For this stage in my life success is circled around survival and drive. I am currently pursuing a double major with Psychology and English, along with a minor in Visual Arts. I have the incredible opportunity to do so at Fordham University at Lincoln Center Manhattan, which provides a vast array of experiences and culture to incorporate into my studies. Mental Health and helping others has been a deep-rotted passion of mine since I was a child. I will leverage the wide-range of skills I will learn from these 3 areas of study in order to build a giant tool-box of strategies to help my patients. My plan is to teach as well as be a therapist for teens and young adults. How we approach Mental Health needs to be formatted similar to how teachers have to mold their skills in order to uniquely align with each students ability to learn. There is no one-size fits all approach in therapy either. In addition to the skills and strategies I will learn in college, I have my own experiences that I can leverage. Since the age of 14 I have seen a therapist. At first it was a major struggle to find a therapist that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. My first therapist never made me feel safe or comfortable. One year later I found my perfect match. I have suffered with depression, anxiety and ADHD for many years. I have a long list of experiences that have created deep rotted abandonment difficulties along with trust problems. My therapist and I have developed a combination of techniques that we use to help guide me through the healing process and how to cope when getting overwhelmed/overcome with my depression and/or anxiety. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. Success is me surviving through years of diseases like depression, anxiety and ADHD telling me I was not good enough. Years of peers and teachers treating me like I was dumb instead of helping me understand why things were so different for me. I survived and succeeded to the highest expectation of my own, getting into the hardest and top school of my choice. I did that! Next measure of success moving forward is creating an education platform that will help me help others. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character and personality. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming to life. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have gone through, depression combined with ADHD is the most challenging. It will always be with me along with anxiety, that I cannot rid. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, fourteen years old, and my mom was holding me while I cried. I think part of me was embarrassed that I had to ask for help and let my mom know I was struggling. The other part felt relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. To be honest, I always thought there was something wrong with me but could not express it. Depression, anxiety, and ADHD compounded a mix that made it near impossible to perform what most view as simple daily tasks. For example, waking up and getting ready was filled with anxiety of going to school, along with numbness and exhaustion. The simple things in life became not so simple. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I have learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are most likely struggling too. I now have courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles. Once I found my current therapist, I quickly registered how comfortable I was in this room with her and how much she was going to help me. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life. However, it does make every day harder, but more of a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. I have a drive and passion for helping as many teens, adolescents, and young adults as I can through a strong career in counseling and teaching. I know I will accomplish these goals which is why I am an outstanding candidate for this scholarship.

The high school I went to was primarily a liberal arts magnet school, which was an incredible experience in many ways, but also threw me into a very introverted environment. I believe most teens and adolescences struggle with a lot of the same issues such as self-esteem and wanting to be liked, but the vast difference I noticed in this school was how much more open everyone was to share and show it. In some degrees it almost felt like a competition of who can be more damaged and sad. I have struggled myself for many years with depression, anxiety and ADHD, so that along with my passion to help others I thought maybe I could help some of my fellow students. Obviously I am no therapist, although that is my career goal, but I knew I could think of something that could bring our school together in positive ways. We did not have sports to draw large groups together, but what about festivals, etc. I worked with the principal on the idea of creating a function that would be open to all students, at no cost to them, during the school day to allow everyone to just be kids again. Within a couple of months we had a small parking lot festival with pizza, snow cones and games. Even the teachers came. It may not have been earth shattering changes to the students but for a moment a lot of the majorly introverted students that I knew struggled, had smiles on their faces. The impact I have right now is small, however I plan on impacting and giving back in a much bigger way. Giving back for me is becoming a therapist and helping young adults understand their feelings and understand they are not alone. I want to give back in this way because of the therapist I had when I was younger. One of my therapists helped me heal in ways I never thought I could and that is exactly what my passion is. Helping people heal and understand their struggles, along with shifting their focus and beliefs into more positive affirmations about themselves and their struggles. I will lead by example and guidance to others. I intend to use my degree in Psychology and English to help my community to heal and grow within their mental health struggles. I plan on using my English degree to write books and articles surrounding my own mental health struggles to express to others that they are not alone in their experiences and that they too can heal from their struggles and continue to grow. I plan on using my Psychology degree to create a safe space in therapy for young adults and children, to help them find themselves and grow and heal from things they do not talk about. I believe leveraging both of my degrees will create amazing different strategies to help our youth struggling with mental health.