Black Excellence. We have all heard of this term, but do we know what it means and represents? For me, Black excellence is the dignity woven into our very bones, the earth beneath our feet echoing the toil and triumph of those who were bound, yet broke free. It is the unwavering spirit of the enslaved, who, in their struggle, paved the way for us—a generation with a voice to inspire, transform, and reshape the world. It is the resilience that marched through the pain of our history, fighting for freedom, carving a name in the fabric of this nation. Black excellence is the ongoing journey of reimagining and reclaiming our identity, our power, and our story—a story that is still being written with every step we take. My story is this. An immigrant coming from the West Indies (Jamaica) to the land of the free for a better life, for a better future, for a better opportunity. I have always had the creative mindset since I was a child. Because of this, it got me into trouble at a young age with being rebellious. I remember leading little fourth graders along with myself at the time in choreography upon the playgrounds before recess time was over. It was letting that love for dance shine so bright that in high school, freshmen year, I decided to launch my first dance group called 'Dance Power Crew' and allowed the school to see our resilience and power as we danced to every genre including African dances, connecting us back to the roots of the motherland. Now, as an undergraduate, the passion to start something new again rekindled in me. When I began to notice how focused I was, achieving great grades and receiving the A/B honor roll and making it on the dean's list three times, I found my new love for education and psychology and decided to start a tutoring business which then sparked into wanting to sell digital products along with handmade faux flowers. These stirring and overwhelming ideas sparked the vision of creating a business name "Britt's Brilliant Designs Co." where my artistic and creative designs would be called 'Brittliant' underneath my business name combining Brilliant with my name Brittney. Unique right?! Because of how I was raised and brought up by a hardworking mother, I had big dreams to escape the poverty mindset, especially within the Black Community. You can't build black excellence on a mindset of lack, but the perspective must change within to birth something new. My love for leadership started at a young age, that was branded into something new like colors of the rainbow, the different hues stand apart, but together they unite, a masterpiece on a blank canvas. Once I started my tutoring business that transformed into wanting to do more with the creativity in me, I evolved into a serial and creative entrepreneur where my business seamlessly blends digital products, handmade faux flowers, thoughtful gift baskets, and curated luxury goods, etc. that would be needed for the community and affordable for students like me. I want to show that Black Excellence isn't about the color of my skin or the texture of my hair, or my Caribbean accent, or the stereotypical struggles society labels us with. But as an immigrant, I can forge innovative and unique ideas and build ventures that transcend expectations; not being confined to one thing, but with hard work, dedication, and devotion you can inspire the next generation to work hard, not indulging in unnecessary crime or falling into the statistics of hopeless but working toward a future where you generate generational wealth and making our immigrant roots proud. What inspired me to pursue my multifaceted business was a deep desire to challenge the limitations placed on the Black community and immigrants as well. Being the middle child in my family and constantly being overlooked, I want to start a chain reaction for those who feel like their voices are not heard to create something, whether it's small or big, taking their creative and artistic mindsets and turning it into a six-figure business one day. As a serial entrepreneur, I saw endless opportunities to break barriers within my own family, create diverse ventures, and ignite a change. My serial business is designed to uplift and empower the community by creating opportunities for growth, exposure, education, and economic expansion. What I hope to achieve is this: Being the first person in my immediate family to walk the stage and earn my diploma, with the aspiration of getting my master's degree, all while showing you can be a student and an entrepreneur, doing what you love. I hope to inspire others in my community to dream and create their paths of success.

