It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions they held. As the days went on, the more the pit in my stomach would build. I don’t blame them, my parents that is. They had no clue how to handle a child who would physically restrain herself from leaving for school every morning, a child whose grades went from As to Cs in the span of three months, A child who missed her grandma, who had lived with the family for her entire life up until a few months into the third grade. A child who dealt with night terrors and sleep paralysis. The accumulation of all of this led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem. It manifested in actions such as over eating to fill the void that was created by the bullying at school and the lack of support at home. I felt like a problem child to my parents who had full-time jobs, trying to make ends meet. I felt like I was just adding to their burdens by existing. Despite my clear and apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. I realize that the reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health and the Nigerian community and the wider black diaspora worldwide. Fortunately, my homeroom teachers noticed a behavioral shift and alerted the school counselor.This intervention provided a safe space for me and other girls facing similar challenges as we would meet in her office twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays to talk about our struggles and connect. The help I was receiving at school unfortunately, abruptly ended when my parents learned that I had been put in the program without their knowledge at a parent teacher conference, and removed me immediately. This experience reinforced the negative stigma around mental health in our culture. From ages 8 to 17 my mental state felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Whenever I looked around my classroom, or looked around at my friends at church none of them seem to be facing the same mental struggles I was. As a result, I grew up lonely, and my loneliness led me to resort to unhealthy habits in an attempt for my brain to protect me from my harsh reality. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to first-generation immigrant children. Through therapy, I learned that when we repeatedly take punches to our psyche, our brain comes up with creative ways to keep one from feeling the pain. I developed protective mechanisms, which manifested for me in unhealthy behaviors. This support was transformative, allowing me to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound understanding into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. In my senior year, I pursued this passion by earning a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant license and securing a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre med focus. A pivotal moment arrived when I joined an internship at UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health program this June, under the guidance of Professor Amy Brenner. This experience launched me into what I feel like is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the field. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. Even if I will never see them face-to-face. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss and struggled with mental health and low self esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer effort in mental health has been defined by resilience and determination. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions they held. They had no clue how to handle a child who would physically restrain herself from leaving for school every morning, a child whose grades went from As to Cs in the span of three months, A child who missed her grandma, who had lived with the family for her entire life up until a few months into the third grade. A child who dealt with night terrors and sleep paralysis. Fortunately, my homeroom teachers noticed a behavioral shift and alerted the school counselor. This intervention provided a safe space for me and other girls facing similar challenges as we would meet in her office twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays to talk about our struggles and connect. The help I was receiving at school unfortunately, abruptly ended when my parents learned that I had been put in the program without their knowledge at a parent teacher conference, and removed me immediately. This experience reinforced the negative stigma around mental health in our culture. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to first-generation immigrant children. Through therapy, I learned that when we repeatedly take punches to our psyche, our brain comes up with creative ways to keep one from feeling the pain. I developed protective mechanisms, which manifested for me in unhealthy behaviors. Due to my history and now in me getting help, my dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. I took it upon myself to apply and be accepted into the crisis. Text line cohort 298 where I offer crisis support for those in need. A pivotal moment arrived when I joined an internship at UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health program this June, under the guidance of Professor Amy Brenner. This experience launched me into what I feel like is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the field. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. Even if I will never see them face-to-face. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss and struggled with mental health and low self esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer effort in mental health has been defined by resilience and determination. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

Stress is devastating. I’ve seen and am being impacted by the devastating nature of stress and how it affects not only one person but entire families. This year, my dad lost his job, and the stress felt by the rest of our family was immediate. At first, my mom tried to keep things together, putting on a brave face for the family and getting a second and third job. But slowly, I watched, and am still watching, the stress wear her down. It’s a painful reality and even harder to talk about now. She became anxious, irritable, and eventually began having episodes of nausea and vomiting because of the stress on her health. The stress and the weight of uncertainty, as well as seeing how it broke down someone I loved, made me wonder how many other American families are facing this, especially in our economic turmoil. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 75% of all doctor visits are stress-related, causing a huge overburden on our healthcare system. I’ve always felt called to help people who are struggling with mental health, and since mental health declines when stress increases, I’ve decided that being a mental health educator through psychiatry is my calling. I want to empower people with knowledge, whether through teaching stress-reduction techniques or providing emotional support. I want to make sure that people are equipped to recognize stress before it leads to health problems and help them manage it in healthier ways. In many ways, I’ve already started my path to becoming a psychiatrist. In April of 2022, I worked hard to earn my Certified Clinical Medical Assistant License (CCMA) and plan on working in a clinical setting to observe firsthand how mental health can improve people’s quality of life. I’ve also had the chance to help patients manage their health, and through my work with the Crisis Text Line, I’ve been able to support people in their darkest hour and provide immediate crisis prevention help. Each experience has reinforced just how important mental health education is—it’s not just about treating symptoms but preventing them from spiraling in the first place. My family’s current situation, the state of the economy, and our society’s struggles are all leading to stress being the primary focus of 75% of all doctor visits. It’s the reason I’m so passionate about mental health education today. By becoming a mental health educator, I hope to reduce the impact of stress on others, just like I wish someone had been there to guide my family through our tough time. I want to ensure that people are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to handle stress before it takes over their lives, just as I’m learning to do for myself.

