Mental health has been a significant part of my life, both indirectly and directly, for quite some time. My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs because of my knowledge of it and how I have interacted with those with mental health issues. I have learned more about mental health this past year since I enrolled in a psychology class at my high school. I knew some aspects of it before I took the class as well, due to having friends throughout my life who have struggled with mental health issues. My relationships are influenced by this because it affects our bond and communication. I have done my research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. Mental health affects my career aspirations because I am so interested in the subject that I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help those who are struggling with their mental health find their place in this world and give them a voice. I want to make their quality of life better by providing services for them and giving them resources to alleviate or treat their illnesses. I am a nineteen-year-old first-year university student who wants to make a difference in this world. I am currently pursuing higher education to become a clinical psychologist. My educational goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, earn a master’s in clinical psychology, and achieve a PsyD. Outside of my love for psychology, I am extremely passionate about theater arts and have been part of it for six years. I perform on stage as well as do technical work for theater. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in mental health by improving the lives of people who have mental health issues. I have always loved supporting people and those close to me, which can make me a great clinical psychologist. I can help others feel a sense of belonging by giving them beneficial resources to improve their mental health and help them feel understood. Additionally, I could utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental illness to make a difference in the world. It gives me a sense of purpose to be able to make someone’s life better and worth living. Mental health has shaped my understanding of the world because I have learned that many people in today’s society either do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and normalize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated first-year, first-generation university student. I am currently attending a local university to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I am a member of my school’s University Honors Program. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. I am a former member of the International Thespian Society. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with my close friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. After completing my higher education, I plan to become a clinical psychologist. My career goals include finishing my formal education, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, teaching psychology at a local community college as a part-time job, and opening up a private practice to provide psychological services. As a first-year university student, I am actively taking steps to achieve these goals. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, specializing in biological psychology, at a local university. Additionally, I joined a research team under the guidance of my psychology professor. I want to get my foot in the door as early as possible and gain exposure to what lies ahead in my future career. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology at the same university and continue studying and performing research there. I am also preparing to contact an internship director at a nearby mental health institution to inquire about internship opportunities. After obtaining my master’s degree, I will apply for a clinical psychology internship at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Subsequently, I will attend a different university to earn a Psy.D. and take an exam to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Creating a name for myself in the field of psychology is one of my greatest career goals. I will utilize my education to make a positive impact in the mental health field by providing the services that are needed in our society. Additionally, I have a desire to advocate for mental health awareness through my future career. I want to destigmatize getting help and going to therapy because it helps people become better versions of themselves. It could save someone’s life. I want others who are struggling with mental health to be heard and understood. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. I will encourage others to do good with their lives through their careers, as I will be doing with mine. Since starting my journey, I have noticed a lot of corruption in the mental health care system. There are many psychology professionals who do not care about their patients or their well-being. Patients are being misdiagnosed and mistreated due to the professionals' neglect. I want to change that narrative and help create a safe environment for others. I can utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. Additionally, I will teach psychology at the community college level to educate a generation of people who have a desire to help others. inspire other people who are like me to pursue careers related to helping others and giving back to our communities. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. My understanding of the world has been shaped by mental health because I have learned that many individuals do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place. Being successful in my academic career so far motivates me to continue learning and reach my full potential to become successful in my profession. I am ecstatic about continuing my educational journey and gaining further knowledge and experience in psychology. The idea of helping others and making a difference in their lives for the better excites me the most about pursuing this path. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

After completing my higher education, I plan to become a clinical psychologist. My career goals include finishing my formal education, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, teaching psychology at a local community college as a part-time job, and opening up a private practice to provide psychological services. As a first-year university student, I am actively taking steps to achieve these goals. I am currently enrolled in a local university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in biological psychology. Additionally, I recently joined a research team under the guidance of my psychology professor. I want to get my foot in the door as early as possible and gain exposure to what lies ahead in my future career. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology at the same university and continue studying and performing research there. I am also preparing to contact an internship director at a nearby mental health institution to inquire about internship opportunities. After obtaining my master’s degree, I will apply for a clinical psychology internship at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Subsequently, I will attend a different university to earn a Psy.D. and take an exam to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Since middle school, I have witnessed friends and family who have struggled with mental health issues. I have always tried to accommodate them and support them in any way I could. These experiences led to my interest in helping those struggling with mental illness. Over time, I have developed skills that will assist me in my educational and career journey. During my time in university, I acquired essential time management and listening skills. I am currently taking a course called “Thinking Critically” that will help refine my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are crucial for my career. My interests align with my desired career path as well because I strive to help out my community as much as I can. I want to help people live a better quality of life and be mentally healthy. Additionally, I am fascinated by the field of psychology and its variety of complex concepts. I can envision myself positively impacting my future profession by performing research to answer the burning questions in the psychology field. I want to make a difference in the field and help heal others. I will dedicate much of my life to pursue my dreams and give back to my community.