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. I am currently studying as a double major with Psychology and English, along with a minor in Visual Arts. I have the incredible opportunity to do so at Fordham University at Lincoln Center Manhattan, which provides a vast array of experiences and culture to incorporate into my studies. Mental Health and helping others has been a deep-rotted passion of mine since I was a child. I will leverage the wide-range of skills I will learn from these 3 areas of study in order to build a giant tool-box of strategies to help my patients. My plan is to teach as well as be a therapist for teens and young adults. How we approach Mental Health needs to be formatted similar to how teachers have to mold their skills in order to uniquely align with each students ability to learn. There is no one-size fits all approach in therapy either. In addition to the skills and strategies I will learn in college, I have my own experiences that I can leverage. Since the age of 14 I have seen a therapist. At first it was a major struggle to find a therapist that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. My first therapist never made me feel safe or comfortable. One year later I found my perfect match. I have suffered with depression, anxiety and ADHD for many years. I have a long list of experiences that have created deep rotted abandonment difficulties along with trust problems. My therapist and I have developed a combination of techniques that we use to help guide me through the healing process and how to cope when getting overwhelmed/overcome with my depression and/or anxiety. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. I am currently studying as a double major with Psychology and English, along with a minor in Visual Arts. I have the incredible opportunity to do so at Fordham University at Lincoln Center Manhattan, which provides a vast array of experiences and culture to incorporate into my studies. Mental Health and helping others has been a deep-rotted passion of mine since I was a child. I will leverage the wide-range of skills I will learn from these 3 areas of study in order to build a giant tool-box of strategies to help my patients. My plan is to teach as well as be a therapist for teens and young adults. How we approach Mental Health needs to be formatted similar to how teachers have to mold their skills in order to uniquely align with each students ability to learn. There is no one-size fits all approach in therapy either. In addition to the skills and strategies I will learn in college, I have my own experiences that I can leverage. Since the age of 14 I have seen a therapist. At first it was a major struggle to find a therapist that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. My first therapist never made me feel safe or comfortable. One year later I found my perfect match. I have suffered with depression, anxiety and ADHD for many years. I have a long list of experiences that have created deep rotted abandonment difficulties along with trust problems. My therapist and I have developed a combination of techniques that we use to help guide me through the healing process and how to cope when getting overwhelmed/overcome with my depression and/or anxiety. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. I am currently studying as a double major with Psychology and English, along with a minor in Visual Arts. I have the incredible opportunity to do so at Fordham University at Lincoln Center Manhattan, which provides a vast array of experiences and culture to incorporate into my studies. Mental Health and helping others has been a deep-rotted passion of mine since I was a child. I will leverage the wide-range of skills I will learn from these 3 areas of study in order to build a giant tool-box of strategies to help my patients. My plan is to teach as well as be a therapist for teens and young adults. How we approach Mental Health needs to be formatted similar to how teachers have to mold their skills in order to uniquely align with each students ability to learn. There is no one-size fits all approach in therapy either. In addition to the skills and strategies I will learn in college, I have my own experiences that I can leverage. Since the age of 14 I have seen a therapist. At first it was a major struggle to find a therapist that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. My first therapist never made me feel safe or comfortable. One year later I found my perfect match. I have suffered with depression, anxiety and ADHD for many years. I have a long list of experiences that have created deep rotted abandonment difficulties along with trust problems. My therapist and I have developed a combination of techniques that we use to help guide me through the healing process and how to cope when getting overwhelmed/overcome with my depression and/or anxiety. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. I am currently studying as a double major with Psychology and English, along with a minor in Visual Arts. I have the incredible opportunity to do so at Fordham University at Lincoln Center Manhattan, which provides a vast array of experiences and culture to incorporate into my studies. Mental Health and helping others has been a deep-rotted passion of mine since I was a child. I will leverage the wide-range of skills I will learn from these 3 areas of study in order to build a giant tool-box of strategies to help my patients. My plan is to teach as well as be a therapist for children, teens and young adults. How we approach Mental Health needs to be formatted similar to how teachers have to mold their skills in order to uniquely align with each students ability to learn. There is no one-size fits all approach in therapy either. In addition to the skills and strategies I will learn in college, I have my own experiences that I can leverage. Since the age of 14 I have seen a therapist. At first it was a major struggle to find a therapist that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. My first therapist never made me feel safe or comfortable. One year later I found my perfect match. I have suffered with depression, anxiety and ADHD for many years. I have a long list of experiences that have created deep rotted abandonment difficulties along with trust problems. My therapist and I have developed a combination of techniques that we use to help guide me through the healing process and how to cope when getting overwhelmed/overcome with my depression and/or anxiety. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me.