As a child, I was often overwhelmed by emotions that I couldn’t understand or explain. I remember sitting alone in the corner of my home, tears streaming down my face, rocking back and forth. At just four years old, I was facing a mental health crisis, but I had no words to explain it. Growing up in a Caribbean family, mental health was never discussed. My struggles went unnoticed, and I was often labeled as "acting out." In my family’s eyes, I was just a problem—no one understood the deep anxiety and panic that were taking over my mind. I remember the feeling of being trapped in my thoughts, as I heard voices telling me to hurt myself as a toddler up into my young adult years. Because of this, I masked my silliness but inside I was afraid of the silence. I would often ask my peers at school if they struggled with the same issues I did only masquerading it as someone else was struggling so they would not figure out it was me. I was bleeding on the inside which overfilled on the outside. My demeanor, attitude, and self-confidence were like being on a rocking sinking boat, almost putting up the white flags in surrender. This sense of confusion only grew as I entered my teenage and young adult years. I was not only battling internal chaos but also the silent stigma that surrounded mental health, especially in my community. During my freshman year of college, I experienced my first panic attack where I experienced hyperventilation for the first time out of nowhere. I didn't know how to cope so instead of doing breathing techniques, I closed my mouth, only leading to my heart racing even more. The feeling was suffocating—both emotionally and physically. It was then that I realized this was more than a fleeting moment of distress; this was part of my life I would have to navigate. Because of this, I began to explore psychology and added it as a minor to my degree, seeking answers to questions about my mental health, and how I could help others who were silently struggling, just like I had. However, there was a turning point that truly solidified my desire to pursue a career in mental health. After a devastating moment in my college dorm when I attempted to take my life. I decided to do the right thing by reaching out for help only to be condemned, judged, and left even more worse than before. Now I wanted to be off the face of the earth. I was seen as a problem child again just like in the eyes of my family as a child growing up. Last year, my mom told me how my uncle had passed away after battling schizophrenia and drug abuse. I realized even more that mental health issues run deeply in my family. As I look back on my experiences, I know that my career aspirations are rooted in a deep desire to break the silence around mental health—especially in minority communities like mine, where it’s often dismissed or misunderstood. I aspire to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), so I can guide individuals who are facing emotional distress and those who are on the verge of psychiatric hospitalization. I aspire to be the family generational curse breaker. I hope to take all that I learn in the 'Land of the Free' and bring it to the Caribbean to bring clarity, freedom, and a better mental health/health system.

As a child, I was often overwhelmed by emotions that I couldn’t understand or explain. I remember sitting in the corner of my home, tears streaming down my face, rocking back and forth, feeling as though my mind was out of control. At just four years old, I was facing a mental health crisis that would continue to affect me throughout my life. Growing up in a Caribbean family, I had no words to explain what was happening to me. Mental health struggles weren’t talked about in my culture, and I felt completely isolated, unable to share my experience. In my family’s eyes, I was simply "acting out," and no one understood the deep anxiety and panic that were taking over my mind. This sense of confusion only grew as I entered my teenage and young adult years. During my freshman year of college, I experienced my first panic attack. It felt like the walls were closing in, and I was suffocating—both emotionally and physically. I realized that this was not just a passing phase, but a part of my life that I would have to navigate. As these feelings worsened, I found solace in my academic curiosity. I started exploring psychology, adding it as a minor to my degree. I wanted to understand why I was experiencing these overwhelming emotions and mental attacks and how I could help others who were also silently struggling as I did. I remember a significant and tragic moment when I left one of my morning classes and returned to my college dorm. I began to dissociate as I looked out the window, hearing voices in my head to end my life. That day, I attempted to hurt myself. I immediately sought out help from one of my peers who came and tried to support me but in the end, I felt even worse as he brought it up to others that I specifically mentioned not to tell and then to my school director. The situation made me feel condemned, rejected and abandoned. Rather than exploring my underlying issues one of the words I heard was "Baker Act". This led me to hold a lot of my struggles and carry my independent healing. the conversation felt superficial, disconnected, and an outcast. I felt like more of the problem than being taken seriously. I felt judged. It brought me back to when I was a little child already dealing with negative thoughts, voices in my head, and bipolar and OCD behaviors. It brought me back to my family not knowing how to help and feeling like the ugly duckling all over again. In return, it led me to zip my mouth like a