I am a big fan of Wicked the movie because it tells a meaningful story about identity, friendship, and standing up for what is right. When I first watched it, I expected a fun musical with good songs and colorful scenes. What I got instead was something much deeper. Wicked made me think about how people are judged and misunderstood, and it left an emotional impact that stayed with me long after the movie ended. What really stands out to me about Wicked is how it reimagines a story many of us think we already know. Instead of focusing on Dorothy or the Wizard, Wicked puts Elphaba at the center. She is the one people call the Wicked Witch of the West, but the movie shows that her story is more complicated. She was born different and treated unfairly because of how she looked. She tried to do the right thing, but people misunderstood her intentions. Watching her journey made me think about how often people are labeled or blamed without anyone stopping to learn their side of the story. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is one of my favorite parts. They start out as complete opposites, and at first they do not get along at all. But as the story goes on, they form a connection that feels genuine and full of growth. Their friendship has ups and downs, but they challenge each other and grow because of it. It reminded me of how friendships in real life can be messy but still meaningful. Sometimes we learn the most from the people we never expected to connect with. The music in Wicked is also a huge reason why I love it. The songs are full of emotion and help tell the story in a powerful way. “Defying Gravity” is one of the most memorable parts of the film. It captures the moment when Elphaba decides to stop letting other people define her. That scene gave me chills. It made me feel strong and hopeful, like I could face the world even when it feels like everything is against me. The music brings out the feelings of the characters and makes the message of the movie even more powerful. Wicked is more than just a musical to me. It is a story about being different and not giving up when people misunderstand you. It shows how important it is to listen, to be kind, and to think for yourself. I saw parts of myself in Elphaba, and that made her story personal. The movie made me feel seen and reminded me that it is okay not to fit in. What matters is staying true to who you are.

There was a time when I had to make the difficult decision to leave a job that was negatively affecting my mental and physical health. I had taken the job thinking it would be a good opportunity to gain experience and stay productive, but it quickly became overwhelming. The work environment was fast-paced and unpredictable, and the pressure to keep up with everything started to wear me down. I found myself constantly stressed, worrying about upcoming shifts even when I wasn’t working, and feeling physically exhausted after long hours. The anxiety became so heavy that it started to spill into other parts of my life. One of the biggest areas it affected was my schoolwork. I’ve always taken my education seriously, but suddenly I couldn’t focus on class the way I used to. I was behind on assignments, and my grades started slipping. No matter how hard I tried to balance everything, I felt like I was drowning. I kept telling myself to just push through, but deep down, I knew something needed to change. My body was tired, my mind was foggy, and I didn’t feel like myself anymore. After weeks of feeling stuck, I finally reached a breaking point and decided to leave the job. It wasn’t an easy choice, especially because I felt guilty about walking away from something I had committed to. But I knew I had to prioritize my health and well-being. Once I stepped away, I started to feel a difference almost immediately. I was able to sleep better, I had more time to focus on school, and most importantly, I felt more in control of my life again. From this experience, I learned how important it is to listen to myself and recognize when something is not working. It taught me that taking care of my mental and physical health is not a sign of weakness but a form of strength. It also reminded me that no job, no matter how important it might seem at the time, is worth sacrificing your health or your future. Now, I approach things differently. I’m more mindful about how I spend my time and what I commit to. I’ve learned how to set boundaries, ask for help when I need it, and check in with myself regularly. When I plan for the future, whether it’s school, work, or personal goals, I always think about how it will affect my overall well-being. I know that if I’m not healthy, I can’t show up fully for the things that matter most. This experience helped me grow and better understand what it means to take care of myself. It’s shaped how I prepare for the future, because now I know that success isn’t just about achievements, it’s also about balance, resilience, and knowing when to put yourself first.

