Although I am not a complainer and I face challenges head on hoping and praying for positive outcomes, my short life has not been without pain or struggles. There have been experiences that brought feelings of helplessness, sadness and uncertainty but one sticks out as the most significant. Unfortunately, it is common for a family to experience the trauma that results from divorce; however, you really do not know the full extent until it happens to you. In 2011 my parents separated and things just kept getting worse. My dad no longer lived with us, and we did not see him very often. There were strangers poking into our lives, we downsized from a huge home to an apartment and my mom who cried silently while struggling to make ends meet. Our world was in chaos and my mom made sure there were no disruptions to our school and social schedules. At four years old I could not understand everything that was going on but I knew that something bad was taking place based on the way my mom was moving about and how my older sister and brother were behaving. This was not their first rodeo, and oddly enough, they seemed sad but happy at the same time. As I got older, my family adjusted to our new normal and the tears my mom would shed decreased. I was more in tuned to what was happening around me. My mom got a better job and my grandmother moved in to help because I was a latchkey kid. I did not know it then but there was a moment recently that brought those earlier years full circle for me. I have been on the Student Council for three years where community service, school culture and excellence were the focus. There was one service project that nearly brought me to tears. During the fall, we plan drives to collect money and food to distribute to local food banks near our school. Our 2025 food drive was massive and involved the support from everyone connected to our school. On the day we delivered the collections, something felt familiar, but I could not make the connection. I called my mom, telling her about the food drop-off and she got emotional and told me that was the place she would go to get groceries and necessities for our home during moments of crises. She told me I would tag along pushing the shopping cart helping me to shop. A warm feeling came over me as I realized the impact of service, empathy and thinking of others. I did not realize we were receiving assistance from others; we were treated just like everyone else and did not face any mistreatment. The food bank seemed like a regular grocery store, so I did not notice any difference. That lesson brought home the idea that while serving we must remember those whom we help are human and should be respected not pitied. That experience gave a whole new meaning to leadership, service and purpose and has impacted my actions and plans for the future. As an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, a Student Council Representative, and a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee I have intentionally looked for ways to uplift others, support inclusion and advocate for those overlooked voices. Service is a value that connects my goals for the future. This fall I will be attending Clark Atlanta University, majoring in psychology, pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist working with youth in the justice system. Young people who look like me are often misunderstood and treated inhumanely, yet they deserve support, empathy and opportunity beyond their mistakes. I want my education to benefit not just myself, but also my community. Attending CAU will place me in an environment bursting culture for service, community impact leadership development. As a student I plan to give back by supporting others, participating in organizations, and after graduation, providing services that help individuals better understand themselves and adopt ways to improve their life outcomes. Service is how I honor my past, uplift the present, and intentionally shape the future I am determined to build.

My name is Asa Clay, and my journey to this point has been shaped by both challenge and purpose. I was born in a suburb outside of Madrid, Spain, but I was raised in Metro Detroit, where my roots, values, and identity were formed. From an early age, I learned that life would not always be easy. After my parents divorced, my family went through a difficult period. There were moments when things felt uncertain, but what never changed was our resilience. We leaned on each other, and we kept going. Some of my earliest memories include not just the joy of family, sports, and school, but also moments where we needed help. My family relied on community support during that time, and although I did not fully understand it as a child, I felt the weight of those experiences. As I have grown older, I have come to see those moments not as setbacks, but as the foundation of who I am today. They taught me about being humble, having gratitude, and the importance of giving back. That lesson came full circle years later. As Senior Class Representative, I helped organize a food drive for a local pantry. When we arrived to deliver the donations, something about the place felt familiar. I asked my mom about it, and she told me that it was the same pantry my family once depended on. I had a full circle moment realizing I had gone from being someone in need to someone able to give. That experience changed me. It made service personal. It made me understand that impact is real, it is human, and it comes back around. Since then, I have made it a priority to lead and serve with intention. At Walled Lake Central High School, I have taken on leadership roles as an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, a Student Council Representative, and a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee. In each of these spaces, I work to make sure people feel seen, heard, and valued. I have learned