suitcase stuffed with unfolded clothes too heavy to unpack but impossible to ignore and forget. My experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my beliefs about the importance of mental well-being. I have seen and heard of friends and family struggling with mental health issues where I was the therapeutic friend but now need therapy myself. I remember my mother and grandmother crying one day because my uncle had passed away from Schizophrenia and drug abuse. I believe that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, yet it often remains underappreciated, especially within minority communities like mine. Mental health is not just about managing illness and being put on a behavioral checklist; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable and where conversations are supportive and non-judgmental, not dismissing someone because their trauma is little but helping them to figure out what is at the root with love and most importantly consistency; not just checking in one time and expecting that person to fine but walking alongside that individual with your testimony of how you overcame mental health turmoil. From my struggles, I’ve learned that mental health can’t be treated as an afterthought—it must be prioritized. This must be more properly addressed for my age group, especially in the Caribbean where I would like to go back to my island which is Jamaica, and help the youth and parents understand the impact mental health can have and not just see it as their child acting out. These realizations have influenced my relationships as well. In my personal life, I’ve grown more empathetic and understanding towards others, especially in my friend group who have struggled in even wanting to be alive and walking them through their faith to keep them steady in this life and to seek more professional help. Although it’s not easy to discuss mental health within a Caribbean context, I know that if I can start the conversation at home, I can inspire change not just for myself but for future generations despite the different backgrounds. My career aspirations have been deeply influenced by my struggles and the realization that there is a critical need for mental health awareness. As a future Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I want to help individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, low self-esteem, mental health crisis, psych-hospital bound, or those nearing psychiatric hospitalization to guide them toward healing and understanding what the root of their struggle might be trying to communicate to them than immediately medicating or even diagnosing them. I am especially passionate about supporting people from minority backgrounds, where mental health is often misunderstood or dismissed. One of my major goals is to be a "generational curse breaker" in my family by fostering open conversations about mental health. I also hope to extend this work beyond my family and community by going overseas where mental health (like in the Caribbean) is looked down upon. I would also love to create workshops for students interested in mental health careers or wanting to understand themselves and how they can help their community in fighting the rate of suicide and providing profound hope and help, not escape, being the hands and feet to a future generation.

From a young age, I’ve always been the “therapist friend”—the one people turned to when they needed someone to listen to or offer support. In middle and high school, I was often the one comforting friends on the verge of suicide, offering a safe space for them to express their pain. One experience that deeply shaped me was with Briana, a classmate who felt abandoned by her peers and misunderstood by her parents. I spoke to her in a way that no one else had—offering hope, love, and faith. We became close friends, sharing Bible verses and supporting each other’s spiritual growth. One day, I overheard Briana’s mom telling my mom that would stay with me forever that I was the best thing that happened to her daughter, and how I made such a positive influence on her. That moment confirmed how transformative emotional support can be. This passion for helping others through emotional struggles has driven me to pursue a career in psychology. This passion for helping others navigate their emotional struggles has been the driving force behind my decision to pursue psychology. As I prepare to enter my graduate program, I am determined to use my education to offer emotional support to those who feel lost or unsupported. My experiences have shown me how much one person’s kindness and understanding can impact another’s life, and I want to provide that healing to others on a larger scale. As the first in my immediate family to pursue graduate studies, my journey represents breaking barriers, both personally and culturally. I hope to be an example of what’s possible through dedication and passion. My goal is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), providing counseling to individuals and families who need help processing their emotional pain. In addition, I am committed to taking my services internationally, particularly to the Caribbean, where mental health care is often underfunded and stigmatized. I want to bring awareness, support, and resources to communities that need it most, starting with Jamaica—my homeland. Through workshops, counseling, and advocacy, I plan to break the cultural barriers surrounding mental health and help people understand the importance of emotional well-being. By using my education and experiences, I hope to make a lasting impact—empowering others to find healing, grow stronger, and live with resilience.

