My journey toward a career in public service is driven by a simple yet profound belief: every individual, regardless of their neurobiological makeup, deserves a space where they are heard, valued, and empowered to grow. Currently, as a student at William Woods University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Equine General Studies with a concentration in Equine Assisted Services and a minor in Psychology, I have dedicated my education to understanding the unique intersection of human development and animal-assisted intervention. My goal is to make a lasting social impact by ensuring that the special needs community has access to therapeutic environments that prioritize joy, safety, and holistic growth. I have spent significant time on translating my academic studies into real world advocacy through my work with organizations like AHEAD with Horses and Let’s Ride Equine Assisted Therapy. In these roles, I have had the privilege of leading lessons for individuals with a wide range of neurodivergent needs. Whether I am side-walking with a rider or leading a horse, or giving instructions, my focus is always on creating a judgment-free zone. For many children with special needs, the world can be a place of overwhelming sensory input and social pressure, at the barn, however, I work to ensure they feel entirely safe to be themselves. Through these equine-assisted programs, I have witnessed firsthand how horses act as powerful catalysts for progress. I plan to make a positive social impact by specifically targeting two areas of development: motor skills and social confidence. By utilizing the rhythmic movement of the horse, I help riders improve their core strength, balance, and coordination in a way that feels like play rather than a clinical chore. Simultaneously, I facilitate social skill-building by encouraging riders to interact with barn staff, volunteers, and the horses themselves. Seeing a non-verbal child find a way to communicate with their horse, or a child with high anxiety find peace in the saddle, reinforces my commitment to this field. My vision for a positive social impact extends beyond my current undergraduate work. I plan to pursue a Master of Social Work to become a licensed professional who can integrate these non-traditional equine therapies into the broader social service system. I want to advocate for the inclusion of animal-assisted services in standard care plans for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Often, the special needs community faces a world that is inaccessible or unwelcoming; my career will be dedicated to building a better future where these individuals aren't just accommodated, but are given the tools to truly succeed.

At twelve years old, while most of my peers were navigating the simple transitions of middle school, I was handed a list of labels that would define the next decade of my life: severe anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). At the time, these diagnoses felt like a life sentence, a heavy shroud that made the world feel loud, dangerous, and impossible to navigate. Today, at twenty years old, those same labels have become the catalyst for my education and my future career. As a student currently studying the intricacies of the human brain and psychology, I have transformed my "personal hell" into a professional mission to understand how we heal. Growing up with these conditions during an incredibly anxious time in the world presented a unique set of hurdles. The internal chaos of a panic disorder is only amplified when the external world feels equally unstable. For years, my growth was stunted by the sheer effort it took to simply exist in public spaces or remain present in a classroom. However, it was through consistent, dedicated therapy that I began to pull back the curtain on my own mind. I moved from being a victim of my biology to a student of it. I began to learn the "why" behind my triggers and the "how" of my recovery. This shift in perspective was my first major step in personal growth; I realized that while I could not control the onset of a panic attack, I could control my response to it. My experience with addiction has been from the perspective of an observer and a survivor of its environment. I grew up surrounded by alcohol addiction, witnessing firsthand how individuals use substances to numb the very pain I was feeling. In the high-pressure environment of college, I still see this daily, peers using alcohol to cope with the same academic and social anxieties that I face. Seeing the destructive cycle of addiction in my family and my community solidified my resolve to find healthier avenues for relief. I chose to face my C-PTSD and anxiety head-on in therapy rather than masking it, a choice that has required immense discipline and a refusal to let my environment dictate my outcome. My educational goals are a direct reflection of this journey. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree with a focus on Psychology and Equine Assisted Services. I am fascinated by the way the brain processes trauma and how non-traditional therapies can regulate the nervous system. My goal is to attend graduate school for a Master of Social Work, specializing in child and family welfare. I want to work with children who, like me, were diagnosed early with severe mental health challenges. I want to show them that a diagnosis is not a ceiling, but a starting point for self-discovery. Managing recovery is a lifelong commitment, not a destination. My plan for continued recovery involves a strict adherence to the coping mechanisms I have built in therapy: mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and maintaining a strong support network. I also prioritize working from the outside in, using physical activity and my work with animals to keep my nervous system grounded. By continuing to study the brain, I stay empowered; understanding the neurobiology of my anxiety takes away its power to scare me.