Every Generation at some point feels it is time to get the “old” people out of the high positions and bring in a newer fresher perspective. I believe this is especially true when discussing those in political realms. The definition of insanity comes to mind…” Doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results”. I don’t necessarily believe that each generation truly takes the stand of step aside older folks and let us take over, but more the mindset of why can’t we try something completely different rather than the same old same old. The hope is not only can the current “in charge” generations learn from their mistakes and help guide the next generation, but that the younger generation opens their ears so they can learn from it as well. We are human after all, meaning that no matter when you were born you have ego, drive, passion, emotions, experiences and wants that drive your actions and reactions. Someone born in the 1930s had a completely different set of challenges and wonders than a person born in the 60s or 2000s. Even in the same generation, there are major differences which shows in all aspects of the world. Take my 2 grandmothers, one about 10 years older than the other. Nanny, the older one, grew up extremely poor in the country in the south with no indoor plumbing or electricity. Gaga, my other grandmother grew up in the north with an extremely hard-working middle-class mother and father. One can still tell even today that Nanny drew up very siloed from anyone who was not very southern and white. She may not have hate toward anyone not white like I am sure she grew up around, but there is a very prominent base of prejudice that will never go away. When I was younger this enraged me to my core, to the point that I didn’t want to be around her. As I have gotten a little older and tried to understand her background and how hard it is to rid those engrained prejudices, I can at least see some of the reasons why. Of course, this does not provide any excuse, but it helps me to not hate back. Gaga on the other hand was raised in a much more diverse city with parents who were enraged themselves about racism and prejudices that they saw, not only back in the 40s and 50s but throughout their lives. That doesn’t mean I don’t have major differences in how I view the world compared to Gaga. For example, while out getting ice cream several years ago I saw a girl covered with a ton of beautiful tattoos. Before I could say anything Gaga made a comment about why anyone would want to cover themselves like that, to which I replied while rolling my eyes, “I think they are beautiful”. Looking back, I have a better understanding that she comes from a time when tattoos were typically worn as a prideful memento from being in the Military or marks from being in prison or a gang. Generation groups will forever drive one another crazy with their huge gaps in how they view the world and each other, but there is such beauty in this that we should all respect. It is always great to get a fresh set of eyes on the day-to-day makings of the world, but everyone benefits when considering the experiences of those who have been through it before. The combination of both truly is magical!

