Pursuing a career in healthcare—specifically mental health and social work—has been a deeply personal and purposeful decision for me. My journey began not in a classroom but in my own life experiences, where I saw firsthand how mental health struggles can shape individuals, families, and communities. Growing up in a single-parent household in Seattle, I took on responsibilities beyond my years, helping raise my younger sisters while navigating my own challenges. These early experiences, combined with my passion for advocacy and social justice, led me to pursue a career in mental health policy and social work. I chose to study Human Development and Family Science as an undergraduate, where I learned about the intersection of psychology, social services, and public policy. Throughout college, I actively sought opportunities to make an impact, becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid, working on my university’s mental health task force, and organizing Fresh Check Day to promote awareness and reduce stigma. Additionally, my time as a paraprofessional and volunteer English teacher for immigrants gave me a firsthand look at how social and economic barriers impact access to healthcare, particularly mental health services. These experiences reinforced my commitment to pursuing a Master of Social Work at Columbia University with a specialization in Policy Practice, where I will work to reform healthcare systems at a structural level. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this role. Women have long been underrepresented in leadership positions in healthcare policy, and I intend to change that. I want to be a voice for the people who are often ignored—low-income communities, immigrants, and those facing mental health struggles. My goal is to work behind the scenes in government, advocating for policies that expand mental health access, implement trauma-informed care in public institutions, and address systemic inequities in the healthcare system. Beyond policy, I also hope to serve as a mentor and advocate for other women entering the field. Representation matters, and I want to show other young women—especially those who come from challenging backgrounds like mine—that they, too, can make a difference in healthcare. Whether through mentorship, leadership roles, or community advocacy, I want to uplift the next generation of women in social work, mental health, and healthcare policy. Ultimately, my goal is to create tangible change in how mental healthcare is approached in the U.S. I believe that mental health should be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. Through policy reform, government initiatives, and strategic advocacy, I aim to bridge the gap between mental health services and the people who need them most. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and pursue my vision of a healthcare system that is equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all individuals—especially those who have been historically underserved. As a woman in this field, I am ready to take on the challenges ahead, break barriers, and ensure that mental health remains a priority in our healthcare system.

Mental health has shaped nearly every aspect of my life—my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up in a single-parent household in Seattle, I took on responsibilities beyond my years, helping raise my younger sisters while navigating my own challenges. My personal experiences with mental health struggles, as well as supporting those around me, have fueled my commitment to advocacy, social justice, and policy reform. My understanding of mental health began at a young age, not through textbooks but through lived experience. As a teenager, I faced trauma and adversity that forced me to grow up quickly. I struggled with my own mental health while simultaneously being the emotional backbone for my family. Despite these challenges, I found solace in learning—reading about psychology, mental health interventions, and systemic issues that contribute to widespread suffering. It became clear to me that mental health isn’t just an individual struggle; it’s deeply tied to societal structures, policies, and access to resources. These experiences strengthened my belief that mental health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. I reject the stigma that so often surrounds these issues, and I believe that every person, regardless of background, deserves access to quality care. This belief has guided my relationships, as I have always been the person friends turn to for support. It has also driven my passion for creating systemic change. As an undergraduate student at the University of Rhode Island, I channeled my passion into action. I became certified in Mental Health First Aid, worked on my university’s mental health task force, and helped organize Fresh Check Day—a mental health awareness event aimed at reducing stigma and increasing access to resources. I also gained hands-on experience as a volunteer English teacher for immigrants and as a paraprofessional, working with students facing academic and behavioral challenges. These experiences reinforced my desire to address mental health not just on an individual level but through policy change and structural reform. Now, as I prepare to pursue my Master of Social Work at Columbia University, my career aspirations are clear: I want to work at the intersection of mental health and policy. I am particularly interested in legislative advocacy and government initiatives that expand mental health access for underserved populations. My ultimate goal is to work behind the scenes in the White House or a federal agency, ensuring that mental health policies are prioritized and effectively implemented. Mental health has influenced every facet of my life, but it has also given me a purpose. I want to use my experiences - both personal and professional - to create tangible change. Whether through shaping policies that expand mental health services, advocating for trauma-informed care in public institutions, or working to eliminate systemic barriers, I am committed to making a lasting impact. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue this mission, allowing me to focus on my education and future career without financial barriers. More importantly, it would support my vision of a world where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and integrated into every aspect of policy and social services.