity support. What draws me to STEM is its power to solve real-world problems. I want to create digital applications that help children with autism thrive and assist parents, like myself, who often feel alone in navigating the journey. I remember when my first son was diagnosed. There were so few resources that I often felt like I was learning an entirely new language on my own. Now that my sons are older, I’ve realized that even after all this time, the tools available are still limited. I want to be part of the solution. I want to design with compassion, informed by lived experience, and backed by solid technical expertise. Being a man of color in STEM also means I carry the responsibility of representation. I know firsthand the feeling of being the only one in the room, of having to work twice as hard to be heard or seen. But I’ve never let that discourage me. Instead, I use it as fuel. I want to be a visible example to other men of color that not only do we belong in STEM, but we also have the power to lead and innovate in it. I’ve faced more than my share of adversity. I had to pause my academic journey for over a decade after being diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I became a single father. I had to work full-time in retail and warehouse management just to stay afloat. But despite it all, I never let go of my dreams. I returned to college not just to earn a degree, but to build a future for my family and my community. I’ve learned resilience, discipline, and above all, purpose. I bring those qualities to everything I do, from my coursework to my long-term vision of launching a tech company that centers on mental wellness and accessibility. The Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship would not just provide financial relief; it would be an affirmation of my path. With this support, I can continue developing the skills and knowledge I need to bring my ideas to life. I want to be part of the next generation of STEM leaders who create with empathy, innovate with inclusion, and solve with heart. Because sometimes, the greatest innovations don’t come from textbooks, they come from life.

Mental illness is often invisible, but its impact can be far-reaching and deeply felt, especially within families. I’ve experienced this both directly and indirectly, and it has shaped who I am, the parent I strive to be, and the career I am pursuing. My story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion, born from the challenges mental illness has placed before me and my loved ones. When I was ten years old, my mother made the difficult decision to leave me in the care of my grandmother so she could seek help with her mental health. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I’ve come to admire her strength. She always told me, “It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay not okay.” That statement has stayed with me throughout my own battles with depression and anxiety, becoming a mantra that I turn to on my hardest days. In 2011, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. It forced me to pause my education and reevaluate my life, my goals, and my well-being. The stigma around mental illness made it difficult to talk openly, even with those closest to me. But I knew that if I wanted to break the cycle for my children and others like me, I had to first heal myself. That’s exactly what I’ve spent the last decade doing; learning, growing, and advocating. As a parent of two sons with autism, my journey has been even more complex. Mental health and neurodiversity intersect in many ways. From meltdowns and therapy appointments to the quiet moments when my boys struggle to express themselves, I see how mental health affects our entire household. It can be isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting, but it has also taught me resilience, patience, and unconditional love. I’ve learned how critical it is to have access to resources, tools, and communities of support. That’s why I’ve returned to school as a non-traditional student majoring in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University. My long-term goal is to launch a tech company that develops applications for children with autism and individuals struggling with mental health. I want to create tools that help people communicate, cope, and thrive, tools I wish had existed when I needed them most. This mission is deeply personal, rooted in both my role as a parent and my journey as someone who has walked through the storm and found a way to keep going. Receiving the Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial assistance, it would be recognition of the emotional labor and determination it has taken to get here. I’ve experienced mental illness as a son, a father, and an individual. Each perspective has shaped my empathy, fueled my ambition, and reinforced the importance of advocacy. I don’t want to just succeed for myself, I want to build something that will ease the path for others navigating similar struggles. In honoring Elizabeth’s memory, this scholarship also honors those who continue to fight battles no one can see. I am proud to be one of them.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped my entire perspective on life, perseverance, and purpose. At the age of 10, my mother made the courageous decision to leave me in the care of my grandmother so she could prioritize her mental health. My grandmother, with her unwavering strength and southern values, raised me with discipline, compassion, and resilience. She taught me that setbacks are setups for comebacks, and I carry that lesson with me every day. Though our household was low-income, I graduated high school with honors and was determined to make something of myself. Life threw more challenges my way, including a battle with Major Depressive Disorder that forced me to leave college. But I refused to let that define me. Now, at 36, I’ve returned to school at Bowling Green State University as a non-traditional student majoring in Management & Technology. My goal is to launch a tech company that creates apps for children with autism, their families, and individuals facing mental health struggles. I’m currently developing my first prototype while studying UX/UI design and networking with community organizations. I want to turn my pain into purpose and create tools that heal, support, and uplift others, especially in underserved communities like the one I came from.