When you lose someone you see every day, it feels like losing a piece of yourself that you weren’t even aware you had. After a quiet but long battle, I lost my maternal grandfather last April. His commitment to being self-sufficient, even when met with help, ultimately claimed his life. The aftermath was like watching the flame of my family’s relationship grow smaller. But inside of me, it ignited a flame to quench the idea that mental health help was a sign of weakness from my family tree and other families in which mental health struggles are unfortunately still seen as a weakness, thus starting my path to becoming a psychiatrist. My grandfather on my mom’s side had been sick for a while. He had been rapidly losing weight, and the doctors had no clue what was wrong with him. During my childhood, I so admired that man. After his funeral as the family was sat around the table, i learned that a young man at the age of 20 in 1965, he was one of the first international students to study in the United States at Howard University in Washington, DC, after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, graduating from there in 1970 with a bachelor’s in business. He was a family man; he made sure all of his children, nieces, nephews, and family were housed, fed, and celebrated. So, on the day of his funeral, he was greatly celebrated with hundreds of attendees. My grandfather’s life and learning about it had an impact on me as it motivated me to excel in school and also learn how to be a light in the lives of others. My grandfather’s refusal to accept help, a sentiment common among older generations, saddened me deeply. It made me realize the importance of mental health, illustrating that just as one might need physical assistance, seeking help for mental well-being is equally crucial. As someone who has struggled and sometimes still struggles with my mental health today, after facing bullying and exposure to illicit things at a young age by school peers, dealing with childhood depression due to these things and the other issues that come with it like body dysmorphia and anxiety, it lit a fire for me. I want to be a light for my generation by being a reason why the mental health crisis doesn’t persist into the coming generations. I’ve already made small strides in my future career as a psychiatrist. I started off by obtaining a Medical Assistant license in May, participating in the Inspiring Mental Health Careers internship in June, and volunteering at the Crisis Text Line in July, where I am currently training to offer 24/7 mental health support to people around the globe. Pacific Oaks College states that 42% of Gen Z struggle with mental health regularly. I want to be a reason why that number decreases in the coming generations of young people. This scholarship will help me continue my mental health volunteering and research through my college education. All in all, after being a witness to my grandfather’s struggle and the impact of his refusal to seek help, I realized the critical importance of mental health support. This experience my family has gone through and watching the fallout, has shaped my career aspirations, driving me to pursue psychiatry and work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. By dedicating my career to mental health, I am determined to help others find the support they need and ensure that future generations can face their challenges with strength and resilience.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions of mental wellness. As the days went on, the more the pit in my stomach would build. Looking back, I don’t blame them, my parents that is. They had no clue how to handle a child who seemingly went from joyful to depressed in a matter of months. The accumulation of all of this led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem. It manifested in actions such as binge eating to fill the void that was created by the bullying at school and the lack of support at home. I felt like I was just adding to their burdens by existing. Despite my clear and apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. That lack of reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health in the black community. From ages 8 to 17, my mental state felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Whenever I looked around at my peers, none of them seemed to be facing the same mental struggles I was. As a result, I grew up lonely, and my loneliness led me to resort to unhealthy habits in an attempt for my brain to protect me from my harsh reality. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to people of black descent. Through therapeutic support, I was able to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound passion for mental wellness into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. I secured a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre-med focus. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those in the black community to further understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a bad omen but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in my community and the wider diaspora by becoming a mental health advocate, working with local policymakers to establish grassroots organizations for mental wellness and using my future college degrees to establish support groups for people in the black community. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss, and struggled with mental health and low self-esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer efforts in mental health has defined my journey. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

