Anxiety has been a struggle for me my entire life. When I was three, my family went on a vacation, and I was so anxious that I did not know where we would sleep; I broke out in hives. Anxiety has kept me from enjoying myself on vacations or school trips because I worried about whether people were doing the right thing, if things would go the way I expected them to, and sudden changes throwing me off guard. I have a hard time accepting sudden change, or when something is done a different way than I was taught to do it. The way it affects me the most at this point in my life is with my relationships. When it comes to my friends, I often feel like I do not fit in, like I am “too much” for them, and that I am the outsider in the friend group. With my boyfriend, I am constantly afraid that I am bothering him, that I am too close or too distant, and that he is only with me to make me happy. Thankfully, he is amazing and can tell when I start to spiral and get stuck in my head. He will either begin being silly to make me laugh, or just sit on the floor next to me and hug me, not saying anything, until I am grounded again. Pursuing my college degree is important to me because it will allow me to help my community in more ways. I have seen that there is a need for community among families with children with developmental disabilities. These families often do not have someone to advocate for them or the resources they need for their child. These families often do not have a support system, someone who understands what they are going through, and are often not invited because of the child. The child is often ignored, not invited, are not given certain resources because their county board or school does not want to pay extra. By pursuing my college degree, I will be able to create spaces and communities for these families and individuals. These will be places where parents can bring their children without fear of being rejected or judged. They will have access to resources and services for themselves and their child. These places will also have classes and therapies for the children, respite care, and courses and support groups for the parents. These ideas make me excited, and I can not wait to receive my degrees in Human Services and Social Work. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay and listen to a short part of my story. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

My mother is my biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the one I can always count on to be in my corner. In high school, I struggled with crippling anxiety and depression. My mom would tell me that grades or performances did not matter, that she loved me because I was hers. My mom read a chapter of a book to my siblings and me every night, until I was a junior in high school. Her favorite thing to read to us was a series of books called “The Epic Order of the Seven” by Jenny L. Cote. The characters in this series were always reminded that they “are loved and are able” (Cote, 2008). My mother reminded my siblings and me of this often, and still does. When I graduated from high school in 2020, I ordered two rings for my mother and me. These rings are simple silver bands; the outside says, “I love you,” and the inside says, “because you are mine”. We have both worn them ever since. They are a constant reminder that there is nothing I can or can not do that will cause her not to love me, and a reminder to her of the impact she has had on my life. When I got my first tattoo, I went with my mother. I designed two different tattoos, one for me and one for her. While the tattoos are both very different, they both feature the words “loved and able” in a script font. They are a reminder to both of us that the anxiety lies, and we are more important and valuable than it lets us believe. My mother has always been willing to talk, listen to issues and problems, and advocate for me. She knows when I am upset or anxious, even when I do not know how to voice that or am hiding it. She knows that when I am anxious and feel out of control, a weighted blanket and Reese’s cups are a good start to getting me “unstuck”. The best part about my mom is that she is not just that person for me and my siblings; she is that person for anyone who needs her. Whenever I go home to visit, there are always a small army of boys there climbing over and under their big trucks, screwing or welding something. She buys extra food so that whoever shows up that day can eat when they get hungry. There is a mom in our community who my mother drives three hours away so that the mom can see her daughter in the hospital. My mother has taken food to people we barely know after they have babies or have had a death in the family. Now that I am an adult, my first instinct when someone is going through something hard is to make a pan of baked spaghetti and some cookies, buy a rotisserie chicken, and drop it off on their porch. That comes from my mother and watching her do the same so many times over the years. I have taught Sunday School for Preschool through First grade every week since I was 17. My mother has always shown that children are the most important part of society, and that showing them they are loved is our biggest job. I always tell the parents that I can not promise we will learn about the Bible, but their child will know they are safe, loved, and accepted; the same way my mother makes not just me, but everyone around her feel.