My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs because of my knowledge of it and how I have interacted with those with mental health issues. I have learned more about mental health in my senior year of high school when I enrolled in a psychology class. I knew some aspects of it before I took the class as well, due to having friends throughout my life who have struggled with mental health issues. My relationships are influenced by this because it affects our bond and communication. I have done my research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. Mental health affects my career aspirations because I am so interested in the subject that I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help those who are struggling with their mental health find their place in this world and give them a voice. I want to make their quality of life better by providing services for them and giving them resources to alleviate or treat their illnesses. I am an eighteen-year-old first-year college student who wants to make a difference in this world. I want to pursue higher education to become a clinical psychologist. My educational goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, earn a master’s in clinical psychology, and achieve a PsyD. Outside of my love for psychology, I am extremely passionate about theater arts and have been part of it for six years. I perform on stage as well as do technical work for theater. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in mental health by improving the lives of people who have mental health issues. I have always loved supporting people and those close to me, which can make me a great clinical psychologist. I can help others feel a sense of belonging by giving them beneficial resources to improve their mental health and help them feel understood. Additionally, I could utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental illness to make a difference in the world. It gives me a sense of purpose to be able to make someone’s life better and worth living.

Post Malone has been my family’s favorite artist for years. It all began when my younger brother was going through a strict rap music listening phase, and Post Malone was part of his roster of artists he liked. I had liked Post Malone’s music for a bit before this, and I started to listen to more of his music to understand what my brother liked about his music. Then, my parents jumped on the bandwagon and started blasting his music in the house and in the car. Post Malone has literally become a household name for my family. He is also called “Posty” for short by his fans. My family and I saw him in concert twice. Once in November of 2022 and another in August of 2023. The best concert out of those two was the second one. That was the best concert I have been to so far. On August 19, 2023, at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California, Post Malone was finishing his “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying” tour in the U.S. My parents immediately bought pit tickets for the four of us. My brother was absolutely ecstatic because he is obsessed with Posty and loves everything about him and his music. We were all excited because we were all able to see the artist we love with the people we love and who love him as well. We waited in the pit for the opener to start their set for about two hours. A rock/indie band called “Beach Fossils” opened for him, which I enjoyed. We waited a bit longer for Posty to start performing. All of a sudden the lights went out, and smoke covered the stage. There was a violin and bass playing in the tune of one of his songs, while the rest of the musicians got into their positions one-by-one. The crowd erupted with excitement. The violinist and bassist played the song beautifully; it almost made me shed a tear. Posty then came out on stage, red solo cup in hand, to finish performing the song being played. I could not believe that Posty was 20 feet away from me. This was the closest I have ever been to a celebrity that I adore. In between songs, he would stop to tell the audience how much he appreciates and loves us. He spoke uplifting words that made me love this man even more. Halfway into the set, he played my all-time favorite song by him, “Overdrive.” The visuals throughout this song and the entire concert were so striking and breath-taking. It was such a surreal moment to hear one of my favorite songs being played live. The beat was so loud I could feel it in my heart and lungs. I was getting very emotional and choked up during the song. The rest of the concert was amazing, and I could never replicate those feelings that I felt again. My first ever concert was when I saw Katy Perry when I was about 8 years old. I was quite young, so I do not remember a lot of details from that night. But I have a specific memory of when she performed “Firework.” I remember sitting on my father’s shoulders to watch her sing my favorite songs of hers. The stage was full of extravagant sets and dancers in costumes, while the lights were shining every color in every direction. My younger self seeing my favorite artist at the time was such an amazing experience. Concerts will always hold a special place in my heart.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated first-year university student. I am currently attending a local university to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I am a member of my school’s University Honors Program. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. After I earn my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I will continue to attend my university to achieve a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology. Then, I will attend a different university to obtain a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist. Additionally, I will open my own private practice to provide psychological services. I will utilize my education to make a positive impact in the mental health field by providing the services that are needed in our society. I want to destigmatize getting help and going to therapy because it helps people become better versions of themselves. It could save someone’s life. I want others who are struggling with mental health to be heard and understood. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. I will encourage others to do good with their lives through their careers, as I will be doing with mine. I can utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. Additionally, I will teach psychology at the community college level to educate a generation of people who have a desire to help others. inspire other people who are like me to pursue careers related to helping others and giving back to our communities. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life, both indirectly and directly, for quite some time. Throughout my life, I have had many friends and family members who have suffered from mental health issues. Over time, I have learned how to accommodate them and help them feel understood. Mental health has shaped my goals by guiding me towards a career path. I have decided to become a clinical psychologist to assist those grappling with mental health challenges, especially the increasing number of children and adolescents facing such issues. I plan to utilize my studies and future career to make a significant difference in the field of psychology and raise awareness about mental health. I will emotionally support others by providing psychological services and help them feel like they have their life back. My relationships are influenced by mental health because it impacts our bond and communication. I have conducted extensive research on mental illness, learning how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. My understanding of the world has been shaped by mental health because I have learned that many individuals do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place.

