Moving into college marked one of the most challenging transitions of my life, especially in relation to my mental health. Leaving home to attend Howard University meant moving nearly ten hours away from everything familiar my family, my support system, and the routines that once gave me comfort. While I was excited about the opportunity to pursue higher education, the distance and sudden independence triggered anxiety, periods of depression, and persistent insomnia that I had never fully experienced before. Anxiety became a constant presence during my first months on campus. I worried about academic performance, finances, fitting into a new environment, and whether I truly belonged in spaces that often felt intimidating. As a first-generation college student, I carried not only my own expectations, but also the weight of my family’s hopes. There were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, and the isolation of being so far from home made it harder to process those emotions. At times, this anxiety blended into brief episodes of depression, where motivation felt low and the excitement I once had for learning seemed distant. Insomnia became another major challenge. Sleepless nights left me physically exhausted and emotionally drained, making it difficult to focus in class or fully engage socially. The quiet hours of the night often amplified feelings of loneliness, especially as I adjusted to life in a new city where I had not yet built close relationships. Being surrounded by people did not always prevent me from feeling alone, and that realization forced me to confront my mental health more directly. Despite these struggles, this experience has deeply shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It taught me the importance of self-awareness and asking for help, something I once viewed as weakness. I learned to seek support through campus resources, trusted peers, and personal reflection. Over time, I became more intentional about building community, prioritizing rest, and practicing patience with myself. This journey has also strengthened my empathy toward others. I now understand that many people carry unseen struggles, and that success often looks different from the outside than it feels on the inside. This awareness has influenced how I interact with peers, allowing me to be more present, compassionate, and supportive in my relationships. Most importantly, my experience with mental health has reinforced my long-term goals in STEM. As someone passionate about neuroscience and biochemistry, I am increasingly interested in the biological and environmental factors that shape mental health. I want my future work to contribute not only to scientific discovery, but also to reducing stigma and improving access to mental health care, especially for students and communities that feel overlooked. While the transition to college tested me in unexpected ways, it also helped me grow. I am learning that resilience does not mean avoiding struggle, but moving forward with greater understanding, strength, and purpose.

Pursuing higher education has not been a straight or easy path for me. One of the biggest obstacles I have faced has been navigating college access and academic opportunities as a first-generation student while my family experienced financial instability. When my father lost his job, many of the supports I had relied on disappeared at once. I had to learn quickly how to advocate for myself, manage my own expenses, and continue pursuing opportunities that would help me reach my long-term goals, even when resources were limited. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my education because I understood what it represented not just for me, but for my family and community. I took on additional responsibilities, supported myself through small business efforts like selling art and baked goods, and continued applying for competitive academic and research programs. Traveling alone to interviews and programs pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it also taught me independence, resilience, and confidence in my ability to handle unfamiliar environments. Each obstacle reinforced my determination rather than weakening it. Another challenge I faced was limited access to STEM mentorship early on. Coming from an area with few role models in science, I often had to search intentionally for spaces where I could grow. Organizations like Black in Neuro helped fill that gap by connecting me with mentors and peers who shared similar experiences and aspirations. Now, as a student at Howard University and a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program, I am surrounded by a community that values academic excellence, research, and service. This environment has affirmed my belief that support and representation are essential to student success. My education is not something I see as purely personal it is a tool I plan to use to give back. As a biochemistry major pursuing a future PhD in neuroscience, I want to contribute to research on neurological and genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and dementia. These conditions impact not only individuals but entire families and communities, often with unequal access to diagnosis, treatment, and care. Through research, I hope to help close those gaps by advancing scientific knowledge that leads to more equitable healthcare outcomes. Beyond the lab, I plan to give back through mentorship and outreach. I want to support students from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds who may not see themselves reflected in STEM fields. Whether through community programs, educational workshops, or mentorship organizations, I hope to be someone who makes science feel accessible and attainable. My experiences have taught me how powerful it is when someone takes the time to guide you, encourage you, and believe in your potential. The obstacles I have faced have shaped not only my academic journey, but my sense of responsibility. I am pursuing higher education not just to succeed, but to serve using science, mentorship, and advocacy to uplift others and create pathways where few once existed.

