Mental health has always been a quiet storm in my life—something I felt but couldn’t name, something I saw in others but didn’t understand in myself. Growing up in a single-parent household as a young Haitian-American woman, I was raised with strength, survival, and sacrifice as daily lessons. But what often got left behind was emotional vulnerability. Mental health wasn’t something we discussed. If you cried, you were told to stop. If you were overwhelmed, you were told to pray. And if you were hurting, you were told to push through. So I did exactly that—until I couldn’t anymore. My first deep experience with mental health came through watching the people I love struggle silently. My mom, who works endlessly to support our household, rarely shows her pain. But I see it. I see how the pressure, exhaustion, and isolation have affected her, even when she pretends it hasn’t. I’ve watched my family members—especially the women—suffer quietly under expectations, trauma, and a lack of emotional support. And that silence taught me that pain is something you hide, not heal. That idea followed me through my childhood, through middle school bullying, and into the pressure of high school. I smiled through sadness, laughed through anxiety, and held my breath through depression—because that’s what I thought strength looked like. But suppressing emotions doesn’t make them disappear. It makes them louder in the dark. I found myself breaking down under the weight of everything I didn’t say out loud. The stress of school, taking care of responsibilities at home, managing my nail business, and constantly trying to be “okay” began to feel like a war inside of me. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed. Days I cried in silence, hiding under blankets, hoping nobody would notice how overwhelmed I was. I knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know how to ask for help without feeling weak. Eventually, what helped me begin to heal wasn’t therapy or medication at first—it was honesty. Admitting I wasn’t okay, even just to myself, was the first step. Then I started opening up to people I trusted. I learned that being strong doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. Real strength is being brave enough to admit when you’re hurting and wise enough to know you deserve peace. This journey with mental health has completely transformed the way I see the world. I no longer judge people based on what they show on the outside. I now know that so many people are carrying invisible battles. That’s made me more compassionate, more patient, and more intentional in how I treat others. I’ve learned that asking “How are you?” can be more than small talk—it can be a lifeline. I’ve also learned that healing doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process, and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to give yourself permission to rest. My experience has also shaped my goals in powerful ways. I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but now I want to do more than just treat physical symptoms. I want to advocate for holistic health—where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are seen as equally important. As a future pharmacist, I want to create spaces where people feel safe talking about what they’re going through. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who sees the whole person, not just the prescription. I also hope to return to communities like mine and host health education workshops, especially in Black and Caribbean communities where mental health is still seen as taboo. I want to help break the cycle of silence, especially for young girls who are taught to be strong but not soft. I want to show them that you can be both. Relationships have changed for me too. I now value emotional honesty more than ever. I try to be someone my friends and family can talk to without fear of judgment. I’ve learned how to listen better, to hold space for people, and to say, “I understand” instead of “Just get over it.” These changes have brought me closer to others and helped me attract people who value healing and growth. Most importantly, my understanding of myself has deepened. I no longer see my emotions as weaknesses. I see them as signals, as messages, as truth. I no longer beat myself up for needing a break or for feeling things deeply. I now know that healing isn’t linear and that I am still worthy on the days I feel broken. Mental health is personal, it’s cultural, and it’s universal. I believe the more we talk about it, the less shame we carry. And the less shame we carry, the more space we create for joy, freedom, and real connection. My journey isn’t over—I still have bad days, and I’m still learning—but I’m no longer afraid of the conversation. In fact, I welcome it. Because I know that every time we talk about mental health, we light a candle in someone’s darkness. And maybe, just maybe, that light will help them find their way out.

