My experience with mental health has influenced my life in many ways. I have been struggling with my own mental health since I was about 11 or 12 years old. The world does not always understand mental health or how deeply it impacts people. At that young age, I started noticing signs of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I did not know what any of it meant back then, but I knew something was off. From that point on, I started seeing the world differently. I was living it from a first-hand perspective, not just hearing about mental health but actually experiencing it. It felt like my world was falling apart. I felt disconnected from myself and from the people around me. I remember wondering why my brain was working against me, why I had thoughts of harming myself, or why my heart would race in social situations. I could not understand why I would freeze up or lose focus when trying to read or write. None of it made sense. As I got older and started interacting more with the world, I realized I was not alone. Other people had stories like mine. I finally felt seen. Although my mental health journey has been difficult, it has given me something I truly value: compassion. I believe in leading with grace and understanding, because you never really know what someone is going through or how your words might affect them. My mental health struggles helped me grow into someone who listens more, judges less, and does their best to support others without needing a reason. My relationships have always been complicated. Past experiences combined with mental illness have made it hard for me to open up to people, trust others, or feel fully safe around them. But those same struggles have also made me more supportive to the people close to me. I have been able to connect with others in ways that go deeper than surface-level conversations. I recognize when someone is hurting, even when they do not say it out loud. My pain taught me how to be present for others in ways I wish someone had been for me. These experiences have also shaped my career aspirations. I want to work in a field where I can be that person for someone else. Whether it is as a therapist, legal advocate, or attorney, I want to be someone who shows up for people who are struggling mentally and emotionally. I want to help people feel seen, heard, and supported. I want to make a difference in someone’s life during a time when they may feel invisible. My goal is to bring light to places that feel dark for others, even if only for a moment. Mental health has impacted my beliefs, shaped my relationships, and pushed me toward a life of service. I am proud of how far I have come, and I know that I am not done growing yet. I want to keep learning, healing, and helping others do the same. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” I have decided to become someone who makes people feel safe, supported, and less alone.

I am different because of my experiences. They have shaped who I am, how I connect with others, and the way I move through the world. My life has been a journey of ups and downs, and while it has not always been easy, those moments have given me something powerful: empathy. There was a time when I felt different in the worst way. I felt like no one understood me or what I was going through. I felt like an outsider, emotionally isolated and unseen. It took me a while to realize that my struggles were not something to hide. They were shaping me into someone who could relate to others deeply and honestly. The very things that once made me feel out of place are the same things that now allow me to show up for others in a way that makes them feel safe and seen. I have been able to turn those feelings into purpose through service. I spent two years volunteering at the courthouse as an Illinois Justice Fellow through AmeriCorps. During that time, I assisted people going through extremely difficult moments, whether it was housing instability, domestic violence, or other personal crises. I was there to listen, guide, and remind them that they were not alone. That they were not broken or undeserving of support. That they mattered. What made me effective in that role was not just the training. It was who I am. I did not show up with judgment or assumptions. I showed up as myself, someone who has felt pain, confusion, and hopelessness, and who came out the other side with compassion and a desire to help others feel less alone. I believe that authenticity matters, especially when no one is watching. I try to live in a way that is honest, caring, and grounded in who I truly am. I think that when we give ourselves permission to be real, we also give others permission to do the same. And that is powerful. We need more people who show up as themselves. Stories, flaws, growth and all. That kind of authenticity creates spaces where people feel safe being vulnerable, where healing can start, and where community is built. I may not have had a traditional path or a perfect life, but I know that my difference is my strength. I use my experiences to help others feel human again, especially during times when they feel the most invisible. Whether it is through a conversation, a resource, or simply being present, I try to make sure no one feels like they have to go through life pretending to be okay when they are not. That is how I make a difference. That is how I use my uniqueness. I show up, I stay real, and I do my best to make others feel like they belong.

