Mental health is often overlooked until someone is already in crisis. Too many people are expected to survive trauma, addiction, poverty, and loss without adequate support, and when they struggle, they are blamed rather than helped. I currently give back by working directly with individuals and families who live in those gaps of the mental health system; people who are underserved, stigmatized, and too often unseen. Through my involvement with Rooted 303 and its merger with Wings of Revival, I support individuals in recovery and families impacted by addiction and other mental health challenges. My role is not about “fixing” people; it is about showing up consistently, offering emotional safety, education, and encouragement, and reminding people of their inherent worth. Much of my service happens in quiet moments; listening without judgment, validating pain that has gone unacknowledged, and helping someone believe change is possible even when their circumstances or environment have taught them otherwise. My goals may sound small on the surface. I want people to feel heard. I want families to feel less alone. I want individuals to learn how to regulate their emotions, build healthier relationships, and trust themselves again. But the impact of mental wellness on communities is enormous. When one person heals, it affects their children, their relationships, their workplaces, and the way they show up in the world. Mental wellness creates safer homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. As a single mother and someone who has navigated trauma and systemic challenges myself, this work is deeply personal. I understand how easily people fall through the cracks and how powerful it can be when someone chooses to stay present rather than turn away. That lived experience shapes how I serve others, cultivating passion and a heart full of compassion, humility, and deep respect for each person’s story. In the future, I plan to continue my education in clinical mental health counseling and expand my ability to serve marginalized populations through trauma-informed and accessible care. At Rooted 303, our services are funded by community members who donate to our organization, eliminating barriers to access mental health care. I have the honor of serving the underserved, and my goal is to stay on this path my entire career, even at the expense of my own personal wealth. I hope to work at the intersection of clinical practice and community support, helping to close the gap between mental health services and those who need them most. I may not be changing the world through a material invention or a visible, physical creation, but I am working to change the inner world of each individual I serve. When someone begins to feel safe within themselves, the ripple effect reaches their families, their children, and their communities. This is how lasting change happens: quietly, relationally, and from the inside out.

At one point in my life, my mental health left me standing on a thin line of existence. My thoughts were consumed by how I might end my life, and my days were spent either sleeping or crying. This was one of the most difficult seasons of my life, rooted in a traumatic experience and, as I have come to understand over time, a neglectful childhood that shaped how I viewed myself and my worth. I felt overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure if life would ever feel safe or meaningful again. My turning point came when I realized I had to forgive myself in order to truly accept forgiveness from my higher power. This act of self-forgiveness was not instant or easy, but it marked the beginning of healing. It allowed me to see myself with compassion rather than shame and helped me recognize that my pain did not define me. However, healing is rarely linear. While I was beginning to find hope, my family was facing another devastating loss. At the same time, my 14-year-old cousin was battling his own depression. I was deeply shaken when he died by suicide. Witnessing the depth of grief that followed—within my family and within myself—changed me forever. In the aftermath, I could no longer fantasize about ending my life, knowing the permanent and devastating impact it would have on the people I loved. Although the pain did not disappear, I chose to continue living, even when that choice felt heavy and uncertain. Mental health challenges have been prevalent throughout my family. My sister battled addiction for seven years and is now five years sober, a journey that required immense strength and perseverance. These experiences exposed me early on to the complexity of mental health, trauma, and recovery. Though these realities are painful, they ultimately led me to a belief that has shaped my life’s direction: healing is possible. We are not permanently defined by our wounds, and a shift in perspective can transform our internal and external realities. Through my own healing journey and my master’s program in clinical mental health counseling, I have learned how unaddressed childhood wounds often manifest in adulthood. In my own life, these unhealed wounds led me into an abusive relationship and eventually to becoming a single mother when my son was just six months old. While this experience was heartbreaking, it reinforced how essential healing is, not only for myself, but for my son. I am committed to doing this work so I do not pass unresolved pain onto the next generation. As a future therapist, my goal is to be a beacon of hope for individuals navigating their darkest moments. I strive to be a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental presence for my clients; someone who walks alongside them as they grow, heal, and reclaim their sense of self. I believe that when one person heals, the effects extend far beyond the therapy room, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.

Balancing higher education with the responsibilities of single parenthood requires intention, discipline, and grace. As the sole provider and caregiver for my young son, I have learned that balance is not about perfection; it is about creating sustainable systems that allow both my child and me to thrive. One of the most important ways I maintain balance is through consistent routines. I begin each day early, before my son wakes, to exercise and meditate. What was once nap-time self-care has now become early-morning preparation, as those quiet hours during nap-time are now dedicated to coursework. Starting my day grounded and focused allows me to show up fully for both my academic responsibilities and my role as a mother. I follow a structured schedule for schoolwork, meal planning, grocery shopping, and household tasks. These routines not only help me stay organized and productive, but they also provide stability for my son which is something research consistently shows is essential for a child’s emotional and developmental well-being. At the same time, I have learned that flexibility is just as important as structure. Life with a child is unpredictable, and rigid expectations can quickly lead to stress and burnout. When plans change, as they inevitably do, I practice adaptability rather than self-criticism. This flexibility protects my mental wellness and allows me to respond calmly and lovingly to my son’s needs while continuing to move forward academically. Another essential lesson I have embraced is letting go of perfection. Early in my master’s program, a professor reminded us that it is sometimes more important to earn “A’s in life” than in every assignment. As someone who values academic excellence, this was difficult to accept. However, I came to understand that prioritizing my role as a mother does not diminish my commitment to learning. While I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, I no longer equate my worth or my future success solely with perfect grades. Instead, I focus on meaningful learning, self-care, and emotional regulation. True learning does not happen in a state of chronic stress, and by caring for myself, I am able to be both a present mother and an engaged, thoughtful student. Financial strain remains one of my greatest challenges. As a single mother with no contact or financial support from my son’s father, every expense carries weight. Upon graduation, I will lose student loan deferment, and my loan payments will be significant. This scholarship would ease an enormous burden, reducing financial stress and allowing me to better provide for my son. It would mean fewer resources diverted to loan payments and more stability for our small family. This scholarship would be truly life-changing. It represents not only financial assistance, but an investment in a future shaped by resilience, dedication, and purpose. With this support, I can continue pursuing my degree with focus and confidence, knowing that my son and I are building a more secure and hopeful future together.