When I was a fire explorer for the San Manuel Fire Department, I participated in several community service events along with my other fellow fire explorers. One service event that made a significant contribution to our community was called “Shop with a Cop,” which was organized by the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefits Association, where San Bernardino County police officers, San Manuel Department of Public Service officers, San Manuel Fire Department administrators and firefighters, and fire explorers partnered up with children from low-income families at Walmart to help them purchase Christmas gifts for them during the holiday season. This event was an amazing opportunity to help families struggling to buy Christmas presents or even basic needs. We gave back to the community in a positive and impactful way. Another service event I participated in was a trash clean-up day on the streets in front of the Yaamava’ casino. Our mission was to help make the area cleaner and look presentable for the casino and resort guests. It was also an act of environmental activism, and we made a difference for our planet. These actions demonstrated a commitment to service because I was dedicated to helping out as much as I could to help make the world a better place. I made a commitment to be part of the Fire Explorer program, and I made sure I committed to every service event we participated in. I was able to uplift others and spread positivity throughout the community service experiences towards the fire explorers and the citizens. The program united us as one and helped us form friendships with one another. We also fostered unity with the other San Manuel/Yaamava’ workers and our community. These acts of kindness unified us all and brought us together to make positive changes. My personal growth has been influenced by these experiences because they made me view the world differently. I realize that everyone in the world experiences life and struggles differently. It helped me develop and improve certain skills as well, such as communication and teamwork. Additionally, they shaped my future aspirations because they tie into my career path, which is a clinical psychologist. The profession is centered around helping others who struggle. I believe that this is the perfect career for me based on my past community service experiences. I have a passion for helping people, and I will strive to continue to do so in the future.

After completing my higher education, I plan to become a clinical psychologist. My career goals include finishing my formal education, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, teaching psychology at a local community college as a part-time job, and opening up a private practice to provide psychological services. As a first-year university student, I am actively taking steps to achieve these goals. I am currently enrolled in a local university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in biological psychology. Additionally, I recently joined a research team under the guidance of my psychology professor. I want to get my foot in the door as early as possible and gain exposure to what lies ahead in my future career. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology at the same university and continue studying and performing research there. I am also preparing to contact an internship director at a nearby mental health institution to inquire about internship opportunities. After obtaining my master’s degree, I will apply for a clinical psychology internship at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Subsequently, I will attend a different university to earn a Psy.D. and take an exam to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Since middle school, I have witnessed friends and family who have struggled with mental health issues. I have always tried to accommodate them and support them in any way I could. These experiences led to my interest in helping those struggling with mental illness. Over time, I have developed skills that will assist me in my educational and career journey. During my time in university, I acquired essential time management and listening skills. I am currently taking a course called “Thinking Critically” that will help refine my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are crucial for my career. My interests align with my desired career path as well because I strive to help out my community as much as I can. I want to help people live a better quality of life and be mentally healthy. Additionally, I am fascinated by the field of psychology and its variety of complex concepts. I can envision myself positively impacting my future profession by performing research to answer the burning questions in the psychology field. I want to make a difference in the field and help heal others. I will dedicate much of my life to pursue my dreams and give back to my community.