My decision to pursue a degree in STEM, specifically in Management & Technology, comes from a very personal place. It’s not just about gaining skills or earning a degree. It’s about creating the solutions that I wish existed for myself, my sons, and for millions of people who are often left behind in the rapid evolution of technology. My sons were diagnosed with autism at an early age. Navigating that journey as a Black father showed me how deeply underserved many families like mine are, especially when it comes to accessible digital tools for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. At the same time, I’ve fought, and still currently fighting, my own battle with Major Depressive Disorder, a diagnosis that once derailed my college plans and forced me to take a break from higher education altogether. But stepping away wasn’t the end, it was a reset. Now, at 36, I’m in the best mental health space of my life and fully committed to completing my degree at Bowling Green State University. I chose STEM because I want to turn my experiences into innovative, meaningful action. My goal is to build a tech company that creates applications for people with autism, their families, and individuals dealing with mental health struggles. These will be tools that promote communication, emotional regulation, and community support, designed with empathy, tested with real-world feedback, and made accessible for people who are too often overlooked. As a person of color in STEM, I’m deeply aware of how rare representation still is in tech. When I first entered college in 2007, I didn’t have many role models who looked like me in the STEM fields. That absence was more than symbolic, it meant fewer mentors, fewer support systems, and fewer examples of what success could look like for someone from my background. That reality didn’t break me, though. It gave me a reason to keep going. I want to use my presence in this space to change that narrative. I want young Black students to see that there is a place for them in tech, not just as workers, but as innovators, leaders, and changemakers. I want to speak openly about my nontraditional path, my mental health challenges, and my family’s story, because those are all part of what gives me the vision and passion to build tech that truly matters. My impact in the STEM field won’t be measured just by the apps I launch or the code I write. It will be measured by how many lives are improved through the tools I create, how many young people are inspired to follow a similar path, and how effectively I can turn adversity into action. STEM is more than a field of study for me; it’s a way to rewrite the future. One where diversity, accessibility, and mental health are not afterthoughts but priorities. One where people like me aren’t the exception, but part of the norm.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in Management & Technology because I want to create meaningful digital solutions for people navigating mental health challenges and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This decision wasn’t born from textbooks or a single inspirational moment, it was the result of a deeply personal journey shaped by lived experiences, family, and a renewed sense of purpose. As a father to two children with autism and someone who has, and still is, personally battling Major Depressive Disorder, I have witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be to access tools that truly support mental and emotional well-being. For years, I struggled silently, even putting my education on hold to focus on my mental health. Now, at 36, I’ve returned to college as a non-traditional student at Bowling Green State University, committed to building a career that serves people like me and my boys. My short-term goal is to complete my degree in Management & Technology while immersing myself in UX/UI design and project management. These skills are critical to the vision I have: a tech company that designs mobile apps and digital resources tailored to families affected by autism and individuals struggling with mental health. I’ve already begun outlining my first app tool that helps autistic children build communication skills using visual cues while giving parents insight into their child’s emotional state. My long-term goal is to scale this vision into a sustainable, inclusive tech company that centers the voices of underserved communities. I want to hire diverse teams, work with clinicians and educators, and make mental health and ASD support tools more accessible, especially for Black and Brown families who are too often left out of the conversation. Being an underrepresented minority in STEM comes with its own unique challenges—limited representation, implicit bias, and often, the pressure of being the “first” or “only” in many rooms. But rather than letting that discourage me, I use it as fuel. I want to show other young Black men that their ideas and innovations belong in tech. I want my presence in this field to open doors and inspire the next generation of diverse thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Financially, returning to college as an adult learner has been a significant challenge. I balance school with family responsibilities and the day-to-day cost of living. Scholarships like the SigaLa Education Scholarship relieve the burden of tuition and textbooks, allowing me to focus on building something impactful instead of worrying about how I’ll afford my next semester. Every dollar I receive through scholarship support is an investment not just in my education, but in a future where technology is more inclusive, empathetic, and responsive to the needs of all people. In choosing this field, I’m not just building a career, I’m reclaiming my purpose, honoring my sons, and creating something that can heal, uplift, and empower others. This scholarship would play a vital role in helping me stay on that path.

