Mental health has played a big role in my life, shaping who I am and what I want to do. Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and ADHD has shown me how challenging mental health can be but also how important it is to have support, understanding, and the right resources. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in Psychology and Mental Health, focusing on helping others navigate their own mental health challenges. Growing up, I noticed how much stigma surrounded mental health. In my family, emotions were often misunderstood or ignored, and I believed for a long time that showing vulnerability was a weakness. This led to years of feeling alone and unsure of myself. Things started to change when I began therapy in my twenties. Through counseling, I learned how to manage my emotions and take better care of my mental health. That experience gave me a new perspective and made me want to help others feel supported in ways I didn’t always feel when I was younger. Going through my own mental health journey has also opened my eyes to the gaps in the system. For example, it was hard to find a therapist who really understood BPD, which made me realize how important specialized care is. I also saw how valuable early intervention and mental health education are for both kids and families. These insights have motivated me to advocate for better mental health services that are inclusive and accessible to everyone who needs them. My work with neurodivergent children has deepened my passion for mental health even more. For the past 14 years, I’ve supported kids with autism and ADHD, helping them build skills like social interaction, emotional regulation, and confidence. Watching them grow and overcome challenges has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. It has also taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and listening—skills I use every day and will continue to build as a mental health professional. Now, as a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Mental Health Studies, I’m turning these personal and professional experiences into a path forward. My coursework has helped me better understand the complexities of mental health, and I’m especially drawn to Play Therapy. I believe Play Therapy is a powerful way to help children process trauma, express their feelings, and build resilience. My goal is to specialize in working with children who have autism or have experienced childhood abuse, using play therapy to help them heal and grow. In the future, I want to create a practice that provides therapy while also serving as a place for education and advocacy. By sharing my story, I hope to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage others to seek help without fear of judgment. I want my practice to be a safe and welcoming space where kids can explore their emotions and learn the skills they need to face life with confidence and hope. For me, mental health isn’t just a career choice—it’s a calling that comes from my own journey of growth and self-discovery. I’ve learned that mental health challenges can be tough, but they also bring opportunities for connection, strength, and personal growth. By becoming a Play Therapist, I hope to bring hope and healing to children who need it most, making sure they know they’re never alone on their journey.

