Before everything changed, I lived to please others. I was what many call a “people pleaser”. I was the “understanding” friend, the acceptable student, and the girl who never made waves. I shaped myself into what people expected me to be. I was quiet and adaptable. But under the surface, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I was never “enough” of one thing or another, caught between labels that didn’t fit. So, I smiled through the confusion, convincing everyone, including myself, that I was fine. Then the world slowed down, and so did I. Then the pandemic hit. Soon all my distractions vanished, leaving me alone with thoughts that were becoming more sinister by the moment. I began cutting myself at that point, leaving tiny, undetectable scars that served as a coping mechanism for me. This became my way of taking control of my life when everything else felt out of control. I kept it a secret. I had to. Suffering in silence seemed more comfortable than running the risk of being perceived as broken. But pain doesn’t stay silent forever. When my parents found out, I was terrified...but that fear led to something life changing: therapy. When I first entered into therapy I did not know what to exspect, but for the first time, I spoke honestly about what I felt. My therapist taught me that I didn’t have to earn love through perfection. She helped me see that imperfection wasn’t weakness...it was proof that I was human. Therapy became the mirror that reflected the strength I had overlooked for years. The more I healed, the more I found my footing again through faith. I started to understand that what I once thought was abandonment from God, was actually His quiet way of holding me up. I no longer felt like I was drowning in silence; instead, I was learning to breathe again. I have altered my way of moving through the world after that change. I began leading to empower people instead of living to please them. A key example of this was my Girl Scout Gold Award project, in which I gave a voice to women and teen girls who experienced abuse through my book, “Silent No More: A Path to Freedom and Empowerment.” I have made it my goal to normalize those difficult talks and became more forthcoming with my friends about mental health. Every time I told a bit of my story, I witnessed others gain the confidence to tell theirs. Looking ahead, I plan to major in psychology and criminal justice so I can eventually become a forensic psychologist. I will be someone who listens not just to stories, but to silences. I want to help people who feel trapped by trauma and remind them that they, too, can rebuild. My path from self-harm to self-acceptance taught me that healing is about turning suffering into meaning rather than trying to erase it. The girl who once hid her scars now uses them as symbols of survival. Helping others discover that same light in their own darkness is what I want to do with my life. I used to think silence was my strength. Now, I know my voice is.

I remember the heaviness in my chest and the gentle hum of the A/C unit when I first met my therapist. My brain was in knots and I was nervous beyond words. She made me feel comfortable with her gentle questions and empathy, which gave me clarity I wasn't aware I needed. I saw firsthand the transformational power of comprehending human behavior and mental health in that calm exchange. I became inspired after realizing how crucial it is to assist others in overcoming obstacles and processing trauma. Psychologhas been important to me ever since, because trust me, you don't want to let trauma marinate. Since then, I decided to study forensic psychology because of this personal experience and my want to change our legal system. Both empathy and analytical abilities are necessary in forensic psychology. It entails applying psychological concepts to actual cases and comprehending the perspectives of those engaged in the legal system, including witnesses, offenders, and victims. I can learn how to evaluate behavior, evaluate the evidence, and advocate for just outcomes in the legal system by combining my studies in psychology and criminal justice. I have the critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills necessary for a successful career in forensic psychology thanks to my STEAM-based education. My ultimate objective is to become a forensic psychologist who works closely with law enforcement and the legal system to evaluate people's mental health, offer expert testimony in court, and create victim and offender intervention programs. I want to use my understanding of psychology to help with investigations, make sure that the law is applied fairly, and provide advice to people who have been impacted by crime. Getting this scholarship would have a big influence on my ability to accomplish these objectives. I could concentrate on my studies, take part in internships, and obtain practical experience in places like research labs, law offices, or mental health programs. I could devote my time to opportunities that will help me get ready for a career where I can truly make an impact thanks to this scholarship. More than just financial aid, this scholarship is an essential step in turning my passion and life experiences into a lifetime career focused on justice and service. I will be able to acquire the knowledge, self-assurance, and opportunities I need to develop into a sympathetic forensic psychologist who is prepared to make a significant, long-lasting impact on people and society as a whole.