At first glance, some might view my story as one marked by absence. At the age of 10, my mother made the painful decision to leave me in the care of my grandmother so she could focus on her own mental health. But with time, I came to understand that her decision was not abandonment, it was one of the greatest acts of love and strength. Her courage to seek help, to admit she wasn’t okay, and to prioritize her healing planted the seeds for everything I’ve come to believe about resilience, self-awareness, and growth. Growing up, I didn’t always understand why my mother had to leave. But she never left my life. Through every phone call and visit, she made sure I knew one essential truth: “It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay not okay.” That mantra would later become a lifeline for me. It taught me that acknowledging pain isn’t a weakness, it’s the first step toward healing. Watching her work through her own challenges, rather than ignore them, showed me what true strength looks like. When I faced my own battle with Major Depressive Disorder during college, her words echoed in my mind. There were moments when I felt lost, broken, and disconnected from my purpose. But her example reminded me that healing isn’t linear, and that it’s okay to pause, to ask for help, and to take the time needed to rebuild. Her bravery helped me find my own, and eventually, I was able to return to school with a new purpose and clarity. Today, I am a 36-year-old non-traditional student at Bowling Green State University, majoring in Management & Technology. My mother’s influence not only helped me survive my darkest moments, it also inspired my career path. Witnessing the power of mental health support and feeling firsthand the impact of being seen and understood led me to become a mental health advocate. It also ignited my passion for technology as a tool for healing and inclusion. My career goal is to develop digital applications for children with autism, for their parents, and for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. My mother’s strength in confronting her mental health, and her honesty in talking about it, taught me the importance of breaking stigma, creating safe spaces, and offering real solutions. I want to build apps that do exactly that: tools that help people feel heard, supported, and empowered to take the next step toward well-being. While my grandmother raised me day-to-day and shaped much of my discipline and character, it was my mother’s vulnerability, honesty, and enduring love that helped shape my emotional resilience and purpose. She didn’t pretend to be perfect, and in doing so, she showed me that perfection isn't the goal, growth is. She taught me that it’s okay to stumble, as long as you get back up and keep walking forward. My mother may not have been physically present during some of my early years, but her impact on my life is undeniable. Her journey toward healing gave me the courage to begin my own. And now, through my education and future work, I hope to carry forward her legacy of honesty, strength, and compassion, creating tools that help others believe, as she taught me, that it’s always okay to not be okay, but it’s never okay to give up.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped every fiber of who I am—my work ethic, my resilience, and the way I approach the world with intention and heart. But it wasn’t just any single-parent household. At the age of 10, my life took a sharp turn when I was left in the care of my grandmother. From that day forward, she became my everything: my guardian, my teacher, my protector, and my compass. Raised under the warmth of good ole Southern hospitality, I learned the kind of lessons that no textbook could ever teach. Lessons about sacrifice, grit, faith, and above all, unconditional love. My grandmother was a woman of few words but countless lessons. She didn’t have a college degree, but she was one of the wisest people I’ve ever known. Her life was built on hard work and faith, and she passed those values on to me through the way she lived every day—with discipline, humility, and strength. Whether she was waking up at the crack of dawn to start breakfast or making sure my clothes were ironed for school, she never missed a beat. More importantly, she made sure I didn’t either. Her expectations for me were simple but firm: always do your best, be kind to others, and never forget where you come from. These values became my inner compass. With her behind me, I graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit with honors. I didn’t want to disappoint the woman who had sacrificed so much for me, so I gave everything I had to my studies. That sense of responsibility never left me as I went off to college, and though my journey was later interrupted by struggles with mental health, the foundation my grandmother laid helped me find my way back. Today, I am a 36-year-old non-traditional student at Bowling Green State University, majoring in Management & Technology. My goals are deeply rooted in the values instilled by my grandmother. I’m working toward launching a tech company that designs digital applications for children with autism, their parents, and individuals managing mental health conditions. This dream is driven not only by my personal experiences as a father and someone who has battled depression, but also by the selflessness and perseverance I saw in my grandmother every single day. Even though she passed away on June 1, 2024, her