Billie Eilish has been my favorite artist and role model for about six years. I have listened to every single song she and her brother, Finneas, created, and I love all of them. What drew me towards her music years ago was her angelic voice, relatable lyrics, and catchy instrumentals. And while I love all of her songs, three resonate most with me. My top three Billie Eilish songs are “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” “What Was I Made For?” and “ilomilo.” “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is one of my favorite songs on Billie’s latest album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” due to its upbeat instrumentals and meaningful lyrics. The song is about loving someone unconditionally in any form of connection, such as friendships or romantic relationships. I associate this song with my friendships because the lyrics closely relate to how I feel about my best friends. I love my friends so dearly, and they care about me so much. Being loved by friends and having a real, non-toxic friendship is refreshing for the soul. Billie’s hit movie soundtrack single, “What Was I Made For?” is the perfect song to illustrate the struggles of being a woman and discovering your purpose in life. The song was in the 2023 blockbuster movie “Barbie,” which is about self-discovery and feminism. I relate deeply to the song because I have struggled with my purpose in life and who I want to become. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life for a long time. I knew that I had a purpose, but I did not know how to find it. Until I learned about psychology, that is when I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I want to help people who are struggling with their identity and mental health. “ilomilo” is a haunting, eerie song from her first album, ”WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” The song is about separation and the feelings and thoughts you have when faced with separation from someone you love. I resonate with this song due to having had similar experiences with separation anxiety throughout my life. The lyrics are parallel to how I feel and think when I am separated from someone that I am attached to. Billie Eilish’s songs have helped me cope during rough times in my life. The relatable lyrics in her songs remind me that I am not alone in my struggles and experiences. I am tremendously proud of Billie and Finneas for all of their accomplishments in their successful music careers, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life, both indirectly and directly, for quite some time. Throughout my life, I have had many friends and family members who have suffered from mental health issues. Over time, I have learned how to accommodate to them and help them feel understood. Mental health has shaped my goals by guiding me towards a career path. I have decided to become a clinical psychologist to assist those grappling with mental health challenges, especially the increasing number of children and adolescents facing such issues. My primary career goal is make a significant difference in the field of psychology and raise awareness about mental health. My relationships are influenced by mental health because it impacts our bond and communication. I have conducted extensive research on mental illness, learning how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. My understanding of the world has been shaped by mental health because I have learned that many individuals do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and normalize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place.

When I ask my friends, family, and administrators how they would describe me, they all describe me as funny, kind, ambitious, etc. But there is one word that will not fail to come to mind: leader. The individuals who are close to me recognize and acknowledge my leadership throughout the various activities that I have participated in. I have earned leadership positions through hard work and dedication towards my volunteer service and other activities. I have displayed tremendous efforts and put forth countless hours into every organization and community that I am part of. I learned to be a leader from my mentors and peers. My drive, ambition, and passion assist in my ever-growing leadership skills. One of my first leadership positions was as a historian for the San Manuel Fire Explorer Program. As a historian, I was responsible for photographing the training drills, community service events, and other activities that we participated in. I utilized these photos to showcase our work in the program. As a fire explorer, the activities we engaged in included learning about the fire service, participating in community service events, accompanying crews on ride-alongs to observe day-to-day operations within the department, providing support to firefighters during emergency responses by carrying medical supplies, participating in practice drills to gain experience in basic fire suppression, and receiving CPR certification. Although I have only been part of the program for three years, I have learned quite a lot about the fire service and what it takes to become a firefighter. In high school, I earned the position of student director for two stage plays. The first play was self-written and self-directed; it was a play adaptation of the hit classic “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and the play was titled “Mr. Sawalski.” I cast my classmates for the play, and it was performed in my high school’s Visual and Performing Arts Showcase. The next year, I wrote and directed a stage play about Safe Haven Baby Boxes for my senior service project. Through the performance of the play, I raised awareness about Safe Haven in a creative way. My duties as a student director included monitoring performances to review technical and performance aspects for concept consistency, organizing rehearsals and performances to ensure that the production ran smoothly, and acquiring the props needed for the scenes. It was an honor to be given the opportunity to showcase my passion for playwriting. I have learned how to be an effective leader through years of experience. The key traits needed to become a great leader are communication, integrity, and motivation. Through my leadership during the Fire Explorer program and stage direction, I embodied those traits and set an example for my peers. I proved to my administrators, my family, and myself that I do have what it takes to be a great leader.

