The elderly population has always been a population that's dear to my heart. During my undergraduate experience, I worked as a certified nursing assistant on a dementia floor. I learned so much from working with this population and I would like to continue working with this population when I finish my career as an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapy focuses on keeping individuals as independent as possible throughout everyday life regardless of diagnosis or age. These occupations could be anything such as walking their dog, showering, or relearning how to comb their hair etc. Another experience that I've had with this population is volunteering at Signature Healthcare of Bowling Green. Signature Healthcare of Bowling Green hosted a Senior Prom and I helped facilitate this event. I got the opportunity to help decorate, escorted participants, and helped them get dressed. It was such a fun experience and I wish more facilities did similar events. At times I do feel like older populations get overlooked, but they have feelings like everyone else. Getting to know the elderly generation through volunteering was a life-changing experience for me, and I truly enjoyed it.

One of the biggest problems facing the world right now is depression. "Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home" (Torres,2020). Depression is an experience that any one can experience regardless of their ethnicity, age, or salary. Since COVID-19, I've noticed signs of depression amongst my family, friends, instructors, and classmates. One way we can work on this problem is advocating mental health in our schools and work environment's. Some people look at mental health as a joke, but it is a situation that people deal with on a daily basis. About two month's ago I experienced seasonal depression and waking up every day to a numbing feeling wasn't a great experience. If schools and jobs advocated more about mental health, I think that my experience two month's ago would've looked much different. Schools and work is where majority of us spend most of our time, but its also a place where we feel less appreciated. Advocating for mental health could be small thing such as reassurance, listening, and giving additional resources about mental health options. Some people deal with mental health issues and don't even know it, but if everyone was educated on it more it could be a HUGE help! https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ Reference Torres, Felix. “What Is Depression?” Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, Oct. 2020, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.

Dear Papi and Mamita Memorial Scholarship Committee, I am writing this letter to inform you of my interest in this Scholarship. From the research that I've gathered about this scholarship, it is for deserving students who have distinguished academic credentials, while also making an impact by contributing to their peers. Currently, I am an Occupational Science transition student and I will transition to the Occupational Therapy program this upcoming summer. As far as recent achievements, Fall 2021 was my third time being on the principal's list since being a student at Eastern Kentucky University. This was an accomplishment for me as a student because it demonstrated my hard work, dedication, and passion for Occupational Science. This upcoming academic year, I do have a financial need. My parents aren’t able to pay out of pocket for my tuition, and I’ve capped out of my undergraduate loans which puts a financial burden on me. I do think that I am deserving of this scholarship because I’ve worked hard during my time of being a student at Eastern Kentucky University and my academic history can prove that. I do hope that you take into consideration my qualifications for this scholarship, and if you need any additional information you can contact me at ebony_sivils@mymail.eku.edu or at (270)498-3752. Respectfully, Ebony B. Sivils.