My inspiration for pursuing a career in social work and Equine Assisted Therapy is rooted in my home. Growing up with a brother who has autism, I was given a front row seat to the challenges, triumphs, and unique beauty of the intellectual disability community. My relationship with my brother has been the single most influential factor in my life and educational goals; it taught me that while the world may see a diagnosis, I see a person who is exceptionally kind, caring, and capable of immense success if given the right support. This personal bond built a foundation of deep compassion and empathy within me, fueling a lifelong desire to ensure that individuals like my brother are never overlooked or undervalued. My brother’s journey showed me that the world is not always built with accessibility or understanding in mind. I watched him navigate social barriers and systemic hurdles, and through him, I realized that my purpose was to be a professional advocate. This personal connection led me to William Woods University, where I am majoring in Equine General Studies with a concentration in Equine Assisted Services and a minor in Psychology. I chose this path specifically to bridge the gap between clinical support and the therapeutic power of animal-assisted intervention, a method I have seen bring incredible joy and progress to those with intellectual disabilities. Beyond my personal life, I have worked to make a difference through extensive volunteer work with multiple organizations dedicated to supporting children with disabilities. One of the most impactful experiences has been volunteering in equine-assisted therapy programs. In these settings, I help provide a space where children can move freely, feel safe, and have fun while simultaneously working on their developmental goals. I see the same kindness and spirit in these children that I see in my brother, and it drives me to work harder to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. I strive to make sure every child I work with feels heard and validated, knowing firsthand how much a supportive environment can change the trajectory of their life. My ultimate goal is to attend graduate school for a Master of Social Work specializing in child and family welfare. I hope to make a systemic difference by working within Child Protective Services or disability advocacy groups, ensuring that families have the resources they need to support their loved ones. I want to spend my career dismantling the stigmas surrounding intellectual disabilities and replacing them with a culture of inclusion and empowerment.

A social issue I am dedicated to addressing is the systemic isolation and lack of advocacy for vulnerable children, particularly those living with disabilities. In many social structures, children with physical or developmental challenges are often spoken about rather than spoken to, leading to a lack of agency and a sense of being invisible. My mission, both in my current volunteer work and my future career, is to ensure that every child feels heard, supported, and empowered to occupy their rightful space in the world. I am currently working to address this issue through my active involvement with multiple community organizations, with a special focus on equine-assisted therapy programs. These programs provide a unique, inclusive environment where children with disabilities can find a sense of freedom and safety that is often missing in traditional clinical settings. In my volunteer roles, I witness firsthand the transformative power of these sessions. For many of these children, the barn is the one place where they are encouraged to move, explore, and simply have fun while simultaneously working on their physical and emotional development. My role goes beyond providing basic assistance; it is about acting as a steady advocate for each child's individual progress. I help facilitate an environment where they can learn new skills and gain confidence at their own pace. Seeing a child move from a place of hesitation to a place of joy and strength is a powerful reminder that "disability" should never define a person's potential. By showing up every week and prioritizing their voices and their growth, I am working to dismantle the barrier of "invisibility" that so many of these children face. My dedication to this cause is what led me to William Woods University, where I am currently majoring in Equine General Studies with a concentration in Equine Assisted Services and a minor in Psychology. My academic focus allows me to study the complexities of human behavior and the unique ways we can provide support outside of traditional settings. These experiences have reinforced my belief that advocacy is a full-time commitment, which is why I plan to further my impact by attending graduate school to earn a Master of Social Work. With an MSW specializing in child and family welfare, I intend to transition from a volunteer advocate to a professional social worker. My professional goal is to reform how our systems interact with children who have disabilities, ensuring that compassionate, trauma-informed care and accessibility are at the forefront of every case. I want to spend my career making the world a more equitable place where a child’s limitations never dictate the level of support or respect they receive.