Looking back, I have realized that I have always had anxiety; I just did not have a name for it. However, in high school, my anxiety combined with depression. It was after six months or so of dealing with this combination that I began to truly understand what mental health was and what I was struggling with. I can not remember the majority of my high school years. The parts I do remember are filled with pain, loneliness, and exhaustion. I remember all the times someone said something negative about me, all the side eyes I received walking into the band room, and all the times I cried myself to sleep at 3 in the morning. I remember how lost, small, and unimportant I felt. I remember the feeling of not wanting to continue. I also remember how scared I was the first time I thought about using a knife to self-harm. This was about a year after I first began dealing with anxiety and depression. I was so afraid that I could not finish putting away the dishes. It was at that point that I knew I had to do something and tell someone. Thankfully, I had people who were ready and willing to listen, as well as help me do whatever I needed in order to get back to a positive and safe mental space. I had friends who came beside me and would make me get out of the house. A best friend who ran cross country with me and let me talk about all my feelings while we ran. A mom who pushed me to go to the doctor and try therapy. I had a coworker who bought me lunch for months, so that I would remember to eat. I did not ask any of these people to do these things, they simply saw a need that needed to be met for me to live the best life possible. Thankfully, I am in a much better mental space now than I was then. However, there are still really hard days. There are still days when I get stuck in the vicious cycle of wondering if I am enough, if I am doing well enough, and if people are going to back out of my life. There are still days when I feel lonely, I do not want to leave the house, and I cancel plans. These days often come in clumps, not just one day here and there. These days or weeks when I am in “a slump” make it hard for me to complete basic tasks, let alone my full-time job on top of attending college full-time. One of the things I hate the most about these days is how hard it is for me to keep my house clean, and then get it clean when I am feeling better. Having a mental illness has opened my eyes to what mental health truly is. Mental health, depression, and suicide were all just words to me. They had no true meaning outside of the stigma I had heard so much of. Because I have gone through these feelings and thoughts, I can now help others who feel similar. I am forever thankful for the people who “sat in the puddles” with me when I was struggling, and I try to do the same for others whenever I can.

My name is Grace LeMieux, and I am currently a sophomore at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Alongside my studies, I work full-time at PC Workshop, a nonprofit organization that supports teens and adults with developmental disabilities (DD). What began as a production facility—where our clients assembled car jack kits for minimal pay—has now become the center of something far more powerful: a movement toward visibility, dignity, and inclusion, with everyone earning more. In its early years, our facility was tucked away on the edge of town, invisible to the community. It was as though our clients were meant to stay hidden, kept from view so as not to “bother” anyone. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed. We saw a greater need, not only within our walls but throughout our community. So we shut down production and opened an overstock store. Our clients were no longer performing repetitive labor behind closed doors—they were stocking shelves, pricing items, organizing merchandise, and interacting with customers. For the first time, the community was coming to us. And they were meeting our clients as people—with personalities, skills, and stories. Three years ago, we took an even bolder step. We purchased the largest building in the center of town and moved our store there. Today, our clients are not only seen—they are known. Customers greet them by name, share conversations, and look forward to seeing them on their scheduled days. This visibility has transformed lives. But it’s only the beginning. Two years ago, I decided to return to school because I saw deeper needs—needs that required advocacy, education, and systemic change. “My people”—those within the DD community—are still being pushed aside and misunderstood. Many face significant mental health challenges, yet they are routinely denied care. The barriers are wide-ranging: lack of resources, a shortage of professionals trained to support them, or worse, dismissal of their struggles as simply “part of their disability.” But the root issue I’ve observed goes beyond access to services. It’s about community—or the painful absence of it. Too often, individuals with developmental disabilities are left out: not invited to parties, not included in everyday activities, and not seen as capable. Conversations happen about them, not with them. Their families are isolated, less likely to attend events, and often live in survival mode, without support or understanding from others. This is where my passion lies. My dream is to create a network of support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families—a place where they are truly seen, heard, and valued. I envision a space that offers respite care, access to mental health resources, and advocates who show up for them in appointments, school meetings, and moments of crisis. Above all, I want to cultivate a sense of belonging. Because when people feel connected, when they know someone is in their corner, everything changes. Mental health improves. Hope is restored. Possibility begins. Every day I learn more, and every day I discover more to learn. This work is ever-evolving, and I am committed to growing with it. New research, new practices, new perspectives—these are not just academic pursuits to me; they are tools I can use to build something better for those I serve. Helping others, especially those the world so often ignores, is not just a job. It is my calling. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. I look forward to the opportunity to continue making a difference with knowledge, compassion, and a fierce belief in the power of community.