I have been impacted by domestic violence — but not in the way most people think. Growing up, my mother was cold, distant, and emotionally unavailable. As a child, I couldn’t understand why. I just knew I wanted a mom who would be present and supportive. I resented her for not being that person. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized my mother had been carrying trauma of her own. People often forget that domestic violence doesn’t just affect the person being abused — it ripples outward. It affects their children, their relationships, and even generations that come after. My mother grew up in a household with six siblings, some of them disabled, and a mother who did everything she could to hold the family together. My grandmother was a kind, God-fearing woman who loved her family and worked hard as a caregiver. But even her strength couldn’t shield her from the pain caused by my grandfather. My grandfather was an alcoholic and unfaithful, and though he provided financially, he struggled with anger and addiction. He abused my grandmother — physically and emotionally — in front of their children. Despite this, she stayed with him. She wanted to raise her children in a two-parent household and believed, with all her heart, that prayer could change him. I don’t blame her. She did what she thought was best in a time where support for women in abusive relationships was nearly nonexistent. But the trauma didn’t end there. My mother grew up internalizing what she witnessed. She never had the chance to fully heal, and because of that, she couldn’t fully show up for me when I needed her. That’s how domestic violence impacted me: through generational trauma passed down in silence. Despite this, I’ve made the decision to break the cycle. As a first-generation Black college student and a young woman committed to change, I’m using my education to rewrite our story. My goal is to become a therapist, legal advocate, or attorney specializing in domestic violence and trauma recovery. I want to amplify the voices of women like my grandmother — strong, but unheard — and make sure their stories are never ignored again. For two years, I worked at a courthouse helping individuals file protection orders, connecting them with resources, and guiding them to domestic violence shelters. That experience opened my eyes even more to the deep, systemic gaps in care and communication that Black women face when trying to escape abuse. I want to help change that — not just through empathy, but through action, education, and policy. Today, my relationship with my mother is healing. We’ve both done the work to understand each other and our pain. The trauma hasn’t disappeared, but we’ve found peace in forgiveness — for my grandfather, for each other, and for ourselves. Domestic violence doesn’t always leave bruises you can see. Sometimes, it’s the emotional damage that lingers across generations. But I believe those cycles can be broken. I’m committed to being part of that change — for my family, for other survivors, and for future generations of African American women who deserve safety, healing, and hope.

My name is (Damirah) Dee Johnson, and I’m a first-generation college student with a passion for helping others. I work as a legal volunteer through AmeriCorps with the Justice Corps, assisting individuals who face legal challenges but can’t afford an attorney. Seeing firsthand the disparities in the legal system, especially for those with limited resources, has fueled my desire to pursue a career in law, social work, or advocacy. I want to make a difference by helping those who are often overlooked and giving them the support they need to navigate life’s challenges. Growing up, education wasn’t always something emphasized in my family, so being the first to attend college is both a personal milestone and a way to set a positive example for the younger generation in my family. It hasn’t been easy balancing work, school, and personal challenges has been tough, but I’m committed to achieving my goals. Education is the key to breaking generational cycles, and I want to prove to myself and others that no matter your background, you can achieve great things with hard work and perseverance. This scholarship would help me continue my education by easing the financial burden that comes with being a full-time student. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on how I’m going to pay for tuition, books, and other essential expenses. With a scholarship like this, I could reduce the stress of working long hours to make ends meet and have more time to devote to my academic and career goals. My long-term goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue a law degree. I’m also interested in furthering my education in social work and mental health advocacy because I believe these fields are essential for creating positive change in our communities. This scholarship would help me get one step closer to these goals, enabling me to gain the education and experience necessary to give back to my community. Ultimately, I want to help people who are struggling, especially those facing legal issues or mental health challenges, and empower them to improve their lives. This scholarship would be a vital stepping stone in my journey toward completing my education and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. It would also allow me to show others that opportunities for low income students exist and that you can do anything you want to do in life. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