My name is Brittaney, and my educational goals are shaped by my passion for supporting children, particularly those who have experienced trauma. Through my personal experiences with ADHD and borderline personality disorder (BPD), I’ve developed a strong understanding of mental health struggles and their impact on academic and personal development. My ultimate goal is to use my education to pursue a career that provides trauma-informed care, particularly through play therapy, to help children navigate their emotional and psychological challenges. Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous obstacles, especially related to my mental health. Growing up with ADHD, I struggled with focus, emotional regulation, and time management, which made school feel overwhelming. These challenges were compounded by my BPD, which often led to intense emotional reactions and difficulty in maintaining stable relationships. As a result, my academic performance and personal relationships were negatively impacted, and I found it difficult to understand my emotions and manage them in healthy ways. However, these struggles have taught me valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and self-compassion. I learned that while my conditions presented challenges, they didn’t define me or my potential. Through therapy, self-reflection, and learning to advocate for myself, I began to better manage my mental health. I realized that the tools I’ve developed through my own journey could help others, particularly children who are facing their own emotional or behavioral struggles. My passion for helping children with mental health challenges, especially those who have experienced trauma, has shaped my educational goals. I want to pursue a career in trauma-informed play therapy, as I believe that children need safe, supportive spaces to express their emotions and begin healing from trauma. Play therapy allows children to process their feelings in a way that feels natural to them, helping them to navigate the emotional barriers that may have been created by their experiences. I am committed to gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective therapy to children who have faced adversity. My goal is to work in a therapeutic setting where I can offer a combination of emotional support, play therapy, and trauma-informed care to help children build resilience and emotional regulation. By fostering a safe, understanding environment, I hope to help children develop the skills needed to thrive, both in school and in their personal lives. Ultimately, overcoming the obstacles in my own life has inspired me to pursue a career where I can give back to others who are struggling with their own mental health challenges. I hope to use my education to support children through trauma-informed care and play therapy, offering them the tools they need to heal and grow. My experiences have shown me the power of mental health support, and I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life, influencing my personal experiences, relationships, and career goals. As someone who lives with ADHD and borderline personality disorder (BPD), I have firsthand experience of the challenges that mental health struggles can bring. My experiences have shaped how I view myself, my relationships, and how I advocate for mental health awareness. Growing up with ADHD, I struggled with focus, emotional regulation, and time management. These challenges affected my academic performance and social interactions. I often felt overwhelmed and frustrated when I couldn’t meet my own expectations or when others didn’t understand my difficulties. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized these struggles were connected to ADHD, and that with the right tools and strategies, I could improve my mental health and manage my symptoms more effectively. However, it’s my experience with borderline personality disorder (BPD) that has had the most significant impact on my life. BPD has often brought intense emotional reactions, difficulty in maintaining stable relationships, and challenges with self-image. These symptoms have been particularly hard on my marriage, where the emotional highs and lows have sometimes created tension and misunderstanding. My fear of abandonment and tendency to overreact in certain situations made it difficult to communicate effectively with my husband. Over time, we’ve both learned to navigate these challenges together, but managing BPD requires constant effort and self-reflection. My mental health struggles have also helped me develop a deep empathy for others who face similar challenges. Growing up with ADHD and navigating BPD in adulthood has made me more compassionate and understanding toward people who have mental health needs. I’ve seen how vital it is for individuals to have a supportive network and access to resources that can help them manage their mental health. This is part of what has motivated me to pursue a career where I can support neurodivergent individuals, advocate for mental health resources, and help create environments where people feel safe, heard, and empowered to seek the support they need. In my personal life, I make a conscious effort to prioritize my mental health. I practice self-care routines, such as mindfulness and regular therapy sessions, to help manage my symptoms and reduce stress. I also advocate for mental health in my community by openly discussing my struggles and encouraging others to seek help when needed. Mental health shouldn’t be stigmatized, and I aim to be part of the movement that promotes understanding and support. Ultimately, my experiences with mental health have shaped who I am today. They’ve driven me to pursue a career that combines my passion for advocacy and my desire to make a positive impact on the mental health field. I hope to continue to grow, learn, and use my experiences to help others navigate their own mental health journeys.

My name is Brittaney, and mental health has been a defining aspect of my life, both personally and in my family. I’ve lived with ADHD for many years, which has shaped my academic and personal experiences. However, it is my diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) that has had the most profound impact on my life, especially in my marriage. Living with BPD has brought emotional intensity and instability into my relationships. I often struggle with fluctuating emotions, difficulty with self-regulation, and fears of abandonment, all of which have made communication and connection with loved ones challenging. In my marriage, these symptoms have sometimes led to misunderstandings, arguments, and feelings of disconnection. The constant cycle of emotional highs and lows has made it difficult for both me and my husband to navigate moments of conflict in a healthy way. Learning to manage my BPD has been a long and ongoing process, but it’s something I’m committed to every day, as it’s essential for maintaining the health of my marriage and my personal well-being. The impact of mental illness on my family has been profound. I’ve seen how my struggles with BPD affect my husband’s emotional state, as he often takes on the role of trying to calm me during my emotional storms. The intensity of my reactions can be overwhelming for both of us. Over time, we’ve learned better communication strategies, but it’s still a challenge that requires constant attention and effort. I’ve also become more aware of how my mental health can affect those around me, which has motivated me to be more proactive in seeking support, whether through therapy, self-care practices, or open conversations about how to manage my symptoms. Mental illness has taught me the importance of compassion—for both myself and others. It has given me a deeper understanding of the struggles that people go through, especially when it comes to invisible illnesses like BPD. While it can feel isolating at times, it has also motivated me to support others who face similar challenges. I’ve learned that mental health is a journey, not a destination and that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Ultimately, living with BPD has shaped my perspectives, my relationships, and my career goals. It has driven me to pursue a future where I can advocate for mental health awareness and provide support to others who are struggling. I hope to use my experiences to build a more compassionate and understanding world, especially for those who, like me, are navigating mental health challenges.