My name is Fartun, and I have always been someone who works hard and dreams big. I graduated high school with my associate degree already completed, which was not an easy path, but one I took with full commitment. Starting college early taught me how to manage my time, how to stay focused when things got hard, and how to push through moments when I felt overwhelmed. That experience built the foundation for who I am now as a Political Science and Psychology major at a four-year university, working toward my bachelor’s degree and hoping to graduate next year. My journey hasn’t always been smooth. Getting ahead in school meant sacrificing a lot of the typical high school experiences. I spent long hours balancing college classes with regular coursework, and sometimes it felt like I was moving too fast while the world around me moved at a different pace. But I don’t regret any of it. I’ve always been motivated by a desire to help others, and I knew that the more I learned, the better equipped I would be to make a difference. Now that I’m closer to graduation, I’ve been thinking more about what kind of impact I want to have. I chose Political Science and Psychology because I’m passionate about people and systems. I want to understand how policies are created and how they affect real people, especially those who often go unheard. At the same time, psychology helps me understand how individuals think, behave, and cope with the challenges they face. Together, these two fields allow me to look at issues from both a systemic and personal level. I currently work in a role where I get to apply both parts of my education. I help others navigate complex situations by listening to their needs, offering support, and connecting them with the right resources. It’s rewarding work, and it reminds me every day why I chose this path. Being able to make even a small difference in someone’s life means everything to me, and I know this is only the beginning of the work I hope to do in the future. Even with all my progress, paying for school remains a challenge. I’ve been doing everything I can to stay on track academically and financially, but tuition costs are high, and balancing work with full-time classes is not always easy. I’m applying for this scholarship because it would help ease that burden and allow me to focus more on finishing strong. I’ve come this far through hard work, sacrifice, and a deep sense of purpose, and I’m determined to keep going. Graduating next year would mean more than earning a degree. It would mean proving to myself that everything I’ve worked for has been worth it. It would mean being able to take the next step toward a career that allows me to keep helping others. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and with the right support, I know I can go even further.

I care deeply about people, systems, and the way both shape the world we live in. One of my biggest goals is to use what I’ve learned and experienced to make a lasting, positive impact on others. I’ve always known I wanted to help people, but over the years, that goal has taken shape through the work I’ve done with kids and through my growing understanding of the barriers that hold people back. Working as a substitute teacher has played a huge role in shaping who I am and what I care about. I didn’t just walk into classrooms to fill a seat or hand out worksheets. I walked in knowing that even one day with a student can leave an impression. I took the time to connect with them, to learn their names, to listen to what they had to say. I understood how powerful it can be to feel seen by an adult, especially at a young age. I didn’t always have that growing up, and that made me even more committed to being the kind of person I once needed. Some days, the impact was small, like helping a student who didn’t believe they were good at math get through a full assignment with confidence. Other days, it was just about showing patience when a student was clearly having a hard time. I’ve seen how much students respond to kindness, structure, and someone who doesn’t give up on them. That’s the energy I brought into every classroom, and it’s what I plan to carry with me into my future career. I want to work in a field where I can continue to be close to the people I’m trying to help, whether that’s through education policy, mental health advocacy, or nonprofit work. I care about building systems that actually work for people, especially those who are often left out of the conversation. My psychology background helps me understand individual behavior and emotion, while my political science studies give me the tools to analyze and influence policies that shape our daily lives. I see both fields working together to guide the kind of career I want, one rooted in compassion, action, and accountability. I don’t think making a difference has to mean changing the whole world at once. I think it starts with every small moment of choosing to care, to listen, and to try. I’ve already seen what that looks like in my work with kids. I plan to continue doing what wasn’t always done for me: showing up, creating space for others, and fighting for a world that treats people with the dignity and support they deserve. My dream is to keep growing into someone who creates change, not just through ideas, but through actions that make people feel valued, heard, and hopeful.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have earned them through persistence, reflection, and the values I carry with me. My dreams come from a place of purpose. They are not just about reaching a certain title or checking off a goal. They are about becoming the kind of person who uses their knowledge, voice, and experiences to make a difference. I believe I am worth these dreams because I am not afraid to grow, to fail, or to keep moving forward when the path is unclear. Like many people, I’ve faced moments of doubt, moments when my dreams felt too far away or too ambitious. But those moments also taught me resilience. They reminded me that no dream is too big when you are willing to put in the work, stay grounded in your values, and keep going even when no one is watching. My dreams are fueled by the belief that I can live a life that aligns with who I am, not just what the world expects from me. That belief didn’t come easily. It came through self-discovery, mistakes, and learning to trust myself more deeply with each step. As a Political Science major, I’ve developed an understanding of systems, leadership, and how change happens. But what makes me worth my dreams is not just what I’ve learned in the classroom. It’s the way I care about people, the way I reflect on my actions, and the way I show up with intention. I try to lead with curiosity and compassion. I ask hard questions, not to challenge others, but to better understand how we grow together. I believe these qualities matter just as much as any credential or experience. I know that my dreams are not guaranteed. They require consistency, patience, and faith. I remind myself often that being worthy of something is not about being perfect. It is about showing up honestly and staying rooted in who you are, even when things are uncertain. I hold myself to a high standard not because I feel pressure to impress others, but because I want to be someone, I can be proud of. That includes making space for joy, community, and balance, not just ambition. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I’ve worked to understand where they come from and what they truly mean to me. These dreams are not shallow or surface-level. They reflect my desire to live with meaning, to keep growing, and to build something that matters. I don’t just want success. I want impact, connection, and peace of mind knowing that I stayed true to myself. That is why I believe I am worth my dreams. Because I am not only dreaming of the future, I am also working to become ready to live it fully.

