Every person’s experience has culminated differently that would lead them to deciding against going to college. This is why it would be important to take an individualized approach to trying to convince them to go to college. First, I’d try to understand what their personal reservations about attending college were, then I would impress upon them the significance that obtaining a college education can bring. Once a person sees value in what they are doing, they will have more motivation to do that. A college degree is more than just a piece of paper. A degree tells employers that you have demonstrated commitment and developed skills that allowed you to accomplish a great feat. With a degree, you also stand apart from a pool of applicants which many people do not realize, is necessary in competitive career fields. In my effort to convince a peer to attend college, I would find out their true desires and passion. Then I would look for careers in the field study that they have identified. The next thing I would do is take the time to print out job descriptions which include the minimum qualifications and pay scales. Some people are visual learners, so I would use the information I obtain to show them what their potential income could be. I would encourage them to not become discouraged with the timeframes it takes to obtain a degree, whether it is two years, four or more. I would encourage them to just take the first step by enrolling in one class, then another and another. I would check in with them regularly and offer to assist as guide them through the process to the best of my abilities. Taking the first step may be the scariest part but reassuring them that they are supported in this journey is essential. Lastly, I would tell them that though people may go in fearful and overwhelmed with questions of what they will study and how many people they meet, they emerge as creative, well-rounded adults ready to take on the new challenges of the work force. College is an amazing journey that provides an invaluable experience that I cannot recommend enough to everybody.

I have lived in California my entire life and attended a public elementary, middle and high school, all of which were identified as distinguished education institutions. I have always been very committed to my education and studies, so not only did I attend these schools, but I was accepted into the specialized education programs that focused on students who excelled in their studies and demonstrated advanced learning capabilities. In elementary school, I participated in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program, which proved to be extremely beneficial to me. The program required that I develop good study habits which, in turn, resulted in good grades. Elementary school introduced me to fine arts and it is at this time that I joined orchestra, playing the violin. In addition, it taught me the significance of socialization and teamwork and although I did not realize it then, it was teaching me the significance of having an outlet to maintain a balanced life. In middle school, I continued in Orchestra as well as participating in the GATE Program. Other programs offered that I participated in were Odyssey of the Mind and Leadership. These programs were a continuation of those from elementary school and proved to be equally important in my educational journey. These programs introduced me to and planted the seed for demonstrating advanced writing skills, critical thinking, and the importance of effective communication through both individual and group projects. High school offered a number of programs such as Associated Student Body (ASB), International Baccalaureate (IB) and the National Honors Society. The four years I spent involved in these programs challenged me to dig deep within myself and catapulted me into the next realm of educational excellence. They capped that which I had learned about establishing work ethics, dedicated study habits, teamwork and again, effective communication. Beyond that, they challenged me to demonstrate my verbal, written and critical thinking skills, as well as the necessity of teamwork and the necessity to adhere to established deadlines. As I navigated through school, working with my teachers and guidance counselors and through my continued participation in orchestra and other electives and extracurricular activities, I was reminded of the importance to work hard, but not take life so seriously, that I forget to enjoy (life). Many of my classes and programs proved to be of significance by challenging me to demonstrate my verbal and written skills, teamwork, and the significance of deadlines. Essentially, each level of education prepared me for the next and combined, they established the foundation that effectively prepared me for higher education from an academic and social perspective. With regard to my emotional preparedness, I feel that as I grew, I was properly prepared in each grade for what was next to come. I believe that naps in Pre-K and finger-painting in kindergarten were essential elements to my emotional development. Learning to color, sometimes outside the lines, without judgment or criticism, helped me realize that life is not always perfect. Writing in pencil and being able to erase and “do it over,” let me know that even though in life we make mistakes, they don’t have to be permanent, again, we often have the opportunity to do things over. In middle school, I continued to evolve emotionally as discovered my inner strengths and my individuality. In high school, I discovered acceptance and developed friendships and bonds with some people who, to this day, I am still fortunate enough to call my friends. In summary I believe that my experiences in public school properly prepared in all ways, academically, socially and emotionally for college.

1. My desired field of healthcare is mental health. I was inspired by my mother, who is a first responder because hearing her experiences working in law enforcement through the years I have come to realize that most people need help more than anything. Also, as a woman of color who has struggled with mental health, I have had experience with the field on the front and back ends, and know where there is room in the field and society to improve mental health conversations and practices. 2. Mental health is a taboo subject for much of the Black community, and it does not help that there are not many Black psychologists. By becoming a doctor in this field, I intend to further the discourse of what mental health problems look like in the black community, as well as how to address them. As a Black woman, I provide knowledge of an experience that has been overlooked and underrepresented for years in the mental health field. 3.Currently, I am working part-time to support my way through college. While I have been able to maintain a 3.8 GPA to this point, as I approach my fourth and final year at California State University, San Bernardino, I would like to prioritize academics and field experience to make myself competitive for graduate programs. Additionally, to make myself a more well-rounded Grad school candidate and healthcare professional, I have begun a Sports psychology certificate program that has added to my tuition costs. Between anticipated Graduate school application fees and tuition costs, being awarded this scholarship would allow me to reduce my financial strain enabling me to focus on accomplishing my post-graduate goals. 4. In the next ten years, I have big plans for myself. First, I plan to obtain my Psy.D in Clinical Psychology. Then I want to establish my career either working for the county of San Bernardino or the state of California. Once I have accomplished that goal, I want to return to my undergraduate alma mater as a professor and offer courses that were not offered to me so that students that are interested in mental health fields have the opportunity to explore more concentrations than the ones I was offered. My ultimate goal in the next ten years, however, is to open a scholarship foundation, in honor of my mother Teneka Hayes, whose commitment to Law Enforcement and unwavering support of my education has not only inspired me but has gotten me to where I am today and where I know I will be, in ten years or less.