Growing up, psychology and human behavior always fascinated me. With aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist, my goal is to bridge the mental health diagnosis gap for young girls, especially BIPOC girls, who, like me, are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. I want to ensure that they receive the same attention and care as their male counterparts, creating a more inclusive and understanding mental health environment. I am currently enrolled in the Psychology Pre-Med program at the University of Houston in Texas for the Fall of 2024 as a first-year student. After my undergraduate degree, my goal is to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. Every step I intend to take in my educational career will equip me with the skills to address mental health needs in underserved communities. Choosing a major in Psychology Pre-Med allows me to combine my passion for mental health with a scientific approach to medicine. My long-term goal is to bring mental health care to underserved communities worldwide. My education in STEM subjects will equip me with critical thinking, research abilities, and medical knowledge to address complex health issues. By integrating psychological concepts with medical practices, I can develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider the whole person, not just the symptoms. I aspire to be a healthcare provider who advocates for and delivers accessible, effective, and compassionate mental health services. In June, I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the 2024 cohort of UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health Interns, This experience launched me into what I believe is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the mental health field as we were able to communicate directly with a variety of mental health professionals and to learn about the functions of the brain. At the end of the internship in June 2024, I was granted the opportunity to sign up and volunteer for the Crisis Text Line organization, which focuses on providing confidential text-based mental health support to those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. I took this opportunity and began training for volunteering at the beginning of July 2024 and plan to continue volunteering with this organization indefinitely. Choosing to volunteer with the Crisis Text Line means more than just volunteering for me as I have dealt with mental health crises in the past and utilized services similar to this to get through my own crises. My vision is to establish a mental health clinic offering affordable services to underserved communities, as well as communities where mental health access has been limited by state laws. I aim to implement outreach programs to educate and reduce stigma. This scholarship will bring me closer to achieving this goal and making a meaningful impact.

I am seeking this scholarship to support my educational and career goals of becoming a psychologist and healthcare professional focused on delivering mental health care to disadvantaged communities. I am currently enrolled in the Psychology Pre-Med program at the University of Houston in Texas for the Fall of 2024 as a first-year student. After my undergraduate degree, my goal is to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. Every step I intend to take in my educational career will equip me with the skills to address mental health needs in underserved communities. As I grew older, my interest in psychology and human behavior grew. With aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist, my goal is to bridge the mental health diagnosis gap for young girls, especially BIPOC girls, who, like me, are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. I want to ensure that they receive the same attention and care as their male counterparts, creating a more inclusive and understanding mental health environment. Choosing a major in Psychology Pre-Med allows me to combine my passion for mental health with a scientific approach to medicine. My long-term goal is to bring mental health care to underserved communities worldwide. My education in STEM subjects will equip me with critical thinking, research abilities, and medical knowledge to address complex health issues. By integrating psychological concepts with medical practices, I can develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider the whole person, not just the symptoms. I aspire to be a healthcare provider who advocates for and delivers accessible, effective, and compassionate mental health services. In June, I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the 2024 cohort of UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health Interns, This experience launched me into what I believe is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the mental health field as we were able to communicate directly with a variety of mental health professionals and to learn about the functions of the brain. At the end of the internship in June 2024, I was granted the opportunity to sign up and volunteer for the Crisis Text Line organization, which focuses on providing confidential text-based mental health support to those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. I took this opportunity and began training for volunteering at the beginning of July 2024 and plan to continue volunteering with this organization indefinitely. Choosing to volunteer with the Crisis Text Line means more than just volunteering for me as I have dealt with mental health crises in the past and utilized services similar to this to get through my own crises. My vision is to establish a mental health clinic offering affordable services to underserved communities, as well as communities where mental health access has been limited by state laws. I aim to implement outreach programs to educate and reduce stigma. This scholarship will bring me closer to achieving this goal and making a meaningful impact.