For a significant part in my life, I have been surrounded by friends and family members who have struggled with mental illness. I grew up with friends who struggled with anxiety and depression, which to me is alarming for my friends to be struggling with that at thirteen-years-old. I researched and learned how to accommodate and help those who suffer from mental illness. Additionally, I took a psychology class my senior year of high school, and I fell in love with the subject. These experiences influenced my decision to pursue a career in psychology. I am continuing my education to become a clinical psychologist. My goal is to earn my bachelor's degree in psychology. Then, I will achieve a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology. After, I will obtain a Psy.D and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. I desire to create an impact in the field of psychology by sharing other's stories and experiences with mental health to inspire others to make a change. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction their lives.

Theatre arts hold a special place in my heart, offering a unique blend of expression, excitement, and community that keeps me engaged and coming back for more. I have been involved with theatre arts for six years. It all started when I began working in technical theatre as backstage crew for a middle school musical, and I fell in love with everything about theatre. Throughout middle school, I mostly worked in the technical theatre department, but I also dabbled in the performing aspect as an actor. Despite experiencing stage fright initially, I gradually became accustomed to the mixed emotions I felt on stage. The nervousness, excitement, and adrenaline was what kept me going throughout my performances. In my sophomore year of high school, I auditioned for the spring musical. I was extremely nervous because I have only ever been in plays and I did not like to sing in front of others. However, I landed a lead understudy role and I was ever so grateful for the opportunity. From then on, I fell in love with performing even more. The community during high school was like none other. We lifted each other up, supported, and loved each other through difficult times. The friendships I have made since I have been part of theatre have been wonderful. The community is what keeps me coming back to perform or work in tech. When I joined theatre in middle school, I had a dream of writing my own play and getting it performed on stage. I had the opportunity to create my own script for my musical theatre class in my junior year. My teacher assigned the class to create an original play adaptation script utilizing the plot of an existing movie and change the character names and title. My teacher loved my play adaptation of the famous film, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” so much that he wanted me to direct it and have it performed on stage for my school’s visual and performing arts showcase. It turned out amazing, and it was such a surreal experience to have my dream come true. This school year, I wrote and directed another original play to perform on stage for my senior exit project, raising awareness about Safe Haven Baby Boxes. My passion for playwriting developed into an interest in screenwriting. In the future, I will write an original screenplay and submit it to a film festival to turn into a blockbuster movie. My six years of being part of theatre arts and playing every part in the community have been the best experiences I have had the pleasure of working with.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am an eighteen-year-old ambitious student living in Highland, California. I attended a Catholic school called Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, California. I attended this high school for all four years, and I graduated in June. This fall, I will be attending California State University, San Bernardino, to study psychology. I will earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the end of my four years of undergraduate school. During my senior year of high school, I took a psychology class because I thought it would be interesting. I instantly fell in love with everything about psychology, and I knew that I wanted to be part of this field for the rest of my life. I learned quite a lot from the class, such as the functions of the brain, personality, and child development. The brain unit was the one that stood out to me the most. I adored learning about the parts of the brain, how they functioned, and how damaged parts affect the human body. I was intrigued by every piece of information that I learned about the brain. Throughout high school, I have had friends who struggled with mental health issues. I have done research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. I care about my friends deeply, and I want to help them feel like they are heard and that they can confide in me. I wanted to learn about mental health so I could help them live a better quality of life. This is the main reason why I want to pursue the mental health care field. I will apply my prior knowledge about mental health in the years to come by completing assignments in college and allowing myself to be refreshed on the topics I have not reviewed in some time. After graduate school, I will apply my education to my career as a clinical psychologist. Throughout my career, I will be experiencing a lot of situations in which I will need to problem-solve and utilize what I already know. I will gain useful skills in college to apply to my career. I believe that pursuing higher education will get me further in my career and will help a lot of patients in the long run. My knowledge and education will improve others’s mental well-being and help enhance research in the field of psychology.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. Education is extremely important to me and my future goals. I want to attend college because I want to take all necessary measures and meet all of the requirements to reach my career goals. I am going to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate in psychology to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I want to gain as much knowledge about psychology as possible to enhance my career and help patients improve their mental well-being. Additionally, I want to make my family proud by pursuing a high-paying job. I am a first-generation college student, and it means the world to my parents to experience an opportunity that they did not have. Another reason I want to attend college is because I want to gain real-world experience and figure out my place in the world. Creating a name for myself in the field of psychology is one of my greatest career goals. I want to make a significant difference in the field and be recognized for my contributions. Once I earn my master’s degree, I will apply for a clinical psychology internship at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. After I have a few years of career experience, I will open up a private practice to provide psychological services. I also have plans to teach psychology at the community college level part-time. I was influenced to make this decision by my family members, who are educators at the community college level. My father, my older sister, and my sister-in-law have their own careers and teach their fields part-time. I wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps and continue to pave the way for future generations to become educators. I will educate a generation of aspiring psychology students, such as myself.