Mental health is essential to me as a student because it affects both my academic performance and my overall well-being. As someone with ADHD, I’ve learned firsthand how challenging it can be to stay organized, focused, and manage emotional regulation. My experiences with ADHD have taught me the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and advocating for my mental health to succeed in both school and life. Without a healthy mental state, it’s difficult to fully engage in my education or connect with others. My career aspirations are deeply influenced by my experiences with mental health, particularly my relationship with my brother, who has autism. Growing up, I saw the unique challenges he faced in navigating a world that didn’t always understand him. His experiences sparked my desire to pursue a career focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals and advocating for better mental health resources. Through this journey, I realized how important it is to create environments where individuals with diverse needs can feel safe, supported, and understood. In addition to my personal experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children facing similar challenges to my brother’s. This work has reinforced my belief that mental health support is vital in helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. I’ve seen how emotional regulation and coping strategies can make a significant difference in a child’s academic and social success. These experiences have shaped my career goals and inspired me to pursue a future where I can advocate for inclusive mental health practices and provide support to individuals who need it most. As a student, I actively advocate for mental health within my community by sharing my experiences and encouraging open conversations. I believe it’s important to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by discussing it openly and providing resources for those who need them. Whether through informal conversations with friends or by participating in school activities focused on mental health, I aim to create a supportive environment where others feel comfortable seeking help when they need it. At home, I continue to support my family members by listening to their struggles, offering guidance, and encouraging self-care. My brother’s experiences have made me more empathetic to the challenges others face, and I always strive to be a source of understanding and support. In the future, I hope to build on these experiences and continue my education in a way that will allow me to advocate for better mental health resources, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. My goal is to create programs that support mental health in educational and community settings, where individuals can receive the help they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Through my career, I aim to foster inclusive, compassionate communities that prioritize mental well-being for all.

My experiences with mental health, both personal and professional, have significantly shaped my goals, relationships, and my understanding of the world. As an adult learner with ADHD, I have gained a unique perspective on how mental health affects daily life, work, and personal connections. Additionally, working with neurodivergent children for over 14 years has deepened my commitment to supporting others and understanding the diverse ways mental health manifests. Living with ADHD has required me to develop strategies to manage daily challenges, from schoolwork to personal relationships. The constant struggle to focus and stay organized often feels overwhelming, but it has taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and self-compassion. These lessons have shaped my career goals, motivating me to pursue a path where I can help others who face similar challenges. I’ve learned that mental health is not something to overcome but something to work with, and this mindset has been key to navigating both my personal and academic journey. My work with neurodivergent children has been central to shaping my understanding of mental health and how it impacts others. I’ve seen firsthand how children with autism and ADHD struggle with social interactions, emotional regulation, and academic tasks, and I’ve dedicated myself to creating supportive, understanding environments for them. By using individualized strategies, I’ve helped these children build emotional resilience, develop social skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. These experiences have inspired me to further my education in mental health, aiming to provide even more specialized support to those in need. As an adult learner, I’ve also gained a unique perspective on education and mental health. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while managing ADHD has taught me the value of self-advocacy and the importance of seeking out resources and support when needed. I’ve learned to navigate academic challenges with persistence, and my experiences have only strengthened my desire to help others do the same. I’m pursuing a career that blends my passion for mental health and my experience with neurodivergent children, with the goal of advocating for better resources, support systems, and inclusive practices in education and mental health. The relationships I’ve formed along the way have also been shaped by my mental health journey. Supporting others, whether through listening, offering guidance, or simply being present, has shown me how powerful empathy and understanding can be in strengthening connections. I’ve come to appreciate the unique struggles that each person faces, and I’ve learned that offering a safe, non-judgmental space for others is often the most important thing I can do. Ultimately, my experiences with mental health have influenced my career goals and personal values, motivating me to create a more inclusive, compassionate world. By continuing my studies, I hope to help neurodivergent individuals and others facing mental health challenges thrive in both academic and personal settings, fostering environments where everyone feels supported and understood.