When people hear the phrase “community service,” they often think of volunteering at a shelter, donating time or money, or offering a smile to a stranger. While these are meaningful and essential acts, there is one aspect of community service that is often overlooked: the service we provide to ourselves. True service begins internally with self-awareness, self-healing, and self-compassion. We cannot fully show up for others if we are disconnected from ourselves. In today’s world, “self-care” is often associated with surface-level comforts like bubble baths and spa days. While those things can be helpful, genuine self-care runs much deeper. It means looking inward, confronting painful truths, unlearning harmful beliefs, and tending to emotional wounds. I’ve learned through my personal journey that the relationship I have with myself sets the tone for every other relationship in my life and, ultimately, for how I show up in my community. Like many people, I have struggled with negative core beliefs: “I’m a burden,” “I’ll never be good enough,” “I don’t have anything to offer.” These thoughts may seem invisible from the outside, but they quietly shape how we live. Someone who believes they’re unworthy may avoid meaningful relationships, isolate themselves, or shy away from opportunities to serve. They may think, “Who am I to help anyone else when I can’t even help myself?” But something powerful happens when we begin to question those beliefs. When we look honestly at where they came from whether that be from trauma, conditioning, or societal messages, and begin the slow, courageous work of healing, we reclaim our voice. We realize we are not broken; we are becoming. And in that becoming, we start to uncover our unique gifts and calling. This is the work I am passionate about. I currently serve at Rooted 303, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals in recovery from substance misuse and mental health challenges. We believe in holistic healing, and we walk alongside people as they rediscover their worth and rewrite their stories. We offer peer coaching, community groups, workshops, counseling, and ongoing support to help individuals rebuild their lives. It’s a beautiful thing to witness someone transform, not because someone else “saved” them, but because they began to believe in themselves. As I continue my education in clinical mental health counseling, my vision is to expand this work by becoming a licensed counselor. I want to provide a safe, authentic space for people to process pain, break free from harmful beliefs, and embrace the fullness of who they are. I want to walk with people through the valley and remind them that healing is possible. I also know that to guide others well, I must stay committed to my own growth. I view my healing journey not as a destination, but as a lifelong practice. The more I show up for myself with honesty, grace, and compassion, the more I can offer those same gifts to others. When we are authentic with ourselves, we can be authentic with others. When we are compassionate inwardly, that compassion naturally overflows into our communities. I believe that if more people developed a healthy relationship with themselves via healing trauma, believing in their worth, and cultivating a growth mindset, we could radically transform society. Community service is not just about what we do, but about who we are. By doing the inner work, we create stronger, kinder, more connected communities. We become the kind of people who lift others simply by showing up as our whole selves. And that, I believe, is the most powerful form of service there is.

Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” — Galileo Galilei. This quote beautifully captures why I love math: it is so much more than numbers or equations; it is the underlying structure of reality itself. As someone who deeply appreciates certainty, logic, and the beauty of things adding up, math has always been one of my favorite subjects. What excites me most about math is its unshakable truth. An equation, once proven, is universally true no matter who you are or where you are. One plus one has always been two, even before humans existed to name or recognize it. This permanence fascinates me because it points beyond human invention; it suggests something eternal and unchanging. It’s comforting to know that even when life feels uncertain or chaotic, math offers a constant I can return to, something that always holds firm. When you look deeper, math reveals breathtaking connections across the natural world. The golden ratio appears in flowers, seashells, and even galaxies. Geometry shapes the growth of crystals, the symmetry of snowflakes, and the patterns in honeycombs. To me, these patterns are not random; they reflect an intentional design, a fingerprint of the Creator woven into all creation. In this sense, math becomes a bridge between the physical world and the divine mind behind it. The revelation of the interconnectedness between all of creation which math demonstrates instills a deep love and desire within myself to live in harmony with all things. I also love math for its practical power. Without math, we would have no buildings, no bridges, no satellites, no smartphones. So much of the world we rely on every day would simply not exist. Math has given us tools to explore, innovate, and solve problems on both small and massive scales. Personally, it has shaped the house I live in, the buildings I visit every day, the technology I use, and so much more! Ultimately, I love math because it embodies both certainty and wonder. It provides solid truths I can hold onto, and at the same time, it opens the door to marvel at a universe filled with order, beauty, and meaning. As a spiritual person, I see math as one of the clearest reflections of God’s mind, a language that speaks not only to the intellect but also to the soul.

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. This is more than a career goal for me; it is a calling rooted in lived experiences, heartbreak, resilience, and deep faith in God’s redemptive power. Every chapter of my life, even the ones filled with grief and pain, has led me here. I believe with all my heart that God does not waste our suffering. Instead, He transforms it, using it to prepare us for a greater purpose. Mine is to walk with others through their darkest valleys and help them find the light again. Mental illness and trauma are not abstract concepts to me. They are a part of my family’s history, my personal journey, and my daily work. I lost my cousin to suicide when he was just fifteen years old. I still remember the gut-wrenching phone call, the silence on the other end of the line as my world shifted. At the time, I was quietly struggling with severe depression myself, just a teenager trying to make sense of the heaviness inside me. I didn’t know how to put it into words, and I certainly didn’t know how to ask for help. Looking back now, I see how isolated I felt, but also how much I longed for connection, for someone to tell me I wasn’t alone or at least acknowledge my existence. Not long after my cousin’s passing, my sister began battling a substance misuse disorder. Watching someone you love slip away slowly is a different kind of agony. There were nights I didn’t know if she’d survive, and mornings when I dreaded what news might come. But thanks to a community of support, countless prayers, and God’s unwavering mercy, she is now four years sober. Her journey has been a profound reminder to me that no one is beyond redemption and that healing happens when people are surrounded by compassion, accountability, and grace. But perhaps the most defining experience in my path came through my own suffering. I was in an abusive relationship that chipped away at my identity, my confidence, and my spirit. Abuse is often insidious. It starts subtly, until you no longer recognize the person in the mirror. I lived in fear, confusion, and shame, wondering if I would ever be free. When I finally escaped that relationship, it felt like coming up for air after nearly drowning. I knew then that I never wanted another woman—or man—to feel what I felt. I began to study trauma, attachment, personality disorders, and the long-term impact of emotional and psychological abuse. What started as a personal healing journey quickly became a God-given mission: to help others find freedom, peace, and wholeness. That mission now guides every aspect of my life. I currently work for a nonprofit called Rooted 303, which supports individuals recovering from addiction and mental health challenges. Rooted 303 is not just my workplace, it is my community, my ministry, and the foundation where I hope to one day provide professional counseling. We believe that unconditional love and community are the cornerstones of true healing. I see this belief in action every day. I see it when a client takes their first step toward sobriety. I see it when a mother hugs her son after months of separation. I see it when someone breaks down in tears because, for the first time, they feel seen and safe. I long to deepen my impact at Rooted 303 by becoming a licensed professional counselor. I want to be able to sit with clients in their pain, guide them through the therapeutic process, and offer tools that lead to lasting transformation. My hope is to specialize in trauma recovery and personality disorders, helping survivors of abuse find their voice again and rebuild their sense of self. I also hope to pursue a doctorate in the future and contribute to research that uncovers effective approaches to trauma healing and emotional regulation, especially for those affected by maladaptive personality traits. To be honest, though, the idea of taking on additional debt for a doctorate degree leads me to think that I’ll never be able to afford that dream. My passion for this work is deeply intertwined with my faith. I believe that the ministry of counseling is sacred. Jesus was the ultimate healer, and while I am far from perfect, I pray that God uses me as a vessel of His love and compassion. I want every person I encounter to know that their story matters, that healing is possible, and that there is a God who sees them, loves them, and has never left their side. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. I know this because I have lived it. As much as my spirit is willing, the financial reality of graduate school is daunting. My program will cost around $60,000 in total. As a full-time student working in the nonprofit world and raising a toddler on my own, the burden is heavy. My son’s father abandoned us when he was just six months old. Since then, every decision I’ve made has been for my son: to give him the safety, stability, and love he deserves. There are nights when I stay up long after he’s gone to sleep, balancing coursework, nonprofit duties, and the quiet weight of worry. But still, I press on, because I believe in this calling and I believe God is making a way, even when the road is hard. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial relief. It would be a declaration that I am not walking this journey alone. It would be a confirmation that others see the value in the work I am doing and the future I am working so hard to build for my son, for my clients, and for the community I serve. It would give me the freedom to focus more fully on my education and training, rather than constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Student loan debt is a heavy weight to carry, especially as a single mother. The monthly payment will impact whether or not I can afford organic food for my son, if I can afford to put him in sports or music lessons, and so much more. This scholarship will help me reach the goal of becoming a counselor and sharing the love of Christ to clients, while also providing the most I possibly can for my son. Ultimately, I see counseling as an act of worship. Whether I am leading a group session, conducting trauma-informed research, or simply holding space for someone who is hurting, I want to reflect the heart of Christ. I want my clients to feel the same kind of love and grace that pulled me out of the darkest seasons of my life. I want to remind them that even when life has stripped them of everything, God still calls them worthy. He still has a purpose for their life, and healing is possible. Thank you for considering my application. Your investment would not just help me earn a degree, but it would empower me to continue this mission of healing hearts, restoring lives, and spreading light in the darkest places. I believe with every fiber of my being that God is doing something beautiful through this journey, and with your support, I will be one step closer to walking fully in that purpose.

