Some obstacles I've faced in the pursuit of education have been financial burdens. As a first-generation student of a single mom, the resources for getting me into college have been limited. However, as Psalm 46:5 says, " God is within her; she will not fail." I have put my faith in God and believe that I will get assistance to fund my post-secondary education. Throughout this journey, the power of resilience has guided me to where I am today: applying for scholarships. Thankfully, I have been able to take dual enrollment courses funded by my high school. These courses include some of the prerequisites needed to enter college. This has relieved some financial burdens on my family and me, as they will likely transfer to my college. While this has helped us immensely, college is still costly, and we will have out-of-pocket costs. I am also applying to every scholarship that aligns with my background and career goals, seeing each application as a chance to open a door that otherwise may be out of reach. This process isn't easy- it requires time, energy, and sometimes hearing "no" before "yes." But each application brings me closer to finding the support I need. In the future, I am committed to using my education to give back to my community and to advocate for greater representation of Black people in mental healthcare. My post-secondary goals lead me to a career in psychiatry, where I desire to create mental health spaces accessible for black children. As of 2020, 85% of psychiatrists are white, and less than 5% are Black. Through my own family's experiences, I've seen firsthand the challenges the Black community faces in the pursuit of mental healthcare. The lack of culturally competent care available to the Black community contributes to lower mental health literacy and discourages many from seeking qualified providers for support.

Since childhood, Nike has been a staple in my closet–not merely as a fashion choice but as a guiding motto: “Just do it.” This iconic slogan has taught me the importance of giving my best effort, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout high school, I successfully maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher, volunteered over 200 hours, and actively participated in enriching extracurricular activities. This mindset has ingrained in me the value of resilience, a principle I am eager to carry forward as I enter college and pursue my dreams in psychology. My academic journey has been fueled by my passion for understanding human behavior. I plan to take African American studies alongside my psychology curriculum to gain a well-rounded perspective on mental health. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to understand the cultural and historical contexts that influence mental health in Black communities. My post-secondary goals are to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology and then go to medical school to specialize as an adolescent psychiatrist. I am driven by the desire to bridge the gap in mental health care and ensure that individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the support they need. By integrating my education in psychology, with my dedication to service, I envision creating programs that provide mental health education, support, and resources to those who need it. I am particularly passionate about increasing mental health awareness among Black teens in underserved communities. Growing up, I noticed that my community lacked mental health resources and the obvious stigma around seeking help. This made me want to make a difference. Recently, I decided to create an online community for high school students to support them through the challenges of high school. The mission of this community account is to share my tips for dealing with common high school challenges. From scholarships to college application tips for rising seniors, my goal is to provide support for students navigating the difficulties of high school. Each slideshow is designed to be engaging and helpful, highlighting my commitment to making a real difference in the lives of my viewers. Running this TikTok account has taught me the power of using social media for a positive impact and support my peers. As I go on this journey, I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on mental health in my community and beyond. The resilience and determination instilled in me by the " Just do it. " motto will continue to guide me as I strive to create a future where mental health care is equitable, accessible, and effective for all.