From a young age, I knew something wasn’t quite right. As a four-year-old, I sat alone in a corner, overwhelmed by an unseen storm of anxiety, panic, and sadness. My mind swarmed with chaotic thoughts, as though trapped in a constant buzz, like the unsettling hum of bees around my head. Yet, my cries for help went unnoticed by my family—because I couldn’t explain what was happening to me, and they didn’t understand. I grew up in a Caribbean household where mental health wasn’t often discussed, leaving me confused and isolated in my struggles. As I entered college, the weight of my mental health became harder to ignore. My anxiety escalated, and I began to experience uncontrollable episodes of hyperventilation. For the first time, I truly felt out of control of my emotions, my body, and even my sense of self. I realized I needed to understand what was happening within me. I decided to add psychology as a minor to my major, eager to learn more about the mind and how mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD affect individuals. My struggles with mental health have deeply shaped my beliefs and aspirations. I have gained emotional intelligence through my experiences, learning to understand and navigate my emotions, as well as how to relate to and support others. These lessons have not only helped me in my personal life but have also deepened my faith as a Christian. I’ve come to view mental health as an area where emotional, spiritual, and psychological healing can coexist, and this understanding drives me to make a difference in the world. As I reflect on my journey, I realize the importance of breaking down cultural barriers around mental health, particularly in the Caribbean community. In many Caribbean households, including my own, mental health issues are often dismissed or misunderstood, leading to generational trauma and stigma. I aim to be the bridge that connects people to the knowledge, resources, and support they need to heal. By starting with my family, I plan to raise awareness about mental health, dispel myths, and encourage open conversations. My goal is to work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and one day, I hope to establish my private practice. I want to help not only individuals in my community but also families in underserved areas who may not have access to mental health services. I plan to create workshops and support groups for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those raised in minority households. I believe these efforts will foster a sense of belonging and hope, ultimately reducing suicide rates and helping young people build emotional resilience. Furthermore, I aspire to work beyond the United States. I am passionate about taking my knowledge and experience to the West Indies, especially my island of Jamaica, where mental health and healthcare resources are limited. I want to partner with other mental health professionals and organizations to provide workshops, advocate for mental health awareness, and even influence policy changes to improve the mental health system in the Caribbean. Ultimately, my mission is to break the silence around mental health and make a lasting impact on individuals and communities, both locally and internationally. By fostering understanding, offering support, and advocating for systemic change, I aim to help people who suffer in silence. This scholarship will help me continue my education, gain the necessary training, and fuel my passion to create a future where mental health is no longer stigmatized but embraced as a vital aspect of overall well-being.

Mental illness has deeply shaped my life, both personally and within my family. Growing up, I witnessed the profound effects of mental health struggles, particularly in my immediate family. My mother and grandmother have battled with depression and bipolar disorder for years, and their experiences have had a lasting impact on me. I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating these conditions can be, not only for the individual but for the family members who provide support. Despite the challenges, my family has persevered, and these experiences have ignited my passion for mental health advocacy. A defining moment for me was when my uncle, my mother’s brother, left Jamaica for New York. For years, we lost contact with him, and it wasn’t until later that we learned he had been struggling with schizophrenia and drugs. Alone in a foreign city, my uncle’s mental health deteriorated, and by the time we were able to reconnect, it was too late. In 2024, he passed away, and the news left my mother and grandmother devastated. His death was a profound reminder of how untreated mental illness can spiral, causing lasting pain for everyone involved. It reinforced my resolve to understand mental health better and help others in similar situations. In addition to my family’s experiences, I’ve seen friends battle severe mental health problems—ranging from depression to anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I’ve often been the one to listen, offer support, and guide them through difficult moments. Through my faith and interest in psychology, I’ve learned to be a source of comfort and counsel, encouraging my friends to seek professional help and reminding them of their worth. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue a career where I can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness. Mental health issues affect far too many, yet they remain misunderstood and stigmatized in many communities. As I continue my education, I am committed to gaining the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for those affected by mental illness and to raise awareness. I want to work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in marginalized communities, and provide support to individuals and families who feel isolated in their struggles. My family’s journey, my personal experiences, and my studies in psychology have all shaped my determination to make a difference in the world of mental health. I am proud to be the first person in my immediate family who will graduate soon, a milestone that holds great significance for me. This achievement has fueled my determination to make a difference, particularly in the Caribbean community, where mental health is often stigmatized, and many feel they don’t have a voice. I’ve seen friends struggle with severe mental health challenges, and I’ve been there to listen, offer support, and encourage them to seek help. These experiences, along with my passion for psychology, have inspired me to pursue a career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LHMC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I want to break the stigma and provide families with the resources they need to heal and thrive.

