Hi there, my name is Courtney Dudley, and I'm a rising senior at John Ehret High School, from the small town of Marrero, Louisiana. I have developed a strong interest in psychiatry, inspired by personal experiences and the gaps I've noticed in mental health support for Black women. My story is one of resilience and hope, demonstrating how we can find strength in our strongest moments. It's about the power of faith, family, and the belief that no matter how tough things get, we can rise again. During my freshman year of high school, my world turned upside down when my mother was diagnosed with a rare type of stage 4 cancer. As the middle child, I had to step up in ways I never anticipated. My eldest sister was often working to help provide since my mother could no longer work, which meant that I had to take on the household responsibilities. Balancing my schoolwork and new household duties, I often found myself exhausted but determined to persevere. I vividly remember one night during my freshman year, sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by textbooks and notes. The house was silent; my siblings were asleep, and my mom was resting after her treatment. My heart was filled with worry, but I pulled through telling myself " Just one more chapter, just one more problem set. " This mindset helped me overcome the daily challenges and stay focused on my goals. As the months went by, the weight of these new responsibilities felt like a full-time job. I balanced my school assignments with the demands of maintaining the household and caring for my mother. Even though I was exhausted, I remained dedicated to my studies, motivated by the belief that education was not only a personal achievement but a chance to create a better future for both myself and my family as a first-generation college student. Through these experiences, I also witnessed how hard it was for my mother to find a psychiatrist who could truly understand her struggles. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Black women make up only 2% of practicing psychiatrists in the United States, which made it ten times harder for her to find a psychiatrist who resonated with her as a Black woman. The difficulties my mother faced inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry, where I aim to offer the empathetic and effective care that was hard for her to find. My experiences have greatly shaped the woman I am becoming, building a sense of empathy, resilience, and determination. They have also influenced my decision to attend an HBCU, where I can experience a supportive community and gain valuable insights from Black professors in psychology who represent the 2% of Black professionals in the field. These trials have not only strengthened my resolve but have also clarified my purpose. My goal to become a pediatric psychiatrist stems from the gaps and experiences I witnessed in health care for Black individuals. Attending an HBCU will allow me to connect with mentors who understand my experiences and will equip me with the knowledge and support needed to fulfill my mission. I am driven by the hope of making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and improving the lives of those, like my mother, who seek understanding and care.

During my freshman year of high school, my world turned upside down when my mother was diagnosed with a rare type of stage 4 cancer. As the middle child, I had to step up in ways I never anticipated. My eldest sister was often working to help provide since my mother could no longer work, which meant that I had to take on the household responsibilities. Balancing my schoolwork and new household duties, I often found myself exhausted but determined to persevere. I vividly remember one night during my freshman year, sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by textbooks and notes. The house was silent; my siblings were asleep, and my mom was resting after her treatment. My heart was filled with worry, but I pulled through telling myself " Just one more chapter, just one more problem set. " This mindset helped me overcome the daily challenges and stay focused on my goals. As the months went by, the weight of these new responsibilities felt like a full-time job. I balanced my school assignments with the demands of maintaining the household and caring for my mother. Even though I was exhausted, I remained dedicated to my studies, motivated by the belief that education was not only a personal achievement but a chance to create a better future for both myself and my family as a first-generation college student. Through these experiences, I also witnessed how hard it was for my mother to find a psychiatrist who could truly understand her struggles. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Black women make up only 2% of practicing psychiatrists in the United States, which made it ten times harder for her to find a psychiatrist who resonated with her as a Black woman. The difficulties my mother faced inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry, where I aim to offer the empathetic and effective care that was hard for her to find. My experiences have greatly shaped the woman I am becoming, building a sense of empathy, resilience, and determination. They have also influenced my decision to attend an HBCU, where I can experience a supportive community and gain valuable insights from Black professors in psychology who represent the 2% of Black professionals in the field. These trials have not only strengthened my resolve but have also clarified my purpose. My goal to become a pediatric psychiatrist stems from the gaps and experiences I witnessed in health care for Black individuals. Attending an HBCU will allow me to connect with mentors who understand my experiences and will equip me with the knowledge and support needed to fulfill my mission. I am driven by the hope of making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and improving the lives of those, like my mother, who seek understanding and care.