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student who is ambitious about continuing her education to a higher level. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for the theater arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. The musical instruments that I enjoy playing are the electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and piano. During high school, I was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. I am passionate about pursuing a STEM career because I have loved science since I was young. Psychology is technically included in the STEM field because it is a social and behavioral science. I believe that STEM careers are one of the most innovative, creative, and impactful. These types of professions make significant contributions to bettering our society. As mentioned before, I will be pursuing the psychology field, specifically clinical psychology. With this career, I will open up a private practice to provide psychological services. I will strive to improve the well-being and lives of others from all walks of life. I want to be an advocate for mental health and make a difference in the field of psychology. Additionally, I will encourage others to seek help when they need it and contribute to the destigmatization of getting professional help. After I have a few years of career experience, I will teach psychology at the community college level part-time. I will utilize my knowledge and experience to educate a generation of aspiring psychology students, such as myself. I want to inspire other people who are like me to pursue careers related to helping others and giving back to our communities. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them.

Creating a name for myself in the field of psychology is one of my greatest career goals. I want to make a significant difference in the field and be recognized for my contributions. This fall, I will be attending a local university to achieve a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Afterwards, I will remain at the university to obtain a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology. Then, I will attend a different graduate school to earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. Once I have a few years of career experience, I will open up a private practice to provide psychological services and teach at the community college level. If I decide that clinical psychology is not for me, I may pursue neuropsychology or forensic psychology. I believe that pursuing a career in STEM is vital in our society because they make significant contributions to better our society and its issues. STEM careers are innovative, creative, and impactful. Technically, psychology is part of the STEM field due to it being a social and behavioral science. I want to have a career that is interesting, scientific, and significant to changing the world. This scholarship will help me tremendously to reach my career goals by providing me the funds necessary to complete higher education. It will alleviate the financial burden on my family and myself. This will allow me to focus on my studies and next steps in my career. Currently, it is extremely difficult to pay for higher education in this economy along with other essential expenses. I would be so grateful to be awarded this scholarship to be able to pay for my educational goals. This scholarship will also help me serve my community through my future career. I will help individuals improve their well-being through my services and save lives. Through my teaching career, I will educate a generation of aspiring psychology students such as myself. Overall, earning this scholarship would allow me the resources and chances I need to follow my passion for psychology. With this assistance, I will give my future patients the best care possible and improve the lives of others who are dealing with mental health challenges. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. Uplifting and encouraging others is the aspect in myself that makes me believe that I would be an excellent clinical psychologist and deserving candidate for this scholarship.

Helping people and giving back to my community are my passions in life. It makes me feel a sense of purpose, and I feel like I am making a significant difference in the world, even in small ways. I have given back to my community through my participation in a fire explorer program at a tribal fire department. A few activities we participated in included providing support to firefighters during emergency responses by carrying medical supplies, participating in drills to gain experience in basic fire suppression techniques such as hose handling and ladder operations, and accompanying crews on ride-alongs to observe day-to-day operations within the department. During my time as a fire explorer, we participated in community service events as a group. One of these events was a morning dedicated to street clean-up in front of the casino that the fire department was in correlation with. We took time out of our day to make sure the streets looked presentable and kept our environment clean. Another event we participated in was a shop with a cop event through the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefits Association. Fire explorers partnered up with local county police officers and tribal officers to help low-income families purchase Christmas gifts at our local Walmart. Additionally, I received CPR certification through the Fire Explorer program. I believe these are all acts of giving back to the community because we have served the public through our involvement in the fire service and the events that have made positive change within our community. I plan to positively impact the world in the future through my career. I am pursuing higher education to become a clinical psychologist. This fall, I will be attending a local university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Then, I will obtain my master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology from the same university. Finally, I will earn a Psy. D. from a different university and become a licensed clinical psychologist. Later on, I will open a clinic to provide psychological services and teach at the college level. I want to support marginalized individuals and give them the psychological help that they need. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. I will do everything in my power to make a difference in the field of psychology and help as many people as I can. I believe that I can create life-changing impacts on others’ lives through my research and my knowledge. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction in their lives.

