Growing up with a mother who has schizophrenia and a father who struggles with psychotic depression shaped my childhood in ways that were both challenging and formative. From a young age, I had to navigate a household filled with unpredictability, emotional instability, and heightened responsibilities. Simple tasks, like managing daily routines or ensuring our household was functional, often fell on me. These experiences exposed me to mental health struggles early and forced me to develop resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence far earlier than most children. While these challenges were difficult, they also provided me with a deep understanding of the impact of mental illness on individuals and families, shaping how I approach relationships, goals, and my view of the world today. As a child, witnessing my parents’ struggles was confusing and sometimes frightening. I learned to be cautious about my words and actions, always mindful of their moods and needs. At the same time, I developed a strong sense of responsibility and problem-solving skills. I became attuned to recognizing subtle signs of distress and understanding how to offer support without overstepping. These early experiences fostered a heightened empathy for others, particularly for those navigating unseen challenges, and helped me cultivate patience, compassion, and resilience—qualities that now guide my interactions with friends, colleagues, and my community. These experiences also shaped my goals. I am pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management, motivated by a desire to advocate for others, create supportive and inclusive environments, and help individuals navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives. Growing up in a household affected by mental illness instilled in me the importance of understanding, patience, and fairness. I want to bring these values into the workplace, ensuring employees feel valued and supported, and that their mental health is taken seriously. Professionally, I aspire to mentor and guide individuals facing challenges, leveraging my personal experience to provide empathy and practical solutions. On a personal level, my upbringing has taught me the value of strong, healthy relationships. I have learned to communicate clearly, set boundaries, and approach conflicts thoughtfully. I have cultivated a support network of friends and mentors who provide guidance and encouragement, recognizing that resilience is strengthened not only through personal effort but also through community. My understanding of the world is grounded in compassion and a recognition that everyone faces struggles, many of which are invisible. This awareness drives me to approach others without judgment and to advocate for environments—whether at work, school, or in my community—that are supportive, equitable, and understanding. In conclusion, growing up with parents affected by serious mental illness shaped me into a resilient, empathetic, and goal-oriented individual. These experiences have motivated my academic and professional pursuits, influenced how I build and maintain relationships, and deepened my understanding of the importance of compassion and support in all areas of life. I am committed to using the lessons I have learned to make a positive impact in my community, advocate for others, and foster understanding in every environment I enter.

Growing up in the Glendale congregation since the age of four, I was deeply influenced by my parents’ dedication to their faith. My father serves as a ministerial servant, and my mother is a full-time pioneer. While their commitment taught me discipline and the value of service, growing up as a gay individual in the Jehovah’s Witness community presented significant challenges. The strict rules and rigid beliefs of the religion created an environment where I could not fully express my identity or explore who I truly was. For years, I lived with the fear of judgment, rejection, and condemnation—pressures that affected my mental health and sense of self-worth. Leaving the faith was not easy, but it was necessary for my well-being and personal growth. My personal and professional goals are now driven by the desire to live authentically while creating spaces where others can feel accepted and supported. Professionally, I aim to earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management so I can advocate for employees, foster inclusive workplaces, and mentor individuals navigating their own challenges. I want to use my experiences to help organizations understand the importance of equity, diversity, and mental health, ensuring that no one feels silenced, marginalized, or forced to hide who they are. My long-term goal is to become a leader in human resources, shaping workplace culture to be compassionate, fair, and empowering for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. On a personal level, I aspire to achieve stability, independence, and the freedom to live authentically. I aim to continue growing emotionally and intellectually, exploring communities that celebrate diversity, and building strong relationships where mutual respect and understanding are central. Small goals, such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cultivating supportive friendships, and contributing positively to my local and professional communities, serve as important steps toward achieving my larger aspirations. I plan to meet these goals by relying on the resilience I developed through my experiences. Leaving a community that was once my entire world required courage, perseverance, and self-reflection. I have learned to set boundaries, seek support, and pursue opportunities aligned with my values. By combining this personal growth with my education and professional development, I am preparing myself to create positive change, both for myself and for others who face adversity, marginalization, or exclusion. Ultimately, my vision for the future is to live authentically, advocate for others, and build inclusive spaces where people can thrive. My experiences as a gay ex-Jehovah’s Witness have shaped me into someone deeply empathetic, resilient, and committed to making a meaningful impact. I am determined to use my education, skills, and personal experiences to empower others, promote understanding, and ensure that no one feels forced to hide who they are.

My name is DePree Henderson and I am a first-generation college student whose path to higher education has been nontraditional but deeply meaningful. Growing up as a gay African American man in a strict household and facing bullying in school created many challenges that made me question whether college was possible for me. I often felt like I had to navigate life and my identity on my own. Without guidance from family about college or career planning, pursuing higher education felt overwhelming and out of reach for many years. After graduating high school later than planned, I spent several years working and trying to find direction. During that time I doubted my academic abilities and whether I truly belonged in a college environment. However, I eventually realized that the only way to change my future was to give myself another chance. Ten years after high school, I made the decision to return to school while working full time. It was not easy balancing work, responsibilities at home, and coursework, but I remained focused on my goals. In 2024 I earned my Associate of Arts degree with a 3.49 GPA and graduated with cum laude honors. That accomplishment reminded me that persistence and self-belief can transform what once seemed impossible. As a first-generation student, I understand how confusing and intimidating the college process can feel without support or guidance. Because of that, I believe it is important to share my experiences openly with others who may feel discouraged or uncertain about their own futures. Many students give up on higher education because they believe they are too far behind or that their circumstances make success unrealistic. My story shows that education can still be pursued even after setbacks or delays. I plan to inspire and motivate other first-generation students by being honest about my journey and encouraging them to believe in their potential. I want them to see that there are many different paths to success and that returning to school later in life is something to be proud of, not ashamed of. By sharing my story, offering encouragement, and supporting others in my community, I hope to help more students recognize that higher education is possible for them. My goal is to lead by example and remind others that resilience, determination, and self-confidence can open doors that once seemed closed. I want my journey to serve as proof that no matter where you start, you always have the ability to create a better future through education.