Mental health has always been more than just an area of interest for me. It is something I care deeply about because I have seen the impact of untreated mental health challenges on individuals, families, and communities. Growing up, I witnessed how silence, stigma, and a lack of access to support systems can make people feel isolated and helpless. I also experienced firsthand how mental health struggles can shape how someone sees themselves and their potential. These experiences have guided me toward a career that combines education, psychology, and advocacy, with the goal of making mental health support more accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive. As a college student double majoring in Political Science and Psychology, I have gained a strong understanding of how systems affect individual well-being. In my psychology courses, I have learned about developmental trauma, stress, and emotional regulation. At the same time, my political science background has helped me understand the broader structures that limit access to care for many communities, especially those that are low-income, immigrant, or historically marginalized. This dual perspective has shaped how I see the mental health field and how I want to contribute to it. One of my goals is to work at the intersection of mental health and public service, possibly through counseling, community-based education programs, or policy advocacy. I want to support efforts that not only treat individuals but also address the root causes of mental distress, including poverty, racism, and social exclusion. In particular, I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents. As a substitute teacher, I have worked with students who carry emotional burdens that are often misunderstood or dismissed. I have seen how much of a difference it makes when a student feels safe, heard, and understood by someone who truly cares. Even in short classroom visits, I try to create moments of connection, encouragement, and trust. Diversity and inclusion are central to the work I hope to do. Too often, mental health systems fail to reflect the lived experiences of people from different cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. As a Black woman and a daughter of immigrants, I understand how important it is to have providers and advocates who reflect the communities they serve. I hope to bring both cultural awareness and empathy to the field, while also pushing for more inclusive policies, training, and practices. Whether through direct service or structural change, I want to help create a mental health system that is welcoming and effective for everyone. What drives me most is the desire to be the person I once needed, and the person so many others still need. My personal experiences, academic journey, and time working with youth have all strengthened my commitment to this path. Mental health is not just about healing individuals, it is about building stronger, more connected communities. I am excited to be part of that work, and I am ready to grow, learn, and contribute in every way I can.