Alan Watts once said, “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.” It’s a reminder that identity isn’t something we can hold up and analyze with perfect clarity. It shifts, evolves, and deepens over time, shaped by what we survive, what we choose, and how we love. Though I may not be able to fully define who I am, I can share the moments that have shaped me, broken me open, and led me to a life of compassion, gratitude, and purpose. My decision to pursue a career in mental health counseling is rooted in lived experience. My story isn’t one of instant transformation or neat resolutions; it’s one of enduring hardship, learning to see the world differently, and discovering that healing is not just possible, but powerful. I grew up surrounded by unspoken pain, mental illness that went unnamed, trauma that was normalized, and emotional wounds passed quietly from one generation to the next. I lived with depression from a young age but became skilled at hiding it. I excelled in school, played the part of the achiever, and did everything I could to seem “fine,” even though I wanted to die. At fifteen, I lost my cousin to suicide. It was a devastating moment that shook me to my core. The silence surrounding mental health in my family and community taught me that suffering was something to keep hidden, something shameful. Shortly after, my sister developed a substance use disorder. Again, we lacked the tools or language to understand what was happening. The unspoken message was to keep going, to survive, and to pretend. As I grew older, I entered an emotionally abusive relationship with the father of my son. I now recognize that dynamic as an echo of my childhood: unhealed trauma drawing me into familiar patterns. When my son was six months old, his father left the state. His absence was painful, but it also cracked something open in me: a fierce, unwavering love for my son and a determination to break the cycle for good. While the season with my son’s father lead to more trauma and mental health issues, it also lead to my biggest blessing in life: a son. Motherhood has changed me in the most profound ways. It has taught me what unconditional love is. It has taught me what true presence means. My son didn’t need me to be perfect, he needed me to be present. Whether we’re reading a book, sharing a meal, or exploring the world together, I’ve made the choice to be fully there. My experience with mental illness has also taught me the power of perception. There was a time in my life when everything felt dark and hopeless. But over time, I’ve come to see that our thoughts, especially the ones we don’t examine, shape how we experience the world. When I started therapy and dove into my studies in mental health, I began to understand how trauma distorts perception. I learned how to challenge those distorted beliefs and replace them with truth: I am worthy. I am capable. I am enough. That shift in perception didn’t just change how I saw myself, but it changed how I saw others. I’ve become more compassionate, not only with those who are struggling but with everyone. I now see pain in places I used to overlook. I hear the stories beneath the silence. I extend grace where I might have once judged. I offer love without conditions, because I know how deeply people need it, even when they can’t ask for it. My journey has also redefined my understanding of boundaries. For much of my life, I associated love with self-sacrifice. I believed that to care for others meant tolerating mistreatment, keeping quiet, and giving more than I had. But mental health education, and my personal growth, has shown me that boundaries are not walls; they are bridges to healthy connection. I now know that saying “no” is a form of self-respect, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I model this for my son every day, so that he will grow up knowing that his voice matters, his needs are valid, and love should never come at the cost of self. Perhaps most importantly, this path has taught me the art of gratitude. Not in the superficial sense, but as a way of life. I’ve learned to find beauty in the small moments from a giggle from my son, or a peaceful breath, to a kind word from a friend. Gratitude has become my grounding force, helping me stay centered in uncertainty. It has softened my relationships with my family, allowing me to release resentment and embrace compassion. We are all doing the best we can with the tools we have, and when I lead with love, healing becomes possible not just for me, but for those around me. My goal as a future mental health counselor is to offer others what I was once desperate for: a safe place to be seen, heard, and accepted. I want to help people understand that mental health struggles do not define them. I want to teach them how to reclaim their perception, rebuild their self-worth, and reconnect with life. I want to be the person I once, and in many ways, still need. The stigma surrounding mental health is still very real. Too many people are suffering in silence, believing their pain makes them weak or unworthy. I’ve learned the truth: vulnerability is strength. Healing is possible. And compassion, not judgment, is what saves lives. My life’s mission is to help spread that truth and create spaces where others can begin their own journey toward healing. I am not perfect, but I am present. I am still healing, but I am whole. And I am deeply committed to using my journey to walk beside others on theirs with empathy, love, and the belief that change is always possible.