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed at 14 and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. I felt numb, with a lack of control of my emotions and not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. Of all the things that I have fought through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is the worst. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all the goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and ADHD are not setbacks in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like my therapist saved me. My goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology and a minor in education. I have a deep-rooted passion for helping those who otherwise may not be able to help themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. I will open a center designed around teen and adolescent mental health with a holistic approach while staying low cost. I may not be able to change society’s view on mental health overnight, but I can be a part of decreasing the financial barrier. I will set myself up so that I can live off a lower income than most in my field. The cost savings will have a positive downstream effect on my center, by creating a low to no cost to our teens. In addition to group and 1:1 therapy sessions, we will provide tutoring, financial education programs, prep sessions for applying to colleges, and even how to fill out scholarship applications. The mission will be to help our clients feel empowered and independent.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. I never saw myself getting that far. Of all the things that I have gone through, depression is the worst one. Most of the time I seemed happy and outgoing. However, if you looked closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, age fourteen, and my mom was holding me while I cried. Part of me was embarrassed, but also relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. After years of therapy, and my individual coping processes, I have learned to understand and love myself fully. I learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are struggling too. I now have the courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles I may face. Through my therapy journey, I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, but a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone as she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to graduate with a Ph.D. in psychology and minor in education. I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I have witnessed the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. My goal is to open a center for teens and adolescents, focused on creating a home-like feel at the lowest cost possible. I cannot change society’s view on mental health overnight, but I can be a part of decreasing the financial barrier that stops far too many from getting help. The William Griggs Scholarship will help me keep my student loan debt down, so I can live off of a lower income than most in my field. The cost savings will have a positive downstream effect on my center, by creating a low to no cost to our teens. My center will take a holistic approach to supporting the teens we serve. In addition to group and 1:1 therapy sessions, we will provide tutoring, financial education programs, prep sessions for applying to colleges, and even how to fill out scholarship applications. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. I believe simply providing therapy sessions for teens is not enough, they need to feel empowered and independent. Having a higher confidence level that you will pass math or learning how to take control of future debt you may incur, is all a part of the healing and strengthening process for the mind and soul.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. I never saw myself getting that far. Of all the things that I have gone through, depression is the worst one. Most of the time I seemed happy and outgoing. However, if you looked closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, age fourteen, and my mom was holding me while I cried. Part of me was embarrassed, but also relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. After years of therapy, and my individual coping processes, I have learned to understand and love myself fully. I learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are struggling too. I now have the courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles I may face. Through my therapy journey, I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, but a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone as she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to graduate with a Ph.D. in psychology and minor in education. I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I have witnessed the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. My goal is to open a center for teens and adolescents, focused on creating a home-like feel at the lowest cost possible. I cannot change society’s view on mental health overnight, but I can be a part of decreasing the financial barrier that stops far too many from getting help. The William Griggs Scholarship will help me keep my student loan debt down, so I can live off of a lower income than most in my field. The cost savings will have a positive downstream effect on my center, by creating a low to no cost to our teens. My center will take a holistic approach to supporting the teens we serve. In addition to group and 1:1 therapy sessions, we will provide tutoring, financial education programs, prep sessions for applying to colleges, and even how to fill out scholarship applications. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. I believe simply providing therapy sessions for teens is not enough, they need to feel empowered and independent. Having a higher confidence level that you will pass math or learning how to take control of future debt you may incur, is all a part of the healing and strengthening process for the mind and soul.

Heat blasting, music filling the car, and two ladies excited about some retail therapy. For a short while, we know we are about to slip into bliss without a care in the world. Putting stresses and deadlines behind us for a while so we can just simply enjoy the day together. But wait, before we can begin one of us also asks the other “Starbucks First?” and the response is always “You know It!”. Chai Tea and Pumpkin Spice always makes me think of mom-and-daughter shopping times. A must-have ritual before we shop, especially in the cold months, is to start with a Starbucks drink and pastry. In fact, Starbucks treats have always been connected to things I do with my mom. Going to Target, gotta get a Starbucks first. Taking a trip, yep you guessed it, a Starbucks drink and treat is a definite must have while we wait on our flight. I leave for college for the first time in one week. We live in Tennessee, but I have always wanted to live in New York, Manhattan to be exact. I was accepted in my top choice school and am over the top with excitement for all the new adventures in front of me. Funny, there is a Starbucks less than a block from my university, which will be dangerous at times😊 I know that when the weather starts to change as we head into Fall, and I take that stride for a yummy treat, I will think of my mom for sure. Every time I go out on shopping trips with friends, and we grab a Starbucks, I will think of my mom. Those days when I’m stressed to get my work done and need a pick me up from Starbucks, you bet I will be thinking of her. As you can see coffee is a big connection for us, but it doesn’t stop with just the two of us. My Grandmother and Aunt are Starbucks fanatics too. A stop for treats is nearly always a no brainer for this group of ladies. It has become a ritual for us! I will forever be grateful for the enterprise this company has created. It may seem strange to some, but for our family it has brought in a layer of comfort and connection. Would we still do all of things I listed above as a family, and enjoy them, of course. However, what a delicious Starbucks drink adds to the mix is another reason to smile and feel happiness which we then connect back to each other and those times together.