When I first enrolled at Cornerstone University two years ago, I planned on studying psychology and going into the mental health field. One year ago, I became a caregiver for a young boy with Autism. Being his caregiver changed my life and plans in ways I was never expecting. This boy is non-verbal and has aggressive behaviors when he becomes frustrated or overwhelmed. I work full-time with adults with developmental disabilities, so this boy's behaviors do not scare or concern me. The first few evenings I was with this boy, he did not want anything to do with me. He would take my hand and pull me to the door, motioning for me to leave. He would get annoyed when I would go out the door and come back in another. Over the following weeks and months, he began to trust me, and we built a relationship. Now, he sits on my lap, pulls me outside to swing with him, uses his communication device to tell me what he wants for supper, and does puzzles with me. I have learned the things that upset him most, and the subtle things he does when he is starting to become overwhelmed. I learned the things he loves the most, and he has the most contagious laugh. We are working on learning to ride the tricycle he got for Christmas. Since working with this child, I have had a lot of conversations with his family. We have talked about how hard it is been to get the assistance they need for their child. There are hardly any caregivers or providers that they either trust with their son, or who are willing to work with him. He can not attend school due to his behavior and needs. He has been in and out of group homes in the last few years while his parents try to get him the resources and care he needs and deserves. After a week of working with this young boy, I knew I wanted to work with him forever. However, I felt conflicted as I did not want to give up my education and felt that mental health services for those with developmental disabilities were where I was meant to be. Four months after the first day I worked with this child, I knew that I had to change my plans. I switched my studies from psychology and mental health to human services and social work. My goals have not changed; they just look different now. Instead of wanting to offer mental health services to those with developmental disabilities, I want to create spaces for families and their children with developmental disabilities. This will improve the amount of resources available to them, as well as increase the mental health of the family members and the child. When people have a community, they can rest. The feeling of being trapped, lost, or alone is decreased. Their worry and anxiety are decreased because they do not have to worry about their child being accepted. In conclusion, those in the developmental disability community and their families need resources and a space where they can be themselves. They need community. Families with children with developmental disabilities are more likely to be secluded or not invited due to the disability. By creating spaces where they can meet, get the resources they need, and form a community, not only will the child thrive, but the family will also. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay, and I look forward to hearing back from you!

Simone Biles is not just a fantastic gymnast; she is an inspiration to everyone on the planet, especially young girls and women. Biles has transformed the sport of gymnastics with her skill and hard work. Her journey to success has been one of numerous adversities, but she has consistently demonstrated herself to be strong, determined, and highly dedicated to her sport. This essay considers how Biles inspires others through her wins, through her advocacy for mental health, and through her capacity to break down barriers. Biles' gymnastics success is the stuff of legend. She is a multiple Olympic gold medalist and World Champion, known for her trailblazing moves that have pushed the boundaries of the sport. Her sporting ability not only helped her win a number of titles but also inspired thousands of young sports individuals to keep pursuing their dreams. Biles always emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, encouraging other individuals to keep in mind that winning is not entirely the product of talent but also of effort and willpower. Her life acts as an inspiration to individuals to strive for excellence regardless of the obstacles they may face. Apart from her sporting achievements, Biles is also a powerful advocate for mental health awareness. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she took the bold decision to put her mental health first by stepping away from competitions to focus on herself. This move resonated with many people, as it highlighted the importance of mental health in sports and in life. By being so candid about her struggles and the stress of being an elite athlete, Biles has encouraged others to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being. Being so vocal has sparked conversations around mental health, with individuals encouraged to be honest with how they feel and to seek help when needed. Aside from her success and campaign, Biles has also broken glass ceilings as a woman of color in a sport that has been a historically low-diversity sport. She has motivated little girls, particularly those who are part of the marginalized sector, to think that they too can be great regardless of their background. Biles' presence in sports has opened doors for more representation and inclusiveness, which makes young athletes feel empowered to be themselves and do their own thing without fear. To conclude, Simone Biles is an inspirational character who inspires others through her phenomenal success, her advocacy for mental health, and her commitment to breaking barriers. Her existence is proof that winning medals is not necessarily about success but also about resiliency, self-acceptance, and representation. Biles continues to inspire individuals from all over the world to pursue their aspirations, take care of their mental health, and remain themselves, ensuring she becomes a legendary inspiration in the years ahead. I thoroughly enjoy watching Biles compete and seeing all the good she is doing for those around her.