My journey into my desired career path of becoming a medical doctor and specializing in psychiatry began as I gained invaluable exposure within the medical field by seizing the opportunity to partake in the Health Science Practicum program at my school, holding a medical internship as a student observer at the and earning my Certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) in April of 2024. The path to earning my CCMA was not one of passive class attendance. I spent multiple hours a week learning medical terminology, anatomy, clinical procedures, and peer study to prepare. Due to this training, in June, I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the 2024 cohort of UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health Interns, under the direction of Amy Brenner . This experience launched me into what I believe is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the mental health field as we were able to communicate directly with a variety of mental health professionals and to learn about the functions of the brain. At the end of the internship in June 2024, I was granted the opportunity to sign up and volunteer for the Crisis Text Line organization, which focuses on providing confidential text-based mental health support to those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. I took this opportunity and began training for volunteering at the beginning of July 2024 and plan to continue volunteering with this organization indefinitely. Choosing to volunteer with the Crisis Text Line means more than just volunteering for me as I have dealt with mental health crises in the past and utilized services similar to this to get through my own crises. Choosing a major in Psychology pre-med allows me to combine my passion for mental health with a scientific approach to medicine. My long-term goal is to bring mental health care to underserved communities worldwide. My education in STEM subjects will equip me with critical thinking, research abilities, and medical knowledge to address complex health issues. By integrating psychological concepts with medical practices, I can develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider the whole person, not just the symptoms. I aspire to be a healthcare provider who advocates for and delivers accessible, effective, and compassionate mental health services.

Looking back, I realize that my struggles and adversity likely began in the third grade when male classmates started bullying me about my weight, skin color, and other attributes I couldn't change. The taunts and cruelty were relentless, and I found myself zoning out or dissociating, seeking solace in the happy places I created in my mind. Sometimes, I'd imagine being on a peaceful walk with my beloved grandmother; other times, I'd conjure up vivid scenarios inspired by songs on Radio Disney. Often, I'd simply pray, hoping God would make the bullying stop. The impact of the bullying, ravaged me and infiltrated every part of my life . I went from being a straight-A student to seeing my grades slip to Bs and Cs, which alarmed my parents and teachers. Alongside this academic decline, I struggled with childhood depression. My school counselor, Mrs. Ivy, became a lifeline, offering support and guidance during our twice-weekly sessions. Despite these challenges, my ADHD, though undiagnosed at the time, had its silver linings. It fueled my creativity, leading to moments of triumph. In the fifth grade, my artistic talents shone brightly when my artwork placed third in the Denton Art Show, a city-wide competition featuring over 100 pieces from elementary to middle school students. My creative streak continued to flourish through middle and high school. In my junior and senior years, my dual credit English teacher praised my imaginative writing, later revealing that my work had been used as a sample for future classes. This acknowledgment was both humbling and exhilarating, validating the unique perspective my ADHD provided. As I grew older, my interest in psychology and human behavior grew. This led me to pursue a psychology major with a pre-med focus as a freshman this coming fall aspiring to become a psychiatrist. My goal is to bridge the mental health diagnosis gap for young girls, especially BIPOC girls, who, like me, are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. I want to ensure that they receive the same attention and care as their male counterparts, creating a more inclusive and understanding mental health environment. In reflecting on my journey, I look at my story and question myself: how would I advise a kid in the same circumstances that I was in elementary school, dealing with bullying and mental health? The first thing I would tell them is that they don’t have to suffer in silence. They should tell their teachers and their parents so that they can remove the bully from their life and offer support. The next thing I would let them know is that their ADHD is not an adversity; rather, it’s a gift that they can use to cultivate their identity. Many great athletes, artists, and well-established people were also blessed with ADHD. All in all, everybody faces adversity in their life. Some people deal with it for a short amount of time, and others carry it with them over a lifetime. The one thing we all have in common is that our adversities can shape and mold us into better people if we reach out for help. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Looking back, I realize that my struggles likely began in the third grade when male classmates started bullying me about my weight, skin color, and other attributes I couldn't change. The taunts and cruelty were relentless, and I found myself zoning out or dissociating, seeking solace in the happy places I created in my mind. Sometimes, I'd imagine being on a peaceful walk with my beloved grandmother; other times, I'd conjure up vivid scenarios inspired by songs on Radio Disney. Often, I'd simply pray, hoping God would make the bullying stop. The impact of the bullying, ravaged me and infiltrated every part of my life . I went from being a straight-A student to seeing my grades slip to Bs and Cs, which alarmed my parents and teachers. Alongside this academic decline, I struggled with childhood depression. My school counselor, Mrs. Ivy, became a lifeline, offering support and guidance during our twice-weekly sessions. Despite these challenges, my ADHD, though undiagnosed at the time, had its silver linings. It fueled my creativity, leading to moments of triumph. In the fifth grade, my artistic talents shone brightly when my artwork placed third in the Denton Art Show, a city-wide competition featuring over 100 pieces from elementary to middle school students. My creative streak continued to flourish through middle and high school. In my junior and senior years, my dual credit English teacher praised my imaginative writing, later revealing that my work had been used as a sample for future classes. This acknowledgment was both humbling and exhilarating, validating the unique perspective my ADHD provided. As I grew older, my interest in psychology and human behavior grew. This led me to pursue a psychology major with a pre-med focus as a freshman this coming fall aspiring to become a psychiatrist. My goal is to bridge the mental health diagnosis gap for young girls, especially BIPOC girls, who, like me, are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. I want to ensure that they receive the same attention and care as their male counterparts, creating a more inclusive and understanding mental health environment. In reflecting on my journey, I look at how my stories, each painful and empowering, formed the character I am these days. Once a source of struggle, my ADHD has emerged as a cornerstone of my creativity and resilience, inspiring me to advocate for a future in which every child’s mental health especially that of BIPOC children is recognized and dealt with.

As I head into my professional career and embark on the path of becoming a psychiatrist, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority and immigrant communities, such as the one I grew up in. As a child of Nigerian immigrants, especially having dealt with mental health conditions as a young child, my goal is to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. My journey toward becoming a medical doctor, specializing in psychiatry, began with significant exposure to the medical field through internships and certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This foundation has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address mental health stigma. I was selected for an inspiring future career at UT Southwestern's Mental Health Internship in June 2024, where I gained valuable insights and professional connections with mental health professionals. These experiences gave me an understanding of mental health challenges, care, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches grew. After the project was done, I began training as a volunteer for Crisis Text Line, providing confidential text-based mental health support. This opportunity is very personal, as I’ve gone through various forms of mental illness in the past, and have benefited from similar projects. Volunteering allows me to provide immediate assistance to those in need and also allows me to understand the specific challenges that small communities face. This direct engagement helps me develop strategies to effectively communicate the importance of mental health care and reduce stigma. Additionally, I plan to leverage my CCMA certification during my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston. As a freshman, I aim to engage in research opportunities on campus this fall, furthering my involvement in mental health professionalism. By participating in research focused on the mental health of racial minorities, I can contribute to developing evidence-based practices that address the unique needs of these communities taking into account cultural nuance. By positioning myself in the midst of one of the largest medical districts in the country, the Texas Medical Center that provides 21 hospitals and numerous research institutions, my academic and professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape for all and doing so within the practice of psychiatry. Through these experiences, and through my planning for future endeavors, I am determined to break down the barriers to mental health awareness and support in minority communities, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

As I head into my professional career and embark on the path of becoming a psychiatrist, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority and immigrant communities, such as the one I grew up in. As a child of Nigerian immigrants, especially having dealt with mental health conditions as a young child, my goal is to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. My journey toward becoming a medical doctor, specializing in psychiatry, began with significant exposure to the medical field through internships and certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This foundation has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address mental health stigma. I was selected for an inspiring future career at UT Southwestern's Mental Health Internship in June 2024, where I gained valuable insights and professional connections with mental health professionals. These experiences gave me an understanding of mental health challenges, care, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches grew. After the project was done, I began training as a volunteer for Crisis Text Line, providing confidential text-based mental health support. This opportunity is very personal, as I’ve gone through various forms of mental illness in the past, and have benefited from similar projects. Volunteering allows me to provide immediate assistance to those in need and also allows me to understand the specific challenges that small communities face. This direct engagement helps me develop strategies to effectively communicate the importance of mental health care and reduce stigma. Additionally, I plan to leverage my CCMA certification during my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston. As a freshman, I aim to engage in research opportunities on campus this fall, furthering my involvement in mental health professionalism. By participating in research focused on the mental health of racial minorities, I can contribute to developing