I am a huge fan of music. Music helps me feel my feelings and understand what I am feeling. It is very important to me. The song that has given me the most important message is called "Rise Up" by Andra Day. This song has so much importance in my life because it talks about how tiring life can be, how much one may want to give up, going through the motions of life and talks about how strong that person is for continuing. The song emphasizes on "rising up" against all of the challenges times, and not giving up... trying over and over again no matter how much work it may be. There is validation in this song that yes, life sucks AND life will get better. It is temporary. At the end of the day, all of the work is worth it because every single person deserves the best in life.

I believe I should be awarded this scholarship to help me pursue my dreams of graduating college with my bachelor's degree in psychology and go into graduate school for social work. I have survived three suicide attempts, which led me into being extremely interested in psychology. I have always enjoyed helping others, but with the struggles I have endured, I had a clear image of what I want to do. I want to lessen the stigma towards mental health. I want other that are struggling to know they are not alone, and that there are resources. I am planning to become a mental health therapist. I would like to become a DBT therapist, as it has tremendously helped me. I have been through so much, and always pushed away my dreams. I am capable of achieving anything I put my mind to. Unfortunately, I am paying my way through college. With being awarded this scholarship, I will be able to focus more on classes and less on work.

My struggles with mental health truly changed my future and outlook on many different things. My career goal was always to help people. I went into Human Resources management in college because I was helping someone, but felt as though I was not “smart” enough to go into psychology. I had my first suicide attempt that required intervention in April, an overdose in May, and most recently, in July. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve seen a lot. I am not the same person I was a year ago. Some may say they want the old me back, but this me… I have such a more gentle outlook on life. I have become more gentle with myself, and continue to work on myself every single day. I’m smart, and I have the potential to do anything as long as I put effort into it. I changed my major to psychology, and I’m going to get my bachelors, and then my masters! I’m determined to. I want to help people. I have felt alone for so long. I felt hopeless, and defeated. I want others to know that yes, these feelings are 100% valid, and also that they do not have to go through it alone. That, that is my goal. To end the mental health stigma. To help others. Relationships have been so much more at ease. I no longer give time and energy to those who do not deserve it. It’s not something I deserve. I am able to communicate better with my friends. Life is hard. We all need to be here for each other. We need to check up on each other. What we do everyday is not easy stuff. I don’t think we are all given enough credit for that. I’ve also learned that materialistic things mean absolutely nothing especially if one’s mental health is not in a good place. You could give me all the money in the world, but if I’m unwell, it won’t matter. The world needs to be a nicer place to be.