Growing up with a family that cares and supports you is crucial for raising children. However, not all parents are able to provide this, and many children around the world find themselves in terrible family situations. If my birth mother, Kim, had gotten her way, I would have been one of those children.
When I was born, Kim was nineteen, without a high school diploma, no money, and wholly dependent on my father, Ronell, for everything. He always gave in to her demands. Two years later, Kim had a daughter with another man, though she claimed it was Ronell’s child. We lived in a condo that was barely suitable for adults, let alone children. My sister and I often sat in filth, and there was rarely any food. Eventually, Ronell had enough and kicked Kim, my sister, and me out of the house. He moved on to create his own family, leaving us behind.
With nowhere else to go and the state government threatening to take us away, Kim turned to her grandmother, whom I call Granny. Granny tried her best to help Kim by providing a room in her house, enrolling her in a high school equivalent program, and supporting me and my sister. Despite Granny's efforts, Kim had only a few weeks to prove to the state of Michigan that she could be a good mother. Unfortunately, Kim's mental health issues prevented her from wanting to fix her life, and she lost custody of us. At that point, my Granny stepped in and adopted my sister and me, providing the stable home and love that we desperately needed.
Witnessing my mother’s struggles with mental health deeply impacted me. It instilled in me a determination to succeed and break the cycle of instability that plagued my early years. This experience has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world.
The tumultuous environment I grew up in motivated me to strive for a better future. I saw education as the key to escaping the cycle of poverty and instability. This led me to Morehouse College, where I am currently a rising sophomore and an Oprah Winfrey Scholar. The scholarship is not just a financial aid; it is a symbol of my commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility. The program has connected me with mentors and resources that have been instrumental in my personal and academic growth.
At Morehouse, I am involved in several organizations, including the CAU Panther, Clark Atlanta TV, the Morehouse Writing and Thinking Society, the Spelman Cosmetics Society, and the AUC swim club. Each of these activities allows me to develop different facets of my personality and skills. My experience with my mother’s mental health issues has made me resilient and driven, qualities that help me excel in these roles.
My early experiences taught me the importance of supportive relationships. The instability and neglect I faced made me value the few stable relationships I had, particularly with my Granny. These experiences have made me a compassionate and empathetic friend, always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand.
However, my past also made me cautious in forming new relationships. I have a heightened awareness of the potential for instability and disappointment. This awareness initially made it difficult to trust others, but over time, I learned to balance caution with openness. My involvement in various campus organizations has helped me build a strong support network, which is crucial for my mental well-being and success.
Growing up in a challenging environment gave me a unique perspective on the world. I understand that mental health issues can devastate individuals and their families. This understanding has fueled my passion for journalism, particularly in covering stories related to mental health and social justice. As a member of the CAU Panther and Clark Atlanta TV, I aim to use my platform to raise awareness about these critical issues and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
My experiences have also made me acutely aware of the systemic issues that contribute to mental health problems. I have seen firsthand how poverty, lack of education, and inadequate support systems can create a cycle of despair. This awareness drives me to succeed not just for myself but to be a catalyst for change in my community.
In conclusion, my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. They have made me resilient, driven, and compassionate. As an Oprah Winfrey Scholar at Morehouse College, I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on the world. My mother's struggles with mental health were a catalyst for my determination to succeed, and they continue to inspire me to strive for excellence and advocate for change.