Alan Watts once said, “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.” How can we explain the entirety of who we are when we’re constantly evolving? While I may not be able to define myself, I can share the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Life has presented me with many challenges, each one forging a deeper sense of purpose within me. My decision to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling is the direct result of a life shaped by trauma, resilience, and healing. I have walked through the fire of personal and familial mental health struggles. I lost my cousin to suicide when we were just teenagers. At the time, I was silently battling my own severe depression. Not long after that loss, my sister developed a substance use disorder, which deeply impacted our family. My childhood and adolescence were marked by instability, emotional neglect, and repeated exposure to trauma. I grew up surrounded by substance misuse and emotional dysfunction. As I entered adolescence, I began embracing that same self-destructive lifestyle. Still, somehow, I clung to education. I maintained academic excellence even in the darkest seasons of my life. That thread of dedication to learning became one of the few constants I could rely on. In adulthood, I found myself in an emotionally abusive relationship with the father of my son. When he left the state, our son was only six months old. Since then, I’ve raised my son on my own. Motherhood has transformed me. It has become both my greatest challenge and my most sacred gift. I never imagined I could love someone so fully, so purely. Every day, I strive to give my son what I never had: emotional support, stability, and a home filled with love and safety. My journey as a single mother was the final catalyst that propelled me back into education. Despite the overwhelming odds - childhood trauma, mental health struggles, financial hardship, and single parenthood - I am determined to become a licensed counselor. I want to model resilience for my son and to use my education and experiences to bring healing to others. Currently, I work at Rooted 303, a nonprofit that is close to my heart. We help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction and trauma through peer support, counseling, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. This organization has been instrumental in my own growth. Once I obtain my degree, I hope to step into a clinical counseling role within Rooted 303. I want to walk alongside our clients on their healing journeys by empowering them to rediscover their worth, build resilience, and transform the negative core beliefs that haunt them. This journey has also taught me the value of presence, boundaries, and humility. In the chaos of balancing parenting, work, and school, I’ve learned to slow down and be fully present in the moment whether I’m playing with my son, attending class, or listening to a client. I’ve learned to ask for help and to set boundaries that protect my time and mental health. These are lessons I will carry into both motherhood and my career as a counselor. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden I carry as the sole provider for my son. It would allow me to focus more on my education and training, and ultimately step into the role of therapist that I am working so hard to become. Your support is not just an investment in my future, but in my son’s future, and in the lives of those I will serve.

One of my favorite songs includes the lyric, “From your mistakes come your greatest blessings.” That line has become a mantra in my life, reminding me that even the most painful chapters can bring unexpected beauty. My relationship with my son’s father was one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever endured, but it brought me the most incredible gift: my son. His presence gives my life meaning and purpose. Motherhood, especially single motherhood, has stretched me in ways I never anticipated. When my son was born, I made the intentional decision to leave my job after my brief paid leave ended. I relied entirely on savings so I could be present during those first precious months. I didn’t want to miss his early milestones such as the first smile, the first time he rolled over, the sound of his laughter. I knew that time was fleeting. But eventually, as the financial strain became too much, I had to return to work. Balancing employment with the nonstop demands of caring for a child can be physically and emotionally draining. I survive on little sleep and sheer determination. I am the sole provider, the only parent, and the only one to wipe his tears, keep the fridge full, and make ends meet. It’s in this pressure cooker of responsibility that I recognize just how strong I am, and how vital mental health support is. I enrolled in graduate school to pursue a career in mental health. I feel deeply called to serve individuals and families who carry trauma, burnout, or overwhelming life transitions without the support they need. Starting school brought a whole new layer of challenge. I now juggle motherhood, work, and graduate studies. There are moments when the weight of it all feels crushing. I’ve studied for exams during nap time, written papers in the early morning hours, and listened to lectures with my toddler playing beside me. There are times I’ve had to miss out on special moments, a giggle, a new word, a spontaneous dance party, because I was overwhelmed with deadlines or working. That emotional cost is very real and painful. That being said, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned through this journey is how to be fully present. In the beginning, I was constantly thinking about assignments when I was with my son, and thinking about my son when I was doing schoolwork. That mindset was draining and made me feel like I was failing at both. Over time, I began to shift. I started practicing presence, being truly in the moment, whether I was reading bedtime stories or writing a paper. That small but powerful change helped me feel more grounded, connected, and capable. I also learned how to set boundaries and ask for help, which are two things I used to struggle with. I began to protect my time, say no when I needed to, and lean on a small circle of friends and family when I felt overwhelmed. These skills didn’t come easily, but they’ve been essential to surviving this season of life. Balancing caregiving and work has not only shaped who I am as a person, but has directly shaped my career goals. I want to work with parents, trauma survivors, and individuals facing overwhelming life transitions. I want to be the kind of mental health professional who will meet people where they are and offer both empathy and tools for healing. Thank you for reading my story. With your support, I’ll continue turning our challenges into purpose not just for me and Noah, but for my future clients.