that leadership is not about titles, it is about responsibility, consistency, and the willingness to stand up for others. Athletics and discipline have played an influential role in shaping my journey. As a three-year varsity basketball player and captain, I have experienced both success and adversity. I have learned how to push through pressure, how to lead a team, and how to stay focused even when things do not go your way. Off the court, I mentor younger athletes as a referee and trainer, because I understand how important it is to have someone who believes in you. At the same time, I have explored entrepreneurship, working as a junior chef and building my own business as a loc and retwist stylist. These experiences have taught me independence, responsibility, and how to turn passion into something meaningful. Success is not given, it is earned through effort, consistency, and belief in yourself. All these experiences have led me to my purpose. I plan to study psychology and become a forensic psychologist because I want to understand people beyond their actions. Growing up, I saw how quickly individuals, especially young people, can be judged without anyone asking why. I have seen how one mistake can define someone in the eyes of others. That never sat right with me. I want to be someone who seeks understanding, who listens, and who helps create opportunities for change instead of just punishment. My goal is to make a difference not only for my community, but for my family. Everything I pursue comes from a strong desire to honor the sacrifices made to ensure I could live such a blessed life. I want to make my mom and family proud. Through my education and career, I plan to advocate for mental health awareness, especially within the justice system, and to ensure that underserved communities receive the support they deserve. I want to give people the same sense of hope and opportunity that was once given to my family. My values, empathy, curiosity, integrity, and service, guide everything I do and will continue to shape the way I lead, learn, and give back. My journey is still being written, but I know this: where I started does not define where I will finish. What defines me is how I rise, how I serve, and how I choose to make an impact.

The most meaningful relationship in my life is the one I share with my mother, a relationship built not just on love, but on resilience, sacrifice, and quiet strength. It is the relationship that shaped how I see the world and how I choose to show up in it. After my parents divorced, life changed in ways I wasn’t prepared for. I was young, but I could feel the shift. Things that once felt stable suddenly felt uncertain. There were moments when we struggled financially, when we had to rely on the support of others just to get by. I didn’t always understand everything that was happening, but I understood enough to see the weight my mother carried. And what stood out the most was that she never let it break her. Even in her hardest moments, she showed up for me, for our family, for our future. There were no breaks, no timeouts, no space for her to fall apart, yet she kept going. She carried stress she didn’t always speak about, made sacrifices I didn’t fully recognize at the time, and still found a way to lead with love. Looking back, I realize that what I was witnessing wasn’t just strength, it was resilience in its purest form. Watching her shaped me in ways I am still discovering. She taught me that strength doesn’t always look like power, it often looks like persistence. It looks like choosing to keep going when everything feels heavy. It looks like showing up for others even when you are struggling yourself. That lesson changed the way I understand relationships. Because of her, I don’t see relationships as something surface-level. I see them as responsibility. I see them as commitment. I understand that real connection means being present, being patient, and being willing to support someone even when it’s not convenient. It means listening without judgment and caring without conditions. That mindset shows up in every part of my life. On the basketball court, I try to be the teammate who lifts others up, especially when things aren’t going our way. In leadership roles, I focus on making sure people feel heard and valued, because I know what it feels like to need support. When I mentor younger athletes, I don’t just focus on their performance, I focus on their confidence, their mindset, and who they are becoming. I want them to feel seen. My relationship with my mother also shaped my purpose. I plan to pursue a career in forensic psychology because I have seen how easy it is for people, especially young people, to be misunderstood. I have seen how quickly individuals can be judged based on one moment, without anyone taking the time to understand what led them there. My curiosity about human behavior and my desire to help others are rooted in that understanding. I want to be someone who looks deeper, who asks questions, and who helps create a system that values people, not just their mistakes . I believe that when people feel understood, they are more likely to change, to grow, and to see a future for themselves. That belief comes directly from what my mother showed me. She never let our circumstances define us. She believed in something better, even when it was hard to see, and that belief became something I carry with me every day. More than anything, she taught me that relationships have the power to shape your identity. They influence how you think, how you act, and what you believe is possible. Because of her, I lead with empathy. I move with intention. And I try to be the kind of person who shows up for others the way she always showed up for me. Her strength became my foundation. Her resilience became my mindset. And her love became the standard for how I build every relationship in my life.

