Leading Through Adversity: My Journey of Resilience One of the most defining moments in my life came when I decided to return to college as a first-generation student, working full time, and raising a child on my own. At times, it felt like everything was stacked against me. There were days I questioned whether I could handle the pressure of supporting my family while juggling school and a demanding job. But I refused to give up because I knew what was at stake: my future, my child’s future, and the example I would set by continuing forward. The biggest obstacle I faced was self-doubt. As a nontraditional student, I often felt out of place among younger classmates. I worried that I had missed my chance to pursue something meaningful. But over time, I realized that my lived experience brought something valuable to the table: perseverance, maturity, and a clear sense of purpose. Instead of letting insecurity hold me back, I chose to lean in. I showed up to every class prepared, engaged with my professors, and took pride in doing my best, even when it meant studying after bedtime stories and dishes were done. Through this experience, I found strength I did not know I had. I learned to advocate for myself and to set firm boundaries at work and at home so I could stay focused on my goals. I also developed better time management and communication skills, which helped me succeed both professionally and academically. These are the tools that helped me overcome adversity, and they also became the foundation of my leadership. I do not define leadership by titles or recognition. I believe leadership is about taking responsibility, showing integrity, and lifting others up. At work, I lead by creating space for open conversations, encouraging collaboration, and mentoring new teammates. At school, I try to support classmates who may be struggling by sharing resources and offering encouragement. In my community, I have volunteered for local mental health and wellness events, where I hope to one day make an even greater impact through my future career in psychology. My ultimate goal is to serve the community by becoming a mental health professional who meets people where they are and helps them feel seen, understood, and supported. I want to be a bridge between underserved populations and the care they deserve. I know the road ahead will not be easy, but I have already proven to myself that I can overcome challenges with grit and grace. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial strain that comes with being a student and a provider. More importantly, it would allow me to continue building a life rooted in service, leadership, and resilience. These are values I share with Jimmy Cardenas and with others who dedicate themselves to protecting and uplifting their communities. I am ready to carry that legacy forward.

Rewriting the Script: Why I Chose Mental Health I am pursuing a degree in psychology because I believe mental health is not just a subject to be studied; it is a lifeline. For too long, society has separated mental illness from physical illness, treating it as invisible, inconvenient, or even shameful. But I have seen firsthand how deeply it affects people’s lives, and I want to be part of a generation that changes that narrative. My path to this field has been shaped by both personal experience and a deep desire to help others feel seen, safe, and supported. Growing up, I watched people I cared about silently struggle. Their pain was real, but often hidden or dismissed as just stress or a phase. The lack of proper support systems and accessible resources left them isolated, and in some cases, spiraling. I remember wishing I knew what to say, how to help, or even how to understand. That wish became a calling. Now, as a college student and a parent, I approach this field with both compassion and urgency. I know what it feels like to juggle responsibilities while managing stress, fear, and uncertainty. I have learned that healing does not happen in a vacuum. It takes community, connection, and professionals who truly listen without judgment. I want to be one of those people. In a system that failed Brian and so many others, I see an opportunity for change. Mental health care must become more proactive than reactive. It should meet people where they are, before crisis hits. I want to contribute to this shift by advocating for early intervention programs in schools and workplaces, especially in underserved communities. I also believe in integrating trauma-informed practices into all levels of care so that people feel empowered rather than pathologized. Long term, I dream of creating spaces that blend evidence-based psychology with holistic support. These would be places where therapy, peer support, education, and creative expression are all part of the healing process. I want to help break down barriers to care, including financial, cultural, and generational ones. That means working not only with individuals, but also within the system itself by helping to shape policies that are more humane, equitable, and accessible. This scholarship is especially meaningful to me because it honors someone whose story reflects both the pain and the possibility of this work. Brian deserved better. Everyone does. I am committed to being part of the solution through research, practice, and simply showing up for people in ways that matter. I believe change begins with empathy, but it does not end there. It continues through action, education, and a refusal to accept that this is just how it is. By becoming a mental health professional, I am choosing to walk alongside people in their darkest moments and to remind them that healing is possible and they do not have to do it alone.