My name is Ariannah Andre, and I am a proud Haitian-American young woman from a single-parent household. I’m a high school senior, a future Texas Southern University student, and someone who’s deeply passionate about science, healing, and helping others. What motivates me most is the desire to break generational barriers and provide for my family in ways we’ve never experienced before. I come from a background where money was tight, resources were limited, and opportunities had to be fought for. Still, I’ve managed to keep a 3.8 GPA, participate in extracurricular activities, run a small nail business, and take a pharmacy technician course to jumpstart my STEM journey. I’ve always been inspired by my grandmother, who came from Haiti and worked hard to provide for her family with very little access to quality healthcare or medicine. Her struggles pushed me to want to enter the medical field—not just to make a living, but to make a difference. What drives me is the idea that I can be part of the next generation of healthcare professionals who prioritize compassion, cultural understanding, and innovation. If I could do anything with my life, I would become a pharmacist and eventually open my own community pharmacy that provides affordable medication, health education, and resources for low-income families. I’d also love to expand that mission to include holistic healing and even veterinary services for underserved communities. I imagine a life where I use my background and my story to uplift others, where I wake up every day knowing I’m doing work that matters. I want to give back, lead, and inspire young girls like me to know that their dreams are valid—even if they don’t see many people who look like them in the spaces they want to enter. What excites me most about STEM is how much it influences every part of our world—from the smallest cells in the human body to the most advanced forms of technology. STEM is powerful because it allows us to ask questions, test solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. It gives us the tools to heal, protect, and invent, and it’s constantly evolving. That sense of discovery and purpose is what draws me to this field. I’m fascinated by the idea that we can take something we learn in a textbook and use it to improve someone’s quality of life or even save a life. I’m especially excited about how technology and medicine are working together more than ever. Information technology is critical in pharmacy and healthcare—from electronic medical records to prescription systems, data tracking, and telehealth services. With IT, we can make healthcare more efficient, safe, and accessible, especially for people in remote or low-income areas. I’d love to one day help develop or improve health systems that protect patient data while also streamlining care. As a future healthcare worker, I want to make sure technology isn’t just used for efficiency but also for equity. I want to work on projects that close the gap in healthcare access, ensure that cultural competence is built into medical tools, and bring representation into the development of health systems. Whether it’s improving the way prescriptions are filled or making drug information easier for patients to understand, I see IT as a way to amplify my impact and help more people in less time—while still keeping the heart of healthcare intact. One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to overcome is balancing financial pressure, school, and personal growth. As the oldest child in a single-parent household, I’ve had to carry a lot of responsibility from a young age. While many of my classmates focused just on school, I was learning how to manage bills, cook for my siblings, and still try to find time for myself. On top of that, I worked as a nail technician, crocheted and sewed items for side income, and enrolled in a pharmacy technician program—all while applying to college and studying for exams. There were many times when I felt like giving up. I’d be up late studying, waking up early to finish tasks, and constantly trying to keep it together emotionally. I battled self-doubt, burnout, and exhaustion. But what helped me push through was my faith, my purpose, and the vision I had for my future. I started using planners, setting small daily goals, and giving myself grace when things didn’t go perfectly. I also leaned into my creative side—using nail art and sewing as both an income source and a stress relief. That experience taught me discipline, resilience, and how to adapt. I didn’t just learn academic lessons—I learned life skills like time management, self-motivation, and problem-solving. I realized that the strength I was building now would help me not just survive in STEM, but thrive. I carry those lessons with me every day and will continue to use them in college, my future career, and any challenge that comes my way.