“I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself.” — Mother Teresa Life is a beautiful, God-given gift meant for all those who have been born, those waiting to be reborn, and those still waiting to be born. The debate surrounding abortion, particularly following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by former President Donald Trump, has sparked deep divisions. Yet, it is clear that some stand firm in defending the rights of the unborn—those who cannot speak for themselves. As **the Merck Manual** notes, “At **5 weeks**, the heart starts to beat and most other organs begin to develop, followed by the brain and spinal cord.” The fetal heartbeat marks the first signs of life, and it is a symbol that dispels the myth that the unborn child is merely a cluster of cells with no value or breath. The sanctity of life is often debated, especially under the dire circumstances of rape or unwanted pregnancies. However, it grieves me to see how the opposing side, driven by fear, lack of wisdom, and misunderstanding, dismisses the humanity of the unborn child. As another source explains, "As the embryo grows, it develops a heartbeat 22 days after fertilization, its own circulatory system, and its organs” (Terzo, 2024). From conception, the unborn child has its own unique DNA, separate from the mother’s, emphasizing that the unborn are distinct individuals, not merely extensions of the parents. This counters the argument that a fetus has no inherent value. Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence states that all individuals have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This principle should extend to the unborn, whose right to life is often overlooked in contemporary discussions. My passion for pro-life advocacy grew during my time in college, where I began studying psychology, aiming to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I became especially committed to this cause when my sister suffered a miscarriage, followed by a difficult and painful pregnancy due to medical negligence. This experience stirred my passion for both mental health and pro-life work, as I realized that many individuals don’t have access to the resources and support needed to make informed choices, or to heal from the trauma of miscarriage or abortion. As a minority and the first in my family to attend college, I am determined to make a difference in my community—especially in Caribbean households, where cultural traditions sometimes conflict with pro-life beliefs. Through this scholarship, I hope to gain the education and experience necessary to help others understand the value of life at all stages and to offer alternatives to abortion. In conclusion, abortion is not just a political or social issue; it is a moral one that touches on the core of our humanity. Every human life, from conception onward, deserves protection. By combining my passion for psychology with my commitment to pro-life work, I hope to change hearts and minds. This scholarship will help me continue this journey, as I aim to influence the next generation to value life, preserve human dignity, and make life-affirming choices.

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Teenage Dream” captures the struggles and complexities of adolescence, and these lyrics in particular resonates deeply with my journey: "When am I gonna stop being wise beyond my years and just start being wise? When am I gonna stop being a pretty young thing to guys? When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good? When will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?"* I’ve followed Olivia’s journey since 'Bizaardvark', and seeing her rise to stardom in the 'High School Musical' series was both inspiring and motivating. It reminded me that humble beginnings are not to be despised, as they often lay the foundation for success. These lyrics speak to the stress, confusion, and contradictions of being a teenager—especially when transitioning into adulthood. It’s a time that is often misunderstood and filled with challenges, but also immense potential. The line “When am I gonna stop being wise beyond my years and just start being wise?” stands out because, throughout my college journey, people have often told me that I am “wise” for my age. However, this “wisdom” is not born from life experiences or moments of deep reflection. It comes from trauma, self-navigation, and holding onto my faith. Without much guidance from my parents and with few adults understanding the struggles of this age, I often feel as though I’m forced to figure things out alone. It’s less about being wise and more about survival—trying to navigate this challenging time without truly being able to experience youth, freedom, and mistakes. Another lyric that resonates with me is: “When am I gonna stop being a pretty young thing to guys?” As a young woman, I’ve often felt reduced to my appearance, especially in the eyes of men. Their focus on superficial beauty has made me wary of relationships, as I want to be seen for my ambition, personality, and drive, not just for how I look. This lyric speaks not only to the teenage dream but also to the immigrant experience. Coming from a minority background, I’ve often felt overshadowed by expectations based on my appearance, and I long for people to recognize my worth beyond the surface. Lastly, the lines, “When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good? When will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?” highlight the internal pressure I’ve felt throughout my teenage years. Being told I’m “great for my age” feels like a burden, especially when it’s tied to external expectations. I want to be seen for who I am—not for how much I can achieve, but simply for being myself. I struggle with being misunderstood, especially as a reserved person, and with having my voice overlooked in favor of others’ opinions. Despite these challenges, this song has given me hope. Though it was hard to choose just one lyric or line, It reminds me that even in times of misunderstanding and self-doubt, I have the power to stay true to myself and keep moving forward. Olivia’s lyrics have helped me embrace my journey and recognize that I don’t have to fit into anyone’s mold to be valued. I’m determined to continue finding my voice and push past the expectations of others to become the person I’m meant to be and pursuing my goals for my education.

