I’ve always tried to help my friends and family with their mental health by being a good listener and offering support when they need it. Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to, and I make sure to listen carefully and not judge. When someone is feeling down, I try to comfort them by reminding them that they’re not alone and that things can get better with time. I’ve also learned that it helps to encourage people to take care of themselves, whether that’s by getting enough rest, going outside for a walk, or doing something they enjoy. I also try to keep a positive, welcoming attitude around others, which can help lift their spirits. I believe that when you show kindness and understanding, it can make a big difference in someone’s day. I’ve also shared some helpful tips I’ve learned about staying calm during stressful moments, like deep breathing or taking small breaks, with those who might be struggling. In the future, I plan to study nursing to help even more people. I want to specially help with pregnant mother's and their journey to giving birth. I believe that by understanding mental health better, I can offer more support mothers who pay be suffering with mental problems due to their pregnancy. My goal is to create a safe space for people to feel heard and supported, whether that’s through talking to them, offering advice, or connecting them with professional help if needed. By working in this field, I hope to make a positive impact on people’s lives, helping them feel stronger and more confident in themselves. I want to show others that it’s okay to ask for help and that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

My name is Giselle Remy, and I am an 18-year-old mixed-race girl, proudly standing as a first-generation high school graduate. My father, who is from Haiti, moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Through his hard work and determination, he has built a life for himself, but both of my parents did not graduate high school. As a result, I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to break the cycle and achieve something they weren’t able to. I want to make my father proud by pursuing a college education, something he always dreamed of, but was unable to achieve. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of perseverance, sacrifice, and ambition. Although they did not have the chance to finish their education, they instilled in me a deep respect for learning and the opportunities it brings. They worked tirelessly to give me a better life, and I want to honor their sacrifices by pursuing my own dreams of higher education. Becoming the first person in my family to graduate high school and attend college feels like a monumental step toward breaking what I call the “family curse” of missed educational opportunities. I want to not only fulfill my own dreams, but also set an example for my younger relatives and others in my community who may be facing similar challenges. I plan to attend a four-year college to pursue a career in nursing, specifically as a labor and delivery nurse. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the medical field and the way healthcare professionals make a difference in people's lives. My passion for helping others, especially women during one of the most important moments of their lives, is what drives my desire to become a labor and delivery nurse. I want to provide not only medical care, but emotional support to families as they bring new life into the world. I also hope to be a source of encouragement for others who, like me, come from families that may not have had the same opportunities. My long-term goals include working hard to build a fulfilling career and eventually starting a family of my own. I want to ensure that my children receive the same love, care, and guidance that I did growing up, but I will also make sure they understand the value of education. I want them to succeed, not just in school, but in life as well. My parents gave me the foundation I needed to reach for the stars, and I want to pass that same sense of hope and ambition down to my own kids. This scholarship would provide invaluable support on my journey toward becoming a nurse. It would help cover the costs of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. I am determined to succeed in college, and I believe that through hard work, persistence, and a deep commitment to my dreams, I will be able to not only change my own life, but to make a positive impact in my community.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced ongoing struggles with my mental health, but the worst wave of depression came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like millions of others, I found myself locked in my room for days on end, isolated from the outside world. I became overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and anxiety, and for the first time, I felt completely detached from everything I had once cared about. The simple act of getting out of bed became an difficult task. I avoided looking out the window, not wanting to face the reality outside. I lost track of time, each day blending into the next. It was during this period that I was diagnosed with both anxiety and depression. The isolation made my mind spiral into darker places. I found myself ruminating on negative thoughts, convinced that I would never be able to overcome the emotional weight that had settled on me. The uncertainty of the future, combined with the constant news cycles and isolation, made everything feel unbearable. The lack of human connection took a toll, and I began questioning my self-worth. In December 2021, I felt utterly lost, as though I had no reason to keep going and was nothing more than a disappointment to those around me. I felt like I had no reason to live and I was a nobody. I believed nobody would care if I died. In the depths of that despair, I attempted to take my own life. Thankfully, I wasn’t successful, but I deeply worried my family, and that fear made me realize I had to change. I couldn’t continue down that path, not just for them but for myself as well. I decided to seek help, starting therapy and being prescribed antidepressants, which have made a significant difference. Though it hasn’t been an easy journey, these steps have helped me rebuild my life, and with time, I’m learning to regain hope and a sense of purpose. Looking back, I am grateful that I found the strength to seek help when I needed it most. My journey through depression and recovery has taught me that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for change. While healing is not a linear process, I’ve learned the importance of self-compassion, seeking support, and taking small but meaningful steps toward wellness. Today, I am more resilient and better equipped to face life’s challenges, and I am determined to continue moving forward, both for myself and for the people who care about me.