Hi im Erieal Fondren and im a senior South Panola High School. Working in school has its pros and cons. Some pros are you can are learn time management. So learning how to use the time you have for the things you need. You can afford things yourself. Senior year is SO EXPENSIVE and although i cant afford everything myself i can purchase the things i need with minimal help from family. It gives you some sort of responsibility you’ll need beyond school. Now its cons could be that based on your schedule you might not have time to study or do any extra things for school until you off day but if you don’t have any off days in the meantime you’ll have to cut into your schedule. You can’t have fun if its not time on your schedule and this is the time to have fun before everything starts to be taken serious. Despite the cons it has all that will help you in the big world. If you learn anything from work-experience while being educated learn to put what matters first. Have fun later. Make your money and dont stress yourself out doing it.

My name is Erieal Fondren, i am a senior in high school, I am 17 years old, and i go to South Panola High School in Batesville Ms. I am majoring in Psychology so that I can be the next Counseling Psychologist with my Ph.D. I want a positive impact in the world because I am all about positivity and helping in areas people are not comfortable talking about because they are afraid of judgment. So making them feel as comfortable as possible is my intention so that they can open up and not keep everything balled inside. My resilience and passion for helping others shine through every word. Keeps me striving for my goals! Thats a change in society that i want to try to make because there have been many deaths such as suicide because people felt like they had nobody to open up to. A person who inspired me the most is Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark. She was a pioneering psychologist and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University. Her work, especially with children, had a huge impact on the field of counseling psychology. She and her husband, Dr. Kenneth Clark, conducted important research on the psychological effects of segregation which played a key role in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Their work helped to end segregation in American. I’ve done a lot of research about her because back then, being a black woman in college could have been harder due to the intersecting challenges of racism and sexism. Black women faced discrimination and prejudice on multiple fronts, often dealing with stereotypes and limited opportunities. Compared to now where black women and men are honored for coming up in the world. Although we still may face obstacles based on our skin color it's inspiring to see how far we've come and the resilience of those who paved the way. She really made me believe that i could make a difference in the world or at least a single person’s life. She did so much to better the world and she inspired me to want to be the next Counseling Psychologist in the world. What inspired me the most was her determination, resilience, and contributions to the field. Even though she is not the only person who inspired me she is the one i chose in honor of black history month.

My name is Erieal Fondren, i am a senior in high school, I am 17 years old, and i go to South Panola High School in Batesville Ms. I have been accepted to University of Mississippi. I have a dream and I am going to conquer it NO MATTER WHAT!! I am majoring in Psychology so that I can be the next Counseling Psychologist with my PHD. I chose that major because of what I grew up around and my environment so I am familiar with mental health and issues. I have always been big on helping people. I have always been that friend out of the group that they will come to whether I have been through it or not because I provide the best input and have the best outcomes. My mom is mentally ill and she took care of me and my siblings all alone and she did a great job with all of us with what she could provide because she was only living off of SNAP benefits and a $900 SSI check when our rent was $600. She still managed to make ends meet without a jobs and being a single mom. My mom only asked for one thing from me and my siblings and that was to excel in school so thats was my main thing in school and that is exactly what i did despite my 9th grade year when i was virtual and that completely DEMOLISHED my GPA. From 10th grade until now I have made all a’s and one or 2 b’s. So my GPA is sitting at a 3.5. My senior year is so expensive and we are barely making ends meet so just imagine college. I don't want my kids to have to grow up like that. I want a positive impact in the world because I am all about positivity and helping in areas people are not comfortable talking about because they are afraid of judgment. So making them feel as comfortable as possible is my intention so that they can open up and not keep everything balled inside. My resilience and passion for helping others shine through every word. Keeps me striving for my goals! Thats a change in society that i want to try to make because there have been many deaths such as suicide because people felt like they had nobody to open up to. I have witnessed a suicide attempt and it hurted me to the core because i am not a judgemental person so i felt like i could have prevented it. I have done research on Counseling psychologists. Counseling psychologists make a change in the world by providing support, guidance, and therapy to individuals who are facing mental health challenges. They help people navigate through difficult emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall well-being. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, counseling psychologists empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives and relationships. Their work not only has a direct impact on individuals but also contributes to building a more compassionate and understanding society. That is exactly what I strive for. Once again I am Erieal Fondren and I hope this essay will be heartfelt to one of you. This means a lot to me and when I saw the email that you guys were offering a scholarship to high school seniors I knew I had to apply. So thank you for your time and hopefully support for my success!