One of the most profound and pressing challenges facing the criminal justice system today is the systemic over-reliance on law enforcement and correctional facilities to manage severe mental illness. As community mental health services have shrunk over decades, jails and prisons have become, by necessity, the largest de facto psychiatric facilities in the United States. This situation results in a cycle of inappropriate incarceration, escalating costs, and alarmingly high rates of recidivism. With estimates showing that up to 44% of individuals in local jails have a diagnosable mental health condition. This rate is significantly higher than that of the general population, clearly indicating that the criminal justice system is failing to fulfill a public health role for which it is fundamentally ill-equipped. This criminalization of mental health symptoms not only violates the dignity of the individuals involved but actively undermines public safety by failing to provide the evidence-based treatment necessary for true rehabilitation. My future career as a forensic psychologist will be dedicated to addressing this issue by facilitating systemic diversion and providing specialized, evidence-based interventions. The core of my work would focus on shifting the system’s primary response from punishment to therapeutic intervention, particularly through the establishment and rigorous support of mental health diversion courts. In this role, I would conduct comprehensive forensic assessments, moving beyond mere diagnosis to evaluate the critical nexus between the defendant’s psychological functioning and the precipitating criminal behavior. My evaluations would inform judges and attorneys on the defendant’s competency to stand trial, their potential for rehabilitation, and the specific risk factors for future violence, providing the court with a clinical framework for decision-making. Furthermore, a forensic psychologist serves as a key liaison in designing and implementing treatment plans within correctional settings or community diversion programs. This involves utilizing empirically validated therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to justice-involved individuals who often present with co-occurring disorders, trauma histories, and antisocial features. By focusing on reducing the risks that lead to crime and enhancing protective factors—like stability, vocational training, and social support—we can effectively reduce the risk of re-offense and support successful reentry into the community. My direct experience comes from a personal connection to law enforcement rather than formal volunteering or shadowing. My father is a sheriff in Cherokee County, and ever since I was little, he has shared countless stories of individuals who ended up in prison because our "justice" system did not know how to help them. These stories have stayed with me and shaped my perspective. I care deeply about these people and believe they deserve the opportunity to get better, rather than simply being incarcerated due to a lack of appropriate support. This ongoing exposure has been my primary window into the intersection of mental health and the law, fueling my commitment to advocate for systemic change and more humane treatment within the criminal justice system. I understand the importance of gaining hands-on experience, which I plan to achieve through practical placements and internships during my time at Kennesaw State University and graduate school. This will help me hone the skills necessary to effectively bridge the gap between mental health and the law. After all, jail is never going to heal the sick. The only things that can are therapy, support, and hard work, which offer a real path to recovery. I now recognize that simply diagnosing a disorder is insufficient; the future of criminal justice reform relies on skilled forensic practitioners who can translate complex clinical data into compelling, practical plans for sentencing alternatives and treatment. I am determined to utilize my knowledge to fill this gap, making the necessary connections between behavioral health and criminal law, ultimately fulfilling my goal of becoming a forensic psychologist. Resource: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). About Criminal and Juvenile Justice: Behavioral Health. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/criminal-juvenile-justice/about ‌

I'm always excited to see my Spotify Wrapped results at the end of the year. It usually says something along the lines of: “High emotional intensity! 99.99% of life is narrated by playlists. Likely rapping her heart out to Tupac or shedding tears to indie rock music.” That’s me - chaotic, creative, and completely powered by vibes. I am the most Gen Z person alive because I treat Spotify like my therapist, my hype squad, and my love language all in one. Every mood, every moment, every midnight overthinking session has a playlist to match. Some playlist names include: "I'm JUST a girl", "pov: you're the main character" and "Which knee? Disney." (I mean come on, who doesn't have a Disney mix?) I don’t just listen to music, I feel it. I curate entire soundtracks for imagined futures and aesthetic Pinterest boards. Speaking of which, Pinterest is essentially where I plan my dream (very realistic) future life, and Notion is where I try (keyword: TRY) to organize it. Instagram is where I let my creativity breathe and shine through. I love photo dumps, color themes, and random captions that ALWAYS rhyme. I’m living proof that Gen Z is just a beautiful mess of multitasking and digital dreaming. TBH, I wouldn’t have it any other way! (Follow my Instagram at: Chey2fly_)