Growing up with ADHD and working closely with neurodivergent children for over 14 years has given me a unique insight into mental health challenges. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others navigate these struggles, starting with my work as a caregiver for children with autism and ADHD. My approach has always been one of empathy and understanding, creating environments where individuals feel valued and supported. Through my experiences, I’ve helped children build emotional resilience and improve their social skills by using tailored strategies that fit their unique needs. Whether it’s modeling effective coping mechanisms, providing encouragement during meltdowns, or fostering creativity through art and play, my goal has been to empower them to feel confident and capable. These interactions not only help the children but also offer peace of mind to their families, who see their loved ones thrive in compassionate care. Beyond my professional life, I’ve been a source of support for friends and family members dealing with their mental health challenges. I listen without judgment, offering advice when needed and validating their feelings. By openly sharing my own experiences with therapy and mental health management, I create a safe space for others to feel less alone in their struggles. Looking forward, I plan to build on this foundation through further education and my future career. My ultimate goal is to work in a capacity where I can blend my skills and lived experience to advocate for better mental health resources and foster inclusive communities. I envision creating programs that help individuals with ADHD and other challenges thrive in both academic and personal settings. To achieve this, I am committed to continuing my studies in a field that focuses on mental health and emotional well-being. Through my work, I hope to be a voice of encouragement, proving that mental health challenges are not barriers but opportunities to grow stronger and more connected. Supporting others emotionally is not just a career goal for me—it’s a calling.

There are days when my mind feels like a crowded room, every thought vying for attention, making even the simplest academic tasks seem insurmountable. Living with ADHD has shaped my academic and personal experiences, presenting unique challenges but also teaching me resilience and the importance of prioritizing my mental health. In school, ADHD often feels like a relentless obstacle. My mind races with ideas, making it difficult to focus on one task for long periods. Assignments that require sustained attention or repetitive effort can feel overwhelming, and procrastination often sets in—not from laziness but because starting feels paralyzing. Deadlines sometimes create more anxiety than motivation, leaving me frustrated when my efforts don’t reflect my true potential. Still, ADHD also gives me strengths that help me thrive academically. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to excel in areas requiring innovation. I approach problems from fresh perspectives, and group projects or essays are opportunities to generate meaningful ideas and connections. These strengths have shaped my love for learning, even amid challenges. To navigate my academic struggles, I’ve developed strategies that work with my ADHD rather than against it. Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed, while digital planners keep me organized and on track. I’ve also learned to study in distraction-free environments and to build breaks into my schedule to prevent burnout. Advocating for myself has been crucial—communicating openly with teachers and seeking accommodations like extra time on tests ensures I can meet academic expectations authentically. Outside of school, ADHD impacts my daily life in similar ways. Simple tasks like organizing my home or managing responsibilities can feel insurmountable, especially when paired with academic demands. These moments of frustration can affect my confidence, creating a cycle of stress and self-doubt. I’ve realized that prioritizing my mental health is essential not only for my personal well-being but also for sustaining success in school. Therapy has been an invaluable tool in my mental health journey. It has helped me develop coping mechanisms and manage the stress that comes from balancing my responsibilities. Journaling and mindfulness exercises are daily practices that allow me to process emotions and regain clarity during overwhelming moments. Physical activity, like walking or stretching, helps me release excess energy and refocus when I feel scattered. Creative outlets, such as writing and painting, are essential to my mental health. They provide a safe space to channel my emotions and foster a sense of accomplishment. These activities remind me that my mental health is not a limitation but an integral part of my identity that deserves care and attention. Balancing mental health with academic and personal responsibilities is an ongoing journey. Through persistence, self-compassion, and resilience, I’ve learned to embrace my challenges and prioritize my well-being. This scholarship represents an opportunity to continue this journey, enabling me to pursue my education while maintaining a healthy balance. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to view mental health not as a barrier but as a strength that can drive growth and success.