I went to see Wicked on Broadway with my mom, best friend, and best friend's mom during my freshman or sophomore year of high school. I love Broadway and was excited to see Wicked. The actors were all so talented, and the sets were beautiful. Everything was perfect. Getting to see it with my favorite people only made it better. In High School, I struggled with intense anxiety and depression. I was in the high school marching band, and several of the kids (and most of my section) were negative, toxic, and mean. I struggled to go to school with them. I loved school and still do, but the idea of having to be in the same place as those kids caused me so much anxiety that I was miserable. There was nothing I wanted more than to curl up in a hole and hide from the world. Musicals were one of the few things in my life at this time that brought me joy and made me feel seen. "Defying Gravity" and "For Good" were and are my favorite songs from Wicked. "Everyone deserves a chance to fly" became a kind of anthem for me. I have always wanted everyone to be treated with love and respect, no matter what. I believe that everyone can achieve anything when given the right space and support. I was homeschooled up until high school, and I was amazed how many of my peers were not shown love at home, were bullied, were mean and judged others for little things, or didn't have a real family. It became my job to be everyone's "mom" and love and care for all of them. If they needed help with homework, I was there. Needed shoes for our concert and couldn't afford any? Here are my old ones. Having a bad day and just need a hug? I'll hug you until you let go. Are you afraid to talk to the counselor about stuff going on at home? I'll go with you. Everyone can be and do amazing things. However, if they are not given the right space to grow, they will never be able to fly. I now work with adults with developmental disabilities. I work on their "soft skills" (reading, writing, communication, money counting, etc.) and have gotten to see them grow and improve so much in the last five years. I have been able to see a pair of twins that were labeled as "non-verbal" when I arrived, now never stop talking. They have friends. They tease their peers. They have friends. My clients have goals and dreams. I am creating a place for them to be able to reach those goals. Goals that other people look at and think are silly or impossible and laugh at. I'm creating a place for my clients to be able to fly and be the best they possibly can be. They deserve that chance just as much as anyone else.

I chose Human Services and Psychology as my fields of interest. I have always loved figuring out why people do the things they do, why their brains work a certain way, and how to change the way a brain thinks. I work with adults with developmental disabilities, and learning to understand them and their brains over the last five years has been intriguing, brought me a lot of understanding, and caused me to learn so much about myself. I am able to better help them express thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Over the last five years of working with our clients, I have found that mental health services and resources are lacking in the DD community. There are few mental health services that will accept those with developmental disabilities near us. People also do not realize that those with developmental disabilities often need mental health services or resources. I hope to use my degree to offer free or reduced mental health services and resources for those in the DD community. This group of people has taught me so much love and grace, and being able to give back to them in this way is keeping me motivated in school.