Growing up, I experienced trauma that changed the way I saw myself and the world around me. It made me extremely shy and self-conscious. I struggled to speak up in class, avoided eye contact, and constantly questioned whether I belonged. These feelings didn’t go away quickly. They followed me throughout my early school years, affecting both my academic confidence and my relationships with others. I didn’t have the language to explain what I was going through, and like many children in similar situations, I just learned how to hide it. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to understand how childhood trauma can shape development in ways that aren’t always obvious. When a child experiences instability, neglect, or emotional harm, it can affect their brain development, stress responses, and ability to form healthy attachments. This shows up in school settings through difficulty focusing, behavioral issues, or social withdrawal. For me, it showed up as silence and self-doubt. I became the quiet student in the back of the room who teachers often overlooked, not because I lacked potential, but because I was too afraid to take up space. As a substitute teacher now, I carry that experience with me into every classroom. Working with children has helped me see just how many students are going through challenges of their own. Some act out, others shut down. I’ve learned that behavior is communication, and often, the students who seem the hardest to reach are the ones who need support the most. Even in the short time I spend with a class, I make it a point to be patient, kind, and consistent. I try to notice the quiet ones. I try to give every student a sense that they are seen, valued, and safe. This experience has shaped the direction I want to take in my career. I plan to continue working in education and eventually specialize in trauma-informed support, whether that’s through counseling, school psychology, or policy work that prioritizes student well-being. I believe schools can and should be places of healing. With the right training and awareness, educators can make a profound difference in how a child experiences their education and themselves. My personal story is not just something I carry with me, it is something that motivates me. I know how it feels to be a child who is hurting, confused, and unsure of their place in the world. I also know how powerful it can be to have even one adult who listens, believes in you, and gives you space to grow. I want to be that person for others. I want to make sure that no child feels invisible and that students dealing with trauma are met with care, compassion, and support instead of punishment or misunderstanding.

My greatest achievement is earning an associate's degree before my high school graduation. This accomplishment highlights my academic commitment, resilience, motivation, and drive to defy academic norms and standards. It has allowed me to understand and grasp more knowledge, broadened my perspective, and set me two years ahead in my dual degree program at my current university. When I first decided to pursue an associate's degree during high school, many informed me that it would be a challenging task. Most students begin higher education after high school; however, I was determined to accomplish what many considered unthinkable and to achieve a head start with my future bachelor's degree. The decision to pursue my degree required a huge deal of planning as I had to balance college coursework and classes, high school coursework and classes, as well as working a full-time job to pay for my college classes. My organization, time management, dedication, and familial support were huge tools in helping me navigate this journey. Earning an associate's degree before my high school diploma has taught me several valuable lessons about myself. It taught and showed me my ability to stay disciplined and manage my time efficiently. It also taught and showed me how capable I truly am and how, if I set my mind to something, I can achieve it. This experience also taught me about resilience, especially because there were many moments in which I experienced self-doubt and wondered if I was doing too much, but through resilience and perseverance, I was able to push back and take on this challenge. I'm currently enrolled in a dual degree program at George Washington University, pursuing to Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychological & Brain Sciences, and in the future, I hope to graduate and combine my knowledge in both fields to make a positive impact on society. By using my knowledge in both fields, I'm able to understand human behavior and shape policies that benefit individuals and communities. My ultimate goal is to work in the federal government or a US embassy and shape social systems by putting the needs of people first. I also hope to work in areas such as public policy, development, social work, and education, where I can create programs that can address social inequities within communities all throughout the US. Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I can make a lasting, positive difference in the world.

My choice to study political science stems from my interest in government and law and understanding the different means that shape global governments and society. From a young age, I was always captivated by different political systems (federal, state, local, and international) and how they impacted individuals and communities. This curiosity eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in political science at George Washington University with a hopeful master's in international affairs soon. Political science offers me an understanding of power, policy-making, and diplomatic relations. I've always been drawn to the many aspects of political science that help me understand international conflicts and government structures. This academic discipline will equip me with the necessary skills to help me positively impact the lives of many. My aspiration to create an impact is fostered by my goal to promote cooperation and positive diplomatic relations between countries. In a world that has become fragile with geopolitical tensions, my goal is to contribute to government and international efforts that promote peace, protect human rights, and sustainable development. Additionally, numerous personal reasons/connections have also shaped my degree/career goals. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I was exposed to different perspectives and learned more about respecting different viewpoints. This background has instilled in me a strong appreciation for cultural diplomacy and policymaking. This experience has also supported my goal of achieving my professional passion by helping me understand the need to address global inequalities.