evidence-based practices that address the unique needs of these communities taking into account cultural nuance. By positioning myself in the midst of one of the largest medical districts in the country, the Texas Medical Center that provides 21 hospitals and numerous research institutions, my academic and professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape for all and doing so within the practice of psychiatry. Through these experiences, and through my planning for future endeavors, I am determined to break down the barriers to mental health awareness and support in minority communities, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions they held. The accumulation of having to bottle up my fragile emotions, led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem at only eight years old. Despite my apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. I realize that the reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health and the Nigerian community and the wider black diaspora worldwide. Later on as I grew up, I became aware of the statistics by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data that less than 10% of black Americans seek out mental healthcare in their lifetime. This began to make more and more sense to me as I looked around my community, but also ignited a fire inside of me that wanted to be a change. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to first-generation immigrant children. Through therapy, I learned that when we repeatedly take punches to our psyche, our brain comes up with creative ways to keep one from feeling the pain. I developed protective mechanisms, which manifested for me in unhealthy behaviors. This support was transformative, allowing me to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound understanding into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. In my senior year, I pursued this passion by earning a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant license and securing a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre med focus. A pivotal moment arrived when I joined an internship at UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health program this June, under the guidance of LSW Amy Brenner. This experience launched me into what I feel like is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the field. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. Even if I will never see them face-to-face. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss and struggled with mental health and low self esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer effort in mental health has been defined by resilience and determination. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

As I head into my professional career and embark on the path of becoming a psychiatrist, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority and immigrant communities, such as the one I grew up in. As a child of Nigerian immigrants, especially having dealt with mental health conditions as a young child, my goal is to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. My journey toward becoming a medical doctor, specializing in psychiatry, began with significant exposure to the medical field through internships and certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This foundation has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address mental health stigma. I was selected for an inspiring future career at UT Southwestern's Mental Health Internship in June 2024, where I gained valuable insights and professional connections with mental health professionals. These experiences gave me an understanding of mental health challenges, care, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches grew. After the project was done, I began training as a volunteer for Crisis Text Line, providing confidential text-based mental health support. This opportunity is very personal, as I’ve gone through various forms of mental illness in the past, and have benefited from similar projects. Volunteering allows me to provide immediate assistance to those in need and also allows me to understand the specific challenges that small communities face. This direct engagement helps me develop strategies to effectively communicate the importance of mental health care and reduce stigma. Additionally, I plan to leverage my CCMA certification during my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston. As a freshman, I aim to engage in research opportunities on campus this fall, furthering my involvement in mental health professionalism. By participating in research focused on the mental health of racial minorities, I can contribute to developing evidence-based practices that address the unique needs of these communities taking into account cultural nuance. By positioning myself in the midst of one of the largest medical districts in the country, the Texas Medical Center that provides 21 hospitals and numerous research institutions, my academic and professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape for all and doing so within the practice of psychiatry. Through these experiences, and through my planning for future endeavors, I am determined to break down the barriers to mental health awareness and support in minority communities, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