My name is Grace LeMieux, and I am a rising sophomore at Cornerstone University, majoring in Psychology. I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare with a focus on mental health because I believe that mental well-being is as important as physical health. I am especially passionate about helping adults with developmental disabilities, a group I currently work with and care deeply about. Throughout my experience working with these individuals, I have seen firsthand how crucial mental health services are for them. Unfortunately, they often face significant barriers to accessing the support they need. Many of my clients require mental health resources, but due to various limitations, they are unable to receive them. This gap in care has motivated me to pursue a career in psychology so that I can directly address these needs. This group of people has taught me a lot about life, love, grace, and myself. I hope to be able to give back to them and make as big of an impact on them as they have on me. My goal is to become a mental health professional who can offer free services to those who cannot afford them. By obtaining my degree, I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care and support. I want to ensure that my clients receive the attention and assistance they deserve, which can significantly improve their quality of life. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Women bring unique perspectives and empathy to healthcare, which can lead to more compassionate and comprehensive care. I aim to use my position to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding it, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities. I also believe that representation matters. By pursuing a career in psychology, I hope to inspire other women to enter the healthcare field and contribute their talents and insights. It is essential to have diverse voices in healthcare to address the needs of all communities effectively. In summary, I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I am committed to improving mental health services for adults with developmental disabilities. I hope to make a positive impact by providing free mental health care to those who need it, especially those with developmental disabilities, and advocating for greater awareness and understanding. As a woman in this field, I am determined to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

It took me a long time to realize I was struggling with mental health. I thought that everyone felt the same way I did. It wasn't until halfway through my sophomore year, when my band director mentioned something about my anxiety in passing that I realized I did have anxiety. Severe anxiety. The longer the year went on, the worse it got. I began to develop severe depression as well. My world was dark, lonely, and exhausting. It was hard to get out of bed, stay awake during the day, sleep at night, hide my pain and fear, and complete basic tasks. When I finally got help halfway through my junior year, my entire world changed. Not overnight, not in a week, and not even in a month, but it did. I was able to function. I started sleeping. I was no longer afraid. My world isn't dark anymore. I find joy in little things again. I lost a lot of friends during that time. It was hard for me during that time to accept the fact that those people were people I no longer wanted to be around and who now wanted nothing to do with me. Those were people that I grew up with and considered best friends and family. It took me a long time to realize that they showed their true selves to me in that time, and the friends that stayed were true. The ones that stayed, I still have to this day. They helped me through some really hard times, and I have helped them. They never judged. We will still hang out, though it looks different now. Now, we go for coffee dates while the kids eat cookies. We watch movies while babies sleep. We plan weddings and baby showers. But they are still there. They still encourage me when I need it. We share our struggles and grow together. I decided that I wanted to have a better understanding of mental health and its effects on our brains. I began taking courses to figure out why I felt the way I did and how to feel better (other than my medicine). Once I was able to figure out WHY I felt the way I did and how to manage my feelings and emotions in healthy ways, I knew that I never wanted anyone to feel the way I had and that I wanted to help keep them from feeling that way. I work with adults with developmental disabilities. They are often underserved and rarely (at least around where we are located) are able to receive mental health services. If they are, they can not afford the services or are unable to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Last October, I went back to school to study Psychology and Human Services. Upon graduating and receiving my degrees, I plan on offering mental health services and resources to the developmental disability community. If they are part of our workshop, they will receive the services for free, and those who are not one of our clients will get them at a massive discount. The DD community has taught me so much love and grace that I can not think of a better way to give back to them than to offer them these services.

I am the oldest of three children. My siblings and I have always been close and did everything together growing up. We are close to all of our cousins (I am the oldest grandchild of 11) and I babysat all of them growing up. Now that most of them are in middle or high school, they are my "broke best friends". I would give up the world for them. I am also close to my mom. She is my best friend, my supporter, my voice of reason when I'm angry, and my teacher. I was homeschooled my whole life. In 6th grade, we found out that I could dual enroll at the local middle/high school so that I could attend band. In high school, I began attending more classes at the high school, but I took the majority of them at home still. Taking classes at both high school and at home caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me, but I learned a lot about life, and I believe those experiences made me into the person I am now. I also was part of the cross country and track teams in high school. Cross country was one of the things that kept me going when life got hard. Cross country taught me that just because life is hard, I am in control of myself and my choices. It gave me an outlet for frustration. It gave me a group of people who cheered for me, even when I could not cheer for myself. I work at a non-profit training facility for adults with developmental disabilities. We teach them work skills and life skills. My job is to teach all the soft skills: reading, writing, hand washing, fine motor skills, and so much more. I am currently attending Cornerstone University for Human Services and Psychology. I plan on using my degree to give mental health services and resources to my current clients. Due to their disabilities and different abilities, they are often unable to receive mental health services. I have several clients who are considered non-verbal and are unable to speak or don't speak well enough to express their thoughts and feelings. I have others who used to receive counseling but now don't for a variety of reasons. My clients have taught me so much love and grace in the last five years that I want to give back to them. I see them struggling with their anxieties, depression, and other mental illnesses. I know what it felt like when I was struggling mentally, and the idea of other people feeling as lost, scared, and lonely as I did is heartbreaking. I would be able to give our clients mental health services and resources as often as they needed, free of charge to them. I hope to continue giving back to them and to the people who have taught me and given me so much.