influence remains alive in every decision I make. I hear her voice when I face challenges. I remember her strength when I feel like giving up. And when I talk to my own children, I find myself repeating her words and wisdom, passing down the legacy of values that raised me. Her discipline lives in the structure I bring to my academic and professional life. Her empathy shows in my commitment to create apps that serve people often left on the margins. Her kindness is reflected in the way I treat others, especially when no one is watching. She taught me to do the right thing because it's right, not because it's easy. Those lessons have become the blueprint for the man, the father, and the entrepreneur I’m becoming. Growing up in a household where love was abundant, even when money wasn’t, taught me to value character over status and kindness over convenience. My grandmother made sure I knew that a meaningful life isn’t measured in wealth, but in how you treat people and what you leave behind. That’s what I want to reflect in my work, whether it’s designing a mental health app or guiding someone through a crisis. I want to use my education not just to build a career, but to build a legacy that honors the woman who raised me with everything she had. Her example taught me that real success is about service, perseverance, and faith. She didn’t just raise a child, she raised a man with purpose. And as I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I carry her legacy with pride and gratitude, determined to use every skill I gain to make the world a better, more compassionate place.

My name is Tony Johnson, and I’m a proud Detroit native and non-traditional student currently pursuing a degree in Management & Technology at Bowling Green State University. My journey to this point has been anything but linear, shaped by both adversity and growth, but every experience has guided me closer to my true purpose: using technology to make the world a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive place for those navigating mental health challenges and neurodiversity. I graduated from Mumford High School in 2007 and began college at Ferris State University, majoring in Applied Biology: Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I later transferred to Northern Illinois University. During those years, I silently struggled with my mental health and was eventually diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. I ultimately made the difficult decision to pause my education to focus on my well-being, a choice that, while challenging, may have saved my life. Now, at 36, I’m proud to say I am in the best mental health space of my adult life. That healing process has inspired me to return to school, not just to finish what I started, but to channel my experiences into meaningful change. As a father, a survivor of mental illness, and a lifelong learner, I bring a deep well of empathy and resilience into everything I do. Through my degree, I plan to make a positive impact on the world in three key ways: 1. Empowering Children with Autism Through Technology Both of my sons were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2017, which opened my eyes to the lack of accessible, user-friendly digital resources for neurodivergent children. I plan to create mobile and web-based applications that help children with autism learn communication, emotional regulation, and life skills in ways tailored to their unique needs. These tools will be developed with input from therapists, educators, and families to ensure they are practical, evidence-based, and empowering. 2. Supporting Parents and Caregivers Raising two neurodivergent children requires an extraordinary level of patience, information, and support, something I’ve come to know firsthand. My second goal is to develop a digital hub for parents of autistic children, offering tools for tracking developmental milestones, accessing local and virtual resources, and finding community through shared experiences. I want to reduce isolation and increase empowerment for caregivers who often feel overwhelmed and unseen. 3. Destigmatizing and Addressing Mental Health Drawing from my own battle with depression, I also plan to build mental health applications that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. These apps will provide users with wellness tracking, coping strategies, mindfulness tools, and resources for seeking help. The goal is to reach those who may not otherwise have access to mental health support or who may feel shame in asking for it. I want to help normalize mental wellness conversations, especially in underserved communities where stigma is still strong. I participate in online mental health forums, sharing my story to encourage others to seek help without fear. As a retail manager, I’ve volunteered at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank, applying my logistical skills to reduce waste and increase impact for families in need. These steps reflect my commitment to using every platform I have, academic, professional, and personal, to create positive social change. My journey has taught me that healing and growth are possible with the right support and purpose. I believe in the power of technology to level the playing field for people who have traditionally been overlooked. With the right education, I intend to build solutions that not only change lives, but open doors for the next generation of dreamers, thinkers, and fighters, just like me.