I am really focused on becoming a counseling psychologist. I believe by helping individuals to overcome their challenges and improve their mental well-being, I can contribute to a better world by letting them know GOD IS KEY. It's not just about the one-on-one sessions, but also about the broader impact of creating a more compassionate society. Let me share a short story. Once, during my shift at Taco Bell, I encountered a customer who seemed particularly down. Despite the rush, I took a moment to genuinely ask how they were doing. That small act of kindness opened up a conversation where they shared their struggles and opened up to me about how she didnt have a place to stay and she inly had enough money to buy food for her kids or get a room for the night so she chose food because her kids were surviving off of a shared meal from two days prior. I listened, and by the end of our brief interaction, they seemed a bit lighter. I even bought the hotel room for the night and I made a gofundme and let her know i was responsible for the money so she had to take to the money and get on her feet and make a living for her amd her kids and enroll them in school and if she didn’t i was going to let the kids go with someone who was capable of taking care of them. I believed she could it. God spoke to me and allowed her to open up to me and share her struggles because i know that its hard. I wouldn’t even know she was dealing with anything from the way she walked in with her head held high. The gofundme raised over $9000 within 2 days. She now has two jobs and her and the kids are in a 4 bedroom apartment. This experience reinforced my beliefs that even the simplest gestures from GOD of understanding can make a significant difference. It is these everyday moments that fuel my passion for my future career, where I plan to weave in my belief in the power of empathy and support to foster change, one person at a time. That experience changed my whole life. It was GOD with me and her that night and the way someone life can change over with GOD IS MAGNIFICENT! I truly believe in God and forever will.

Growing up in a family with a strong military background has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and my educational journey. My grandfather served in the military, and his stories of camaraderie, discipline, and resilience have always inspired me. His dedication to service and country instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a meaningful impact in my own career. As a reflection of these values, my educational goals are centered around becoming a counseling psychologist. I am currently a college student, deeply committed to my studies, and actively seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. My academic journey is not just about attending classes; it's about engaging in research, seeking internships, and taking on leadership roles that will prepare me for the future. I envision my post-graduation life as a continuation of my commitment to service. I aim to work in a setting where I can support individuals through their challenges, foster mental well-being, and contribute to the greater good. Whether it's through a private practice, a healthcare institution, or community centers, I see myself applying the principles I've learned from my family's military experience and my education to help others. The discipline and structure I've admired in my grandfather's military service are the same qualities I bring to my academic pursuits. I am dedicated to maintaining a high GPA, volunteering in my community, and participating in extracurricular activities that enhance my understanding of human behavior. These experiences have not only contributed to my personal growth but have also honed my leadership skills, making me a better team player and a more empathetic listener. My time as a front counter cashier at Taco Bell, though seemingly unrelated to my career path, has been invaluable. It taught me the importance of clear communication, quick problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure—skills that are essential in the field of psychology. The responsibility entrusted to me in that role has prepared me for the greater responsibilities I will face as a counseling psychologist. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that await me post-graduation. I plan to continue my education, possibly pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, to deepen my expertise and expand my ability to assist those in need. I am also open to exploring different specializations within psychology to find where I can make the most significant impact. In conclusion, my family's military experience has been a guiding light in my educational and career aspirations. It has taught me the value of service, the importance of perseverance, and the need to contribute positively to society. As I move forward,

Well, let me start off by saying that cheerleading has been an incredible journey for me. One unforgettable experience was during a competition when our team faced a major setback. We were about to perform our routine when one of our flyers got injured and couldn't continue. In that moment, I knew I had to step up and take charge. I quickly gathered the team, reassured them, and improvised a new formation on the spot. We had to adjust our stunts and synchronize our moves in a matter of minutes. It was challenging, but we managed to pull it off flawlessly. This incident taught me the importance of adaptability, quick thinking, and leadership under pressure. Through cheerleading, I've not only developed physical strength and coordination, but also valuable life skills. Being part of a team has taught me the significance of effective communication, collaboration, and trust. We relied on each other's strengths and supported one another, both on and off the mat. Moreover, cheerleading has had a positive impact on my academic achievements. The discipline and time management skills required to balance practices, competitions, and schoolwork have helped me excel academically. I've learned to prioritize my responsibilities and stay organized, ensuring that I meet deadlines and maintain a high level of academic performance. Overall, my experiences in cheerleading have shaped me into a more confident, resilient, and determined individual. It has taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am grateful for the friendships I've formed, the lessons I've learned, and the personal growth I've experienced through this exhilarating sport.