During my high school tenure, I wholeheartedly seized the chance to assume leadership responsibilities, primarily within my high school's esteemed band leadership team. I worked hard to gain valuable experiences that helped shape my character and develop my core values. Through my steadfast participation as a four-year member of the high school's marching band, I was made keenly cognizant of the utmost necessity to nurture and advance qualities of leadership while also fostering an intense sense of collaborative spirit. The responsibilities I took on extended beyond mere participation in these ensembles. This is what I believe to have been my greatest achievement in my 13 years of schooling so far. In such scenarios, I came to appreciate the value of empathy, especially when collaborating with younger students who tend to regard their leaders as role models and mirror their actions. A vivid memory etched into my mind from my junior year at a band competition always reminds me of what leadership truly means. After a long and demanding day filled with adventure, growth and group bonding, it came to my attention that a freshman student who had been having a difficult first season up until this point, unintentionally omitted from the initial headcount, had misplaced her instrument after a day of performances. While frustration and angst brewed within the group, I seized the responsibility to aid her in her search. Despite her difficult journey of retracing her steps to find her instrument, I stayed by her side, offering words of encouragement and patience as she navigated around the now empty stadium. Eventually, our teamwork led to the recovery of her instrument, and relief and gratitude gleaming from her face resonated deeply within me. As we headed back to the bus with her instrument now safe within her care, this experience served as a reminder that leadership means more than mere directives or telling people what to do and enforcing rules; it encompasses the noble act of providing consolation and encouragement during times of uncertainty and distress. Today, I use every interaction I can to show compassion and patience to those in times of struggle, even if I have to go completely out of my way to do so. This experience lit a fire from within me by helping me to actualize the reality that leadership, when coupled with hyper-vigilance and empathy, wields the power to etch transformation in the lives of those who will lead after we leave our standing as leaders.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions of mental wellness. As the days went on, the more the pit in my stomach would build. Looking back, I don’t blame them, my parents that is. They had no clue how to handle a child who seemingly went from joyful to depressed in a matter of months. The accumulation of all of this led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem. It manifested in actions such as binge eating to fill the void that was created by the bullying at school and the lack of support at home. I felt like I was just adding to their burdens by existing. Despite my clear and apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. That lack of reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health in the black community. From ages 8 to 17, my mental state felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Whenever I looked around at my peers, none of them seemed to be facing the same mental struggles I was. As a result, I grew up lonely, and my loneliness led me to resort to unhealthy habits in an attempt for my brain to protect me from my harsh reality. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to people of black descent. Through therapeutic support, I was able to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound passion for mental wellness into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. I secured a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre-med focus. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those in the black community to further understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a bad omen but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in my community and the wider diaspora by becoming a mental health advocate, working with local policymakers to establish grassroots organizations for mental wellness and using my future college degrees to establish support groups for people in the black community. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss, and struggled with mental health and low self-esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer efforts in mental health has defined my journey. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions of mental wellness. As the days went on, the more the pit in my stomach would build. Looking back, I don’t blame them, my parents that is. They had no clue how to handle a child who seemingly went from joyful to depressed in a matter of months. The accumulation of all of this led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem. It manifested in actions such as binge eating to fill the void that was created by the bullying at school and the lack of support at home. I felt like I was just adding to their burdens by existing. Despite my clear and apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. That lack of reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health in the black community. From ages 8 to 17, my mental state felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Whenever I looked around at my peers, none of them seemed to be facing the same mental struggles I was. As a result, I grew up lonely, and my loneliness led me to resort to unhealthy habits in an attempt for my brain to protect me from my harsh reality. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to people of black descent. Through therapeutic support, I was able to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound passion for mental wellness into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. I secured a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre-med focus. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those in the black community to further understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a bad omen but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. Within the next five years, I want to be the driver of change in my community and the wider diaspora by becoming a mental health advocate, working with local policymakers to establish grassroots organizations for mental wellness and using my future college degrees to establish support groups for people in the black community. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss, and struggled with mental health and low self-esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer efforts in mental health has defined my journey. Despite cultural stigmas, I’m navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

