Relationships have shaped not only who I am, but also the direction of my life. They have taught me what connection can look like at its worst and at its best, and those lessons now guide both my personal and professional goals. I was raised by a single mother in an environment where many of my caregivers were abusive. Because of that, I did not grow up with consistent models of safe, supportive relationships. Love often felt conditional, unpredictable, or absent altogether. As a child, I learned how to survive in those conditions, but I did not yet understand what it meant to feel secure, valued, or emotionally supported. That absence has had a lasting impact, but it has also become one of the greatest motivators in my life. Now, as a single mother myself, my relationship with my son is at the center of everything I do. I am intentional about creating a different experience for him—one rooted in safety, emotional presence, and unconditional love. I want him to feel seen, heard, and supported in ways I did not always experience. This commitment is not just about parenting; it is about breaking cycles. I am actively working to heal generational trauma so that it does not continue through us. That work requires self-awareness, accountability, and a willingness to grow. Because I did not have many healthy relationship models growing up, I have had to seek them out intentionally. One of the most meaningful sources of support in my life has been the mentors I found through my yoga teacher training. These individuals showed me what it looks like to lead with compassion, to hold space without judgment, and to build relationships rooted in respect and care. Through them, I began to understand that connection does not have to be harmful or unstable—it can be grounding, empowering, and healing. These relationships have influenced how I connect with others today. I prioritize authenticity, emotional safety, and mutual respect. I am mindful of how I show up, both for myself and for others, because I believe that the way we treat people matters deeply. I am driven by love—not just as a feeling, but as a practice. That means choosing patience, choosing understanding, and choosing to see people as whole, complex individuals. This perspective directly informs my long-term goals. Professionally, I am pursuing a career in mental health counseling because I want to help others build healthier relationships with themselves and with the people around them. I have seen how much pain can come from disconnection, trauma, and lack of support, and I want to be part of creating spaces where healing is possible. My work as a victim advocate has already allowed me to begin this process, supporting individuals through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I approach this work with empathy, knowing that many people are carrying experiences that are not immediately visible. Personally, my goal is to continue growing in a way that reflects the values I want to pass on to my son. I am committed to therapy, to education, and to overall wellness—not just for myself, but for the future I am building for him. I want him to witness what it looks like to face challenges with resilience, to seek help when needed, and to treat others with kindness and respect. Ultimately, relationships are at the core of everything I am working toward. They are the reason I chose this path, the reason I continue to grow, and the foundation of the life I am building. I believe that what matters most is how we show up—for ourselves, for our children, and for our communities. Through intentional connection, healing, and love, I am working to create a future that is not defined by the past, but transformed by it.

Returning to school while caring for my child has been both rewarding and challenging in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. The biggest challenge has been learning how to balance multiple roles at once—student, full-time employee, and mother—without feeling like I am falling short in any of them. Unlike traditional students, my time is not entirely my own. My schedule revolves around my child’s needs first, which means studying often happens late at night, early in the morning, or in small pockets of time throughout the day. Time management has been one of the most significant hurdles. There are days when I move directly from work responsibilities into schoolwork, and then into parenting, with very little time to rest in between. It requires constant planning and flexibility. Unexpected situations—like my child getting sick or needing extra attention—can shift everything, and I have had to learn how to adapt quickly without losing momentum in my studies. Another challenge has been the mental and emotional load that comes with returning to school after experiencing major life transitions. I became a single mother abruptly after leaving a marriage affected by abuse, and stepping back into an academic environment while processing that change was not easy. There were moments of self-doubt, where I questioned whether I could handle everything at once. However, those moments also strengthened my resilience and reminded me why I started. Despite these challenges, there have been many meaningful and fulfilling aspects of this journey. One of the most rewarding parts has been including my child in my educational experience. We often go to the library together, where I work on assignments while he reads books or practices his computer skills. In those moments, I am not only working toward my own goals, but also showing him the value of education, discipline, and persistence. I have also found fulfillment in being able to apply what I am learning directly to my life. My coursework in psychology and development has helped me become more intentional in my parenting, giving me tools to better support my child’s emotional and cognitive growth. This connection between my education and my role as a mother makes the experience feel purposeful and relevant. Ultimately, returning to school has required me to grow in ways I did not expect. I have developed stronger time management skills, increased confidence in my abilities, and a deeper sense of determination. This journey is not just about earning a degree—it is about creating a more stable and meaningful future for my child and myself. Every challenge I overcome reinforces that I am capable of building the life I envision.