One of the most difficult moments in my life was losing my uncle to a stroke in 2022. He was my favorite uncle, someone who made me feel safe, welcomed, and loved. Growing up, he often let me stay over at his house so I could spend time with my cousins, especially his daughters. Those nights were filled with laughter, family dinners, and a sense of normalcy that I didn’t realize I would miss so deeply one day. When my uncle suffered his first stroke, he survived, but he was never the same afterward. His personality changed, his energy faded, and the strong presence he once had for his family slowly weakened. What affected me the most was watching my cousins struggle. They were getting older and beginning to face life without the same guidance and support from their father. Seeing their sadness and confusion was heartbreaking, and I felt helpless knowing there was nothing I could do to change the situation. As his health declined, I found myself turning to my faith more than ever. I prayed constantly not just for his recovery, but for peace. I prayed that he would not be in pain, that my cousins would be comforted, and that our family would find strength no matter what happened. At one point, I remember praying a very specific prayer: that if he could not fully recover, I hoped God would allow him to rest peacefully. The following week, I received the news that my uncle had passed away in his sleep from another stroke. Hearing that broke my heart. I questioned everything why this had to happen, why my cousins had to grow up without their father, and why someone so loving was taken so soon. In that grief, my faith was tested. I struggled with understanding God’s plan, but at the same time, I felt a sense of calm knowing that my uncle was no longer suffering. Relying on my faith helped me process my grief in a healthier way. Instead of holding onto anger or confusion, I chose to believe that he was in a better place and that his peace mattered more than my pain. Faith didn’t erase the loss, but it gave me the strength to accept it. It reminded me that even when answers are unclear, trust can still exist. This experience deeply shaped who I am today. It taught me compassion, resilience, and the importance of holding onto faith during moments when life feels unfair. Losing my uncle strengthened my desire to support others through hardship, especially families affected by illness and loss. Even now, when I face challenges or moments of doubt, I think back to that time and remember how faith carried me through the darkest period of my life. Through grief, prayer, and reflection, I learned that faith is not about understanding everything it is about trusting that peace can exist even after loss.

This year, I stepped into a role that changed my life in the most unexpected and meaningful way I became a medical assistant for Hemphill Supportive Living in Chattanooga. Every day, I enter the homes of patients who need support in their daily lives. I help them with tasks like taking medication on time, staying active through exercise, and making sure they feel supported emotionally and mentally. My work goes beyond checking boxes on a task list; it's about forming connections, being present, and building trust. My first patient, Shane, made a lasting impact on me. Shane has autism, and together we’ve created a routine that supports both his mental and physical growth. We do puzzles that challenge our thinking, go on walks to stay active, play Just Dance to keep things fun, and clean up the house together especially his room, which we keep as a safe and peaceful space for him. I’ve learned how important it is to give Shane space and time to process his thoughts. He often needs help articulating what he feels, and I do my best to be patient and supportive without rushing him. Our time together isn’t just about caregiving It’s about learning, growing, and meeting each other where we are. Working with Shane has confirmed what I’ve always felt deep down: I want to spend my life helping people, especially those who experience the world a little differently. Becoming a caregiver has helped me see how important mental and neurological health truly are. It’s one thing to care for someone physically but supporting their emotional and cognitive well-being takes a different kind of understanding. That’s what pulled me toward neuroscience. As a future neurologist and neuroscientist, I hope to not only treat individuals like Shane but also be a resource to caregivers like myself. I want to create activity plans and offer guidance that helps others form meaningful bonds with patients who need extra help. I want to help families and caregivers better understand what their loved ones are going through and how best to support them. This experience has also shaped me into someone who is more patient, emotionally aware, and community-driven. Caregiving isn’t always easy there are moments of frustration, confusion, and exhaustion but every challenge has taught me something about myself and the kind of doctor I want to be. It’s made me more resilient and more passionate about making healthcare personal, especially for underserved and neurodiverse communities. I’m no longer just a student hoping to get into the medical field I’m someone with a clear purpose and the drive to see it through. Receiving this scholarship would help lift the financial weight that sometimes threatens to pull me away from that purpose. With less pressure to work extra hours or worry about tuition, I would be able to fully focus on my academic goals as I pursue an MD/PhD in neuroscience. It would also give me the freedom to continue working as a caregiver and volunteering at local clinics and hospitals, staying grounded in the very experiences that are shaping me into who I am becoming. I want to keep surrounding myself with real people, real stories, and real challenges because that’s what keeps me focused, inspired, and committed to my “why.” In every patient I’ve worked with and every moment of service I’ve given, I’ve been reminded that caregiving is not just an act it’s a calling. And thanks to Shane and others like him, I’m ready to answer that call not just as a caregiver, but as a scientist, a doctor, and an advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.