My journey toward a career in social work is not just a professional choice; it is a deeply personal mission rooted in my own survival and the belief that no child should have to face the darkness alone. From the ages of seven to twelve, I was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of my uncle. This five-year period of trauma left me with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), a condition that once felt like a weight I could shake. However, the trajectory of my life changed forever because of one person: the social worker who stepped into my world, advocated for my safety, and helped me navigate the long road to recovery. Seeing the profound impact she had on my life sparked a fire within me to become that same beacon of hope for others. I am passionate about social work because I understand the life-saving power of being heard. For many years, my voice was silenced by fear and trauma. Today, I am currently a student at William Woods University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Equine General Studies with a minor in Psychology, all while preparing to transition into a Master of Social Work program. My passion stems from the knowledge that recovery is possible, but it requires a dedicated advocate who is willing to stand in the gap for those who cannot yet stand for themselves. I want to make the world a better place by ensuring that every child and family navigating the system feels supported, validated, and safe. My plan to make a positive impact through my social work career is centered on Child Protective Services (CPS) and family welfare. I aim to utilize my personal experience with C-PTSD to offer a unique, empathetic perspective that many in the field may not possess. I know what it feels like to be the child behind the case file. By specializing in child welfare, I plan to reform how we approach trauma-informed care, ensuring that the system prioritizes the emotional and psychological well-being of the survivor as much as their physical safety. Addressing sexual violence is a cornerstone of my life’s work. Currently, I am working to address this issue by educating myself on the complexities of trauma and psychology to better understand the systemic failures that allow abuse to persist. I am an advocate for early intervention and breaking the cycle of silence that often surrounds familial abuse. In my future career, I intend to work on the front lines, helping survivors navigate the legal and clinical aftermath of sexual violence. I am committed to being a voice for the voiceless, working tirelessly to ensure that survivors are not just "cases," but individuals with the potential for a thriving, beautiful life. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and move one step closer to becoming the social worker who helps another child find their way back to the light, just as someone once did for me.

The experience I have with mental health is what I call a roller coaster of emotions. Me dealing with C-PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression has strongly influenced the way I view the world, which is not like the average person. There was a time I believed that all men were bad due to being sexually assaulted. That experience caused me to develop the C-PTSD. Going out in public I would always be on the lookout for any man that might be out to hurt me. I noticed that subconsciously I would shake and tense up if a man walked behind me as I believed they would try to hurt me. When I chose to attend therapy I learned that I don't hate men but I am scared of them. Another belief of mine that has developed because of my mental health is that I will never be able to feel comfortable around a man ever again. I feel like every time I feel like I'm able to trust a man they do something to prove me wrong. As for relationships, it has influenced both my romantic and friend relationships. I was in a relationship and I would have constant anxiety and panic attacks which would cause me to lose interest in the person I was dating. I got overwhelmed because I didn't know how to handle both at the same time and I didn't want to get hurt so I left before they had a chance to hurt me more than I already have in the past. In friendships, it has made me feel out of place as it's really hard to connect with them emotionally because my issues are not like the average person's. And the majority of people don't know how to help so I'm used to always hearing the words “I'm sorry or I don't know how to help”. I tend to stop telling them my issues because what is the point if I just get told the same things over and over again? When it comes to my goals for the future I thought about studying psychology to help others that have gone through similar experiences as I have. I've always found it fascinating how the mind works and how it reacts to traumatic experiences. It's crazy how the mind can make you feel so worthless and change your views on life completely. Cause I know what it's like to wish someone knew what you were going through and if I could be that for someone I know I would be making a difference. But I feel like I don't have the mental capacity to hear other people's issues without breaking down myself. Maybe that's just my anxiety talking for me but that's how I feel. To summarize, Mental health is something that I do take very seriously, and it's something that has affected me personally because of it, it affects those around me. I don't understand why people joke about it and it's not an issue that is talked about enough.

The experience I have with mental health is what I call a roller coaster of emotions. Me dealing with C-PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression has strongly influenced the way I view the world, which is not like the average person. There was a time I believed that all men were bad due to being sexually assaulted. That experience caused me to develop the C-PTSD. Going out in public I would always be on the lookout for any man that might be out to hurt me. I noticed that subconsciously I would shake and tense up if a man walked behind me as I believed they would try to hurt me. When I chose to attend therapy I learned that I don't hate men but I am scared of them. Another belief of mine that has developed because of my mental health is that I will never be able to feel comfortable around a man ever again. I feel like every time I feel like I'm able to trust a man they do something to prove me wrong. As for relationships, it has influenced both my romantic and friend relationships. I was in a relationship and I would have constant anxiety and panic attacks which would cause me to lose interest in the person I was dating. I get overwhelmed cause I didn't know to handle both at the same time and I didn't want to get hurt so I left before they had a chance to hurt me more than I already have in the past. In friendships, it has made me feel out of place as it's really hard to connect with them emotionally because my issues are not like the average person's. And the majority of people don't know how to help so I'm used to always hearing the words “I'm sorry or I don't know how to help”. I tend to stop telling them my issues because what is the point if I just get told the same things over and over again. When it comes to my career aspirations I thought about studying phycology to help others that have gone through similar experiences as I have. I've always found it fascinating how the mind works and how it reacts to traumatic experiences. It's crazy how the mind can make you feel so worthless and change your views on life completely. Cause I know what it's like to wish someone knew what you were going through and if I could be that for someone I know I would be making a difference. But I feel like I don't have the mental capacity to hear other people's issues without breaking down myself. Maybe that's just my anxiety talking for me but that's how I feel. To summarize, Mental health is something that I do take very seriously, and its something that has affected me personally because of it, it affects those around me. I don't understand why people joke about it and it's definitely not an issue that is talked about enough.