Growing up as a young Black girl with a passion for science and medicine, I always knew I wanted to be someone who could help others—someone who could create solutions, not just for people who looked like me, but for the world. But as I got older and started looking deeper into the STEM field, I noticed something unsettling: people who looked like me were rarely seen, heard, or celebrated in these spaces. That’s when I realized how deeply important it is to have diverse representation in STEM careers—not just for individuals like me, but for the future of innovation, health, and equity. Diversity in STEM matters because science, technology, engineering, and math touch every part of our lives. The solutions we create should reflect the diversity of the people we’re trying to serve. When we don’t have Black voices, Black minds, and Black creativity at the table, we miss out on unique perspectives that can lead to better results for everyone. Whether it’s designing medical treatments, building clean energy systems, or creating ethical artificial intelligence, we need a wide range of experiences and cultures involved in the problem-solving process. The fact that only 9% of STEM workers are Black is not just a number—it’s a reflection of the barriers we still face. From lack of access to quality education and resources to unconscious bias and financial hardship, many talented Black students are pushed away from careers in STEM before they even have a chance to start. And when we do make it into the field, we’re often underpaid and underrecognized. This wage gap isn’t just unfair—it’s discouraging, and it keeps cycles of inequality going. For me, becoming a STEM professional isn’t just a dream; it’s a mission. I want to become a pharmacist and eventually create medicine and health solutions for underserved communities—including animals and people. Representation in pharmacy and medical research is especially important, because health outcomes for Black people are often worse due to systemic bias and a lack of understanding. If more people from our communities were involved in drug development, patient care, and scientific research, we could help close those gaps and build more trust in the healthcare system. Winning this scholarship would mean more than financial help—it would be a sign that someone believes in my voice and my potential to bring change. I come from a single-parent household, and I know what it feels like to carry a dream that feels bigger than my circumstances. But I also know that being bold, staying ambitious, and using my story as fuel can get me where I’m meant to go. Diversity in STEM is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It means more minds working on the world’s biggest problems. It means more solutions that actually work for the people who need them. And it means young Black girls like me can see ourselves in lab coats, behind microscopes, and in leadership positions—where we’ve always belonged.

My name is Ariannah Andre, and I’m a high school senior preparing to attend Texas Southern University, an HBCU that represents everything I believe in—excellence, culture, and opportunity. I come from a single-parent home, and I’ve had to grow up with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. My mother’s strength has been the foundation of my ambition, and now I’m working toward a career in pharmacy to serve my community in ways that matter. Growing up, I watched people I love struggle to afford medicine, understand their prescriptions, or find the right care. It made me realize that healthcare should never feel out of reach. That realization is what drove me to enroll in a pharmacy technician program while still in high school. I wanted to get a head start on learning how to care for others, how to explain medications in simple language, and how to help people feel safe and informed. My long-term goal is to become a pharmacist and eventually open a wellness center that offers both traditional and holistic care. I want to create a safe space where low-income families and elderly individuals can get the help they need without being overlooked or judged. I also plan to advocate for health literacy—helping people understand the medications they’re taking, their side effects, and how to manage their conditions with confidence. Outside of academics, I’ve been committed to community service. I’ve served in my local community through volunteer work, and I’ve also built a small nail business where I’ve been able to uplift others through simple acts of care. Whether I’m volunteering or serving clients, I always show up with love, patience, and intention. These experiences have strengthened my desire to use my hands and my heart to serve others, just like Willie Mae Rawls did through her faith and compassion. Faith plays a huge role in who I am. There have been many moments when I felt like giving up, but God kept reminding me that I was made for more. Even when things felt impossible—whether financially, emotionally, or mentally—I kept going. That same belief fuels me now. I know my path won’t be easy, but I believe that every step I take through school is planting a seed for something bigger than me. This scholarship would lift a weight off my shoulders and help me walk into TSU with the focus and strength I need. I want to honor my family’s sacrifices by making something meaningful out of my education. I want to show other young Black girls that you can come from a small home, carry big dreams, and still make a difference in the world. I may be one person, but I’m coming with purpose—and I plan to leave behind a legacy of healing, service, and faith.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been driven by a desire to help others—whether through my small business, volunteering, or simply being someone people can count on. As I graduate high school and prepare to enter college, I carry this same passion with me into my future studies. I know that education is my pathway not just to a better life for myself, but to a life of service that uplifts those around me. I plan to study pharmacy at Texas Southern University because I want to help close the healthcare gap in under-resourced communities like the one I grew up in. I’ve witnessed firsthand how lack of access to medical knowledge, affordable prescriptions, and trustworthy health information can impact families—especially low-income families and elderly individuals. That’s why I’m starting with a pharmacy technician certification and continuing all the way to becoming a pharmacist. I want to be someone who helps people understand their medicine, manage chronic conditions, and feel seen and heard when they walk into a pharmacy. I come from a single-parent home where I’ve learned how to be resourceful and resilient. My mom’s sacrifices inspire me to keep pushing forward, even when things get hard. The financial burden of college is real, but I know that continuing my education is the key to creating a stable future and giving back to others. I’ve worked in service jobs, including Big J’s Smoothie House, where I learned customer care, communication, and responsibility. I also run a small nail business, providing affordable services to people in my community. These experiences taught me the importance of showing up, working hard, and making others feel valued—skills that will carry over into my healthcare career. My goal is to eventually open a community wellness center that offers both medical guidance and holistic services. I want to create a place where people can get help without feeling judged or ignored. I believe healing should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background or income. But to make that dream real, I need this education. This scholarship would not only help relieve the financial stress on my household—it would also show that someone believes in my future and in what I’m trying to build. I have the drive, the compassion, and the work ethic. All I need now is the opportunity to keep going, and I promise I’ll turn that opportunity into something powerful for my community and beyond.