Mental health is important to me because it is something I have and do struggle with. In high school, my mental health was at rock bottom. I never want to feel that way again or for anyone else to ever feel that way. The idea that other people feel as lost and lonely and scared as I did is heartbreaking. When I worked at the local high school for about three years as a coach, there were several times I had to report mental health issues (self-harm, alleged abuse in the home, etc.). I had a lot of discussions with kids about their feelings and mental illnesses and found things I could do to help them. As a current college student, mental health is important for me, as when I am having a bad day or struggling to get homework done, it is usually because I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Being able to work through and push past those feelings helps me to be a better student and complete my work on time. At home, I advocate for my sister's mental health. While I do not live there any longer, I understand that she has a lot of anxieties and sensory overload issues. I go over almost every day to help her with homework and basic tasks and go to her football games and cross country meets. She often struggles with verbally expressing her feelings and ideas, so we have been working on talking about our feelings and expressing them in a healthy and productive way instead of shutting down and getting upset or angry. At work, mental health is something that needs a lot of attention. I work at a non-profit for adults with developmental disabilities. Our clients are taught job skills as well as soft skills (reading, writing, problem-solving, etc.). Due to our client's different disabilities and abilities, many of them are unable to receive mental health services or resources. Some of them are considered "non-verbal" and are unable to express their thoughts and feelings appropriately or in a way that makes sense to others. Some of them don't have a way to pay for the services. And some don't even realize they could benefit from the services. Upon receiving my degree, I plan on creating a space for my clients to receive the mental health services and resources they need. This service will be through our organization, so our clients can receive the services and resources for free and in a space where people understand them and know them already. This will make them more comfortable and more likely to improve their mental health and will give them a space to just talk or sit when they are upset and need a place to calm down and feel safe.

Mental health is something that I passionate about because it is something that I struggle with. I took classes in high school for cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral technician classes upon graduating. I have always loved helping others. Knowing how my struggle with mental health made me feel, I have been looking for ways to help others who are feeling the same way, or keep them from feeling that way. Listening to others, helping them find solutions, and addressing emotional and mental pain is something I feel I have always done and enjoy doing. I also work with adults with developmental disabilities at a non-profit. They are a community of people that I adore and have taught me so much love and grace. Many of my clients require mental health services and resources but do not receive them for a variety of reasons. These reasons include not being able to afford them, being written of as "just disabled", or not being able to fully explain their feelings in a way that is needed in a traditional therapy or counseling setting. Upon graduating, I plan on creating the setting that my clients need in order to do well in counseling or therapy, as well as give them the mental health resources needed. I would be able to offer this as a service through my current job. This means that our clients would get free mental health services and resources, as often as they need them. Everyday, I see another person with a need and just think about how I could help them so much better once I have completed my education.

