My journey with mental health has been deeply personal and transformative. I've faced periods of depression and suicidal ideations, especially during times of financial instability and housing insecurity. These experiences were isolating and painful, but they also opened my eyes to the importance of healing not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Growing up, mental health wasn’t something openly discussed, and I often felt like I had to carry my struggles alone. But as I began to acknowledge and confront my pain, I learned the power of vulnerability and self-compassion. This shift changed the way I view myself and others. I now believe that talking about our mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but a step toward liberation. These experiences have also impacted my relationships. I’ve become more empathetic, more patient, and more committed to creating safe, supportive spaces both for myself and for the people around me. It’s why I’ve chosen to study massage therapy. I want to help others find peace in their bodies and minds, just as I’ve worked hard to find it in my own life. My aspiration is to one day open a healing sanctuary within my tribe’s casino, incorporating Native practices and spiritual wellness. I want to build a space where people can feel seen, nurtured, and understood where mental health is honored, not hidden. This vision is directly inspired by my journey, and it’s one I carry forward with strength and purpose.

My name is Dion Bradley, and I am preparing to begin massage therapy school in North Carolina this June. My journey toward this field has been shaped by a mix of personal struggles, a deep desire for healing both my own and others' and a strong connection to my Native culture. I am applying for this scholarship to help support my education in massage therapy, which I view not only as a practical skill but as a pathway toward emotional and spiritual wellness. I have recently experienced one of the hardest chapters of my life. After being evicted, I was fortunate to find temporary shelter with my cousin, who will also be attending massage therapy school with me. This time of instability has been incredibly difficult, but it has also been motivating. When everything else felt uncertain, the idea of creating a future rooted in healing gave me purpose. I've struggled with suicidal ideations and mental health challenges, and in that darkness, I began to explore what it truly means to feel safe, grounded, and whole. Massage therapy stood out to me as a profession that brings those experiences to life not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Mental health and inner peace are very important to me, especially because of what I’ve been through. I want to dedicate a meaningful part of my life and energy to helping others find relief and renewal through massage. I also want to create something bigger than myself something that connects my work to my heritage. As a Native person, I am inspired by the wisdom and healing traditions of my culture. In many Indigenous practices, healing is not just about the body but the spirit. It is about creating balance and honoring the connection between the individual and the world around them. My long-term goal is to open a sanctuary within my tribe’s casino where people can receive massage therapy services enriched by Native healing practices. This space will offer more than physical relief; it will provide a calm, sacred environment where people can reconnect with themselves. I plan to include traditional elements such as sacred rituals, nature-based rooms, and ceremonial spaces that reflect the values of my culture. I want it to be a place that welcomes locals, tourists, and tribal members a place where healing is personalized and rooted in tradition. This scholarship would provide me with the support I need to begin this journey. Financial struggles have made it difficult to move forward, and without outside help, pursuing my certification will be much harder. But I am determined. I am committed to learning everything I can in this program and using that knowledge to build a business that uplifts others, especially those in underserved and Indigenous communities. I believe that my personal challenges have given me a deeper empathy and understanding, which I will carry into every massage I give and every client I serve. Massage therapy is not the only thing I will ever do, but it is something I feel called to do right now. It represents healing, strength, and growth for myself and for the people I hope to help. With this scholarship, I will take the first step toward building something meaningful, something that blends skill, purpose, and culture. Thank you for considering my application and supporting individuals who are working to create change through alternative career paths like this one. Thank you for taking the time to read this Sincerely, Dion Bradley