I have always been the kind of person people come to when they need someone to listen. Whether it was a friend struggling with a problem, a classmate feeling overwhelmed, or even an animal needing care, I have always felt a strong instinct to help in whatever way I can. Over time, I realized that this instinct - to listen, support, and try to understand what others are going through - was pointing me toward a career in mental health. I plan to pursue a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and become a licensed clinical psychologist. What draws me to this field is the opportunity to help people understand their experiences and work through challenges that may feel overwhelming. Mental health is an essential part of overall healthcare, yet many people struggle silently or feel misunderstood. I want to be part of a profession that not only treats mental illness but also helps people feel heard, supported, and capable of healing. Several of my experiences have helped shape this goal. While I currently work as a pharmacy technician at Keystone Professional Pharmacy, where I assist patients with their medications and help ensure they receive the care they need, my previous work with students at Lighthouse Academy had a particularly strong impact on my decision to pursue clinical psychology. Lighthouse Academy is a program designed for students who struggle in traditional school environments, often due to emotional or behavioral challenges. Working in that setting taught me how important patience, empathy, and trust are when supporting someone who is struggling. I saw how small moments - like giving someone the space to talk or simply showing that you care - can make a meaningful difference in helping someone feel supported. Outside of school and work, I also volunteer at Blue Chip Animal Refuge. Although working with animals might seem very different from working in mental health, the experience has reinforced many of the same values. Many of the animals at the refuge have experienced neglect or difficult pasts, and helping care for them requires patience, consistency, and compassion. Volunteering there has reminded me that healing often takes time and trust, whether you are helping a person or an animal feel safe again. Through my studies in psychology, I have gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of mental health. Exploring topics such as trauma, psychological disorders, and therapeutic approaches has shown me that truly helping others requires a delicate balance of both empathy and expertise. Compassion guides our connection with those we serve, while knowledge and training provide the tools to support and improve their well-being. Ultimately, I want to become a clinical psychologist because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood and supported during difficult moments in their lives. My experiences working with students, volunteering with animals, and studying psychology have all strengthened my desire to pursue a career in mental healthcare. By earning a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, I hope to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to help people navigate challenges, build resilience, and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives!

On my first day of kindergarten, I noticed a girl sitting alone, crying while the rest of the class rushed inside. I was nervous myself, but I walked over, put my arm around her, and we walked in together. I did not realize it then, but that moment reflects something central to who I am: when someone is hurting, my instinct is to sit beside them and help them feel less alone. That instinct eventually grew into my decision to pursue a graduate degree in mental health. Throughout my undergraduate studies in psychology, I have become increasingly fascinated by the complexity of human behavior. I have always been curious, constantly asking why people think, feel, and act the way they do. Psychology gives me a way to turn that curiosity into something meaningful. It allows me to combine empathy with science - to not only listen to people’s stories but also understand the psychological processes and evidence-based treatments that can help them heal. My experiences working with students at Lighthouse Academy further solidified my decision to pursue clinical psychology. Lighthouse Academy is a specialized educational program designed for students who struggle in traditional school settings, often due to behavioral challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, or trauma-related experiences. In that environment, I learned to approach people with patience, empathy, and curiosity rather than judgment. One moment that stands out to me involved a student who often shut down when they became frustrated. After weeks of consistent support and small conversations, they eventually opened up and shared how they were feeling. They told me it was the first time they truly felt heard. It was not a dramatic breakthrough, but it was deeply meaningful. That experience showed me how powerful it can be when someone simply feels understood, and it reinforced my desire to dedicate my career to creating those spaces for others. My academic experiences have also strengthened my commitment to this field. Through coursework in psychopathology, counseling and psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology, I have developed a deeper understanding of mental health disorders and the many factors that influence treatment. Research on topics such as body image, eating attitudes, and interpersonal communication has helped me appreciate the importance of evidence-based practice in psychology. These experiences have taught me that effective mental health care requires both compassion and scientific rigor. By pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, I hope to deepen my clinical skills while continuing to learn how to understand people within the broader context of their experiences, identities, and environments. My goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and identity development. I am particularly drawn to approaches that emphasize empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard while still grounding treatment in research and careful assessment. Pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is not simply the next step in my education - it is the result of years of purposeful choices. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have intentionally sought out opportunities that would allow me to better understand and support others’ mental health. From studying trauma and psychological disorders in the classroom to working directly with students who needed patience, stability, and understanding, each step has strengthened my commitment to this field. When I look back, even moments as early as comforting a crying classmate on the first day of kindergarten reflect the same instinct that continues to guide my path today. Earning my doctorate will allow me to transform that instinct into the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to help others navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

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.