Some of the most important lessons I have learned about mental health did not come from a classroom, they came from watching my mother fight to find herself again. There was a time in my life when everything felt uncertain. After experiencing a traumatic domestic assault, my mom struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As her child, I didn’t always have the words to understand what she was going through, but I could feel the weight of it. I saw the exhaustion, the quiet moments, and the strength it took for her to simply keep going. It changed the atmosphere of our home and, in many ways, changed me too. But what impacted me the most was not just what she went through, it was how she chose to rise from it. Through therapy, determination, and the support of family and friends, my mom slowly began to rebuild herself. It wasn’t immediate, and it wasn’t easy. There were setbacks, difficult days, and moments that tested her strength. But she kept going. Over time, I began to see pieces of her come back, her laughter, her confidence, her sense of peace. Watching that transformation taught me something powerful: healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach. That experience shaped my understanding of the world in a way that nothing else could. It showed me that mental health is not something distant or abstract, it is real, personal, and often invisible to others. It taught me that people are fighting battles you may never fully see, and that empathy is not optional, it is necessary. It also changed the way I build relationships. I’ve learned to be more present, more patient, and more understanding. I try to listen without judgment and support others in ways that matter, because I know how much it means to feel seen during difficult times. My mom’s journey reminded me that no one should have to face their struggles alone. Most importantly, her experience has shaped my goals. I plan to pursue a career in psychology, with the goal of becoming a forensic psychologist. I want to work at the intersection of mental health and the justice system, where so many individuals are misunderstood rather than supported. I’ve seen firsthand how mental health can impact every part of a person’s life, and I want to be someone who helps others navigate those challenges with compassion and understanding. I am especially passionate about working with young people and underserved communities, individuals who may not have access to the resources or support systems they need. Too often, people are judged by their actions without anyone taking the time to understand what they’ve been through. I want to change that. I want to be an advocate for mental health awareness and ensure that people are given the opportunity to heal, grow, and move forward. My mother’s journey also taught me about resilience. It showed me that strength is not always loud or visible, it is often found in the quiet decision to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach challenges in my own life. Mental health is not just something I care about, it is something that has shaped who I am. It has influenced my perspective, strengthened my relationships, and given me a clear sense of purpose. Because of what I’ve witnessed, I am committed to using my education and future career to support others, advocate for change, and create a world where people are not defined by their struggles, but supported through them.

The moment I realized what education truly meant to me did not happen in a classroom, it happened standing outside a food pantry. I was there as a student leader, helping deliver donations I had worked to organize. But as I looked around, something felt familiar. When I asked my mom about it, she told me the truth: this was the same place my family once relied on during one of the hardest seasons of our lives. In that moment, everything changed. I was no longer just a student completing a service project, I was someone who had come full circle. That experience showed me that education is not just about learning facts; it is about gaining the awareness, purpose, and ability to give back in ways that truly matter. My name is Asa B. Clay, and I am a senior at Walled Lake Central High School, preparing to graduate with the Class of 2026. Throughout my academic journey, education has been the one constant that grounded me during uncertain times and pushed me to envision a future greater than my circumstances. I currently maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA while earning a 4.0 GPA in Culinary Arts at Oakland Schools Technical Campus, where I have learned discipline, creativity, and the value of hands-on learning . But beyond grades, education has given me something even more important, it has given me direction. One of the biggest challenges I have faced came early in my life when my parents divorced. My family went through financial hardship, and there were times when stability felt uncertain. As a child, I did not fully understand everything we were going through, but I understood enough to know that things were different. We leaned on our community for support, including food assistance, and those experiences left a lasting impact on me. They taught me resilience before I even had the words to describe it. Instead of allowing those challenges to limit me, I used them as motivation. School became my space to focus, to grow, and to build something for myself. Education gave me structure when life felt unpredictable, and it helped me begin to understand my purpose. Over time, I realized that my experiences were not setbacks, they were lessons that would shape the kind of impact I want to make in the world. Through my education, I discovered a deep interest in psychology. I became fascinated with understanding why people think and behave the way they do, especially when it comes to decision-making and life circumstances. I found myself asking questions that went beyond the surface: What leads someone down a certain path? How do trauma, environment, and mental health shape behavior? These questions became more than curiosity—they became the foundation for my future. I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career as a forensic psychologist, working at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. I want to help ensure that individuals, especially young people, are not simply judged by their actions, but understood through their experiences. Too often, people are labeled by their worst moments without anyone taking the time to understand what led them there. I want to be part of changing that. My goal is to advocate for fairness, mental health awareness, and opportunities for rehabilitation, particularly in underserved communities . Education has also shaped me beyond academics by teaching me the importance of leadership and service. I currently serve as an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, a Student Council Representative, and a member of the Principal’s Committee. In these roles, I work to amplify student voices, promote unity, and create positive change within my school community. I have also been involved in organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the Salute to Our Young Heroes Program, experiences that have strengthened my commitment to giving back and leading with purpose . Athletics and entrepreneurship have further contributed to my growth. As a three-year varsity basketball player, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. On the court, I learned how to push through adversity and stay committed even when challenges arise. Off the court, I have taken on roles as a referee and mentor for younger athletes, understanding the importance of being someone others can look up to. As an entrepreneur, I have worked as a junior chef and built my own business as a loc and retwist stylist. These experiences have taught me responsibility, time management, and independence. More importantly, they have shown me that education is not limited to the classroom, it is something you apply in real life to create opportunities for yourself and others. The challenges I have faced have given my education deeper meaning. They have taught me that success is not just about where you end up, but how you use your journey to impact others. That is what drives me. I do not just want to achieve personal success, I want to use my education as a tool to create change. Looking ahead, I am committed to using my education to build a better future, not only for myself, but for others who may be facing challenges similar to the ones I experienced. I want to be a voice for those who feel unheard, a resource for those who need support, and a professional who brings both knowledge and compassion into spaces where they are needed most. Education gave me direction when I needed it most. Now, I am determined to use it to give direction, hope, and opportunity to others.