My name is Dee Johnson, and I am a 21-year-old college student, volunteer, and aspiring entrepreneur. My journey into entrepreneurship started with a simple goal: to create opportunities for myself and others while addressing real needs in my community. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that resilience, creativity, and a commitment to serving others are essential for success, and those values have inspired me to pursue my business idea. The idea for my business, Elegant Essence Cleaning, came from observing a need for reliable, professional, and affordable cleaning services in my area. Growing up, I often helped family members and friends with deep cleaning and organizing projects, and I saw how much it could transform not just a space, but a person’s mindset and mood. A clean and organized home or office brings peace and clarity, but not everyone has the time or ability to achieve it on their own. I want my business to fill that gap, making life easier for clients while creating jobs for others in the community. What truly inspired me to pursue this idea was my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Cleaning might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact especially for busy families, elderly individuals, and those going through challenging times. I want Elegant Essence Cleaning to be more than just a service; I want it to be a source of relief and joy for my clients. Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced significant challenges, from financial struggles to navigating life as a young adult. However, those experiences taught me the value of hard work, planning, and perseverance. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and this business allows me to combine that passion with my entrepreneurial spirit. My goals for Elegant Essence Cleaning are ambitious but achievable. In the short term, I want to focus on securing funding, acquiring the necessary supplies, and building a strong brand presence. By September 2025, I plan to fully launch the business, offering customizable cleaning packages and eco-friendly options to appeal to a wide range of clients. Long term, I envision Elegant Essence Cleaning becoming a trusted name in my community. I want to expand my services to include organization consulting and partnerships with local nonprofits to provide free or discounted cleanings for those in need, such as families transitioning out of homelessness or individuals recovering from major life events. Entrepreneurship excites me because it allows me to take control of my future while giving back to others. I’ve always been inspired by stories of self-made individuals who used their skills and ideas to create change, and I want to follow in their footsteps. Elegant Essence Cleaning is just the beginning of what I hope will be a lifetime of making a positive impact. Through this journey, I aim to show others especially young women and people of color that it’s possible to build something meaningful, no matter where you start. With hard work, vision, and a heart for service, I’m determined to make Elegant Essence Cleaning a success and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

I am a 21-year-old individual from Winnebago County, a region marked by high crime rates and widespread poverty. Growing up in an area with significant disparities has deeply shaped my perspective on social justice and equity. My experiences have fueled my passion for advocating for systemic change, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. I am currently a volunteer with Justice Corps, a program dedicated to promoting equality within the legal system while tackling complex social issues. This role allows me to assist individuals navigating the legal process, many of whom face the same struggles I have encountered, such as economic instability and systemic inequality. My journey has been shaped by numerous challenges, including personal experiences with mental health struggles, poverty, and trauma. During high school, I struggled a lot with poverty. Despite these challenges, I found the strength to overcome my struggles and achieve success. Which is why I am interested in helping others. Education has been a transformative force in my life. As a first-generation college student, I faced numerous obstacles, but my determination to succeed propelled me forward. I began my academic journey at Rock Valley College, where I earned my associate’s degree in 2023. My experiences there taught me the value of resilience and hard work. I am now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University, with plans to further my education in social work. My ultimate goal is to advocate for marginalized communities, drawing from my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. One of the areas I am most passionate about is urban planning and economics, particularly in addressing issues such as homelessness, gentrification, affordable housing, and sustainability. Growing up in a community with limited resources has given me a firsthand understanding of the importance of equitable and sustainable urban environments. I believe that everyone deserves access to safe, affordable housing and opportunities for economic stability. My experiences have motivated me to dedicate my career to creating solutions that promote social equity and environmental sustainability. Through my work with Justice Corps, I have witnessed the profound impact of systemic inequalities on individuals and families. This has reinforced my