One of my favorite songs includes the lyric, “From your mistakes come your greatest blessings.” Over the years, that line has become my personal mantra. It reminds me that even through heartbreak and hardship, beauty and growth can still emerge. My relationship with my son’s father was one of the most painful, confusing, and emotionally draining experiences I’ve endured. But out of that chapter came the most extraordinary gift I’ve ever received: my son. His presence in my life has redefined my purpose, reignited my strength, and reshaped the very way I see the world. When my son was born, I made the conscious decision to step away from work once my short paid leave ended. It wasn’t an easy choice, and it meant relying entirely on my savings, but I knew that those early moments with him were precious and fleeting. I didn’t want to miss the way his eyes lit up when he recognized my face, or the way his little fingers curled around mine. I wanted to be there for every feeding, every milestone, every first giggle. I wanted to be fully present in those foundational months of his life, not just physically, but emotionally. Eventually, as my savings dwindled, reality set in. I had to return to work. I juggled part-time hours and child care, often leaning on borrowed time and sheer willpower to get through the day. But I knew that in order to build the kind of life my son and I both deserved, I needed to invest in my education. I applied to graduate school with the dream of becoming a mental health professional, which is the field I feel deeply called to serve in. Transitioning into graduate school as a single mother was unlike anything I’d ever faced before. The academic workload was intense and the pressure to hold everything together academically, emotionally, and financially was overwhelming. I found myself constantly torn between two worlds: lectures and lullabies, research papers and playtime, deadlines and diaper changes. I couldn’t give 100% to both at the same time, and the guilt of “falling short” in either role became a heavy weight. The hardest part, by far, has been the moments I’ve missed. Milestones I didn’t fully enjoy because I was too exhausted or distracted. Moments when I had to tell him, “Not right now,” because I had an assignment due. The times he’s reached for me while I’m staring at a screen, typing furiously. It breaks my heart. There’s a unique kind of guilt that comes with chasing a better future for your child while knowing that the process sometimes means sacrificing precious moments in the present. There have been evenings where he’s fallen asleep next to me while I read, mornings where I’ve rushed him through breakfast because I had a paper to submit. I’ve watched him play from across the room while trying to stay focused on a Zoom lecture, torn between wanting to soak in his joy and needing to absorb information. I grieve the small things I miss, like the way he dances to his favorite songs or the new words he learns when I’m not watching closely. These are the irreplaceable moments that no grade or degree can give back. But I also know why I’m doing this. I’m doing it so he can grow up watching his mother pursue her goals, not give up on them. So he can one day understand that sacrifice, though painful, was made out of love. I want him to know that I fought for a better future not just for myself, but for us. Through it all, I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve let go of the idea of perfection and instead embraced presence. I’ve created routines that allow me to maximize our time together and still move forward in my studies. I study during naps, late at night, and during early mornings. I listen to lectures with earbuds while doing dishes, laundry, and cleaning. I write papers with him playing beside me. It’s not easy, but it’s a rhythm that’s helping us both grow. What’s been most powerful is how my education in mental health is shaping the way I parent. I’m not just learning theories; I’m applying them. I’m learning how to model emotional regulation, how to help my son name and express his feelings, and how to create a home where he feels safe, seen, and deeply loved. I’m growing into a better student, but also a better mother. That matters more to me than anything. Still, the financial burden is heavy. My program will cost around $60,000. As the sole provider, I simply can’t afford that without taking on massive student loan debt which would impact both of our futures for years to come. My son’s father left when he was six months old and hasn’t contributed a dollar or a moment of support since. Every bill, every meal, every necessity rests on me. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. It would relieve a weight that often feels unbearable. It would mean more time with my son, less anxiety about money, and more energy to devote to my studies. It would allow me to focus not just on surviving, but on thriving, and creating a better life for both of us. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education; it’s an investment in my son’s future. In supporting me, you’re supporting a mother who is committed to raising a healthy, kind, emotionally grounded child. You’re supporting the future clients I hope to serve - people who need someone who understands struggle, resilience, and healing from the inside out. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. With your support, I can continue this journey with strength, purpose, and hope and build a life of meaning, service, and love for both my son and the people I will one day joyfully serve.

Life has handed me many challenges I’ve had to overcome, all of which have shaped my decision to pursue a career in mental health counseling. I am learning to turn pain into passion, and to use the lessons I’ve learned as tools to help others heal. Mental health struggles have deeply impacted both my family and me. I lost my cousin to suicide when he was just fifteen, during a time when I was battling severe depression myself. Not long after, my sister began struggling with substance misuse. These events unfolded while I was still reeling from my own traumatic childhood which consisted of years marked by emotional pain, instability, and exposure to addiction. Despite the chaos, I clung to education as my lifeline. I excelled in school, though I still don’t fully understand how I managed to thrive academically while surviving emotionally. Perhaps it was the one thing I could control. In my teenage years, I began mirroring the destructive behaviors I had witnessed: drinking, partying, and seeking validation in unhealthy places. Yet even then, I maintained high grades. Education remained sacred to me. More recently, I endured an emotionally abusive relationship with my son’s father. My unhealed childhood wounds had led me to someone who mirrored that same pain. When he left the state, our son was only six months old. I became a single mother overnight. Nothing prepares you for motherhood, let alone doing it alone. But in my son, I found a love so pure and so deep that it gave me new strength. He became my “why”, the reason I chose to return to school and pursue my master’s degree. I am determined to give him what I never had: emotional safety, consistent support, and a life filled with possibility. I want to be able to afford healthy food, extracurricular activities, and adventures that show him the beauty of the world. Transitioning into graduate school has not been easy. I entered the program with a perfectionist mindset, expecting to give 100% to both parenting and academics. Quickly, I realized something had to give. What saved me was learning to be fully present. I recognized that while I was physically with my son, my mind was thinking about deadlines, readings, and papers. I was fighting so hard to build a better future for us, yet missing the beauty of our present. So, I made a change. I committed to practicing present moment awareness whether I’m playing at the park, reading bedtime stories, or simply sharing a meal, I give my son my full attention. When I’m studying or in class, I allow myself to focus wholeheartedly. Balance, I’ve learned, isn’t about perfection. It’s about grace. I’ve learned to ask for help, set boundaries, and forgive myself when plans fall apart. I’ve built rhythms and routines that honor both of our needs. I study during naptime, listen to lectures while cooking, and write papers after bedtime. I’ve found a way to move forward without losing sight of what matters most. What’s more, I’ve begun applying the very tools I’m learning in my program to my own healing. I’m not just becoming a counselor, I’m becoming a whole person, a present mother, and a living example of resilience. Thank you for this opportunity.

One of my favorite songs includes the lyric, “From your mistakes come your greatest blessings.” That quote has become a personal mantra. While my relationship with my son’s father was one of the hardest and most painful experiences of my life, it led me to the most extraordinary gift I’ve ever received: my son. Balancing motherhood and graduate education has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. In the early days, I made the intentional decision to leave my job after my brief paid leave ended. I relied on savings so I could be present for my son during those formative first months. I knew that time was fleeting, and I wanted to fully experience every moment. But eventually, like many single mothers, I had to return to work. The transition into graduate school was difficult. The perfectionist in me wanted to give 100% to both school and parenting—but I quickly learned that something had to give. I found myself constantly torn between assignments and snack time, lectures and lullabies. It felt like I was always falling short in one area or the other. What saved me was learning how to be fully present in the moment. I realized that when I was with my son, I was mentally elsewhere—running through to-do lists, deadlines, and reading assignments. That mindset was robbing me of the very moments I was fighting so hard to preserve. So, I made a shift. I committed to being present, truly present, with my son during our time together. Whether we're playing at the park, reading bedtime stories, or sharing a meal, I make the conscious effort to give him my undivided attention. Likewise, when I’m in class or doing schoolwork, I focus fully on the task at hand. This kind of balance doesn’t mean everything is always perfectly managed; it means I’ve learned how to let go of perfection. I’ve become comfortable with asking for help, setting boundaries, and most importantly, forgiving myself when things don’t go as planned. I’ve built routines that support both of our needs, and I’ve learned to use every pocket of time intentionally. Whether that means studying after bedtime, listening to lectures during naptime, or writing papers in between making meals, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to move forward without losing sight of what matters most. I’m also learning to integrate the tools I’m studying into my own life. This has not only made me a better student but a better mother. Every challenge has brought growth, and every small victory reminds me why I’m doing this. Financially, this journey has been overwhelming. A master’s degree will cost me $60,000. As the sole provider for my child, I simply cannot afford this expense without taking on massive student loan debt, which carries a long-term burden that impacts both of our futures. My son’s father left when he was six months old and has not contributed in any capacity since. I carry the full weight of our financial, emotional, and logistical needs on my own. Receiving this scholarship would be an enormous relief. It would help lift a weight off my shoulders and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and on being the present, loving, and stable parent my son deserves. It would not only support me in completing my education—it would be an investment in my son’s future, too. Thank you for taking the time to consider my story. I am determined to use my education to help others find healing and hope—just as I am finding it through this journey