I have come to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, especially among young people. As a student, I have seen how stress, pressure, and personal struggles can affect not only academic performance, but also confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. For me, mental health is important because I have witnessed how deeply it impacts people’s lives, and I believe that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and understood. Some of my perspective comes from personal experience. After my parents divorced, my family went through a difficult time financially and emotionally. It was a period filled with uncertainty, and although I stayed focused on school and my responsibilities, I learned firsthand how challenges can affect your mental and emotional state. That experience taught me resilience, but it also helped me recognize how important it is to have support systems in place. Not everyone has that support, and that realization is what drives my passion for mental health advocacy. As a student leader, I actively work to create spaces where others feel heard and valued. Through my roles as an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, Student Council Representative, and member of the Principal’s Committee, I help promote conversations around student well-being and inclusion. I strive to be someone my peers can talk to, whether they need advice, encouragement, or simply someone who will listen without judgment. Sometimes advocacy is not about big events, it is about small, consistent actions that make people feel supported. I also advocate for mental health through mentorship and community involvement. As a varsity basketball player and youth mentor, I work with younger athletes, reminding them that their worth is not defined by performance alone. I encourage them to speak openly about their challenges and to understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By being open, patient, and supportive, I aim to break the stigma that often surrounds mental health, especially among young men. My passion for mental health is also reflected in my future goals. I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career as a forensic psychologist, where I can work at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Too often, individuals, especially young people, are judged solely by their actions without considering the mental health challenges or life experiences that influenced them. I want to help change that by advocating for fair evaluations, increased access to mental health resources, and a system that prioritizes understanding alongside accountability. Mental health matters to me because I know what it feels like to face challenges and still push forward. I also know how powerful it is when someone takes the time to listen, support, and believe in you. That is the kind of impact I strive to make every day, whether through leadership, mentorship, or simply showing up for others. As I continue my journey, I am committed to being an advocate for mental health, using my voice, my experiences, and my future career to create change. I want to help build a community, and ultimately a world where no one feels alone in what they are going through, and where seeking help is not only accepted, but encouraged.