I’ve always stood out in ways that didn’t quite fit into a neat category. I’m 5 feet tall, which already made me easy to overlook physically, but what really made me feel different growing up was my identity and interests. I’m half Black and half White, and for a long time, it felt like I didn’t fully belong in either space. Around my Black peers, I was often told I was “too White,” and around my White peers, I was still very aware that I wasn’t fully seen or understood there either. It created this in-between feeling that was hard to explain as a kid. On top of that, I’ve always been a little nerdy. I enjoy things like playing the ukulele, singing, and spending time in creative or introspective spaces. Instead of that being seen as just a personality trait, it often became something people used to label me. I was called “the whitest Black person I know” more times than I can count. At the time, it made me question myself—how I spoke, what I liked, and whether I needed to change parts of who I was to fit in better. Looking back, I can see that what made me “awkward” wasn’t really anything wrong with me—it was that I didn’t fit into the boxes people expected me to. I wasn’t loud enough for some spaces, not culturally aligned enough for others, and my interests didn’t match what people assumed they should be based on how I looked. That disconnect made me hyper-aware of how I was perceived, and for a while, it made me shrink myself. But over time, that same “awkwardness” became something I’ve grown into. Being in between spaces taught me how to navigate different environments, how to read people, and how to empathize with others who feel like they don’t quite belong. It also pushed me to define myself on my own terms instead of relying on other people’s expectations. Now, the things that once made me stand out in uncomfortable ways are the same things I appreciate most about myself. I still play the ukulele. I still sing. I still enjoy being a little nerdy and creative. And I no longer see those traits as something that separates me from others—instead, they’re part of what makes me whole. If anything, my “awkward” thing has been learning to exist fully as myself in spaces that didn’t always make room for me. And that’s something I carry with a lot more confidence now.

My experience with mental health has shaped nearly every aspect of my life—how I set goals, how I show up in relationships, and how I understand the world around me. It has given me both a deeper awareness of pain and a clearer sense of purpose. There was a time in my life when I struggled with suicidal ideation. Through that experience, I came to understand that I did not want to end my life, but rather the parts of myself that felt overwhelming, painful, or unworthy. That realization shifted how I view healing. It is not about becoming someone new, but about learning how to sit with discomfort, understand it, and grow from it. Therapy and yoga played a significant role in helping me build that awareness, giving me tools to regulate my emotions and reconnect with myself in a compassionate way. That perspective has directly shaped my goals. I am pursuing a career in mental health counseling because I know how life-changing it can be to feel seen, supported, and understood. I want to create spaces where others can safely explore their experiences without fear of judgment. My work as a victim advocate has reinforced this goal, as I regularly support individuals navigating trauma, crisis, and instability. I see how mental health is not separate from someone’s environment—it is deeply connected to relationships, safety, and access to resources. My experiences have also influenced how I approach relationships. I value emotional honesty, communication, and mutual respect in a way that I did not always understand before. I am more intentional about setting boundaries and choosing connections that feel safe and supportive. As a mother, this awareness has been especially important. I strive to create an environment where my son feels secure expressing himself, knowing that his emotions are valid and worthy of attention. More broadly, my understanding of the world has shifted to be more empathetic and nuanced. I recognize that people carry unseen struggles, and that behavior is often rooted in experiences that are not immediately visible. This has allowed me to approach others with curiosity instead of judgment, and to advocate for systems that are more compassionate and accessible. Ultimately, my experience with mental health has not only shaped my challenges, but also my strengths. It has given me resilience, empathy, and a clear sense of direction. It continues to guide how I live, how I connect with others, and how I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community.

What I want to build is an accessible, community-centered counseling practice rooted in both clinical care and lived understanding. My goal is to create a space where people—especially those from underserved and marginalized backgrounds—can access mental health support without feeling intimidated, overlooked, or priced out. I want my practice to be a place where individuals feel safe enough to be honest about their experiences and supported enough to begin healing. Accessibility is at the core of what I hope to build. That means offering sliding-scale services, integrating virtual options, and incorporating holistic approaches such as mindfulness and body-based practices alongside traditional therapy. In my current work as a victim advocate, I see how often people face barriers to care—whether it is financial limitations, lack of culturally responsive providers, or simply not knowing where to start. I want to remove as many of those barriers as possible so that support feels within reach, not out of grasp. At the same time, I am building financial stability for myself and my son. Growing up in a low-income household shaped my understanding of how deeply financial stress can affect mental health and overall well-being. As a single mother, creating a stable and secure life is not just a personal goal—it is a commitment to breaking generational cycles. Pursuing a career in counseling allows me to align my purpose with sustainability. I want to build a life where I can be present for my son while also providing for him in a way that ensures security, opportunity, and peace. This vision is something I am actively working toward. Through my education in mental health counseling, my experience as a victim advocate, and my background as a yoga teacher, I am developing the skills needed to create a practice that is both clinically effective and deeply human. I am learning how to support individuals through trauma, how to hold space for difficult emotions, and how to empower people to reclaim control over their lives. The impact of this work extends beyond my own family. By building an accessible counseling practice, I hope to contribute to a larger shift in how mental health care is delivered and experienced. When people have access to support, they are better able to care for themselves, their families, and their communities. In that way, what I am building is not just a business—it is a foundation for healing, stability, and long-term change.