During my high school years, I had the opportunity to lead a dance team that not only shaped my leadership skills but also taught me valuable lessons in resilience, integrity, and compassion. My journey began in ninth grade when I joined a step team that lacked care and camaraderie. Frustrated by the fast pace, poor communication, and lack of support, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I founded my own dance group called 'Dance Power Crew' starting with just two girls and a vision of creating a space where students could express themselves through dance, build confidence, and be part of something positive. As the team grew, so did the challenges. By sophomore year, our group had expanded to twenty girls, and we began performing at pep rallies and community events like the MLK Day celebration. Leading the team wasn’t easy. I faced drama, financial limitations, and the responsibility of managing the logistics of music, choreography, and rehearsal schedules. There were moments when I had to step up as both a leader and a mediator, dealing with conflict within the group and holding members accountable for their commitment. The biggest challenge, however, came when I encountered resistance and betrayal. Some girls left the team, while others created their dance group behind my back. Gossip and hurtful rumors spread, testing my resolve as a leader. In addition, my team faced setbacks, such as having our music rejected for pep rallies, which created uncertainty about our future performances. Despite these obstacles, I remained focused on creating a supportive, disciplined, yet fun environment for my dancers. I knew that my leadership needed to be based on trust, patience, and care. One of the hardest decisions I faced was when my supervisor asked me to incorporate certain moves that conflicted with my values as a Christian. I chose to step away from the team rather than compromise my integrity or faith, even though it meant risking the team’s popularity and my position as a leader. This decision reinforced the importance of leading with authenticity, even when it’s difficult. I was proud of my choice to maintain my principles, and it gave me the clarity to move forward with confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic ultimately brought an end to my high school dance career, but the lessons I learned continue to shape my aspirations. My time as a leader in dance earned me opportunities to choreograph for quinceañeras and other genres and events, which deepened my appreciation for the power of creative expression. These experiences not only enhanced my leadership skills but also strengthened my passion for helping others. As I pursue my goal of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I plan to apply the leadership principles I honed as a dance team founder. The compassion, patience, and positivity I cultivated while leading my dance team will guide my approach to therapy. I believe that creativity and movement can be powerful tools in mental health treatment, and I hope to incorporate dance as a therapeutic activity in my future practice. My experiences in leadership have taught me that by empowering others, fostering a sense of belonging, and staying true to my values, I can make a positive impact on those facing mental health challenges. While I miss the energy and joy of dance, it will always be a part of my journey, shaping how I approach both leadership and healing in my future career.