I grew up too fast. I didn’t get the kind of childhood where I felt safe in my own home or protected in my own bed. From a young age, I was caught in a cycle of violence and fear that no child should ever experience. When I was in elementary school, my mom was in a relationship with a man who not only abused her but targeted me as well. He would come into my room at night and wake me up—not with love, but with pain. He beat me, choked me, slapped me, and yelled in my face. He tore me down emotionally and physically, and made threats to keep me silent. For a long time, I carried that silence. I was scared, confused, and alone. I was just a child, trying to survive. I finally found the courage to tell my mom what was happening. But when she confronted him, the violence didn’t stop — it got worse. He turned his abuse toward her too. It was like we were both trapped in a nightmare with no way out. There was a time when the pain became too much. At around eight years old, I tried to take my own life. That’s something no one really talks about — how early that kind of darkness can show up when a child is hurting. But my mom caught me in the act. She saved me in that moment, and we both started trying to find a way out. I would stay at her friend’s house for safety. We took it one day at a time until things finally changed. But survival didn’t mean the trauma disappeared. As I grew older, especially during middle school, I struggled with my mental health, my self-image, and finding peace within myself. I didn’t understand how to feel beautiful, or enough, or whole. I was carrying invisible wounds into classrooms, relationships, and into the mirror. But even through all that, I kept going. I stayed in school. I joined cheerleading. I volunteered. I worked hard to build something better for myself. Now, I’m preparing to graduate high school with a 3.8 GPA. I’ve been accepted to Texas Southern University, where I plan to study pharmacy. I’m currently taking a pharmacy technician program to get ahead and gain experience. My goal is to become a licensed pharmacist — not just for the title, but because I want to bring healing and care to people like me. People who have been broken by trauma but still show up every day, trying to feel human again. I believe education is how I take my power back. It’s how I create a future not defined by what was done to me, but by what I choose to do next. I want to use my degree to open a pharmacy and wellness center that offers both medical care and emotional support. I want to help women, young girls, and anyone who’s ever felt voiceless know that they are not alone — and that healing is possible. This scholarship means more than money. It means being seen. It means someone believes that survivors are more than what we’ve been through. It means someone understands that our dreams matter, too. And that we deserve a chance to rise. I am not ashamed of my past anymore. I am proud of my survival. I am proud of my ambition. And I am ready to use both to help change the world — starting with myself.