One of the most defining moments of my life came during a time when my family was struggling just to get by. After my parents divorced, everything changed. What once felt stable suddenly became uncertain, and there were times when we relied on a local food pantry for basic necessities. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that situation, but I felt it, the stress, the adjustments, and the quiet determination my family carried just to keep moving forward. At the time, it felt like something to overcome. Looking back, I realize it was something that shaped me. Years later, as a student leader and Senior Class Representative, I helped organize a food drive for that same pantry. When we arrived to deliver the donations, something felt familiar. I asked my mom about it, and she told me that this was the exact place we once depended on. In that moment, everything came full circle. I stood there realizing that I had gone from receiving help to being in a position to give it. That experience changed how I saw adversity, not as something that holds you back, but as something that can prepare you to lift others. That period in my life taught me resilience in a way nothing else could. It taught me how to adapt, how to stay focused even when circumstances are difficult, and how to appreciate the value of community. It also shaped my perspective on success. For me, success is no longer just about personal achievement, it’s about impact. It’s about using your experiences, even the hard ones, to create opportunities and support for others. This mindset has influenced everything I do. In school, I challenge myself academically while balancing leadership roles, athletics, and entrepreneurship. On the basketball court, I’ve learned discipline and perseverance. Through mentoring younger athletes, I’ve learned the importance of being someone others can look up to. In my community, I strive to give back, knowing firsthand how meaningful that support can be. Most importantly, this experience has guided my future goals. I plan to pursue a career in psychology and become a forensic psychologist, where I can work with individuals, especially young people, who are often misunderstood. I want to help ensure that people are not defined by their lowest moments, but are given the opportunity to be understood, supported, and led in a positive direction. If I could give advice to someone facing similar circumstances, I would tell them this: your situation does not define your future. It may feel overwhelming in the moment, but it will not last forever. Use it as motivation, not as a limitation. Lean on your village, stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to keep going even when things are hard. The challenges you face today can become the very reason you succeed tomorrow. Adversity is never easy, but it can be powerful. It can shape your character, strengthen your purpose, and give you a deeper understanding of others. My experiences taught me that even in difficult moments, there is growth, and sometimes, there is a future opportunity to give back in ways you never imagined.

Building Trust Between Law Enforcement and the African American Community Improving relationships between law enforcement and the African American community requires more than policy changes, it requires trust, and trust is built through understanding, accountability, and consistent human connection. For many African American families, distrust is not based on isolated incidents, but on lived experiences that shape how they view law enforcement. To move forward, agencies must actively work to rebuild that trust in ways that are visible, intentional, and sustained. For me, this issue is not just theoretical, it is personal. When my older brother was in college on a full academic scholarship at a Big Ten university, he was racially profiled on several occasions. Despite his achievements, discipline, and potential, he was judged based on his appearance alone. Those repeated experiences took a toll on him, leading to depression, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. Watching someone I look up to be reduced to a stereotype instead of recognized for his accomplishments changed the way I view the justice system. It showed me that the impact of these interactions extends far beyond the moment, they can affect mental health, confidence, and a person’s sense of belonging. Experiences like my brother’s highlight why law enforcement must prioritize empathy and cultural understanding. Officers need training that goes beyond procedure and focuses on recognizing implicit bias, understanding different life experiences, and approaching situations with respect. When officers take the time to see individuals as people first, not assumptions, it can prevent unnecessary escalation and harm. Building these skills is essential to creating safer and more respectful interactions. Community-based policing is another key solution. Law enforcement officers should be present in communities in positive, neutral settings, mentoring youth, attending local events, and building relationships before crises occur. When officers become familiar faces instead of distant authority figures, it creates opportunities for trust to grow. People are more likely to cooperate with and support those they feel genuinely connected to. Accountability is equally important. Communities need to know that when misconduct occurs, it will be addressed fairly and transparently. This includes clear policies, independent review systems, and consistent use of tools like body cameras. Accountability demonstrates integrity, and integrity is the foundation of trust. Without it, even the best intentions can feel empty. Increasing diversity within law enforcement agencies can also make a meaningful difference. When departments reflect the communities they serve, it fosters a sense of representation and understanding. It sends a message that different perspectives are valued and that law enforcement is not separate from the community, but part of it. As someone who plans to pursue a career in psychology and become a forensic psychologist, I am especially aware of how deeply these experiences affect mental health. My goal is to work at the intersection of mental health and the justice system, advocating for fairness and helping individuals, especially young people be understood rather than simply judged. I want to contribute to a system that recognizes the impact of trauma, environment, and bias, and works toward solutions that promote healing and accountability. Ultimately, improving relationships between law enforcement and the African American community starts with recognizing shared humanity. It requires listening to experiences like my brother’s, learning from them, and committing to change. Trust cannot be demanded, it must be earned. Through empathy, accountability, and genuine community engagement, law enforcement can begin to rebuild that trust and create a system that truly serves and protects everyone.