As a child, I remember sitting alone in a corner, feeling like I was drowning in a sea of emotions I didn’t understand. My small voice called out for help, but it was lost in the noise of a busy household. At just four years old, I was experiencing something I couldn’t explain—an overwhelming tide of anxiety and despair that no one seemed to notice. It was then, in that quiet corner, that I first realized the weight of mental illness and how it could silently suffocate a person from the inside out. But at that time, I didn’t have the words to ask for help, and my family, like many in my Caribbean community, didn’t have the understanding to offer it. Growing up in a family where mental health was often dismissed as weakness or even shameful, I struggled to find the language to describe my inner chaos. As I grew older, my anxiety only deepened. By the time I entered college, I was fighting a battle with my mind that seemed impossible to win. Freshman year marked the beginning of panic attacks and moments when my body would betray me—hyperventilation, dizziness, and the sensation that I was losing grip on reality. Each day felt like I was drowning, yet unable to scream loud enough for anyone to hear. It was in those dark moments that I made a promise to myself: I would learn to heal, and I would help others heal too. This promise ignited a fire within me to pursue a degree in psychology, adding a minor to my studies with the hope of unraveling the mysteries of the mind. I became determined to understand why some of us seem to be consumed by anxiety, depression, or trauma, while others seem untouched. The more I learned, the more I felt compelled to act—not only to heal myself but to help others who felt invisible, unheard, or ashamed of their struggles. I realized that mental health was not just a personal challenge; it was a societal one, especially in communities like mine, where silence and stigma often cloud the conversation. My goal is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), so I can create a space for healing and understanding in communities that need it most. In particular, I am deeply committed to breaking the silence around mental health in Caribbean households, where it is often seen as a taboo subject. I want to be a voice for those who feel unseen, a safe space for those who feel unheard, and a lifeline for those drowning in silence. I am also eager to collaborate with mental health professionals and organizations locally and internationally to bring mental health education to underserved communities. In particular, I hope to partner with mental health groups in the Caribbean, where I can help create educational campaigns, provide counseling, and promote mental wellness in areas where these conversations are just beginning to take root. As a first-generation college graduate and a member of an immigrant family, I’ve always understood the significance of education as a pathway to change—not just for me, but for my family and the community around me. I am the first in my immediate family to complete an undergraduate degree, and my next goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. This scholarship is critical to achieving that dream and continuing the journey of breaking barriers that many in my family and community have never had the chance to cross.

I sat there in the corner, rocking back and forth with tears in my eyes, crying out for help. As my family walked past me, a four-year-old's voice was heard but not recognized. This was the first time, I realized I was struggling with a mental health crisis. As I felt the anxiety, panic, and sadness take control of my mind, like bees warping around my mind like an endless asphyxiated buzz, I realized how overpowering mental health illness can be and the toll it can have on someone. I could not even explain to my Caribbean family what was happening to me at such a young age, even I was confused about what was transpiring, and as I look back now on my young adult years, it made me wonder 'why I ever struggled with that sort of anxiety and overwhelming emotions at such a young age?'. Entering into my college years made it worse. I had uncontrollable thoughts, each one more chaotic than the last, making it feel like I was losing control of everything—my body, my emotions, and even my sense of self. Freshman year was when I first experienced hyperventilation. Sharing these personal experiences made me add a minor to my degree, psychology. I was curious about how the brain worked and why certain things like depression, anxiety, and even ADHD and other behavioral factors occurred. I'm driven to take meaningful actions that can help those who suffer in silence and are often unable to seek the help they need. As a college student that one day wants to become a LMHC or an LMFT, one of the actions I would like to create to establish a positive impact is to help foster an open conversation about mental health to those who do not quite understand what it might be. What I mean by this is, I want to bring mental health to my family who are all carribean and then hopefully bring my practices to the West Indies. Unforunately, the inhabitants of the West Indies (some in particular), do not understand the severity of mental health and this is what leads to many psychological and genertational trauma. I plan on talking to my own family first about the meaning of mental health and the severity it can cause if not taken care of properly. As seeing some mental health signs in my family and generational line, it would be beneficial to be the generational curse breaker and shed light on some tips and ways to deal with mental health crises. Another way I hope to make an impact is by creating workshops for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who grew up in minority households. Including this along with panel discussions of survivors or those in recovery, support groups, and building community would be a great way to help target some areas of mental health crisis, providing hope for the young generation so the rate of suicide can decrease. Interning and partnering with other mental health professionals can also help me see the different ways mental health has played a role in people's life even culturally. I would love to also partner with others to study abroad (especially to the Caribbean) to have informational workshops over there as well. In retrospect, as a college student interested in mental health, I can make a difference by raising awareness, interning and volunteering with different organizations to support underrespetned groups and communities, conducting research, and making a lasting impact, hopefully leading me to open up my own private practice to advocate for lasting change nationally and internationally.