My name is Ariannah Andre, and I am a graduating senior at Blake High School with a 3.8 GPA. I will be attending Texas Southern University this fall, where I plan to major in pharmacy. Choosing an HBCU wasn’t just a college decision — it was a decision to learn, grow, and lead in a place that represents my identity, values my voice, and prepares me to give back to my community with excellence. Education has always been my way out — and my way through. I come from a background where financial support is limited, and I’m preparing to move out of state and attend college on my own. But I don’t see that as a burden — I see it as a calling. I’ve worked hard to stay focused and driven. While managing school, I’ve also been enrolled in a pharmacy technician program, run a small nail business, participated in cheerleading for three years, and stayed committed to becoming the best version of myself. None of it has been easy — but all of it has been worth it. My educational goal is to become a licensed pharmacist. I’m currently working through a pharmacy technician program to gain hands-on experience before I even begin college. Watching people in my family deal with health issues — and often not having the tools or knowledge to manage them — inspired me to step into healthcare. I want to be the kind of pharmacist who listens to patients, explains medications clearly, and brings compassion and cultural understanding into every interaction. I want to serve people who are often overlooked in the system — people like my family, like my neighbors, and like me. My professional goal goes even further. I don’t just want a career — I want to create a community impact. I plan to open my own pharmacy and wellness center where I can offer not just prescriptions, but education and resources — from free health screenings to workshops on managing chronic illness and understanding insurance. I also want to give back by mentoring young Black students who are interested in medicine, especially those who don’t believe it’s possible for them. Service has always been part of my journey. I volunteered at the Humane Society, helping care for animals and supporting the staff with daily tasks. As a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), I worked with other students to celebrate and uplift Black culture and educate others within our school. Through cheerleading, I also had the opportunity to participate in outreach to elementary schools — performing at their pep rallies and giving younger students encouragement and excitement. These moments reminded me that even small actions — a smile, a visit, a kind word — can leave a lasting impact. I believe deeply in the power of public service. It’s not always about being in the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s showing up even when it’s hard. Sometimes it’s giving your time when you could be resting. Service is what I do when I help someone feel beautiful through my nail business. It’s in how I support my friends when they’re struggling. It’s in how I plan to give back to my community once I have the knowledge and credentials to make real change in healthcare. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just money for college. It would be proof that the work I’ve done, and the sacrifices I’ve made, matter. It would help lift some of the financial weight so that I can focus more on learning, growing, and preparing to give back. I am proud to be an African American woman pursuing her dreams with grit, faith, and vision — and I am honored to apply for a scholarship that represents strength, brotherhood, and legacy. Texas Southern University will be more than just a school for me. It will be a launchpad — a space where I rise and prepare to reach back and help others rise with me. Thank you for considering my application, and for investing in young Black leaders who are ready to serve, lead, and create lasting change.

When I joined cheerleading in high school, most people didn’t recognize it as a “real sport.” But those people never stayed at practice until 7:30 p.m., running routines until we were breathless and sore. They never had to leave practice with aching muscles, go home to finish homework, and wake up early for school the next day. I did—and I did it while balancing more than most. My name is Ariannah Andre. I’m a graduating senior at Blake High School with a 3.8 GPA, preparing to attend Texas Southern University this fall to study pharmacy. I’m currently enrolled in a pharmacy technician certification program through Stepful while also working on my small nail business, sewing and crocheting for clients, and staying committed to my responsibilities at home. And for three years, I was a cheerleader—cheering through late nights, fatigue, and challenges that shaped me into the determined young woman I am today. Being a student-athlete has taught me far more than how to perform. It taught me resilience, discipline, and time management. When we had practice until 7:30 p.m., I had to learn how to stay organized, plan ahead, and push myself to keep going even when I was tired or overwhelmed. It wasn’t easy balancing school, work, cheer, and life—but it made me stronger, mentally and physically. It showed me that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from grit. Cheerleading also gave me confidence in a world that doesn’t always make space for young women to lead. I learned how to be a team player, how to perform under pressure, and how to keep a positive attitude no matter the situation. In a sport dominated by women, we are often underestimated, but what people don’t see is the strength, coordination, and effort it takes to do what we do. I know how hard I’ve worked, and that work ethic follows me into everything—from my studies to my dreams. In college, I plan to stay involved in dance and fitness even if I don’t cheer for the university. Physical movement is part of who I am, and I’ll continue building strength in all areas of life. My goal is to become a pharmacist who serves underserved communities with compassion and education. Watching my grandmother struggle with chronic illness inspired me to pursue healthcare so that I can help people understand and take control of their health. Being a female athlete in a male-dominated world has taught me how to lead, how to persevere, and how to never settle. I’ve worked hard to create my own path, and I plan to keep breaking barriers wherever I go. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but in the impact I’m determined to make. Thank you for considering my story.