I consider myself to be a first-generation college student. Neither of my parents have a bachelor’s degree. I want to be the first one in my immediate family to receive a doctoral degree. I am motivated to pursue college as a first-generation student because I want to be able to reach my career goals and have better opportunities. I want to pursue higher education so I can meet the requirements to get into my future profession. I am continuing my education to become a clinical psychologist. In the fall, I will be attending a local university to achieve a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Then, I will obtain my master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology from the same university. Finally, I will earn a Psy. D. from a different university and become a licensed clinical psychologist. Later on, I will open a clinic to provide psychological services and teach at the college level. Another reason I want to pursue college as a first-generation student is because I want to make my family proud. They always encourage me to excel in my education so I can have a good career that has job security and great pay. My parents have done so much for me throughout my life, and I want to repay them by providing them with things that they cannot afford. I would like to make enough money to help them financially. I have always loved STEM subjects, some more than others. I have loved science since I was a young child, and I will pursue a scientific field. I recently started to love mathematics, specifically data science, because it came naturally to me and will become useful to me during my career as a psychologist. Aside from the STEM majors that I enjoy, I was never able to get into technology or engineering. STEM interests me because the career path offers more job security and career growth. I believe all of the STEM careers make crucial impacts on our society in their own ways. Technically, psychology is part of the STEM field due to it being a science. STEM fields are, in my opinion, the most innovative careers. I want to have a career that is interesting, scientific, and significant to the world. Additionally, STEM careers are high-paying, and I want to be financially stable in the future. They are also very versatile professions and in high demand. I can help contribute to the shortage of psychologists by becoming one and teaching another generation of individuals who want to be part of the psychology field. I want to use innovation and education to help others and make a difference in our society.

In the United States of America, over 7,000 children are abandoned by their parents every year. I believe that a solution for this social issue can be to raise awareness about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which are boxes that are built into the walls of fire stations, hospitals, and police stations for mothers to surrender their baby in a safe manner. I have advocated for this issue during my senior year of high school. I was required to complete a senior service project in order to graduate. Seniors were free to choose whatever topic they wanted to raise awareness about with approval from an administrator. We also had the option to present it in any way that we wanted with approval from an administrator. We were required to perform research on our topic, write a research paper, and apply that research to our project itself. I decided to research Safe Haven Baby Boxes because I know a lot of people do not know about it. I wanted to raise awareness and advocate for babies being abandoned or even murdered. For my project, I instantly knew what I wanted it to be the moment the entire process started. I decided to write an original stage play about the topic and perform it on stage to a public audience. Since I already knew how to write a script and had it performed the year prior, I was familiar with the production process so it could run smoothly. I thought this was a great way to get people to know about Safe Haven by educating them through art. I created a storyline surrounding Safe Haven Baby Boxes with notable characters and a great message. The story was about a young girl named Katie who has a baby but cannot support it because she is still in high school. No where else to turn, her counselor informs her about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, their purpose, and where to find one. Katie surrenders her baby to the Safe Haven box at a local fire station, where a firefighter finds her from the other side of the wall and decides to adopt the baby. The show was a success, and I passed my senior service project. I received feedback from my audience with comments about how they were very informed and they did not know what Safe Haven was before seeing the play. I plan to continue advocating for this social issue by raising awareness and educating others about the topic. In the future, I will donate money to Safe Haven to install more baby boxes in my community.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life, both indirectly and directly, for quite some time. Throughout my life, I have had many friends and family members who have suffered from mental health issues. Over time, I have learned how to accommodate them and help them feel understood. Mental health has shaped my goals by guiding me towards a career path. I have decided to become a clinical psychologist to assist those grappling with mental health challenges, especially the increasing number of children and adolescents facing such issues. I plan to utilize my studies and future career to make a significant difference in the field of psychology and raise awareness about mental health. I will emotionally support others by providing psychological services and help them feel like they have their life back. My relationships are influenced by mental health because it impacts our bond and communication. I have conducted extensive research on mental illness, learning how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. My understanding of the world has been shaped by mental health because I have learned that many individuals do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place.