The most challenging part of being both a student and a single parent is learning how to be fully present in both roles at the same time. Academically, I am required to read, write, study, and think critically. As a mother, I am needed in a completely different way—especially in the small, everyday moments that matter most to a child. The hardest of those moments, for me, is staying present during my son’s imaginative play. After a long day of work and school responsibilities, it can be difficult to shift gears and enter his world with the same energy and attention he deserves. However, through my education, I have learned how essential that kind of play is for his cognitive, emotional, and social development. That knowledge has challenged me to be more intentional, even when I feel stretched thin. Another significant challenge has been navigating this journey after becoming a single mother abruptly due to spousal abuse. That transition required me to rebuild stability while managing the emotional weight of what I had experienced. At the same time, I had to remain a source of consistency and strength for my son. There are moments when balancing healing, parenting, work, and school feels overwhelming. Yet, those challenges have also deepened my resilience. I have learned how to move forward even when circumstances are not ideal, and how to create structure and safety in the midst of uncertainty. Breaking down barriers—both internal and external—has also been a central part of my journey. As a Black woman navigating systems that do not always recognize or support intersectional experiences, I have had to push past limitations and expectations. I want my son to see that, despite oppression and mental health challenges, it is possible to face adversity with strength and purpose. That does not mean ignoring hardship, but rather learning how to move through it with intention. I am conscious that my actions are shaping how he will view himself and his own potential. This scholarship would play a meaningful role in helping me continue on this path. Financial support would reduce the strain of balancing tuition, living expenses, and childcare, allowing me to focus more fully on both my education and my son. It would also give me more flexibility with my time—time that I could reinvest into my studies, my personal growth, and most importantly, my presence as a parent. Instead of constantly navigating financial pressure, I would be able to direct more energy toward building a stable and nurturing environment for my child. Earning my graduate degree in mental health counseling will allow me to create long-term change for my family. It will open doors to a career that is both sustainable and aligned with my purpose, increasing my earning potential while also allowing for flexibility in my schedule. This balance is important to me because I want to remain actively involved in my son’s life as he grows. I want to attend his school events, support his interests, and continue to be present in the ways that matter most. Beyond my own household, this scholarship would also support my ability to give back to my community. My lived experiences—growing up in a low-income household, navigating trauma, and becoming a single parent—have shaped my commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges. As a future mental health counselor, I plan to work with underserved communities, providing care that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible. I understand how it feels to go without support, and I am dedicated to helping others find the resources and empowerment they need to build stability in their own lives. Ultimately, this scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It represents an investment in resilience, in generational change, and in the possibility of a different future. It would allow me to continue showing my son that challenges do not define us, but how we respond to them can shape everything. Through my education and perseverance, I am working to build a life rooted in stability, purpose, and opportunity—for both of us.