At first glance, my essay may seem a bit off-topic. However, by sharing my journey, I hope you can see that my experiences are what energizes and drives my passion to help others. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. I never saw myself getting that far. Of all the things that I have gone through, depression is the worst one. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, age fourteen, and my mom was holding me while I cried. Part of me was embarrassed, but also relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. After years of therapy, I have learned to understand and love myself fully. I learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are struggling too. I now have the courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles I may face. Through my therapy journey, I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, but a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone as she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to graduate with a Ph.D. in psychology and minor in education. I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I have witnessed the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. My goal is to open a center for teens and adolescents, focused on creating a home-like feel at the lowest cost possible. I cannot change society’s view on mental health overnight, but I can be a part of decreasing the financial barrier that stops far too many from getting help. The Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Scholarship will help me keep my student loan debt down, so I can live off of a lower income than most in my field. The cost savings will have a positive downstream effect on my center, by creating a low to no cost to our teens. My center will take a holistic approach to supporting the teens we serve. In addition to group and 1:1 therapy sessions, we will provide tutoring, financial education programs, prep sessions for applying to colleges, and even how to fill out scholarship applications. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. I believe simply providing therapy sessions for teens is not enough, they need to feel empowered and independent. Having a higher confidence level that you will pass math or learning how to take control of future debt you may incur, is all a part of the healing and strengthening process for the mind and soul.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. I never saw myself getting that far. Of all the things that I have gone through, depression is the worst one. Most of the time I seemed happy and outgoing. However, if you looked closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, age fourteen, and my mom was holding me while I cried. Part of me was embarrassed, but also relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. After years of therapy, and my individual coping processes, I have learned to understand and love myself fully. I learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are struggling too. I now have the courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles I may face. Through my therapy journey, I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, but a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone as she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to graduate with a Ph.D. in psychology and minor in education. I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I have witnessed the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. My goal is to open a center for teens and adolescents, focused on creating a home-like feel at the lowest cost possible. I cannot change society’s view on mental health overnight, but I can be a part of decreasing the financial barrier that stops far too many from getting help. The William Griggs Scholarship will help me keep my student loan debt down, so I can live off of a lower income than most in my field. The cost savings will have a positive downstream effect on my center, by creating a low to no cost to our teens. My center will take a holistic approach to supporting the teens we serve. In addition to group and 1:1 therapy sessions, we will provide tutoring, financial education programs, prep sessions for applying to colleges, and even how to fill out scholarship applications. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. I believe simply providing therapy sessions for teens is not enough, they need to feel empowered and independent. Having a higher confidence level that you will pass math or learning how to take control of future debt you may incur, is all a part of the healing and strengthening process for the mind and soul.

I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming to life. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have gone through, depression is the worst one. It will always be with me along with anxiety and ADHD, that I cannot rid. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I remember the first time I noticed I might be depressed. I was in my room, fourteen years old, and my mom was holding me while I cried. I think part of me was embarrassed that I had to ask for help and let my mom know I was struggling. The other part felt relieved that someone knew, and that person was willing to help. To be honest, I always thought there was something wrong with me but could not express it. Depression, anxiety, and ADHD compounded a mix that made it near impossible to perform what most view as simple daily tasks. For example, waking up and getting ready was filled with anxiety of going to school, along with numbness and exhaustion. The simple things in life became not so simple. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I have learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personally, understanding they are most likely struggling too. I now have courage, bravery, and drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles. Once I found my current therapist, I quickly registered how comfortable I was in this room with her and how much she was going to help me. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life. However, it does make every day harder, but more of a driver to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital setup. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me and did not just tell me about coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone as she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I can succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference between life and death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital setup. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me and did not just tell me about coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I see the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. Take one hundred teens that all experience a school shooting at the same time, and you will get one hundred different ways in which they cope. This needs to be normalized in our world no matter what extreme side effects it may have on someone. Instead, our society expects humans to mourn for a short period and then get back to normal as if it never happened. We all know this is not reality nor is it healthy, but we move along with these expectations, only to realize we are still suffering sometimes even years later. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and ADHD are not setbacks in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like my therapist saved me. My overall goals are to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and open a counseling center for teens. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community for my services, I commit to pulling a low salary. Entering my career with no or low student loan debt will impact how I can provide low-cost services to the communities I will serve. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference between life and death for many. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My overall educational goal is to graduate with a PsyD in psychology. I will minor in journalism as well as education. My overall career goal is to open a therapy and counseling center for teens and adolescents. I will make sure it is affordable and a safe and warming environment. I will take business classes and learn more about opening up my own clinic/center to better educate myself on having a successful business. I was put into therapy by my own choice when I was fourteen years old. I have always had a love for helping people, however, I did not know how. Once I was put into therapy, I knew exactly how I wanted to help others. My therapeutic experiences opened my interest and helped me find what I want to do in life. I did not like how some therapists’ offices were designed. I found the atmosphere more like a forced doctor’s appointment and less like an atmosphere to help, be safe, and enjoy the therapy experience. I hope to make my practice comfortable and affordable for all. I have learned so much about myself in the past several years. I have seen and learned things that I never thought I would. The information I now know about myself has influenced me to keep going. I never thought that I could make it this far, but I have. I never knew someone with major depression and ADHD along with years of trauma would make it far without trying to give up. I want others, especially teens and adolescents, to see what they are capable of and know that their disability or struggles they are dealing with does not define them and that they can grow from it and learn how to cope with it. I hope to inspire others around me to not give up but to know they can do more with their life than they think they can. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. The cost will add up significantly. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community for my planned services, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I can succeed in passing on the ability to provide low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character and personality. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference between life and death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

I have a deep-rooted passion to help those who otherwise may not be able to do so themselves. Not only have I experienced firsthand what depression can do to a teen, I see it all already me. Most survive, but far too many do not. I see the financial struggle this has put on my family in getting the right therapy I needed. I am blessed for them to have the ability to support me. Far too often people try to handle mental health themselves because the cost or shame to get help is too much to bear. Mental Health looks different for everyone. Like DNA, our life experiences and exposures make us all unique. Take one hundred teens that all experience a school shooting at the same time, and you will get one hundred different ways in which they cope. This needs to be normalized in our world no matter what extreme side effects it may have on someone. Instead, our society expects humans to mourn for a short period and then get back to normal as if it never happened. We all know this is not reality nor is it healthy, but we move along with these expectations, only to realize we are still suffering sometimes even years later. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like my therapist saved me. My overall goals are to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and open a counseling center for teens. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community for my services, I commit to pulling a low salary. Entering my career with no or low student loan debt will impact how I can provide low-cost services to the communities I will serve. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference between life and death for many. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. Depression made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, including high anxiety and ADHD diagnoses, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that listened to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. This made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and I seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter the obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

I suffer from major depression and anxiety, along with ADHD. I began therapy at the age of 14, but my first experiences felt so cold and doctor's office like. I truly hated it. Luckily with pushing for a better therapist and comforting environment, I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just telling me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time in my whole entire life, I felt like someone understood me. I felt like I could say anything and everything and she wouldn’t judge. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I have learned not to take what people have done to me and/or said to me personal, understanding they are struggling with themselves too. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I soon registered how comfortable I was in this room with this therapist and realized how much she was going to help me. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not necessarily a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling in similar ways. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. I will continue with routine therapy sessions with my current therapist, online, until I can find a new therapist close to school. In addition to talk therapy, she has performed EMDR sessions which I will continue locally. Exercise is a huge part of my life as well. For years I have strived to get in a healthy exercise routine, but couldn't get the motivation to do so. For the last year I have been successful in creating a workout routine that works great for me. Working out at the gym gives me a chance to relax my mind and enjoy my music while getting in better shape. It has been proven by many that exercise can support a strong balance of endorphins, hormones, and serotonin. Maintaining this exercise routine, along with daily well-balanced eating and good sleep is all a must for supporting my mental health.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. This made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals and such, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and I seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. This made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals and such, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and I seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. This made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals and such, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and I seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

My entire life I have struggled with depression. I was diagnosed when I was fourteen and it has changed my life. Waking up, not wanting to get out due to being exhausted from just simply existing is extremely hard. Depression made me feel numb, with the lack of controlling my emotions along with not knowing how to deal with them. This made it hard for me to focus on things I needed to do. A person without depression or anxiety would just simply do what needs to be done. However, a person with it wants to do it but has no drive to do so. The simple things in life became not so simple. I never really thought that I would be standing on a stage in a black cap and gown getting a high school diploma. For years, I never really thought of the whole graduating experience. I always told people my life goals and such, but never saw them coming true. I never saw myself getting that far. Out of all the things that I have had to go through, depression is probably the worst one. Most of the time I seem happy and outgoing, and I seem like myself. However, if you look closer you will see a girl fighting for her life every day. I soon went to my first therapy session. It felt like a hospital set-up. I hated it. The therapist felt more like a doctor and less like someone who was going to listen to me. After a year I decided to switch. I found another therapist that was listening to me, and not just tell me coping mechanisms I have already learned. This therapist was like a friend. For the first time, I felt like someone understood me. After years of therapy, and my individual coping process, I have learned to understand myself and love myself to my full capacity. I now have courage, bravery and a drive to accomplish all goals I have for myself no matter any obstacles. I realized that this is what I too wanted to do, help people. I now understand that my depression is not a setback in life however, it does make every day harder, but more of a drive to ensure that one day I will be able to help someone who is also struggling. To realize that I will soon be someone, someone else can talk to and feel understood. That I, Brielle Hobby, will save someone like she saved me. The time has come for me to take that next step in paying it forward. My overall educational goal is to obtain a PhD in psychology. My goal is to open a counseling center for teens. I will make it affordable and a safe, warming environment. I will take business classes to better educate myself on having a successful business. As one can see, my career goals come with extensive time spent in college. For me to provide the lowest cost to the community, I commit to not pulling a huge salary. Entering my career phase in life with no or low student loan debt will impact how I am able to succeed in providing low-cost services to the communities I will serve. I hope to lead by example, showing others that mental illnesses do not define character. Having the right support without the additional stress of access can truly mean the difference of life or death for many who are currently struggling today. I strive to be a part of changing that for as many as I can reach.

To be completely honest I always thought there was something wrong with me. While taking a test or even just sitting in class, my leg would start shaking and every little sound made by someone or something in the classroom was so loud to me. The pencil tapping by the student in the back of the classroom sounded like they were right next to me, trying to annoy me. I would get hyper all of the sudden even without caffeine and it would be super hard for me to focus, even in easy classes such as choir. When trying to tell a story, I could never finish it because I woul trail into a brand new story for another thirty minutes that came to mind while telling the original story. Doing my work is also extremely difficult. For example, I sit down to try to read a book. It does not matter if the book was interesting or not. I would sit there in silence and focus on the first sentence for around ten minutes. However, by the time I got to the end of the page, I would give up and never open the book again. My mind would go all over the place. Whether that was thinking of something from four years ago or remembering something the book reminded me of. I learned a lot about myself in the past year and since my diagnosis with ADHD. I learned that it is not a disability, but a super-power. I was put into therapy by my own choice when I was fourteen years old. I have always had a love for helping people, but I did not know how. Once I was put into therapy, I knew exactly how I wanted to help people. From my therapeutic experience it opened my own interest up and helped me find what I really wanted to do in life. I did not like how some therapist’s offices were designed. I found the atmosphere more like a forced doctor’s appointment and less like an atmosphere to help, be safe, and enjoy the therapy experience. I hope to make my practice comfortable and affordable for all. My educational plans are to major in psychology with minors in journalism and behavioral sciences, to become a clinical psychologist/therapist. I will work in a hospital for a few years and then open my own practice when I feel I am ready. These plans will help me and my career by giving me the education and opportunities to succeed. I will learn more about others and myself and be able to help people a lot better in the long run. I minor in journalism because I do want to write about my studies and possibly publish a book. I want to minor in behavioral sciences so I can better my education on studying the human body and mind. I specifically want to help in teens and adolescents.