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." This quote by Nelson Mandela has always resonated with me. It has taught me the importance of resilience and the courage to face challenges head-on. Cancer has been the biggest challenge I've faced in my 17 years on this Earth. In 2020, I found out my mother had cancer, and it crushed me. Fresh out of school due to COVID-19 and excited to spend family time, I instead spent my days slowly draining the life out of my mother. This experience was a profound test of my strength and resilience. My mother's courageous battle with cancer and eventual victory became a profound reminder of this truth. Her resilience in the face of her illness inspired me to continue pushing through my challenges and deepened my determination to face obstacles with courage. It taught me about the inevitability of falling, the strength of the human spirit to rise again, and the importance of cherishing every moment. In facing these hardships, I found comfort in Nelson Mandela's Words: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." Receiving this scholarship would be incredibly meaningful for me. It would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and goals without worrying about how I would afford it. Most importantly, it will affirm the perseverance I have demonstrated in the face of adversity. My mother's battle with cancer not only impacted my personal life but shaped my academic journey. Despite the emotional and psychological toll, I remained committed to my studies, driven by a desire to make my mother proud and secure a future where I can help others. This scholarship would stand as a testament to my commitment and offer support for advancing my career as a children's psychiatrist. As a Christian, I have always been taught to love and serve others. I have a deep passion for helping those in need, which has been instilled in me since a young age. I plan to pay this forward by continuously dedicating myself to helping others. As a future, children's psychiatrist, I aim to provide compassionate care and support to children and their families, particularly those dealing with severe illnesses and mental health challenges. I want to be a source of strength for them, just as others have been there for me during difficult times. Furthermore, I plan to use my experiences to advocate for better mental health resources and support systems for children and families. My journey with adversity has equipped me with a unique perspective and a deep empathy that will enable me to connect with and support my patients. My experiences with adversity have taught me essential lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of support systems. By overcoming these challenges, I've developed a deep understanding of the struggles others may be going through and a strong desire to make a positive impact in others lives. I am determined to use my education and experiences to m contribute to the mental health field.

Making a positive impact on the world is a deeply rooted personal and aspirational goal for me, rooted in my passion for psychology and mental health advocacy. As I pursue a career in psychology, I have many ways in mind to contribute to societal well-being. Firstly, my goal is to specialize as a clinical psychiatrist, focusing particularly on helping with their mental health. Adolescence is a critical time when young people face significant emotional, social, and academic challenges. I aim to provide evidence-based therapies and interventions that empower adolescents to build resilience, manage stress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. This way, they can recognize signs of mental health issues early and learn effective coping strategies. Additionally, I am committed to addressing mental health disparities, especially in communities that lack access to mental health services. It is concerning to observe that Black youth are roughly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to white youth. These disparities often stem from cultural stigma and socioeconomic barriers. I plan to collaborate with community outreach programs and healthcare providers to create raise awareness of mental health, teach effective coping strategies, and connect individuals with necessary resources. Research is essential to advancing our understanding of mental health disorders and improving treatment outcomes. I look forward to participating in studies that explore effective therapies, examine how cultural factors impact mental health and aim to reduce disparities in access to mental health care. By contributing to the field of psychology, I hope to promote evidence-based practices and policies that ensure everyone has equitable access to mental health support. In addition to clinical work and research, advocacy and education are significant parts of my mission. Education is key to reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention for mental health issues. I am passionate about advocating for comprehensive mental health education in schools, ensuring that students learn how to prioritize emotional well-being. By fostering open conversations and creating a supportive environment, I aim to make it normal to seek help for mental health concerns. In conclusion, my ultimate goal is to contribute to a world where mental health is universally understood, supported, and valued. Through my work in clinical practice, research, community outreach, and advocacy, I am committed to making a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities affected by mental illness. Together with like-minded individuals, I believe that we as a community can promote mental health equity and create positive change on a global scale.

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.