A book that continues to spark my interest and philosophical contemplation is The Great Gatsby. At its core, Fitzgerald’s novel explores themes of materialism, the American Dream, and the tension between wealth and fulfillment. Each character serves as a symbol of a larger idea, revealing the complexities of class, ambition, and self-delusion. Jay Gatsby, the heart of the novel, embodies achievement without contentment. Despite building an empire of wealth and acquiring the luxuries he once only dreamed of, he remains emotionally shackled to his past, endlessly chasing an illusion. His fixation on Daisy Buchanan is not rooted in love but in what she represents old money, security, and an effortless existence he was never born into. Daisy herself is a symbol of both privilege and emptiness. As a product of old money, she is sheltered from consequences, floating through life without deep introspection. Throughout the novel, she functions as a trophy, an unattainable ideal Gatsby has placed on a pedestal. Yet, when confronted with the possibility of breaking away from the constraints of her social class, she recoils, choosing comfort over change. Her moment of doubt, followed by her immersion in a cold bath a metaphor for being forced back into reality demonstrates the grip of societal expectations. Meanwhile, Tom Buchanan represents the corruption of wealth, his arrogance and cruelty exposing the dark side of privilege. His mistress, Myrtle, serves as a tragic counterpart, a woman desperate to escape her lower-class existence but ultimately destroyed by her aspirations. Through these characters, Fitzgerald critiques a society obsessed with status, where money dictates one's worth, and happiness is often an afterthought. Between the worlds of old money and new money lies the "valley of ashes," a desolate area where the poor reside. Ironically, it is in this space that the novel’s most tragic events unfold. This bleak setting serves as a parallel to how the wealthy view those of lower status undeserving of justice, respect, or even acknowledgment. It is also where Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy reveal their true colors, highlighting the moral decay beneath their wealth. Tom, in particular, embodies the callousness of the elite; with just a few words, he can strip someone of everything they have worked for, much like how, in reality, a lifetime of effort can be erased in an instant. Fitzgerald masterfully captures this harsh reality, making it just as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. Gatsby’s death, occurring in a pool he never swam in, is a poignant symbol of wasted potential and the fleeting nature of dreams. He spent his life accumulating wealth in pursuit of an ideal that never truly existed, only to die before realizing the futility of his quest. Fitzgerald seems to suggest that fulfillment requires a balance between material success and spiritual awareness. Without that balance, one risks becoming like Gatsby, forever chasing a dream that dissolves upon closer inspection. This novel also makes me reflect on my own values. Having been born into a middle-class environment and attending public school, I am content with my life, but I also recognize that there is always room for growth. Life will never be perfect, but it is shaped by the choices we make and our mindset. The way we perceive our circumstances determines how fulfilled we feel. I consider myself someone who always finds a way to be comfortable while striving for more. I work, run my own bakery business, and am a full-time student. It’s a lot to balance, but I make a conscious effort not to overwork myself so I can actually enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for. The Great Gatsby makes me reflect on my own habits, pushing me to have an honest conversation with myself about my present and my future.

Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I’ve faced the challenge of limited access to STEM programs and mentors. However, I’ve never let that hold me back from pursuing my passion for science. Joining the Upward Bound Math and Science program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga opened doors I never expected. It was through their guidance that I discovered Project SEED, a program sponsored by the American Chemical Society. During my time with Project SEED, I had the fantastic opportunity to research Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition linked to autism. Over eight weeks, my team and I completed two-thirds of our biochemical engineering research, yielding promising results. This experience culminated in my invitation to present our findings at the American Chemical Society Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, where I stood before accomplished scientists and peers, a moment that solidified my passion for neuroscience and STEM. My drive to study STEM began with my uncle's struggle with epilepsy. Witnessing how his condition impacted our family emotionally and practically ignited a deep curiosity in me to understand neurological conditions better. I wanted to uncover ways to treat such illnesses and prevent them from affecting other families as they did mine. Project SEED amplified this passion, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing my commitment to research in neuroscience, chemistry, and biology. Financially, I rely on FAFSA, income from my part-time job at the Boys and Girls Club, and scholarships I’ve worked hard to earn throughout my senior year. Despite these efforts, funding my education remains a significant challenge. This scholarship would ease the financial burden and allow me to focus entirely on my studies and research. With this support, I plan to immerse myself in undergraduate research in chemistry, biology, and engineering, all while working toward becoming a neuroscientist dedicated to improving lives through scientific discovery. This opportunity represents more than financial aid it’s a stepping stone toward realizing my dream of contributing to life-changing research and advocating for communities like mine, where resources are low, but the potential is endless.

My experience with teen motherhood has significantly shaped my career aspirations and influenced my determination to pursue a path in neuroscience. My mother, who gave birth to me at the age of 14, has always strived to provide me with a good life. She worked hard to ensure I had nice clothes, video games, and other things that brought me joy. Her sacrifices were a testament to her love and desire to give me opportunities she was not able to have. However, as I approached my teenage years, I began to notice changes in my mother's behavior. By the time I was 13, she started showing signs of emotional distress—talking to herself, crying in her room, and disappearing for hours on end. Her behavior became increasingly erratic and troubling. After a few medical consultations, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learning about her mental health issues was a pivotal moment in my life. Her diagnosis helped me understand the patterns of her behavior that had previously been confusing and distressing. It became clear that her struggles were not just random but were deeply rooted in her mental health conditions. This revelation had a profound impact on me and influenced my career choice. My desire to become a neuroscientist was born from this understanding. Neuroscience offers the potential to explore the complexities of the brain and the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders. I became fascinated with the idea of studying the brain's functions and dysfunctions to gain insights into why disorders like those my mother experiences occur. I am driven by the hope that my research could contribute to the development of better treatments or even preventative measures for these conditions. The challenges my mother faced has given me a unique perspective on mental health. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these disorders on both the individual and their family. This experience has deepened my empathy and fueled my commitment to making a difference in the field of neuroscience. I am motivated by the possibility of helping others who face similar struggles and improving their quality of life. In pursuing my goals, I have been actively involved in academic and extracurricular activities that align with my aspirations. My participation in the Project SEED research internship, where I studied Fragile X syndrome, has provided me with valuable research experience and a deeper understanding of genetic and neurological disorders. I am committed to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for those affected by them. I believe that understanding and addressing mental health is crucial for overall well-being and societal progress. By becoming a neuroscientist, I aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders and work towards effective solutions that can improve lives. Despite the difficulties my mother has faced, I appreciate her unwavering effort to provide me with a better life. Her struggles have been a driving force behind my desire to pursue a career in neuroscience. I am dedicated to using my knowledge and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field and to support others who are navigating similar challenges. To conclude, my personal experiences with teen motherhood and mental health have profoundly influenced my career path. They have given me a unique perspective on the importance of understanding and addressing mental health disorders. Through my studies and research in neuroscience, I hope to contribute to advancements that can offer hope and relief to those affected by mental health conditions, ultimately making a positive difference in the world.

Growing up in a single-parent household with my father has taught me the value of perseverance. Despite his long work hours and constant fatigue, he has always found time to support me in my endeavors. Whether it was attending my band performances, encouraging my participation in the Project SEED research internship, or backing my current educational pursuits, his support has been unwavering. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of determination and resilience. I plan to use my life experiences to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. I aspire to attend Vanderbilt University and major in neuroscience. With this knowledge, I aim to study diet and nutrition and educate people on how their dietary choices can lead to diseases. My goal is to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet and its impact on overall health. Currently, I am actively working towards my goals by engaging in various academic and extracurricular activities. I have participated in scientific research on Fragile X syndrome, which has deepened my understanding of how diet affects health. I am involved in leadership roles, such as being the Vice President of the Student Government Association and a member of the National Honor Society. These experiences have helped me develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue my aspirations. This scholarship will support my journey towards becoming a neuroscientist and enable me to contribute to improving public health through education on diet and nutrition. I am committed to using my background and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the world.