My journey consists of overcoming various challenges, many of which have shaped my decision to pursue a career in mental health counseling. These challenges will be transformed from hardship into beauty, as the lessons they instilled fuel my purpose to serve others. Both my family members and I have battled severe mental health challenges. I lost my cousin to suicide when he was fifteen years old. At the time, I was struggling with my own severe depression. Shortly after this devastating loss, my sister developed a substance use disorder. My childhood and adolescence were marked by overwhelming trauma and mental health struggles. I battled severe depression, yet, for reasons I still do not fully understand, I maintained academic excellence. I witnessed and was surrounded by substance use, and eventually, I embraced that lifestyle myself. However, I continued to achieve high academic scores, as I have always deeply valued education. These tragic times required strength and resilience, and cultivated a need for me to develop healthy coping strategies. I find peace and tranquility in nature. I practice meditation and believe in the power of perspective. There is always a positive to focus on, and where we focus our energy and intention matters. Despite my past horrors, I strive to exude love, kindness, forgiveness, and a zest for life. Each moment is sacred. As for my story of becoming a mother, I experienced an emotionally abusive relationship with my son's father. I attribute my past choices in unhealthy relationships to unhealed childhood trauma. He left the state when my now three-year-old son was only six months old. Motherhood is a gift that no woman can truly prepare for. I never imagined I could love someone so purely and deeply. I am dedicated to providing my son with what I never had: emotional support, stability, and positive guidance. My experience as a single mother has been the final push that inspired me to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree. I aspire to build a beautiful life for my son, and to use my experience in an abusive relationship to foster empathy and understanding to clients who are battling similar experiences. Despite the many obstacles I have faced—growing up in a toxic environment, battling mental health challenges, and now navigating life as a single mother—I am determined to earn my master’s degree. This journey is not only about bettering myself but also about serving my community and creating a secure future for my son. I am currently employed at a nonprofit organization that is near and dear to my heart—Rooted 303. We help individuals reclaim their lives through community support, peer coaching, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and counseling services. Once I become a licensed counselor, I hope to walk alongside our clients on their journeys toward mental wellness. My goal is to inspire them to build resilience, discover their worth, and heal the core negative beliefs they hold about themselves. Rooted 303 is an incredible organization with admirable values, and it has played a foundational role in my own healing and growth. Receiving this scholarship will provide the financial support I need to transition into a therapy role, offer healing support to our clients, and grow in a career that will allow me to provide for my son. This scholarship is not just an investment in my future—it is an investment in the lives of many others. Thank you for this opportunity.

My journey towards a career path in counseling is filled with very disheartening experiences, but all of which will be used for the highest purpose possible. Many family members of mine, and myself included, battled severe mental health issues. I lost my cousin to suicide when he was only 15 years old, during which I was suffering from my own severe depression in high school as well. When we lost Austin, I saw the negative impact it had on all of our loved ones and I knew that suicide was no longer an option for me. Unfortunately, I never received counseling. I stuffed down all the pain and trauma and pressed forward by suppressing the difficult emotions of the past. A couple years after this tragic loss, my sister began developing a substance misuse disorder. This resulted in seven years of chaos and hopelessness, but also a deepening of faith and believing every day that passed was a day closer to her sober date. I am thankful to say she is still alive and four years sober! Due to firsthand experience, I am confident that when people feel connected and are surrounded by support, they can overcome their addiction. The final chapter of the story that lead me to the road of becoming a counselor entails my own hardship in an abusive relationship. When I finally became free of that relationship, I set out on a mission to learn as much as possible about maladaptive personalities and their impact on their victims so that I can help those who have suffered from this type of trauma. I found a deep passion for wanting to help victims of domestic abuse to overcome their trauma and find peace once again. It is also valuable for people to reflect on their childhood experiences and others factors in life that may cause them to continue to embrace unhealthy relationships. Counseling can help end the toxic cycles that we offer find ourselves in and become blind to. In my studies thus far, I have only discovered how much more there is to be done in the field and the vast array of ways counseling changes lives. My hopes in becoming a counselor are to first become a counselor for the nonprofit I currently work for, Rooted 303, and assist our clients via therapy. Next, I am striving to become an expert in personality disorders and healing trauma. I hope to lead people into their journey to mental health wellness, to inspire clients to build their resilience, discover their worth, and heal their core negative beliefs about themselves. I would love to continue education and receive a doctorates degree and begin researching optimal tools for healing trauma as well as discovering what may motivate those with maladaptive personalities to empathize so that as a society and culture, we can cultivate empathy and compassion and help the trajectory of humanity to align to a more loving, brighter, path.