I have always believed that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself, but how you use those achievements to uplift others. That belief has shaped who I am as a student, athlete, leader, and entrepreneur, and it continues to guide my goals for the future. My name is Asa B. Clay, and I am a senior at Walled Lake Central High School with a 3.25 cumulative GPA and a 4.0 GPA in Culinary Arts. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to challenge myself academically while also pursuing hands-on learning that prepares me for life beyond the classroom. I take pride in balancing my responsibilities and pushing myself to grow in every area. Athletics have played a major role in my development. As a three-year varsity basketball player and All-Conference athlete, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Basketball has taught me how to stay focused under pressure, work toward long-term goals, and support my teammates, lessons that extend far beyond the court. I also give back to the community by serving as a referee and trainer for a junior basketball league, where I mentor younger athletes and help them build confidence and accountability. Service is a core part of who I am. Growing up, my family faced challenges, and during that time we relied on support from our community. Those experiences stayed with me and inspired me to give back whenever I can. Through leadership roles such as Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, Student Council Representative, and involvement in organizations like Jack and Jill of America, Inc., I have worked to uplift others and create positive change within my school and community. Whether mentoring younger students or contributing to service initiatives, I strive to lead with purpose. In addition to academics, athletics, and service, I am also an entrepreneur. I work as a junior chef and caterer and have built my own client base as a loc and retwist stylist. Managing these responsibilities has taught me discipline, time management, and financial responsibility. It has also shown me the value of creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others in the future. After high school, I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. I am passionate about understanding human behavior and working with young people involved in the justice system. I want to help ensure they are not simply judged by their actions, but understood through their experiences and given access to the support they need to change their path. This scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be an investment in my future and in the impact I hope to make. It would help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to stay focused on my academic and professional goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming someone who can give back in a meaningful way. I have worked hard to meet the qualifications of this scholarship through my academic performance, athletic commitment, and dedication to service. I am determined to continue growing, giving back, and using every opportunity to make a difference. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to turn my goals into action and my experiences into impact.

I have learned that adversity does not define you, how you respond to it does. Some of my earliest lessons about resilience came during a difficult time in my life, after my parents divorced. My family faced financial challenges, and there were moments when we had to rely on support from our community just to get by. While those experiences were not easy, they shaped my perspective, strengthened my determination, and taught me the value of perseverance and service. My name is Asa B. Clay, and I am a senior at Walled Lake Central High School, preparing to graduate with the Class of 2026. Throughout high school, I have worked to grow not only as a student, but as a leader, athlete, and entrepreneur. I currently maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA while earning a 4.0 GPA in Culinary Arts at Oakland Schools Technical Campus. Balancing these responsibilities has required discipline, time management, and a strong sense of purpose. That purpose is rooted in my desire to make a positive impact on others. I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. I am passionate about understanding human behavior, especially how trauma, environment, and mental health influence decision-making. Too often, individuals particularly young people are judged solely by their mistakes without consideration of the experiences that shaped them. I want to be part of a system that looks deeper, one that values understanding alongside accountability. My goal is to work within the justice system to advocate for fair treatment and increased access to mental health resources. I want to help ensure that individuals are not simply punished, but given the opportunity to grow, heal, and change. By combining psychology with advocacy, I hope to contribute to a more equitable system and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked. Leadership and service have been key parts of my journey. I serve as an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, a Student Council Representative, and a member of the Principal’s Committee. In these roles, I work to amplify student voices and create a more inclusive environment. I am also involved in organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the Salute to Our Young Heroes program, which have strengthened my commitment to community empowerment. Outside of school, I have developed resilience through athletics and entrepreneurship. As a three-year varsity basketball player, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and how to push through challenges. As a junior chef and a business owner providing loc and retwist services, I have gained valuable experience in responsibility, time management, and independence. These experiences have taught me that success is built through consistency, hard work, and the willingness to keep going, even when things are difficult. The adversity I faced early in life taught me more than just how to overcome challenges—it showed me the importance of community and the impact of support. It is one of the main reasons I am committed to giving back and using my future career to help others navigate their own struggles. I am determined to turn my experiences into purpose. My goal is not only to succeed, but to create meaningful change. Through my education and career, I plan to be an advocate, a leader, and a source of support for those who need it most.