My journey as a single mother pursuing higher education has been shaped by both challenge and purpose. After leaving a marriage affected by abuse, I stepped into a new reality where I was fully responsible for creating stability, safety, and opportunity for my son and myself. At the same time, I chose to continue my education, knowing that it would open doors not only for my career, but for the life I am working to build for my family. Balancing full-time work, school, and parenting has required discipline, structure, and constant adjustment. There are long days where I move from work responsibilities straight into coursework, and then into caring for my son. Time management has become essential, and I have had to learn how to be efficient while still giving each area of my life the attention it deserves. There have been moments of exhaustion and doubt, especially when responsibilities overlap or unexpected challenges arise. However, those moments have also strengthened my ability to adapt and persevere. What has made this journey deeply fulfilling is the ability to include my son in the process. Some of my favorite moments are the ones we spend at the library together. While I work on quizzes or essays, he sits nearby picking out books or practicing his computer skills. In those moments, education becomes something we are both engaging in, side by side. I am not only working toward my own goals, but also showing him what dedication, curiosity, and consistency look like in real time. I value being able to model a strong work ethic and demonstrate that growth is always possible, no matter the circumstances. Another meaningful part of my experience has been the opportunity to apply what I am learning directly to my life. In my lifespan development course, I completed a virtual child assignment that allowed me to see the immediate impact of different parenting choices. That experience gave me insight into how my actions and responses shape my son’s development, and it encouraged me to be more intentional in how I support his emotional and cognitive growth. Being able to connect academic learning to real-life parenting has made my education feel purposeful and relevant. Maintaining a healthy balance between work, school, and family has been a priority for me. Taking six credit hours each semester while working full time has allowed me to stay focused without becoming overwhelmed. I have created routines that support both productivity and presence, ensuring that I am not only meeting my responsibilities, but also spending meaningful time with my son. This balance has helped me stay consistent and grounded throughout the process. Through further education, I hope to create long-term stability and opportunity for my family. Earning a graduate degree in mental health counseling will allow me to expand my career and increase my earning potential, while also deepening my ability to support others. I want to build a life where financial stress is reduced, where my son has access to opportunities I did not have, and where I can continue to be present and engaged in his life. More than anything, this journey is about growth—both personal and generational. I am working to build a future that reflects resilience, intention, and possibility. By continuing my education, I am not only investing in myself, but also creating a foundation for my son to thrive.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household taught me resilience at an early age. My mother did the best she could, but we were often left to fend for ourselves, both emotionally and physically. There were times when basic needs, like consistent meals or stability, were uncertain. While those experiences were difficult, they pushed me to become independent, resourceful, and determined. I learned how to navigate challenges without relying on others, and that mindset continues to shape how I approach obstacles today. Now, as a single mother myself after leaving a marriage affected by abuse, those lessons have taken on even deeper meaning. I am determined to break the cycle of instability I experienced growing up. I know what it feels like to live with scarcity, and I am committed to creating a life where my son feels safe, supported, and secure. That responsibility fuels my perseverance—I am not just working for myself, but for the future I want him to have. I am also intentional about choosing a career path that allows me to be present for my son. Counseling offers both purpose and flexibility, allowing me to support others while still showing up for him consistently. Being emotionally available and engaged in his life is something I deeply value. My experiences have shaped my passion for helping others. As a victim advocate, I support individuals navigating trauma and hardship, and I connect with them through empathy and shared understanding. I am actively working toward my goals by pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling, continuing my advocacy work, and building financial independence. Ultimately, I plan to use my experiences to support underserved communities and help others create stable, fulfilling lives.

I am pursuing a graduate degree in mental health because I have seen, both personally and professionally, how deeply mental health shapes the way people experience the world—and how life-changing it can be when someone is truly supported. When I was 19, I lost a childhood friend to suicide. That loss shifted something in me. It forced me to confront the reality that pain can exist beneath the surface in ways that are invisible, misunderstood, or dismissed. In the years that followed, I began volunteering with suicide prevention efforts, facilitating both an art group for individuals at risk and a support group for those navigating life after suicide loss. Those experiences showed me the power of connection, expression, and simply being witnessed without judgment. They also made it clear how many people fall through the cracks when support systems are limited or inaccessible. My journey has not been purely observational—I have also faced my own struggles with suicidal ideation. Through therapy and yoga, I learned how to navigate those thoughts with compassion rather than fear. I came to understand that I never truly wanted to end my life, but rather the parts of myself that felt overwhelming, painful, or unworthy. That distinction changed everything. It gave me a sense of agency and resilience, and it is a perspective I carry into my work with others. Healing, for me, became less about “fixing” and more about integrating, understanding, and reclaiming. Today, as a victim advocate, I work closely with individuals who have experienced trauma, including domestic violence and sexual assault. I see firsthand how trauma, mental health, and systemic barriers intersect. Many of the individuals I support are navigating not only emotional pain, but also financial instability, legal challenges, and limited access to resources. This has strengthened my commitment to pursuing advanced clinical training so that I can provide more comprehensive, evidence-based care—care that is both trauma-informed and culturally responsive. As a single mother, my decision to pursue graduate education is also deeply rooted in the kind of future I want to create for my son. I want him to see what it looks like to persevere, to grow through adversity, and to invest in oneself even when the path is difficult. I am especially inspired by strong Black women throughout history who have embodied resilience and purpose, including Alberta Williams King, who modeled strength, faith, and leadership in both her family and her community. I strive to carry that same sense of intention into my own life and parenting. Ultimately, my “why” is grounded in both lived experience and a vision for impact. I am pursuing a graduate degree in mental health so that I can expand access to care, advocate for underserved communities, and create spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest about their pain—and hopeful enough to imagine something different. I believe that healing is possible, not just individually, but collectively. I want to be part of that change.

