The first time I stood in front of a room full of students at a leadership conference representing both Black Student Union and Sister Network, I realized the power of leadership and advocacy. My collegiate journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for driving meaningful change. As a sociology and criminology student, and a student-athlete, I have dedicated myself to creating opportunities for others while breaking down systemic barriers on and off campus. I grew up seeing how inequality and lack of resources impacted communities firsthand, especially Black and marginalized groups. I’ve seen my classmates or friends of friends taken advantage of by the juvenile courts, or mental health services, including experiencing some of this myself. These experiences fueled my drive to make a tangible difference through leadership and policy work. As the Vice President of Communications and a previous Senator for Student Government, I have worked tirelessly to amplify student voices and ensure representation in decision-making. And with my roles of President of Sister Network and Black Student Union, and my executive board, I strive to foster inclusive environments and make sure BIPOC voices are continuously heard and included in conversations. Every role I have taken on is an extension of my commitment to empowering others and advocating for equity. Beyond leadership and academics, my experience with mental health has given me a deep understanding of resilience and the importance of support systems. Going through a tiny piece of what I believed children with a rougher past than I could go through on a daily really changed my perspective and opened my eyes to a lot in terms of genuinely considering and dissecting the psychological state these children could be going through that would make them possibly go down the paths they went. On top of that, the coursework I have completed and am currently taking, furthered my views on the fact that crime control is not efficient for a lot of crimes, especially minors, and it emphasizes the importance of genuine rehabilitation and emotional support. I want and aim to use my voice to bring awareness to mental health resources and create inclusive spaces where individuals feel heard and valued. Looking ahead, I plan to continue using my platform to effect positive change, particularly in criminal justice reform and community engagement. I am extremely committed to making sure that underrepresented communities have access to education, legal resources, and the support they need to thrive in and out of the system. Whether through policy reform, advocacy work, or grassroots organizing, I will keep fighting to make a lasting impact on the world and the people around me.

I am 100% certain that my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in both positive and negative ways. Living with moderate depression and high anxiety, along with surviving domestic violence, has influenced the way I navigate my personal and professional life, specifically in my college environments. There have been many days when getting out of bed felt like a battle, where I feel so burnt out that I want to resign from every leadership position, or when the weight of my thoughts seemed unbearable, but I have learned to push forward. Despite these frequent challenges, I have taken on leadership positions, competed as a student-athlete, and pursued an internship, all while managing the complexities of my mental health and healing/learning about myself every day. My struggles with mental health have fueled my passion for advocacy and criminal justice reform. I constantly seek to understand systemic issues and work toward innovative solutions that help marginalized communities, particularly in the juvenile justice system, as these children’s mental states and feelings are little to never considered in court, and why they might’ve done the things they did. I think the resilience I have developed in managing my mental health has reinforced my commitment and strength to supporting others, ensuring that those who are struggling do not feel alone. I know what it’s like to feel unheard and invalidated with my past experiences, to feel as though my pain is invisible. That’s why I am determined to create change, to ensure that mental health is taken as seriously as any other aspect of well-being. In my relationships, my experiences with mental health and domestic violence have made me more self-aware and intentional about surrounding myself with supportive people and knowing how to prioritize myself and know when to leave toxic situations. I have learned the hard way that not everyone has my best interests at heart. I stayed in a toxic relationship for over a year because I convinced myself that I deserved it and placed their emotional needs over mine, that this hard and painful stage was normal, or because I wasn’t that nice of a person in my past, it was my karma, and I should deal with it. It took time, but I finally realized that I was worth more and I deserved better for myself. Now, I do better at choosing my relationships carefully, ensuring that I am surrounded by people who genuinely care about me and my well-being. With the help of my support group like my family, close friends, and therapist, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to not only deal with the inner struggles but share my lessons with others. So as a leader in student organizations and a student-athlete, I strive to create inclusive environments where mental health is prioritized, and individuals feel seen and valued. My roles in student organizations like the Black Student Union and Student Government have allowed me to advocate for mental health resources on campus, ensuring that students have access to the support they need. My understanding of the world has also been deeply shaped by my personal challenges and feelings. College definitely helped me recognize the intersectionality of mental health, systemic inequality, and social justice, leading me to approach leadership and advocacy with a more holistic perspective. My experiences have taught me that resilience is about overcoming challenges and using them to drive meaningful change, not just sitting on it. I understand the importance of mental health awareness in all aspects of life, from education to policymaking, and I want to continue pushing for systemic improvements. Despite these short- and long-term obstacles I have faced, I have remained committed to my goals, leadership, and professional aspirations. My mental health journey has not only shaped my career ambitions but also strengthened my ability to connect with and uplift others, while still being able to prioritize myself. Through my personal and professional experiences, I am evermore dedicated to making a lasting impact on my community, ensuring that mental health is recognized and prioritized in every space I enter. My story is one of survival, but more importantly, it is one of growth, perseverance, and purpose.

Being in a relationship where the person you love and feel safe with turns into the complete opposite is such a torturous and traumatic experience that left scars deeper than any physical wound. My ex-girlfriend used to hit me and verbally abuse me during big conflicts and love bombed me after, which created a long cycle of fear and dependency that felt impossible to break at first. Domestic violence is concerningly more common in lesbian relationships than in heterosexual ones, especially in the African American community. I felt trapped in a situation where I felt horrible every time she hit me, yet I loved her too much to leave. My dependency on her made the feeling of entrapment worse. This experience has greatly shaped my understanding of domestic violence and its complexities, especially within LGBTQ+ relationships. The emotional and psychological impact of the abuse left me feeling alone and helpless. These types of experiences highlight the urgent need for better resources, support systems, and awareness tailored specifically to the unique dynamics of same-sex relationships. My journey through this painful chapter in my life has driven me to pursue higher education with a focus on law, particularly in juvenile defense. I believe that through this career path, I can make a significant difference in the lives of young individuals who might be experiencing similar struggles. Education will equip me with the knowledge and skills to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and to work towards systemic changes that provide better protection and support for victims of domestic violence. As an aspiring lawyer and current advocator, one of my primary goals is to improve the care, coordination, and communication within the legal and social support systems for African American women. These issues often intersect and disproportionately affect African American communities whether if it's heterosexual or homosexual, leading to difficulties that require a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach. By obtaining a higher education, I aim to help develop programs and initiatives that address these specific needs. Improving care involves creating comprehensive support networks that provide immediate safety and long-term rehabilitation and empowerment. This includes access to mental health services, safe housing, and programs that can help victims rebuild their lives. Coordination is crucial in ensuring that agencies and organizations work together to provide holistic support. This means bridging gaps between legal, medical, and social services to create a cohesive system prioritizing the well-being of the victim at every stage. My future legal education will enable me to navigate and influence these systems effectively, properly advocating for policies and practices that enhance cooperation. Lastly, effective communication is important in breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring that victims are aware of their rights and the resources available to them. This involves community outreach and education to destigmatize domestic violence and substance abuse, particularly within African American communities. By actively being involved in this process, I hope to empower more women to seek help and support without fear of judgment or retribution and offer them the support system I had! My experiences gave me the determination to seek change within the domestic violence system. Through my higher education, I plan to advocate for and implement strategies that improve care, coordination, and communication for African American women affected by these issues. My ultimate goal is to create a society where no one feels trapped in an abusive relationship and where everyone has the opportunity to live a life free from violence and fear.