Community service can mean volunteering, giving back to the community via time or financial resources, sharing a smile with your neighbor, and overall kindness to those around you. However, there is an important aspect of community service that tends to be overlooked: caring for ourselves. While the term “self-care” has become extremely popularized in our culture, there is great value in practicing that way of being, especially when integrated into our lives in deeper disciplines than bubble baths and hair masks, although those acts of self-care are important too. Through my life experience thus far, I have discovered the importance of not only my relationships with others, but the relationship I have with myself. I discovered that the relationship I have with myself has a ripple effect impacting my interactions with others, whether it be negatively or positively. For example, negative core beliefs many people struggle with, such as, “I am a burden” or “I will never be good enough”, among other types of negative beliefs, will impact a person's behavior. For example, if someone attempts to develop a close relationship with a person struggling with negative beliefs about themselves, they may push the person away because of their deep-seated belief that they are not good enough. Those negative core beliefs can also cause someone to not have any desire to serve their community because they believe they have nothing to give or offer, and therefore, no reason to serve. However, when we truly evaluate where those beliefs came from and begin to alter them into more honest views of ourselves, that we are worthy, and that we are capable of becoming anything we want to be, and we acquire a growth mindset, we become limitless. Once we have overcome these negative beliefs about ourselves, and we have developed a healthy relationship with ourselves, we are then better able to serve those around us. When we are authentic with ourselves, we can be authentic with others. When we are compassionate towards ourselves, we can genuinely display compassion to others. If we avoid or ignore our feelings and force our own happiness, then there’s a chance when someone expresses their challenging feelings, we will shut them out. You see, there is a major connection between our relationship with ourselves, and the impact that has on our relationships with others and the community at large. My work as a counselor is designed to equip community members with the tools and resources needed to heal any negative core beliefs and discover healing from various forms of trauma. I currently work for a local nonprofit, Rooted 303, and we help people in recovery from substance misuse and mental health challenges in general. Once I am in the position of a counselor, I intend to serve our community by establishing a therapeutic relationship with individuals within the community and guiding them through their personal healing process. I am also committed to my own healing journey so that I can be the best version of myself and serve my community in the most effective and loving way possible. I believe that when we are all developing a growth mindset, healing our traumas, and developing healthy relationships with ourselves, with those around us, and with life, then we will all be able to change the trajectory of the future of humanity towards achieving unity and harmony. So, in order to authentically serve our communities, we must build a positive relationship with ourselves, believe in our own abilities, give ourselves compassion, and then use that energy as fuel to serve every person we encounter.

Life as a single mom is filled with so many questions. Am I raising my son correctly? Will I be able to provide for him? Am I making the right career choice? Will he feel loved and accepted even though his dad abandoned him? How can I make sure he doesn’t feel rejected or unworthy? These questions and many others can feel debilitating and heart breaking. Not only are the questions burdensome, but the responsibilities of everyday life become very daunting. Thankfully, gratitude and surrender are techniques that I use to help reset myself when life becomes overwhelming. The first technique I implement daily to avoid burnout is gratitude. A thankful mindset is the key to a happier existence. Every morning, I give thanks for a new day. I reflect on the many things there are to be grateful for such as shelter, clean water, my health, my son's health, and much more. Starting my day this way is life saving habit that brings me joy and peace amidst a sometimes dark and overwhelming life. When we live with an attitude of gratitude, our perception shifts. A task once seen as stressful transforms into a feeling of being honored to do it. What was once perceived as a lack gets replaced with a joyful heart filled with the warmth that associates a thankful mindset. While a daily gratitude practice is helpful and prevents burnout, there are still days that are much more difficult than others. When I notice anxiety rising and my shoulders feeling heavy from the weight of the world resting upon them, I have to stop what I’m doing and remind myself to be thankful. This does not come naturally; rather, it is a practice. I have to stop myself in those moments and take the time to alter my perspective by focusing on the many blessings there are to be thankful for. Doing so causes a major reset in myself, and I am able to breathe and refocus on the task at hand. Gratitude is a wonderful tool that brings me to the present moment, and allows me to feel peace and bliss no matter the chaos that is surrounding me. It gives me internal peace despite the external pressures. The other technique I use to reset myself during overwhelming times is to surrender. Surrender may have a negative connotation, meaning to give up after fighting a hard battle. However, my view of surrendering is to let go of control and trust that things will fall into place. My son's dad is fully out of the picture; he doesn’t come around and doesn’t help financially. My biggest struggle and overwhelming thoughts are regarding my son and wanting him to feel loved and accepted despite being abandoned. I am nervous my son will be another statistic reflecting the frightening things that happen to boys who don’t have a father in the house. I overwhelm myself wondering how I’ll be able to provide him with the best education, sport’s league, or music lessons. Honestly, there aren’t enough words allotted in this essay to describe how many overwhelming thoughts I experience. And that is where surrender comes in. I do not know what the future holds, and I can only control so much of it. What I do know is that I can let go and trust that my son will always have more than enough to live a beautiful, fulfilling life. Life as a single mom is overwhelming, but gratitude and surrender give me the peace I need in order to reset and enjoy the blessings of life.

Two years ago I was blessed with a healthy baby boy. While my situation wasn’t traditional in any way, and I was nervous to raise my boy alone, I knew I loved him with all my heart. A few months postpartum and I began to notice extreme challenges in my health. I experienced severe joint pain, rapid weight loss, brain fog, and constant stomach pains. Thankfully, a dear friend of mine offered to help, as she is a professional nutritionist. We ran tests, including my thyroid, and that’s when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. Prior to my diagnosis, I never heard of the condition. I was disheartened to discover that my own body was destroying itself. However, I felt thankful to discover the root cause of my symptoms. Living with an autoimmune disease has shaped who I am today in positive ways more so than negative ways. I began to eat properly, manage my stress, and learned how to heal myself naturally. Yes, there were and continues to be moments of struggle, and the symptoms can be daunting, but I choose to remain positive. I refuse to be a victim to my circumstances, and rather than focusing on the challenges in this essay, I want to highlight the benefits of my diagnosis. My nutritionist guides me in healing leaky gut in hopes to also put Hashimoto’s into remission. During this healing journey, I must scrutinize the ingredients in the food I consume. This is a challenging but eye-opening experience. I began to realize that palm oils and sugar exist in nearly every product on the shelves. It took time adjust to a specific diet, as well as affording it, but the healing that takes place is worth the effort. My struggle with Hashimoto’s has turned into my strength by empowering me to take charge of my diet, which has changed my life dramatically. I am not fatigued, bloated, and no longer suffering from debilitating stomach pains. I am full of energy and able to play with my son. Not only do I adjust my diet for myself; it also benefits my son. I’ve learned about many healing properties found in food. Food can be our medicine! This new knowledge inspires me to feed him organic and natural foods that will help him maintain his health throughout the rest of his life. How beautiful that an autoimmune disease diagnosis can be used for the betterment of my family. Next, I am learning to manage my stress in order to heal myself. I started a meditation regimen that has helped my mental health, physical health, and spiritual health. As I meditate, I visualize myself with a healed thyroid, and full of life as I run around with my son. Adding this practice to my life brings me peace, joy, and happiness. So while the reason for beginning my meditation venture was from a struggle, it blossomed into a wonderful blessing that has molded me into a more loving and mindful person. My experience with Hashimoto’s began with extreme fatigue, joint pain, brain fog and severe stomach problems. Add that to the stressors of being a single mom and I was in a very hard place. Thankfully that struggle turned into my strength because I am on the path of healing myself through diet and stress management. What was my struggle has now became my ultimate strength as I am empowered to control my health in ways I never knew were possible, and I am able to share this knowledge with my son so that we may live a healthy life together.