My name is Tony Johnson, and my journey has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep desire to create meaningful change. As a nontraditional student and a single father, my experiences have not only defined who I am, but have also ignited a passion to uplift others, like me, have faced overwhelming challenges. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Mumford High School in 2007. I began college at Ferris State University, majoring in Applied Biology: Pre-Veterinary Medicine, before transferring to Northern Illinois University in 2010. During that time, I was silently battling something I didn’t fully understand, Major Depressive Disorder. The weight of my mental health struggles eventually became too heavy to carry while also trying to succeed academically. I made the difficult decision to pause my education so I could prioritize my well-being. It was not a choice made lightly, but it was the turning point that allowed me to begin healing. Now, at 36, I am in the best mental health state of my adult life. I’ve worked hard to manage my mental health, and in doing so, I’ve gained the clarity and strength to return to college. I am currently enrolled at Bowling Green State University, majoring in Management & Technology, and for the first time in a long time, I feel completely aligned with my purpose. My passion for building digital applications stems from both personal experience and fatherhood. My sons were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) back in 2017, which brought a new layer of insight and urgency to my goals. Navigating the world as a parent of two neurodivergent children has opened my eyes to the lack of accessible, intuitive tools designed for children with autism and their families. Combined with my own history of mental health struggles, this has inspired me to create a company that designs digital solutions tailored to people with autism, their caregivers, and individuals facing mental health challenges. I envision apps that not only help children on the spectrum develop communication and emotional regulation skills, but also support parents and guardians with resources, tracking tools, and communities of care. I also plan to develop mental wellness applications that make therapeutic tools more accessible and stigma-free, especially for communities where mental health is often overlooked or misunderstood. Pursuing my degree in Management & Technology will give me the foundational skills I need in leadership, project development, and business operations. It will also empower me to move from concept to execution, turning the ideas fueled by lived experience into real-world applications that can improve lives. This program is more than just a step toward a diploma; it’s the bridge to fulfilling my mission. As a father, a student, and an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, I am committed to using my education to make a lasting impact. I want to create tools that not only serve a need but also offer hope and dignity to people often overlooked. I believe that when we lead with empathy and innovation, we can create a better world. Not just for ourselves, but for everyone.

I am obsessed with creating digital applications that support autistic children and their parents. This mission is deeply personal to me. My two sons, Kayson and Kahri, were both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and through our journey, I’ve come to realize how underserved families like ours are in the digital space. Eight years have passed since their diagnoses, and in that time, technology has rapidly advanced, yet resources specifically designed for families with autistic children remain limited. Yes, there are general educational apps and parenting tools, but few are tailored to the unique needs of children with autism. The digital world has made life easier in so many areas, but when it comes to autism support, it’s clear there’s a major gap. I want to fill that void, hence, my major in Management & Technology. Early on, I noticed how my sons responded to technology. They were drawn to tablets and smartphones, just like many kids, but their engagement had distinct patterns. Certain sounds or visuals calmed them, and others triggered distress. I began to wonder: what if we had digital tools that weren’t just fun, but intentionally designed to help children with autism communicate, learn routines, manage emotions, and feel safe in a digital space made for them? What if parents had companion apps to track behavior patterns, celebrate progress, and access tailored advice on demand? This realization didn’t hit all at once. It built slowly over years of late-night research, therapy appointments, and daily life with my boys. I kept thinking: if developers can create games that hold kids’ attention for hours, why can’t we build something that holds their attention and helps them grow? What started as frustration has evolved into motivation. I want to build an ecosystem of tools, not just one app, but a suite that supports autistic children from early childhood through adolescence. My vision includes interactive learning apps, visual communication tools, daily schedule planners with sensory-friendly features, and platforms where parents can share strategies, milestones, and encouragement. Creating these solutions would be more than just a tech project. It’s a chance to give families like mine what we’ve long needed: support, community, and hope, all in the palm of our hands. I may not have all the answers yet, but I’m learning, researching, and determined to collaborate with developers, therapists, and other parents to make it happen. Because every child deserves tools built with their needs in mind, and every parent deserves to feel less alone. My time here at Bowling Green State University isn’t just to earn my degree, but also to change the world, one app at a time.