commitment to advocating for policies that address these disparities. I am particularly interested in developing strategies to combat homelessness, prevent displacement due to gentrification, and ensure that affordable housing is accessible to all. Additionally, I aim to integrate sustainability into urban planning to create communities that are not only equitable but also environmentally responsible. My passion for this work stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of community and the potential for positive change. I am driven by the knowledge that I can make a difference, not only in my own life but in the lives of others. My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and determination qualities that I bring to every endeavor. By pursuing a career dedicated to urban planning and social work, I hope to be a catalyst for change, creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Growing up, my journey was shaped by struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and the traumas I endured. These experiences were deeply challenging, but they have also paved the way for my personal growth and determination to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others through social work. My story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and a commitment to recovery and helping others. In high school, I turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the chaos and pain in my life. By the time I was a teenager, I was drinking up to eight wine coolers and four shots a day. It became a way to numb myself from the overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, and the aftermath of abuse and assault I had experienced. I felt isolated and misunderstood, without the support or tools to confront my struggles. The drinking masked my pain, but it also compounded the problems I was facing, leading me further away from the person I wanted to be. At the same time, I was navigating the trauma of abuse and sexual assault as a teenager. These experiences left deep scars on my mental and emotional health. I felt trapped in a cycle of shame and self-blame, and my family’s lack of acknowledgment only deepened my feelings of isolation. Despite these hardships, I knew I couldn’t allow these experiences to define me forever. The turning point came when I realized I couldn’t keep living this way. I made the decision to stop drinking and confront the issues that were holding me back. Sobriety wasn’t easy, but it became the foundation of my healing. Through therapy and connecting with supportive people, I started to understand my worth and build a healthier relationship with myself. Seeking help was one of the hardest but most rewarding decisions I have ever made. It allowed me to address the root causes of my struggles and begin to move forward. Education became a key part of my journey toward a better future. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education was daunting, but I was determined to break the cycle and create a new path for myself. I graduated from Rock Valley College in 2023, an achievement that remains one of my proudest moments. College has given me more than an education; it’s given me the tools to grow personally and professionally and the confidence to believe in my potential. Today, I am pursuing a degree at Northern Illinois University, with plans to work in social work or law after graduation. My experiences have fueled my passion for helping others, particularly those who have faced similar struggles with mental health, trauma, and substance abuse. I’ve come to see my story not as one of pity but as one of resilience and hope. I want to use my experiences to inspire others and show them that recovery and growth are possible, no matter how difficult the circumstances. As part of my commitment to helping others, I volunteer through Justice Corps, assisting individuals who are navigating challenges similar to the ones I’ve faced. This work is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to connect with others, provide support, and make a tangible difference in their lives. Through my volunteership, I’ve learned how important it is to meet people where they are and to provide them with the resources and encouragement they need to move forward. Managing my recovery is an ongoing process, but I approach it with intention and dedication. I continue to attend therapy to address lingering traumas and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Staying sober remains a priority, and I actively work to maintain a supportive network of friends and mentors who encourage my growth. Self-care practices, like exercising, journaling, and spending time in nature, help me stay grounded and focused on my goals. Additionally, my educational pursuits and volunteer work keep me motivated and connected to my purpose. Looking back, I see how far I’ve come from the days when I felt hopeless and lost. My experiences with mental health, substance abuse, and trauma have shaped me, but they do not define me. Instead, they have given me the strength and empathy to support others who are on their own journeys of healing. I am proud of the person I am becoming and excited about the future I am building. My recovery is not just about overcoming the past but about creating a life that is full of purpose and hope. Through my education, volunteer work, and commitment to growth, I am determined to make a difference in the lives of others and to show that no matter how difficult the journey, there is always a way forward.