I have always believed that who you become is shaped not just by what you achieve, but by how you choose to give back. For me, success has never been only about personal accomplishment—it has been about growth, resilience, and using every opportunity to uplift others. That mindset has guided my journey as a student, leader, athlete, and entrepreneur. My name is Asa B. Clay, and I am a senior at Walled Lake Central High School, preparing to graduate with the Class of 2026. Throughout high school, I have challenged myself to balance academics, leadership, athletics, and business ownership. I currently maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA and a 4.0 GPA in Culinary Arts at Oakland Schools Technical Campus, where I have learned the value of discipline, focus, and hands-on learning . Leadership and service are at the core of who I am. I serve as an Executive Board Member of the African American Alliance, a Student Council Representative, and a member of the Principal’s Committee. In these roles, I work to amplify student voices, promote unity, and create positive change within my school community. I am also involved in Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the DAPCEP Future Doctors Program, experiences that have strengthened my commitment to leadership and community empowerment. Basketball has also shaped me in powerful ways. As a three-year varsity player and All-Conference athlete, I have learned discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Beyond competing, I serve as a referee and trainer for a junior basketball league, where I mentor younger athletes. Being someone they can look up to reminds me that impact often starts with simply showing up and leading by example. In addition to my academic and athletic commitments, I am an entrepreneur. I work as a junior chef and caterer and have built my own client base as a loc and retwist stylist. These experiences have taught me responsibility, time management, and how to turn passion into purpose. I plan to continue expanding my businesses while pursuing my education. After high school, I plan to major in psychology and become a forensic psychologist. I am passionate about understanding human behavior, especially among young people involved in the justice system. I want to help ensure they are not simply judged by their actions, but understood through their experiences. My goal is to advocate for fairness, mental health support, and opportunities for rehabilitation. If I could start my own charity, it would focus on supporting at-risk youth and those already involved in the justice system. My mission would be to provide mentorship, mental health resources, and skill-building opportunities that help young people see a future beyond their current circumstances. Volunteers would mentor youth, lead workshops on life skills and career development, and help organize community programs that promote growth, confidence, and opportunity. Everything I do is rooted in purpose. I want to create a life that reflects not only success, but impact. I am committed to using my education, experiences, and voice to uplift others, open doors, and create change that extends far beyond myself.

Kindness in Action I didn’t realize how much one act of kindness could stay with you—until I found myself standing in a place that once helped my family survive. After my parents divorced, my family went through a difficult time, and we often relied on a local food pantry for groceries. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what that meant. I just knew that some days were uncertain, and somehow, that place made sure we had what we needed. There was no spotlight, no recognition—just quiet support that carried us through one of the hardest times in my life. Years later, as my school’s Senior Class Representative, I helped organize a food drive for a local pantry. I worked with my classmates to collect donations, knowing we were helping families in need, but not realizing how personal it would become. When we arrived to drop everything off, something about the building felt familiar. I couldn’t shake it. So I asked my mom—and when she told me that this was the same pantry we once depended on, I just stood there for a moment, taking it all in. In that instant, everything came full circle. I saw myself not as the kid who once needed help, but as someone who could now give it. That moment meant more than I can fully explain. It reminded me that kindness doesn’t end when the moment is over—it carries forward. Someone once showed up for me without knowing who I was. Now, I have a responsibility to do the same for others. Because sometimes, it's the smallest act of kindness that can change someone’s life, and one day, they may come back to change someone else’s. Creating Connection Some of the most meaningful moments in my life haven’t come from being recognized, they’ve come from helping someone else feel like they belong. One of those places is at my school’s Unified basketball games, where students of all abilities come together to play. When I volunteer, I don’t just see a game, I see an opportunity to create happiness, confidence, and connections. Some days, I put on the school mascot costume, running across the court, hyping up the crowd, and celebrating every basket like it’s a game winner. Other days, I’m on the sidelines, giving high fives, offering encouragement, or helping a player line up their shot. What makes feel so good is experiencing the smiles, the laughter, the way a player’s face lights up when the crowd cheers for them. In that moment they’re not being defined by differences they are being celebrated for who they are. That’s what connection means to me. It’s not just about being present, it’s about being intentional. It’s about noticing who might feel left out and making sure they don’t stay that way. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. These experiences have shaped how I move through the world. I know what it feels like to go through difficult moments and rely on the support of others. Because of that, I try to be someone who shows up, not just when it’s easy, but when it matters. At the end of the day, creating connection isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the choice to care, the effort to include, and the willingness to remind someone that they matter.

