My faith has played a significant role in my life, guiding my actions and providing strength during tough times. There have been moments when my faith was tested, especially when I faced challenges that made me question everything I believed in. One of the hardest times was when I struggled with feelings of depression and hopelessness. I began to feel distant from God and started to lose my faith completely. I felt alone, as if my prayers were going unanswered, and it was easy to think that maybe I was not worthy of His love. During that rough patch, I found it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, I eventually turned back to my faith. I started reading the Bible again and praying, seeking comfort in verses that reminded me of God's love and plans for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 became particularly meaningful to me, as it reassured me that God has a purpose for everyone. This realization helped me regain my strength and resilience. Although I deeply value my faith, I don't attend church regularly. My parents are atheists, so I haven't had many opportunities to participate in church events or connect with a community of believers other than my friends. I wish I could be more involved, as I believe being a part of a church could help strengthen my faith and allow me to contribute more to my community.  Through my renewed faith, I felt a strong urge to help others who might be going through similar struggles. While I haven't been able to attend church regularly, I've found other ways to live out my faith by being there for people in need. For example, I've taken the time to listen to friends who were struggling, offering them support and encouragement when they felt like giving up. I've also made an effort to be kinder and more patient with others, even when I didn't feel my best. By showing compassion and understanding, I've tried to reflect the love I believe God shows us all. These small but meaningful actions remind me that faith isn't just about attending church; it's about how you treat others every day. Looking ahead, as I pursue my educational goals in social work, I plan to continue making a positive impact on others. My faith will guide me as I work to advocate for those who are struggling. I want to focus on mental health awareness, as I believe it is vital for people to have access to help and support. I plan to work in schools and community centers, offering workshops and counseling for students who are dealing with mental health issues. I want to share my story and let them know that it is okay to ask for help. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with local organizations to educate families about mental health, helping to create a more supportive community.  In summary, my Christian faith has shaped who I am now and how I see the world. Despite the times I struggled and nearly lost my faith, I've come to realize how important it is to support and care for one another. I want to reflect that love and compassion in everything I do, hoping to inspire others to find their strength and reach their full potential.

My desire to make a change in my life stems from the realization that I was on a path leading to self-destruction. For six years, I struggled with nicotine addiction, starting in 6th grade and continuing until just before my senior year. By 10th and 11th grade, I had taken things further, abusing pills I should not have been taking, smoking weed, and drinking. This lifestyle did not just affect me physically and mentally, it fractured my relationships with the people I loved. My family, especially my mom and siblings, distanced themselves from me, and I even lost my boyfriend at one point. I was isolated, ashamed, and lost, unsure if I could find my way out. I eventually reached a breaking point, where I could not deny the damage I was causing to myself and to others. It was then that I decided to take ownership of my actions. I have been clean from self-harm for over five months, and I am now sober, free from substances that once held me captive. Repairing the damage I did to my relationships has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my recovery. My mom and I are on great terms again, my siblings and I are rebuilding our connection, and my boyfriend and I have reconciled. I am committed to staying on this path because I have seen the positive changes it has brought not only to my own life but to the lives of those around me. To bring myself closer to my goal, I have focused on both personal healing and professional development. I have worked to rebuild trust with my loved ones, accepted the consequences of my past actions, and made a conscious decision to turn my pain into something meaningful. My next step is to pursue a career in social work, or something of that type, a field where I believe I can truly make a difference. I want to help kids who are on the same destructive path I was once on and guide them toward realizing their struggles intimately and want to be the support system that I often wished I had. This scholarship would be a crucial part of that journey. By helping me financially, it would allow me to focus on my education and training without the burden of financial stress. I plan to use my education to equip myself with the skills needed to effectively work with at-risk youth and provide them with the tools and support they need to make better choices. In terms of paying it forward, my entire career path is centered on giving back. I want to help kids who feel as lost as I once did, showing them that change is possible and that they can break free from the cycle of addiction, pain, and poor decision making. I plan to dedicate my life to empowering young people to overcome their challenges, helping them see that they have a future worth fighting for. In doing so, I hope to break the cycle of pain and addiction, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond my own experiences.