My name is Ariannah Andre, and I am an 18-year-old recent high school graduate from Blake High School with a 3.8 GPA. I will be attending Texas Southern University in the fall to major in pharmacy and continue my certification as a pharmacy technician. As a young Black woman coming from a background of financial hardship, I understand what it means to be underserved—but I also understand what it means to rise with purpose. My journey has been far from easy. I’m moving out of state to attend college alone, without significant financial support, and balancing school with work and responsibilities has tested my limits. But I haven’t let that stop me. I’ve worked hard not only in school but outside of it—running a small nail business, offering crochet and sewing services, and completing over 50 community service hours through school and youth programs. I also participated in cheerleading, track, and the Black Student Union, using every opportunity I had to build leadership skills and give back. My passion for healthcare was born out of love for animals and grew stronger as I watched my grandmother face multiple health challenges. I wanted to understand medicine, not just to help her, but to help other families who feel lost or overlooked in the healthcare system. That’s why I enrolled in a pharmacy technician program through Stepful, and it’s why I’m determined to become a licensed pharmacist. I want to provide access, education, and compassion to underserved communities—especially those that look like mine. The values that Mark Anthony Green stood for—resilience, education, service, and legacy—speak directly to my own heart. I know what it means to be underestimated. I know how it feels to have dreams that seem bigger than your circumstances. But I also know how powerful it is to choose perseverance. I see education as my way out, but more importantly, as my way forward. It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about building a life that can help uplift others. Through my career, I want to do more than fill prescriptions—I want to fill in the gaps for people who’ve been ignored by the system. I plan to open a pharmacy or wellness center in a low-income neighborhood and use my background as an entrepreneur to make it welcoming, affordable, and community-centered. I want to create internships and mentorship programs for young students like me, especially those who never imagined they could work in medicine. My dream is to show others that no matter where you start, you are capable of greatness. Being selected for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial relief—it would be a reminder that my resilience matters. That my goals are worth believing in. That someone sees potential in me the same way Mr. Green and his wife believed in the power of education. I am determined to carry that legacy forward with every patient I serve, every student I mentor, and every barrier I break. Thank you for considering me for this life-changing opportunity.

The first time I earned money from doing nails, I wasn’t just excited—I felt powerful. I had taken a skill I learned on my own and turned it into something real. I was only 17, sitting in my room with a small nail kit, creating designs for my first paying client. That moment changed how I saw myself. I wasn’t just a high school student—I was a young Black entrepreneur with something valuable to offer. My name is Ariannah Andre. I recently graduated from Blake High School with a 3.8 GPA, and I’m preparing to attend Texas Southern University, where I’ll major in pharmacy. I’m also enrolled in a pharmacy technician program through Stepful to get certified and begin working in the healthcare field early. My passion for medicine began with a desire to help animals but grew into something deeper—wanting to heal and educate people in my community, especially my family, who has struggled with chronic health conditions. Entrepreneurship has always been more than just making money to me. It’s about using what I have to create opportunity—for myself and for others. In addition to nails, I also crochet, sew, and run my own small business offering custom beauty and fashion items. These ventures have taught me how to manage time, serve clients with care, and stay dedicated even when life feels overwhelming. I’ve worked hard to build something from scratch, and I know I’m just getting started. Through entrepreneurship, I’ve learned the power of independence and purpose. But I also recognize the responsibility that comes with it. My long-term goal is to open my own pharmacy or wellness clinic—somewhere that doesn’t just dispense medicine but educates and uplifts people. I want to serve in underserved areas where health education and access are limited. I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and overwhelming medication can be for people like my grandmother. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who listens, explains, and truly helps. I also plan to continue growing my creative businesses on the side. Beauty, fashion, and wellness don’t have to be separate from medicine—in fact, I believe they go hand in hand. Whether I’m helping someone feel confident through a set of nails or guiding them through their medication routine, I want every part of what I do to bring people comfort, healing, and confidence. Receiving this scholarship would help lighten the financial burden as I take on college and work toward my goals. But more importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is truly committed to making a difference. I’m not just dreaming of success—I’m building it, every single day. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.