I didn’t always have the words for mental health growing up—but I understood what it felt like to carry things you couldn’t explain. After my parents divorced, my family went through a difficult time. There were moments of uncertainty, stress, and quiet struggles that shaped how I saw the world. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what we were experiencing, but I felt it. I saw how challenges affected not just our situation, but our emotions and our ability to keep moving forward. That experience became the foundation of my awareness of mental health and how deeply it impacts people’s lives. As I got older, I began to recognize those same struggles in others. I saw classmates being labeled instead of supported, misunderstood instead of heard. I realized that many young people were dealing with things no one could see—stress, pressure, and personal challenges—and often had no safe space to express it. That realization pushed me to become someone who creates that space. One of the ways I have helped improve mental health in my community is through leadership and mentorship. As a member of Student Council, the African American Alliance, and the Principal’s Advisory Council, I work to create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Listening, showing respect, and making people feel like they matter are actions that show support for my peers and contribute to a positive a school culture. My role as a referee and trainer for youth basketball has also allowed me to support mental well-being in a different way. Working with younger athletes, I emphasize confidence, discipline, and emotional resilience. I remind them that mistakes do not define them and that growth takes patience. I take the responsibility of mentoring seriously and remind them to stay focused and confident even when it's difficult. In addition, my involvement in programs like Jack and Jill of America, Salute to Our Young Heroes has exposed me to the importance of compassion and service to those experiencing crises. Providing food, clothing and essentials to homeless people have shown me that improving mental health starts with access to resources, opportunities, and people who genuinely care. However, my commitment to improving mental health goes beyond what I have already done—it is deeply connected to what I plan to do. I intend to major in psychology and become a forensic psychologist, focusing on youth involved in the justice system. Too often, individuals—especially young people of color—are judged by their actions without consideration of their mental health, environment, or life experiences. In the future, I plan to work within the justice system to ensure fair psychological evaluations and increased access to mental health resources. I want to help create systems that focus on rehabilitation, emotional support, and long-term change. I also hope to mentor young people who feel invisible, showing them that their circumstances do not define who they are or their future. My values—empathy, curiosity, integrity, and service—guide everything I do. They shape how I treat others and how I approach my goals. I believe that real change begins with understanding and compassion, and I am committed to being someone who leads with both. Mental health is not just something I want to study—it is something I want to improve, advocate for, and normalize. Because I know what it feels like to carry struggles in silence, I am determined to make sure others don’t have to. And if I can help even one person feel seen, heard, and supported, then I know I am making a difference.

I didn’t realize I had already been to that food pantry before—at least not until I returned years later, this time carrying boxes for clients instead of being the client. When I was younger, my family went through a difficult period after my parents divorced. During that time, we often relied on a local food pantry for groceries. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that experience—I just knew that someone was there to help us when we needed it. Years later, as my school’s Senior Class Representative, I helped organize and lead a food drive to support a local pantry. When we arrived to deliver the donations, something about the place felt familiar. I asked my mom, and she told me the truth: this was the same pantry our family once depended on. In that moment, everything changed. I was no longer the child receiving help—I was someone able to give it. That full-circle experience shaped not only how I see service, but how I see my purpose. It taught me that impact is real, deeply personal, and often comes back around in ways you don’t expect. It is one of the reasons I am so passionate about giving back. My academic goal is to major in psychology and become a forensic psychologist, where I can work at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. I want to understand people beyond their actions—to look at the experiences, struggles, and circumstances that shape behavior. Too often, individuals, especially young people, are judged by a single moment rather than understood as a whole person. I want to change that. I want to be someone who listens first, who asks why, and who uses knowledge to advocate for fairness, rehabilitation, and second chances. My inspiration for this path comes from both my personal experiences and what I have witnessed in my community. I have seen how easily people can be labeled and overlooked, and how those labels can follow them for the rest of their lives. I have also seen the power of support—the way one opportunity, one mentor, or one act of kindness can completely change someone’s direction. That contrast drives me. It pushes me to pursue a career where I can stand in the gap between judgment and understanding, and where I can use my voice to make a difference. Service has become a core part of who I am because I know what it feels like to need it. Beyond the food drive, I have taken on leadership roles in organizations like Student Council and the African American Alliance, where I work to uplift others and create a stronger sense of community. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, contributing ideas that improve my school, or simply showing up for others, I try to lead with empathy and purpose. I have learned that giving back is not just about big moments—it’s about consistently choosing to care. Professionally, I hope to use my education to advocate for mental health awareness and equity within the justice system. I want to work with individuals who feel unseen and unheard, and help ensure their stories are considered in decisions that shape their futures. My goal is not only to build a successful career, but to create lasting change—especially for those who remind me of where I once was. I am inspired to make an impact on the world because I have lived both sides of it. I have experienced what it feels like to receive help, and I now understand my responsibility to be a help.