Mental health plays a significant roe in both academic performance and personal life, especially when conditions like ADHD, major depression, chronic anxiety, and PTSD are part of daily existence. These challenges create a unique and often overwhelming set of obstacles, affecting everything from focus and motivation to social interactions and emotional well-being. In terms of academics, ADHD can make focusing on takes, staying organized, and managing time extremely difficult. With ADHD, it's easy to become distracted during class or while studying, and it takes more effort to complete assignments on time. Pairing that with chronic anxiety can heighten the stress around schoolwork, making it feel like every task is a monumental challenge. You might overthink assignments, fear that your work isn't good enough, or become overwhelmed by the workload, leading to procrastination or avoidance. Depression intensifies these struggles. It can strip away your motivation and energy, making even simple tasks feel impossible. Attending classes, keeping up with assignments, or participating in group work may feel overwhelming when you're struggling to get out of bed. Depression fosters feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, which might leave you questioning whether your efforts matter at all. At the peak of these feelings, suicidal thoughts or a sense of wanting to give up can arise, making it difficult to find any reason to continue with school. PTSD adds another layer to this, where certain triggers or traumatic memories can disrupt daily routines and concentration. Flashbacks, anxiety attacks, or emotional numbness make it hard to be fully present in both academic and personal settings. Combined, these mental health conditions create a cycle of feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained, which can severely affect grades, attendance, and relationships with teachers and peers. In my personal life, these conditions have a profound impact on relationships and self-perception. I often felt like a failure, convinced that I was a disappointment to those around me. Social anxiety makes it hard to form ot maintain friendships, as there's a constant fear of judgement or rejection. This can lead to isolation, which only worsens the feelings of depression. At times, I felt like people would be better of without me, ad these dark thoughts led me to attempt to run away from home and, at one point, attempt suicide. The depth of my struggles became so severe that I was admitted to two different mental hospitals for treatment. In terms of making my mental health a priority, one of the first crucial steps I tooks was accepting that I needed help. After being pulled out of school and finishing the year online, I realized that my well-being needed to come first. Now, I regularly take multiple medications to stabilize my mental health, and I'm mindful of my need for therapy and support. Prioritizing self-care, even when it's hard, helps me maintain some stability. I also try to create a balanced routine, breaking down takes into smaller, manageable steps so that they don't feel overwhelming. Setting boundaries has become essential; I recognize when I need to rest or step away from stressful situations. Connecting with supportive friends, family, or counselors helps me feel less isolated, and I make an effort to seek professional help when things get too difficult to manage on my own. Making mental health is a priority is not easy, especially with the weight of multiple diagnoses, but it's essential to living a more stable life both in and out of school. Taking proactive steps to care for myself has been the turning point in managing my academic responsibilities and reclaiming my personal life.