College has always been something I've been working towards. Over the years my ambition for going to college has only grown. I want to work toward expanding my knowledge in the horse industry. To be able to learn with people who share the same passion for horses as I do. I'm fortunate enough that both of my parents went to college and I'm choosing to do the same. I want to expand my education I plan to major in Equine Science and management. I always knew I wanted to do something in the horse industry but I never thought it was something I could actually major in. Little by little I would research colleges and the requirements I needed to achieve this goal. I plan on joining the equestrian teams if the college offers them or getting involved in any clubs that can help me build experience. By the end of my college experience, a goal I have is to work at a horse riding center until I feel like I'm ready to own a riding barn of my own. My desire to go to college comes from my parent's expectations of me to set an example for my younger siblings. As well as my desire to leave the toxic environment I call my home and pressure my dream into a healthier environment. I want to show my family that I can make it in this world without their support and that I don't need them for reassurance. They have put me through so much and college will help me get away from all that. Another experience was getting constantly told that what I want to major in is not a real career or that I will end up on the streets. But all that does is gives me more motivation cause I know I will try my hardest to prove them wrong. I'm not on the career path for the money I want to be able to show up and enjoy what I'm gonna be learning about. For the future, I want to enjoy doing my job not dreading it but saying “at least I get paid well”. My pre-calculus teacher and therapist helped me through most of it. They would always tell me to never give up on my dreams and as cliche as that sounds I will do my best to not let them down. I am making sure to stay on top of my work this year to make up for past experiences.

My life would be described as a living hell to many and for years I felt like that was all my life was ever gonna be. Year after year more things in my life kept crumbling down and it became harder and harder to see the beauty in life. The most significant challenge that I faced started happening at just seven years old. I was sexually assaulted almost every day for five years straight. This nightmare didn't end until I was twelve. Being only a child in elementary school and starting my second year of middle school, I felt so alone. Every day felt like a fight for survival. I had no idea that what was being done to me was a crime until having the puberty talk in 5th grade. They mentioned consent and what it meant. From that day on I started to google things on consent and I finally understood that I was being sexually assaulted. But still, I was terrified and I didn't know how to reach out for help since my abuser would threaten to hurt me if I ever spoke a word to anyone about it. Even after the assault stopped happening, I kept quiet for another 3 years. In 2020, I finally told my parents about it, but they made me feel guilty for not telling them sooner, and when I was finally ready to tell my friends, some of them chose to not believe me. That same year I got diagnosed with C-PTSD, an anxiety and panic disorder, and a minor depressive disorder. Shortly after I chose to attend therapy. Going to therapy was my saving grace. It was a big turning point in my life as I finally gained enough strength and courage to unlearn all the hatred I felt towards myself and the world. I started by learning multiple coping skills to help with the constant flashbacks and distress I was feeling. As time went on in therapy, little by little, I noticed my panic attacks and the number of times I was getting flashbacks going down. All this was preparing me to write my trauma narrative where I had to talk about the assault in full detail. When the time finally came to start the narrative, I would sit and stare at the blanket document my therapist was sharing with me. Tears started rolling down my face and I couldn't get a word out due to the shame and disgust I felt within myself. But every week when it came time to work on it, I started by saying one sentence at a time and I noticed it was starting to become easier to talk about and I wouldn't break down into tears from saying what was done to me out loud. I felt like I wasn't carrying too much weight on myself anymore. I started doing things I enjoyed again. I'm able to find joy in the little things in life. I've learned to take things slow and put myself first sometimes. I learned to not let my voice be silenced and that being so emotional isn't such a bad thing. Now when people hear my story, I get told “If I was you, I would've killed myself already” and that makes me realize I'm a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. I was finally able to make it out of the hell that used to be my life. I'm focusing on the future and through all the hardships I might face I know I have the strength and resources I need to overcome it all.