One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had with a coach came during a time when I was struggling both with my confidence and performance. I remember a season where nothing seemed to go right for me, I partially tore my acl and mcl, then when I finally got that healed my first day back at practice I dislocated my finger. I thought I was gonna be so behind for the next year and I just kept thinking what I did wrong to get to this point where I’m stuck at the bench. mistakes on the court carried over into how I felt about myself off the court. Instead of letting me give in to frustration, my coach pulled me aside and reminded me that setbacks are part of growth. She challenged me to see mistakes not as failures but as opportunities to get better. She pushed me to work harder in practice, but just as importantly, she encouraged me to believe in myself when I didn’t. That balance of high expectations and genuine care changed how I approached not just sports, but life. What stayed with me most was that my coach never measured success only by the scoreboard. She valued effort, attitude, and resilience, and she showed me that those qualities are just as important as talent. By holding me accountable while also lifting me up, she helped me rediscover my love for the game and reminded me of my own potential. I try to carry those same traits forward in how I live my life today. Like David, I believe in working hard and pushing myself to be the best I can be, but I also believe in lifting others up along the way. Whether it’s encouraging a teammate, supporting a friend who is struggling, or simply showing kindness, I know that effort and heart can leave a lasting impact. I strive to be someone who challenges others to grow while also making them feel seen and supported. The lesson my coach taught me was that toughness and compassion can go hand in hand. This remains one of the most valuable influences in my life. It showed me that leadership is not about being the loudest or the strictest, but about inspiring others to bring out their best while knowing you truly care about them. That’s the kind of person I want to be, and the kind of values I hope to carry forward in everything I do.

I do not plan on pursuing a degree in criminal justice, but I do plan on pursuing a degree in psychology. For most of my high school career so it’s always an important to me to give back to my community. It’s not just an academic choice for me, but a commitment to serving those in the community who are in need. Mental health is often overlooked or misunderstood, yet it is at the foundation of a person’s ability to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Too many people suffer silently, whether due to stigma, lack of access to resources, or simply not knowing where to turn. With my degree, I hope to break down some of those barriers and be a source of support, guidance, and healing for individuals who are struggling. My first goal is to work directly with people who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Many individuals feel isolated when dealing with these issues, and I want to create a safe space where they feel heard and validated. By applying evidence-based psychological principles and combining them with genuine empathy, I hope to help individuals learn coping strategies, build resilience, and discover strengths within themselves that they may not realize they have. Beyond one-on-one support, I want to take an active role in outreach and education. Mental health challenges don’t just affect individuals; they affect families, workplaces, and the community as a whole. By offering workshops, support groups, and educational programs, I hope to make mental health resources more accessible. Normalizing conversations about psychological well-being can reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help before their struggles become overwhelming. I am also passionate about working with underserved populations, including those who may not have consistent access to mental health services. Communities facing poverty, discrimination, or systemic barriers often have fewer resources, yet their need for psychological support is just as great, if not greater. I want to use my degree to advocate for equity in mental health care and help close the gap by providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support. Ultimately, my goal in studying psychology is not only to understand human behavior but to use that understanding to make a difference. Healing happens not only in the counseling room but also through fostering community resilience and compassion. If I can help even a few people feel less alone, more empowered, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges, I will feel I have fulfilled my purpose. Psychology gives me the tools, but my heart gives me the drive to serve.

I’ve played many sports over the years, including basketball cross country, volleyball, and track and field. I played sports all through high school but one of the hardest setbacks I’ve faced was missing an entire year of sports because I was admitted to a residential treatment facility to address my mental health struggles. At the time, I felt like I was losing a huge part of my identity. Sports had always been my outlet, a way to connect with teammates and push myself physically and mentally. Having that taken away left me feeling isolated and unsure of who I was without the game. During treatment, I was forced to step away from the structure and excitement of competing and instead turn inward. It was incredibly difficult to watch my teammates continue to practice and play while I was working on my recovery. At first, I felt like I was falling behind and losing opportunities. But as the months went on, I realized that the time away was teaching me something valuable: sports were more than just an activity I participated in—they were a passion that fueled me, a community that grounded me, and a source of joy that I had taken for granted. When I finally returned to sports after treatment, I came back with a new perspective. I no longer saw practices as a chore or games as just another commitment on my schedule. Instead, I appreciated every moment on the field or court because I knew what it felt like to have that taken away. My setback gave me a deeper gratitude and love for the game. It also showed me that my mental health had to come first if I wanted to succeed in any part of my life, including athletics. This experience turned into a moment of growth and empowerment because it reminded me that I am resilient. I learned that stepping away to take care of myself is not a weakness—it is a strength that allows me to return to the things I love even stronger. Missing a year of sports was painful, but it helped me see that my passion runs deeper than wins and losses. Today, I carry that lesson with me in everything I do: I give my best effort not just because I want to succeed, but because I know how much it means to even have the chance to play.