About six years ago, I was a high school sophomore. I was not in a good mental health space and quickly declined as the year went on. I have blocked out most of that year and the next year, and I physically can not remember what happened in those years. The things I do remember, though, are feelings I would not wish on anyone. I became a Drum Major as a Sophomore in the high school band. Drum Major is typically saved for seniors and sometimes Juniors. Sophomores and underclassmen are not supposed to be in "positions of power." I remember seeing the glances and the whispers of my peers as I walked past or into the room. I remember the lies that kids spread. I remember becoming so anxious that I would not go to my own section when we did sectional work and would join a different group because my own section hated me so much. I was miserable. As the year went on and faded into Junior year, my mental health continued to decline. All but two of my friends walked out on me, lies continued; my anxiety increased, and with it, my depression. Everything around me was dark, and I always felt like I was being squeezed or suffocated. I would talk to my band director every day about what was going on and how I felt. Once the self-harm started, I knew that something had to be done. I finally talked to my mom and agreed to see a doctor. I started taking medicine and started feeling better. The darkness wasn't as close, and I began to question if I had even ever really felt the way I thought I did. It all felt so far away and like a bad dream. I couldn't even imagine that I had ever felt like that. After a few months, we decided to increase the dosage of my medicine. At this point, I felt like a person again. I no longer felt like I was living in a dream or had just woken up from a bad dream. I took Cognitive Behavioral Therapy classes and began to understand why I felt the way I did and what I could do about it. It has taken a long time, medicine, and a lot of tears to get to where I am now and overcome the darkness and the pain. I am now able to get out of bed, enjoy my job, go back to school, and so much more. There are still hard days, but there is light and good in the world again. I work at PC Workshop in Paulding, Ohio. We are a training facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Once I graduate with my psychology degree, I am planning on providing mental health services and resources to the developmental disability community. This is an underserved community that has taught me so much love and grace. I want to give them the resources needed to have a successful life and to pay them back for everything they have taught and given to me. They are often denied mental health services for a wide variety of reasons or are written off as disabled and not in need of counseling or therapy. They have been my constant smile and cause of laughter, even on my hardest days. They have taught me more about life than anyone else. I hope to be able to repay them and am so grateful that I get to see them grow and improve every day.

Once I graduate, I plan on building a service for my clients at work. We are a non-profit training facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Our clients are often denied mental health services and resources for a variety of resources. Over the last five years of working in this position and overcoming many of my own mental health issues, I have realized how big of a need for mental health services and resources for my clients. I hope to build services for my clients into their individual plans. This will allow them to get free mental health resources and services daily (or as often as needed). The services would be charged through the county so that my clients get free services, and I would still get paid. This will allow my clients to receive services they might not normally receive or be accepted into. This is something that I am looking forward to and the reason I decided to go back to school. My clients have changed my life for the better and taught me so much. I started this job because it was the first place I felt I truly belonged and could be myself. I have always loved helping others, and this was a great place for me to do that. However, I feel that I need my clients more than they need me some days. They have become my safe space, my constant smile, my encouragement, and have taught me so much patience and grace. They have taught me that it is okay to be yourself and not be afraid to live your life to the fullest, no matter what other people say or think. Being able to give them mental health resources and services is the best way I can think of to give back to them and thank them for everything they have done for me.

I am currently attending Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI, for Human Services and Psychology. I work at PC Workshop in Ohio. We are a non-profit training facility for adults with developmental disabilities. My job is teaching soft skills (reading, writing, counting money, etc.), and we go on a lot of different outings and trips. We work on speech, sign language, appropriate behaviors, social cues, and more. Once I graduate, I plan to offer mental health services to our clients. Our clients are often in need of mental health services and resources but are unable to receive them for several different reasons. I have taken Cognitive Behavioral Therapy classes, general psychology, and Behavioral Technician classes. I have had mental health issues myself, and I want to help those around me overcome their own mental health issues. My clients have given and taught me so much, and I want to give back to them. I can not think of a better way than to give them resources for their mental health and help them improve their lives in order to become the best versions of themselves. The biggest hardships or challenges I have experienced and will continue to face are my own mental health and funding. Because I work for a small non-profit, my checks barely cover rent and expenses each month. This makes paying for my tuition hard and a source of stress for me. I do not want a lot of student debt when I graduate, so I have been trying to find ways to save money and work extra-odd jobs to be able to pay for tuition each month. This does not always work, however, and I do have a few loans I will need to pay back. I have gone without a lot of "little things" that I used to not even think about spending money on (new clothes, shoes, coffee dates with friends). I no longer have subscription services so I can afford utilities and my books each semester. The other challenge is my mental health. Working two jobs (one full-time and one part-time) and in school full-time is a lot. There are a lot of late nights and early mornings. It can be mentally draining at times and overwhelming. My anxiety is another thing that can get in my way at times, though this is something I have worked on and am usually able to keep under control.