Advocating for progress and social change regarding bullying and harassment in K-12 is deeply personal to me, especially considering my own struggles with ADHD, PTSD, major depression, and chronic anxiety. Having been severely bullied and have experienced suicidal thoughts, I understand firsthand the devastating impact that unchecked bullying can have on a young person's mental health. These experiences have motivated me to become a strong advocate for creating a safer, more supportive environment in schools. To address the bullying and harassment, I would actively work to raise awareness about its impact on mental health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Education is crucial in preventing bullying, so I would collaborate with schools to implement anti-bullying programs that go beyond simple lectures and delve into the psychological effects of harassment. These programs should include role-playing, empathy-building exercises, and workshops that educate students on the signs of mental distress in their peers. Additionally, I would advocate for teachers and staff to receive specialized training to recognize the signs of bullying and mental health issues, ensuring that they know how to intervene effectively and provide appropriate support. Beyond awareness and education, I believe that fostering an inclusive and understanding school environment is key. Many students who struggle with mental issues like ADHD or anxiety feel isolated and misunderstood, making them easy targets for bullying. By pushing for inclusive classroom practices, where neurodiverse students and those with mental health challenges are given the accommodations and support they need, I hope to create a culture where differences are celebrated rather than stigmatized. As someone who has faced barriers to accessing mental health care, I'm particularly passionate about streamlining the convoluted process of obtaining appropriate treatment for children and adolescents. Far too often, young people who struggle with mental health issues face a labyrinth of referrals, long wait times, and a lack of coordination between providers and schools. This can leave them without the timely care they need, worsening their conditions. To streamline this process, I plan to advocate for a more integrated approach to mental health care in schools. Schools should have dedicated mental health professionals on staff who can conduct assessments and provide counseling without requiring families to navigate external systems. These professionals would also serve as liaisons between the schools and outside providers, ensuring that students receive consistent and coordinated care. I would work to increase funding for mental health services in schools, lobbying for legislation that mandates mental health resources as a core part of educational funding. Additionally, I want to push for the use of technology to simplify access to care. Teletherapy, for instance, could provide students with access to licensed mental health professionals without requiring them to leave school or wait months for an appointment. Integrating mental health apps and platforms designed for youth can help students track their progress and access coping tools whenever they need them. I believe that offering multiple avenues for support - whether through in-person counseling, teletherapy, or digital resources - will make it easier for young people to find the help that suits them best. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that no child or adolescent falls through the cracks, especially those struggling with mental health challenges exacerbated by bullying and harassment. By advocating for comprehensive anti-bullying initiatives and working to streamline access to mental health care, I hope to create a future where students not only feel safe in their schools but also empowered to thrive.

I have been helping others with their mental health by offering empathetic listening, understanding, and encouragement. Whether it's through providing a safe space for friends to talk about their struggles, offering advice when asked, or simply being present, I try to help people feel heard and supported. I've also educated myself on mental health issues, learning about anxiety, depression, and stress management techniques, which I share with others when appropriate. By promoting self-care, mindfulness, and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary, I strive to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage open dialogue. In the future I plan to use my studies and career as a therapist or social worker to provide structured emotional support. Through formal education, I am gaining skills in active listening, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and trauma-informed care, all of which will help me guide individuals through difficult emotions and experiences. My goal is to create a non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier coping strategies, and build resilience. By focusing on each person's unique needs, I aim to empower them to make positive changes in their lives. As a therapist, I will be equipped to help individuals manage mental health conditions, navigate life transitions, and heal from their trauma. As a social worker, I could advocate for vulnerable populations, connecting them to resources and support systems to address both emotional and practical challenges. Regardless of the specific role, my primary focus will always be on promoting emotional well-being and fostering human connection. In the long term, I hope to contribute to mental health awareness and prevention efforts within communities, using my efforts within communities, using my expertise to create programs that support individuals in crisis and educate others on the importance of mental health care. Ultimately, my goal is to provide the emotional tools and resources that help people lead fulfilling, balanced lives.

My field of interest is mental health care and/or some sort of clinical or counseling psychology. I have struggled with mental health for basically my entire life. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, general depression, and chronic anxiety. I am on medications for ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and I take a mood stabilizer as well as some supplements. I see a therapist every week, both by myself and with my family. I have someone who does at-home visits to make sure I am doing okay and to make sure I'm still in a safe environment. I was severely bullied in middle school, more than normal. I was constantly told I wasn't enough for this world and that I should just kill myself. I thought about it many times and even attempted to do so, but I am so thankful now that it never worked and that I am still here today. I know how hard it is to deal with these issues as a young teen or young adult. It's hard, almost seeming impossible at times. I reached out for help plenty of times, specifically to faculty at my school. Nothing was ever done. No one was ever reprimanded. If anything, it made things worse. I want to be that person that anyone can reach out to when they need help. I want to be the person that a teen feels comfortable with talking about their problems, whether at school, at home, or just in their personal life. I want people to believe me when I say, "I want to help you, and I will do whatever I can to make sure that gets done." So, why have I chosen mental health care as my field of interest? One simple answer: I want to help like no one helped me.