When I was 14 I was sexually assaulted, my life felt like it was falling apart piece by piece. Depression made even the smallest daily tasks feel impossible, and I struggled to see a future for myself. Over time, the weight of my emotions became unbearable, and I turned to self-harm as a way to cope with feelings I didn’t yet know how to manage. Eventually, I reached a point where I could no longer carry this pain alone, and I tried to end things. I was placed in emergency psych wards and then eventually entered a residential treatment facility. That decision was one of the hardest I have ever made, but it became the turning point in my journey toward recovery. Being in residential treatment was both overwhelming and transformative. For the first time, I was in a safe space where I could confront the reality of my depression and learn healthier coping strategies. The structure of the program, the guidance of compassionate staff, and the support of peers who shared their own struggles helped me realize that I was not alone. I learned practical skills like grounding techniques, journaling, and crisis planning, which gave me tools to manage intense emotions. Just as importantly, I discovered that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength. Recovery, I have learned, is not a straight line. There have been days when the old thoughts felt loud, and moments when progress felt slow. But treatment helped me build a foundation that I continue to strengthen every day. My recovery plan now includes regular therapy, maintaining a daily routine that supports my mental health, and surrounding myself with people who uplift and encourage me. I also prioritize activities that bring me peace and fulfillment, like creative expression and physical exercise. These commitments remind me that healing is ongoing but always possible. My experiences with depression and recovery have not only shaped who I am but also inspired my future goals. I want to turn my struggles into something meaningful by helping others who are going through similar challenges. This is why I plan to pursue a degree in psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a mental health professional. I want to work directly with individuals who are struggling with depression, self-harm, or other mental health conditions, providing the kind of support and guidance that once helped me. In my studies, I hope to focus on trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions that empower individuals to build resilience. Beyond academics, I am committed to volunteering and gaining hands-on experience in community mental health settings, where I can learn how to translate my knowledge into practical, compassionate care. My dream is to create spaces where people feel safe, validated, and capable of healing—spaces that reduce stigma and offer hope to those who feel hopeless. This scholarship would not only help me afford tuition but would also serve as a symbol of encouragement—a reminder that my journey has value and that my future can be dedicated to service. Financial support would give me the freedom to focus fully on my studies and training, allowing me to prepare myself to make the greatest possible impact in the field of psychology. I no longer see my past as something that defines me in a negative way. Instead, I see it as the foundation of my purpose. My battle with depression taught me resilience, compassion, and determination. I want to use those lessons to uplift others, helping them not just survive their darkest moments but find ways to grow beyond them.

I chose Lycoming College because I was drawn to the sense of community and the opportunity for meaningful connections that a smaller liberal arts college offers. Coming from a background where support systems and close relationships played a major role in my personal growth, I knew I would thrive in an environment where professors know their students by name and where collaboration is valued over competition. Lycoming’s commitment to individualized learning, small class sizes, and the freedom to explore multiple academic paths made it feel like the right fit for both my personal and academic goals. Along with the close-knit community I love the homey feel of the campus, i knew as soon as I stepped foot on the campus it was the right place. One of the biggest factors in my decision was the college’s liberal arts approach. I’ve always had a wide range of interests, from art to psychology to criminology, and I wanted to be in a place where I didn’t have to limit myself to just one field. I believe the liberal arts model encourages a more well-rounded education, where creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness are just as important as technical skills. At Lycoming, I’m planning to major in psychology, art, and possibly minor in criminology, with the goal of combining my academic passions with my personal values. Whether it’s through art, mental health advocacy, or community-based projects, I want to be part of something that brings about positive change. My personal journey also played a big role in my college decision. I’ve faced mental health struggles that, at times, made it difficult to envision my future. But through therapy, self-reflection, and the support of my community, I’ve gained a deep sense of resilience and purpose. I now see those challenges as strengths that give me insight and empathy. These qualities I hope to carry into my future career. I’m especially interested in using my education to help others facing similar challenges, possibly through art therapy, counseling, or nonprofit work focused on youth or mental health support. In addition to academics, I’m excited to engage in service and outdoor activities at Lycoming. I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature. I find myself going there when I need to reflect, recharge, and find inspiration. I’m also passionate about giving back through volunteer work, and I’m eager to get involved with campus organizations that align with those values. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career possibly in art therapy, community outreach, or mental health advocacy. My goal is to use my education and life experiences to support others, especially those facing challenges similar to those I’ve overcome myself.