It seemingly came out of nowhere. In the third grade at just eight years old, I became the target of relentless bullying from a classmate. Being a child of two Nigerian immigrants meant that the challenges I began to endure at school, that even ended up taking a toll on my education, went unrecognized due to cultural misconceptions they held. As the days went on, the more the pit in my stomach would build. I don’t blame them, my parents that is. They had no clue how to handle a child who would physically restrain herself from leaving for school every morning, a child whose grades went from As to Cs in the span of three months, A child who missed her grandma, who had lived with the family for her entire life up until a few months into the third grade. A child who dealt with night terrors and sleep paralysis. The accumulation this all of this led me to develop symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and heavily affected my self-esteem. It manifested in actions such as over eating to fill the void that was created by the bullying at school and the lack of support at home. I felt like a problem child to my parents who had full-time jobs, trying to make ends meet. I felt like I was just adding to their burdens by existing. Despite my clear and apparent struggles, my parents dismissed my mental health concerns, thinking that I would just grow out of it. I realize that the reaction they had was primarily a result of stigma around mental health and the Nigerian community and the wider black diaspora worldwide. Fortunately, my homeroom teachers noticed a behavioral shift and alerted the school counselor.This intervention provided a safe space for me and other girls facing similar challenges as we would meet in her office twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays to talk about our struggles and connect. The help I was receiving at school unfortunately, abruptly ended when my parents learned that I had been put in the program without their knowledge at a parent teacher conference, and removed me immediately. This experience reinforced the negative stigma around mental health in our culture. From ages 8 to 17 my mental state felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Whenever I looked around my classroom, or looked around at my friends at church none of them seem to be facing the same mental struggles I was. As a result, I grew up lonely, and my loneliness led me to resort to unhealthy habits in an attempt for my brain to protect me from my harsh reality. Fortunately, my journey toward understanding and managing my mental health took a positive turn at age 18 when I began therapy with a professional dedicated to first-generation immigrant children. Through therapy, I learned that when we repeatedly take punches to our psyche, our brain comes up with creative ways to keep one from feeling the pain. I developed protective mechanisms, which manifested for me in unhealthy behaviors. This support was transformative, allowing me to reclaim my sense of self and discover strategies for coping with stress, namely, putting good out into the world and being a light for my community. One of the monumental ways this is manifested for me has been in volunteering at the Crisis Text Line, putting my newfound understanding into action this year. My dedication to mental health has manifested in my academic endeavors naturally. In my senior year, I pursued this passion by earning a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant license and securing a place in the University of Houston’s Class of 2028 psychology program with a pre med focus. A pivotal moment arrived when I joined an internship at UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Future Careers in Mental Health program this June, under the guidance of Professor Amy Brenner. This experience launched me into what I feel like is my life’s calling by providing me with invaluable insights into the field. As I head into my professional career, I want to break down the barriers to mental health awareness in minority communities, like the one I grew up in. I will strive to empower those who come from minority communities, to understand that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness or a curse but a natural aspect of human experience that deserves compassion and support. I want to be the driver of change in so many people's lives. Even if I will never see them face-to-face. My journey from my early childhood, where I faced bullying, isolation, loss and struggled with mental health and low self esteem, to now pursuing a career and volunteer effort in mental health has been defined by resilience and determination. Despite cultural stigmas, I'm navigating my path through therapy, education, and community engagement. Now, my focus is on raising awareness and providing support to minority communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated or ashamed when seeking guidance for their mental well-being.

I waited for the final bell of the year to ring in my 7th grade history class so we could leave for summer vacation. In my 13 years of life, this was my most challenging by far. Back then, I would walk into school with my head down. I wore a headband so big to hide my forehead because I was bullied for its size. I wore bulky headphones to hide my ears and a sweatshirt hid my body. Needless to say, I was insecure. My goal was to avoid looking divergent so I might have a chance of making friends with the athlete girls who bullied me often. During those years I hid my passion for playing clarinet, something I had been studying for 2 years at that point. I also hide my passion for music and politics. I was passionate about these, but nobody else was, so i kept it a secret. Today, I am a part of of my school's marching band, and we won the State UIL competition. Additionally, I'm a member of my school's debate team and have won a medal for it this fall. Music helps me express my emotions and share the ones I love with the people I love the most. Friendships, confidence, and most importantly, my passion are forming my own identity for the time being. To me, confidence means being defiant and not concerned about what others think of you. What made me so confident? I simply stopped focusing on others' ideals of me. I surrounded myself with like-minded peers and made sure that securing admission to a prestigious college and maximizing my high school experience were of the utmost importance to me. In summary, without confidence I would not be in the position I hold today.