It’s hard to put into words how my anxiety has affected me because it has shaped so many aspects of my life for so many years. As a kid, I was aloof, shy, and antisocial. People including my family would call me mean, weird, or neurodivergent. No one took the time to figure out why I behaved that way; they were quick to judge instead. It was hard being a child and feeling so misunderstood. At eleven, I began experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression simultaneously. I couldn’t understand why my mind worked the way it did. My anxiety was so intense that I didn’t want to eat in front of others or talk to new people. I would turn my head and hide in the corner, avoiding interaction altogether. This lasted from ages 10 to 14. By 15, I started to feel less anxious outwardly, but my anxiety still undiagnosed remained. I avoided meeting new people, disliked crowds, and felt uneasy in supermarkets or unfamiliar stores. Honestly, I still struggle with some of these things. At 16, I took a job as a cashier that forced me to be social. On the surface, it seemed like I had overcome my anxiety. I could hold conversations with strangers and work in an unfamiliar space every day. But inside, my anxiety was growing worse. I became better at masking it, but the constant stress of dealing with demanding strangers and suppressing my anxiety took a toll. It began to manifest physically I would feel sick and shaky in public spaces. Still, no one acknowledged what I was going through. I told myself there was something inherently wrong with me. I thought it was normal to feel overstimulated around others, to have trembling hands when entering public spaces, and to feel depressed after talking to strangers. It wasn’t normal, but it was my “normal.” When I was 18 or 19, I finally had the opportunity to see a doctor and a therapist. I was diagnosed with anxiety and other mental health conditions. Alongside these diagnoses, I started working through the personal traumas I had carried for years. Around the same time, I enrolled in college. I realized that to succeed in college, I needed to address my mental health. Getting help and understanding my anxiety changed everything for me. Pursuing a college degree is deeply important to me because I am the first in my family to do so. College has taught me things I never would have learned otherwise and has given me skills I can carry with me in my personal and professional life. It has shown me that I am capable of doing hard things and being rewarded for them. Being a first-generation college student with anxiety has been challenging, but earning my degree means everything to me. It sets a precedent for future generations in my family, showing them that education is achievable. To me, my degree is more than just a piece of paper it’s a trophy that represents resilience, growth, and a legacy I can cherish.

I have been impacted by all three: mental health, suicide, and LGBTQIA+ experiences. Growing up in a religious and low-income household, I knew from a young age that my life was different from my peers. In my mind, everyone else had loving, upper-middle-class families, while I felt like a speck of dust merely existing. At age 11, I began struggling with extreme anxiety, which was also when I started to have confusing feelings about my sexuality. Raised in a community where homosexuality was considered a sin, I was taught that even feeling depressed was wrong. This left me ashamed of who I was, believing I was inherently flawed. My mental health deteriorated, and between the ages of 11 and 16, I experienced suicidal ideations. During these years, I felt isolated and alone. My family was dysfunctional, and at 16, I experienced the trauma of being sexually assaulted. I sought validation in unhealthy ways, doing things I shouldn’t have for the approval of others. Everything came to a head after a breakup. I remember lying on the ground with a bottle of over-the-counter pills, ready to end it all. My parents, dismissive of mental health issues, insisted I was fine, and that prayer alone could heal the deep trauma and mental illness I carried. At the same time, life became increasingly challenging. My parents lost their income, forcing me to work in a toxic environment where I endured racism and verbal abuse from customers, managers, and coworkers. Education seemed pointless why would I bother when my parents hadn’t gone to college? I felt broken, poor, and hopeless. But something in me refused to give up. Despite my reluctance, I finished high school, a milestone that felt like a small victory. Then I took another step: I became sober and cut off toxic people from my life. A pivotal moment came when someone introduced me to the idea of community college. Though it seemed unattainable as a first-generation college student, I decided to take the leap and applied to Rock Valley College. At first, the transition was overwhelming, but I persevered. In 2023, I graduated, an accomplishment that remains one of my proudest moments. Along the way, I broke the cycle of denial surrounding mental health in my family. I sought professional help, receiving diagnoses for social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. For the first time, I felt validated and seen. Therapy and medication became crucial tools in my healing journey, allowing me to confront and work through my past traumas. Although my story is filled with pain, it is also one of resilience, strength, and courage. I want it to serve as a testament for others especially young, minority, LGBTQIA+ individuals that it is possible to rise above adversity. No matter how insurmountable life’s challenges may seem, you can choose your destiny. You can prove everyone wrong, even yourself. Your future is yours to create. Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to believe in their ability to overcome and thrive.