Numerous teachers and family members have told me that they always believed I was a very anxious child. I have a bad past when it comes to my mental health, and my biological mother didn’t want to accept that. I never officially got tested for anything until I moved in with my dad and we moved to Arkansas in 2022. He and my stepmom noticed I was struggling and reached out for help. We tried a few different depression medications with my regular doctor, but none of them helped. When we realized I was still struggling, if not worse, we sought out more help. My doctor referred me to a mental health specialist and pretty soon I was getting some answers. I was diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, general depression, and general anxiety. This was around the fall of 2022. I was put on medications, and for a little while I did better. Since then, I have had two major depression episodes, along with two psychiatric hospital visits and a diagnosis of chronic anxiety. For the longest time, I just learned to deal with the anxiety and live my day-to-day life as normal. But I realize now it wasn’t working. I wasn’t using any sort of coping skills and it caused me to feel all sorts of things other than just anxiety. This affected me in many different ways. It affected my mental health, relationships with friends and family, and how I was acting. I woke up in the morning anxious and went to bed even more anxious than ever. For months, there was not one day I did not feel some sort of anxiety about something. I was constantly overthinking, whether it was about what to eat that morning or something stupid I said/did to one of my siblings, I was always putting myself down for it. Heck, I still do so to this day. By then, I was going to sleep shaking and crying because I felt so scared just for the next day to come. I was scared about the people I had to see the next day, or thinking up one hundred different scenarios on what could go wrong. I was scared I was going to do something else wrong or make someone else mad. For the longest time, I didn’t feel I was good enough at anything to be here. Recently, I have been doing better. I still have my bad days, but that’s normal. I have gotten most of my medications figured out, especially for my anxiety. I know I can’t rely solely on meds, but it definitely helps. Why is pursuing a college degree important to me? Well, I want to get a degree in psychology and/or some sort of occupational therapy. I want to use all of my experiences and hardships to help as many other people as possible. I especially want to help teens, because I know this day in age it is very hard to be a teenager, and I want them to know there ARE people who care about them, what they have to say, and how they feel. I want to get as much education as possible on the topic of therapy and mental health, and I feel getting a college degree will help me pursue this dream.

I was bullied for most of my life growing up. I'm not what you would call a "normal" person, and I certainly do not have a "normal" family. My whole life, teachers have asked my mom to get me tested for ADHD, and have even mentioned that they found I was a VERY anxious child. Elementary school wasn't so bad, just picked on every once in a while. But when I hit middle school? Oh, it was a whole different ball game! I tried so hard to fit in, but I was "too loud," "too obnoxious," "moved around too much," "too fat," "too short," or just straight up "wasn't enough for this world." I was told I had no purpose here on Earth, that God made a mistake letting me here. I was told I might as well just kill myself because I had no reason to keep on living. I've tried to commit 3 times in total. The first time was in 6th grade when I attempted to overdose on over 30 ibuprofen one night. I was so upset that I had woken up that morning. Not long after, I cut myself. Which turned into cutting myself almost every day because I was feeling so much pain, not just from the people at school, but also because I didn't feel like I was good enough at home. I was taking what these kids were telling me and bringing it into my personal life. It caused me to act out. A lot. I got in a lot of trouble those 2 years, all just because I wanted to be "cool" and "fit in," and just to be good enough for the society I was around. I had reached out to school counselors many times. They would always say they were going to do something about the bullying, but it always just ended up being a sit-down conversation with me and whoever was picking on me the worst at that time. Normally, the kid would deny whatever they had said, and it was always just "Ok, well don't do it again." There was never any REAL action. No one was ever reported, and no one was ever punished for the way they made me feel. I ended up finding out the handful of kids that were severely bullying and harassing me were also doing so to many other kids, who also went to the counselor, who still did NOTHING. I remember how I felt, and I know it has to be so much worse for other kids out there. I hate that at this very moment, I can't take every child that has ever been bullied, harassed, sexually assaulted, and/or raped into my hands RIGHT NOW and find them all a good and safe place to be. I want to tell them all that it's going to be okay, that they are good enough, that they WERE put on this Earth for a reason, and a GOOD reason. I wish someone like that was there for me when I needed it, and I want to be that person for as many people as I can. I want to be relatable, and let them know that I DO understand what they are going through and that it DOES get better. I would love to find as many ways as I can to help students get better resources in school to report bullying and harassment, and I want to make sure something ACTUALLY gets done about it.