As a neurodivergent college student, mental health holds significant importance in my life. I firmly believe that just as we have doctors for our physical health, we shouldn't neglect the health of our brains. After all, the brain is an integral part of our body. With this mindset, I am committed to making a positive impact by advocating for self-care, raising awareness about mental illness among students, and dismantling the stigmas surrounding it, while also emphasizing the importance of developing support systems. Self-care stands out as a cornerstone of well-being, as well as drinking water and finding reasons to laugh each day- after all laughter is the best medicine. Specifically considering college students, advocating for stress management classes, guided meditation workshops, and accessible counseling clinics can greatly enhance student mental health. By promoting these resources and practices, we can empower students to prioritize their mental well-being alongside their academic goals. Mental illness is far more prevalent among college students than commonly perceived. According to the American Psychological Association, over 60% of college students meet the criteria for suffering from some form of mental health issue. Personally, I've encountered stigmas from peers and colleagues regarding the normalization of high stress levels. This common narrative glorifies overworking and taking on excessive academic loads, often without acknowledging the detrimental effects on mental health. All-nighters and chronic stress are often boasted about, while the toll on mental well-being is downplayed. To address these issues, we can raise awareness and challenge these stigmas by providing information on mental health issues and offering free workshops focused on achieving a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, fostering support systems is paramount. Beyond relying solely on friends and family, it's crucial for students to explore the counseling services offered by their school and to seek out additional support networks within their communities. I personally have developed a great rapport with my academic advisor and she has become an integral part of my support system both academically and personally. Encouraging students to engage with these resources can help create a safety net for those grappling with mental health challenges. In conclusion, by prioritizing self-care, raising awareness about mental health issues, fostering supportive environments, and actively seeking to dismantle stigmas, we can work together to cultivate a campus culture that values and supports the mental well-being of all students. By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. This proactive approach not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a healthier and more resilient campus community as a whole.

I hold mental health and wellness above anything else in my life. My values in order are God, Mental Wellness, School, and my family. I have succumbed to depression and an intense mood disorder that took a significant toll on my life for many years. I've started and dropped out of community college more times than I can count. I often felt like a failure. However, I took steps to get better. I checked myself into an Intensive Outpatient program to develop coping skills I now use daily. Although I was terrified, I enrolled myself in my local community college with the hopes of just passing a semester. I have not only passed my first semester, but I have also gained over 30 credits! Throughout my college journey, I found my career goal. My primary goal for attending college is to become certified as an Art and Play Therapist. I plan to help children who have experienced trauma to become free from their pain and give them healthy coping skills that will enrich their development and quality of life. I was inspired to choose this career because mental health wellness is essential to our society. Everyone deserves to care for their mental health, whether adult or child. Many people don't think of the effects their actions have on young children and these actions can be positive or negative in child development. Children that have been affected by trauma have had their childhood taken away and in essence, have developed survival skills such as avoidance and anger. I want to help in guiding them through their emotions and give them the freedom from those painful situations that they deserve. In conclusion, mental health has had everything to do with my life views and goals. I realized that though everyone's journey is different, anyone can get on the other side of their dark times. For me, it took me making the choice to get help and keep going to get me where I am. I want to be an example of perseverance to others who are living with mental illness and encourage them to practice mental wellness.