In high school, my mental health was quickly declining. I do not remember most of my high school experience due to poor mental health and severe depression. I cannot tell you what grade I received in high school; because I do not remember. Once I started taking medication I began to feel a lot better. I can function again. There are still hard days. The anxiety, depression, and impostor syndrome can creep up on me and take hold of me; like a giant hand squeezing my chest. I am currently studying Psychology so that I can understand mental health and illnesses better, and help those who are struggling with them as well. I have had to ask for extensions on homework assignments due to my mental health. There have been times when I felt so overwhelmed and mentally drained that I was unable to complete the assignments on time. I struggle at times with being able to muster up enough motivation to work on assignments. These are the biggest impacts my mental health has on my academic performance. In my personal life, there are times when I do not want to join friends' places, I get incredibly overwhelmed at work, or imposter syndrome kicks in and I struggle to continue with the task at hand. I often overeat or don't eat at all, depending on what kind of mental health day I am having. There are days when I get nothing done and I stay in bed all day or return to bed as soon as I get home from work. There are also "good brain days" where I am able to clean, cook, get homework done, and do basic chores. It can be very frustrating and feel like I am incapable or incompetent at times. I have found that taking a few minutes for myself, walking away from the current assignment, or even going to the bathroom for a few minutes at work, and breaking down why I am feeling the way I am, is helpful. Once I break down why I am feeling the way that I am, I begin writing out a list of positive phrases and affirmations. "I am allowed to feel this way. I am safe. I am enough," and so on. I have found that this helps me to calm down, and not get frustrated with my feelings. When I get frustrated with myself, my mental health only gets worse. I have also found that when I eat gluten, I am more anxious. I try to avoid gluten because I feel that my mental health is more important than eating a few cookies. I have stopped watching certain tv shows because I felt they were having a negative effect on my mental health.

One of the biggest problems I have overcome in my life is my anxiety. While this might not seem like that big of a deal for some people, to me, it was. My anxiety fed my depression, making them both worse. It got to a point where I could not do my job. Learning different ways to manage my anxiety, what triggered my anxiety, and ways I could move past the fear, helped me get my life back. I love my job again. I enjoy going to musicals and football games and concerts again. I am able to spend time with friends and family again. I can go to the store without feeling like the walls are closing in on me. When I feel anxious, I am able to stop and think about why I feel that way, and what to do to move on with my day. I acknowledge my feelings and that they are valid, and then move on. This scholarship will help me give back to my community in many different ways. I work with adults with developmental disabilities. I am currently working towards my bachelor's in Psychology. I hope to be able to give my clients mental health resources and services when I graduate. They are an underserved community due to money issues, being denied treatment due to their disability, struggling with understanding feelings and emotions, and they often don't do well in a typical counseling or therapy setting. My clients have taught me patience, love, acceptance, and that life and its possibilities are limitless. Being able to give my clients counseling or therapy and ways to continue improving their lives is the best way I can think of to give back to them. Because we are a non-profit, my paycheck is just big enough to cover rent and utilities. This scholarship will help me continue my education and limit my student loans and debt. I have a client who participates in Philately. Whenever he talks about his stamps, he talks about how he collects stamps because his dad did. The stamps remind him of his dad and their good times. Philately is a way to keep our memories close. To me, time spent with family and the memories created and shared are some of the most important things in life. Besides being a way to spend time with family or friends and create memories, you can make new relationships through philately. There are many stamp-collecting clubs and online groups, and some people even find pen pals from other countries to send letters and stamps too. This can help you learn about other cultures, engage with people you might not otherwise meet, and find several kinds of stamps that you might not otherwise find or see. Overall, I think that philately is a great hobby to join in and can be incredibly interesting.