Simultaneously shaking and crying, I walked into my parent’s bedroom and blurted out, “Mom, Dad, I think I’m bisexual.” At first they didn’t support it, but I believe it’s mainly due to not understanding what it’s like or that I’ll get bullied/made fun of for it. I knew deep down that they just want the best for me and to keep me safe, but it came across as them not accepting me, and that is what really made me not want to show who I truly was. Later on down the line, I found a girl I loved the second I saw her. I’m not going to share her name, so let’s just call her P. P and I started dating in high school, not too long after we met. Everything was perfect - it was pure, lighthearted love. But, her parents disapproved of it, and they forced us to break up. It’s been almost 3 years of no contact. I long for the love that we had, as she truly is a bright and amazing person, but I have to tell myself it was a case of the right person but at the wrong time. As for higher education, after I complete my bachelor’s in general psychology, I want to achieve my Psy.D and become a college professor with a counseling/therapy job on the side. I know that if I am in a place where I can both teach and provide help and support for clients, there is no doubt that I will be able to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and society. For instance, one of my current professors teaches a gender studies class, where they explore different genders, sexualities, and organizations that support these individuals. When I am a professor, I would absolutely love to teach a class similar to that one, so that I can advocate for those who face hate and stigma every day. I also am part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, so that allows me to speak from a perspective of someone who has faced challenges because I am not straight. Additionally, if I am a counselor/therapist, I will be able to provide my support and understanding to those who are struggling, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and just need someone to listen to them. I came from a lower-middle class family, so I did have to miss out on opportunities, such as family vacations, school trips, etc. simply because we did not have money for it. Additionally, I live in an area that is considered poverty-level, so my high school was required to provide us with free lunches. Due to my family not having much money to spend besides on bills and food, this caused me to work 7 days a week. During high school, I would deliver food with my father after school, and I would work in a pharmacy on the weekends. I continue both of these jobs to this day, but now I also am a paid tutor at my university. I believe that if I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, a consistent struggle for money will be slightly alleviate off my shoulders, and I’ll be able to put more time and attention into my studies. I also received a full academic ride to my current university which has financially helped me significantly, and this scholarship will provide me the same help and relief.