Life is a precious blessing, and every morning that I wake up I strive to live with love, respect, and an attitude of service to those in my community. The ways I exemplify a spirit of excellence in my everyday life is how I care for my son, how I treat others, and how I serve my community members. I am a single mother to a loving and beautiful two year old boy named Noah. Unfortunately, his dad is mentally unstable and chose to abandon Noah. I spent countless nights alone caring for my son when he was a newborn. While it was challenging, I could not help but feel so honored that I had this baby boy in arms - despite the incessant crying. I recall another sleepless night comforting my son, and I felt my character being built right in that moment. I never experienced anger or negative emotions during those restless nights of rocking and quietly repeating “shh” to help Noah go back to sleep. I only felt overwhelmed with love for this innocent and precious life I was gifted with. To this day, I exemplify excellence in the ways I care for and raise my son. While motherhood appears to be perceived as less valuable these days, I believe it is an essential and critical role a human could possess. Our children grow up and become a part of society, and it’s my duty to raise him to be a patient, loving, and empathetic human being. The most effective way to teach such morals and behavior is by demonstrating them myself. I choose to be patient with Noah. I let him explore and get his feet dirty. When he’s angry or upset, I take the time to help him process his emotions. If he goes into a timeout, I set him down and I will look at him at eye level and explain to him how we properly treat others. It’s taking the time to do these small yet powerful tasks that will have everlasting impacts on him as he grows into an adult and becomes an active participant in the community. It could be argued that by raising my son to be a loving and empathetic man, I am helping my community members. I also exemplify excellence in how I treat others. In my world view, we are all images of the Creator. This means we are all equal and have intrinsic value. When I communicate with my family members, friends, coworkers, or strangers, I strive to have a nonjudgmental and respectful conversation. I value hearing others perspectives and opinions. I remind myself to actively listen to those around me to ensure that I am properly understanding and honoring them. I also desire to help others see their worth and potential. I am passionate about encouraging my community members and exhorting them to be the best version of themselves. We are all capable of doing so many wonderful things in this life. Finally, I consistently give back to my community via my work at a nonprofit organization. I work for Rooted 303, and our mission is to help people impacted by addiction reclaim their lives. We offer peer recovery coaching, support groups, counseling, and workshops. I am honored to work for this organization and walk alongside my community members who need love and support in their recovery process. I am attending college now to become a counselor so I can further my work at Rooted 303 and continue to serve my community members. I look forward to serve my family and community everyday.

Life is full of surprises; some are good and others are disappointing, hurtful, or flat out traumatic. While life is a beautiful experience to be cherished, there are tribulations that can impact our mental health and overall wellbeing. If left unchecked, our mental health can lead us down a path of depression and anxiety. As someone who has experienced depression and suicidal thoughts, my mental health is extremely important to me. Mental health is a vital aspect for the human experience, so it is critical for individuals to maintain their mental wellness. There are three major practices I use in my personal life that help me do just that; exercise, meditation, and maintaining a healthy diet. People who meet me generally describe me as energetic and joyful. It may come as a surprise to people that I once suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. A traumatic experience in high school led me down a dark path of despair. During that time, I was completely isolated. I would skip school to sleep all day. I missed out on what could have been an opportunity to learn and establish a community of friends. Unfortunately, my mental health was not well and those opportunities were not taken advantage of as I was incapable of connecting with others. During this time, I lost my cousin to suicide. I was not aware of his internal struggles, and I wish we would have connected and helped each other through the difficult days. Unfortunately, he took his life at the young age of fifteen. Seeing the aftermath of that event - the heartbreak of friends and family - I decided suicide was not an option for me. I did not want to cause more pain to others. With time and spiritual guidance, I overcame my battle with depression. My story as well as the loss of my cousin’s life are two examples that highlight the importance of an individual's mental health. There are countless other stories similar to ours as well. While life is challenging, it is also a blessing and we ought to prioritize our mental health wellbeing so we can connect with our community, be productive in society, and help others around us. We can control our perspective, and we must care for our mental health for the sake of ourselves and also for our loved ones and for community members at large. The three main practices that help my mental health wellness are exercise, meditation, and eating a healthy diet. While exercise has physical benefits, there are countless studies that prove its powerful impact on mental health. The release of oxytocin and other feel good neurotransmitters is why being active is crucial for a healthy mind. Next, meditation has also been proven to have tremendous benefits for the mind. Meditation brings us to the present moment, eases our anxiety, and forces us to find space to slow down and breathe. After my meditations, I always feel like a new person! My meditation practices refresh my mind, and help me be a better person in daily life. Finally, the food we consume plays a major role in our mental health. The brain and gut are connected. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet helps me maintain a healthy mind. After consuming an unhealthy meal, I can feel the difference in my mental and emotional state. Hence, I choose to consume a healthy diet for my body and mind. Clearly, our mental health is critical. Diet, exercise, and meditation are the daily practices I implement in my life to maintain mental health wellness.

Leadership is a complex and versatile attribute that is essential for a community or organization to thrive. One of my greatest demonstrations of leadership was starting a nonprofit organization. My personal life experience and passion to serve the community inspired me to create an organization with a mission to prevent pressured abortions. Unfortunately, there are statistics that suggest that over half of women having an abortion were pressured to do so and did not want to make that decision. Often times, these women are then left with a traumatic experience and severe mental health issues following the abortion. I am on a mission to ensure that women have true choice, and are not being pressured to abort their child. I couldn’t start the organization alone, and this is where leadership skills were essential. I formed a board and began my search for volunteers. One of the projects for the nonprofit is offering women free postpartum support. The idea behind free postpartum support is that women who are being pressured to abort can find community and comfort knowing they are not alone and that there are people ready and willing to help her with her baby. In order to find volunteers, it was critical for me to communicate effectively why this cause was important and motivate my community members to join our mission. While leadership is dynamic and includes different styles and strategies, I find that discerning when to engage with someone you are leading versus when to let them lead themselves is key. It’s important that we do not micromanage others, but we also want to be sure they have the help and encouragement they need to continue onward. In the future, I hope to continue to grow as a leader in order to grow my nonprofit. Currently, it is a very small organization. As a single mom and student, I have found it difficult balancing time for all of my responsibilities. However, as my son grows older and is more independent, I am hopeful I can dedicate more time to my mission. My next goal is to continue reaching out to senate members and introducing a bill to them that will require women to be screened by an independent organization prior to an abortion to ensure she isn’t experiencing undue pressure. Also, I plan to build my team. I hope to find more volunteers and community partners to stand with women who need community support in order to choose life for their baby if that is what they truly desire. Ultimately, I hope that my leadership skills will lead to a successful organization that will end all pressured abortions and save the lives or mothers and babies everywhere.