As a single mother, my “why” is both deeply personal and generational. I am pursuing higher education to create a life of stability, opportunity, and intention for my child while breaking cycles that have existed in my family for generations. Growing up in a low-income household and becoming a first-generation college graduate, I did not have a clear roadmap for success. I had to learn how to navigate systems, advocate for myself, and build opportunities from the ground up. Now, as I pursue my master’s degree, I carry not only my own goals, but the responsibility of reshaping what is possible for my family’s future. Balancing motherhood, work, and education has required resilience, discipline, and an unwavering belief in something greater. My son is not an obstacle to my success—he is the reason I refuse to give up. I want more for him than what was handed to me: more stability, more opportunity, and more freedom to grow into his fullest self. But beyond what I can give him materially, I am most committed to what I can show him. I strive every day to be a living example of strength, integrity, and perseverance. I often reflect on Alberta Williams King, a woman whose strength, faith, and commitment to education helped shape one of the most influential leaders in history. Her impact reminds me that the example a mother sets can echo far beyond her own life. In that same spirit, I am intentional about the legacy I am building. I want my son to grow up witnessing what it means to rise above circumstance, to pursue purpose, and to lead with compassion. I am not just working toward a degree—I am shaping a foundation that will influence generations beyond me. I am uniquely deserving of this award because I am already living the impact of the work I am pursuing. As a victim advocate supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, I walk alongside individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. This work is both professional and deeply personal. My own experiences with trauma, loss, and mental health challenges have shaped my ability to show up with empathy, patience, and understanding. I know what it means to search for hope in the darkest moments, and I am committed to being a source of that hope for others. Pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling is the next step in expanding that impact. I want to provide long-term, trauma-informed care to individuals who often feel unseen, unheard, or underserved. I am especially passionate about serving underrepresented communities and working to break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing meaningful support. This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in a future where my son thrives, where my community is better supported, and where individuals who feel invisible are met with compassion and care. My journey has not been easy, but it has been purposeful. I am committed to turning every challenge into a stepping stone—not only for myself, but for those who will walk a similar path after me.

My decision to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling is deeply rooted in both personal loss and lived experience. When I was 19, I lost a childhood friend to suicide. That loss reshaped my understanding of mental health, grief, and the silent struggles people carry. In the aftermath, I began volunteering with the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, where I facilitated an art group, a youth group for individuals at risk, and another for those navigating life after losing someone to suicide. Sitting in those spaces, I witnessed both the weight of pain and the power of connection, which solidified my desire to pursue this work long-term. Alongside this loss, I have navigated my own experiences with suicidal ideation. Through therapy and my practice as a yoga teacher, I have built resilience and a deeper understanding of my internal world. One of the most important realizations in my healing was recognizing that I did not want to end my life, I wanted relief from the parts of myself shaped by trauma, including childhood sexual abuse. That distinction became transformative. It allowed me to approach my thoughts with curiosity rather than fear, and to develop tools that support grounding, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. Self-advocacy has been a critical part of my journey. I actively seek support when I need it, set boundaries that protect my well-being, and remain intentional about the environments and relationships I engage in. I approach suicide awareness and prevention through a lens of empathy, education, and openness. I believe that creating nonjudgmental spaces where people feel safe to express their thoughts can be life-saving. Prevention, to me, is not only about intervention in moments of crisis but also about equipping individuals with the tools to understand and navigate their emotions before they reach that point. As a future counselor, I am committed to serving underrepresented communities, particularly survivors of trauma and individuals who may feel unseen within traditional mental health systems. My current work as a victim advocate has shown me the barriers many people face when seeking support, including stigma, lack of access, and cultural disconnects. I plan to integrate trauma-informed care with holistic practices, such as mindfulness and movement, to create accessible and inclusive pathways to healing. Utilizing sliding scales and actively participating in the community will make my services integral to those with low SES. My journey has taught me that resilience is not about avoiding pain, but about learning how to move through it with support and intention. Through my education and future work, I hope to help others find that same sense of possibility and hope whether they are navigating suicidal thoughts or learning to live after loss.