I have succumbed to depression and an intense mood disorder that took a significant toll on my life for many years. I've started and dropped out of community college more times than I can count. I often felt like a failure. However, I took steps to get better. I checked myself into an Intensive Outpatient program to develop coping skills I now use daily. My primary goal for attending college is to become certified as an Art and Play Therapist. I plan to help children who have experienced trauma to become free from their pain and give them healthy coping skills that will enrich their development and quality of life. I was inspired to choose this career because mental health wellness is essential to our society. Everyone deserves to care for their mental health, whether adult or child. Many people don't think of the effects their actions have on young children and these actions can be positive or negative in child development. Children that have been affected by trauma have had their childhood taken away and in essence, have developed survival skills such as avoidance and anger. I want to help in guiding them through their emotions and give them the freedom from those painful situations that they deserve.

Mental health is something that is often overlooked. There are many stereotypes portrayed through media and the entertainment world that people have negative views on mental health. What people should realize is that mental health is important for everyone. Everyone deals with stress or anxiety whether it be from school, the workplace, or even at home, everyone is affected. I believe mental health is important because it's a large part of physical health. The way you think dramatically affects how your body functions and if you are dealing with mental health struggles, your body will in turn be affected in the form of physical struggles like back or neck pain. Individuals with mental illness feel these pains daily. As someone who lives with a mental illness, I know firsthand what it's like trying to go through life trying to show you're always okay. Before I got my BPD diagnosis, I worked so hard to please everyone and ignore my problems when that just made things worse for me mentally. I took everything as a personal attack thinking that a sigh in my direction from my coworker meant I was a failure and should just quit. I never considered that my thoughts were exaggerated. My mental illness greatly affected my academic life. I started college more times than I can count but always ended up quitting because I didn't feel like showing up. I was lost in my own head and didn't realize there was something wrong. I was always quick-tempered and easily offended, but once I got a proper diagnosis, everything changed. I started taking medicine and going to therapy. I realized that I can't control what people think of me and that's okay. Everyone has a bad day and guess what? That's okay too. These changes lead me to start college again and now I'm working on becoming an Art and Play therapist. I believe mental health is extremely important in the workplace because if you're not at your best mentally, you can't perform your best. It's inspiring to see many companies offering mental health days and employers who aren't, commend those that request them. As a full-time student, I recently parted ways with my previous employer due to mental health issues and they were extremely understanding. I realized that my mental health comes first and if that means I work a part-time job from home then that's what I'll do. I value my mental health and take the steps to maintain wellness. One way I do this is I go to weekly therapy. I made sure to have online sessions because I know if I have to go out, I won't. Another way I maintain mental wellness is that I take time for myself. Whether it's painting or going for a walk, I find it important to take time to relax and self-reflect. The last way is that I practice positive self-talk. I realized that the more I speak negatively about myself, the more I believe it. I tasked my husband with helping me redirect my negative self-talk into positive self-talk. Not many people think fondly of mental health. People with mental illness are often considered weak by society. I think it's important to realize that you don't have to have a mental illness to take hold of your mental health. Your brain is a major part of your body- it controls everything! If you don't take care of it, you will struggle. We need to talk about mental health more in the workplace and at school. If you feel good mentally, you can take on anything.

I have something to say. I smile, prepare my mouth and mind, and begin a story. Engaged, but only half, their ears perked. A thought. Interrupt. Interrupt. Interrupt. I stop. "Oh yeah? Oh that's crazy!" I laugh Sarcastic. Interrupted. Starting again. I have something to say. Interested, but only half. Body slumped. Or looking at their phone. Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. No response. Then, "Hey you!" Walks away.. Oof. Okay. I have something to say. In a group. Eyes on me. I'm speaking. A side conversation ensues. They are engaged. Ignored. I am. Interrupted. Interrupted. Interrupted. Should I speak up? I wait for a break. I laugh at the asinine joke. I start again. I have something to say. In a group. Eyes on me. Engaged. Someone. Interrupts. Interrupts. Interrupts. I break. Volume: Max. They're staring. I am angry. I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. I have something to say.

Travel is an important part of the human experience. My ultimate dream in life is to travel to as many countries as possible. I want to learn about the cultures outside of my own.