I met my best friend, Melody, in our freshman year of high school after our school was able to return to school after being online for most of the school year. We shared two classes together, biology and geography. During geography class on one random Tuesday, we met each other through a mutual friend that we both made the week prior. All three of us bonded over one commonality, anime. We talked about it for the entire hour and a half block period. I knew from that moment on, Melody and I were going to be best friends. We started hanging out more at school and getting to know each other. We were inseparable, and everyone at our school knew it. We are so close in fact, teachers would ask where the other one was if one of us did not come to school. Flash forward to the end of our senior year; the senior superlative voting was published. One of the superlatives was “Best Senior Duo,” and we both knew we had to win it. We voted for each other, and some of our friends voted for us, then forgot about it for a while. Until I was in my art class and Melody came into my classroom asking for me. We stepped out of class, and she told me that we won the senior superlative! We were both ecstatic and proud. We then walked to her computer science class next door, where the yearbook teacher was to take our picture. Our classes together were always filled with laughter and camaraderie. We had a sports medicine class together during our senior year, and we learned how to tape ankles and other extremities. We would mess around and laugh, but we were also serious about that class because we loved it. That class was a great learning experience for us because it helped us decide our future careers. Other moments that I cherish with her are our dinner dates at a ramen restaurant called RamenKoko that she introduced me to that I did not realize was so close to our houses. It has become my favorite ramen restaurant and our hangout spot! She tells me that out of all the ramen restaurants that she has been to, RamenKoko will always be the best. We have been through a lot of ups and downs during our friendship. No matter what, we have always been there for each other to support and love each other. We both struggle with mental health issues, but a defining moment in our friendship is when I contributed to turning her life around. During the first two years of our friendship, she struggled with mental health for quite some time. She was not motivated in school and she felt that she did not have much to live for. That was until she had a life-altering event happen to her, and she decided that she needed to change her way of thinking and her life for the better. She returned to her Catholic beliefs, and she developed ambition for her education. Recently, she informed me that she looks up to me and that I have pushed her to become someone better due to my good influence on her. I have never had that much of an impact on someone’s life before, and I am forever grateful for that. Melody's presence brings joy and fulfillment to my life in ways I've never experienced with anyone else. Our friendship is a cornerstone of my happiness, and I cherish her more than words can express.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. The musical instruments that I enjoy playing are the electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and piano. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. Creating a name for myself in the field of psychology is one of my greatest career goals. I aspire to make significant contributions to the psychology field. One of these contributions includes specializing in a particular field that I am interested in. I have a couple options for what I would like to specialize in, such as neuropsychology and dementia. Additionally, I have a goal of obtaining a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology to teach at the community college level. I will educate other generations of individuals who want to help others as much as I do. I want to support marginalized individuals and give them the psychological help that they need. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. I desire to create an impact in the field of psychology by sharing other people's stories and experiences with mental health to inspire others to make a change. I believe that I can create life-changing impacts on others’ lives through my research and my knowledge. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction in their lives.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. I have been able to make positive impacts on others in my community through love and acts of kindness by performing community service acts. I was a fire explorer for a tribal fire department for two years, with my role being the historian. A few activities we participated in include providing support to firefighters during emergency responses by carrying medical supplies, participating in drills to gain experience in basic fire suppression techniques such as hose handling and ladder operations, and accompanying crews on ride-alongs to observe day-to-day operations within the department. During my time as a fire explorer, we participated in community service events as a group. One of these events was a morning dedicated to street clean-up in front of the casino that the fire department was in correlation with. We took time out of our day to make sure the streets looked presentable and kept our environment clean. Another event we participated in was a shop with a cop event through the Sheriffs’ Employees’ Benefits Association. Fire explorers partnered up with local county police officers and tribal officers to help low-income families purchase Christmas gifts at our local Walmart. Additionally, I received CPR certification through the Fire Explorer program. I believe this act in itself is an act of love and kindness because I took training to learn how to save someone’s life in the event of an emergency. Although I resigned from the Fire Explorer program, I will continue to perform acts of service, love, and kindness for others for as long as I live.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. Through my education, I hope to create positive impacts on other people’s lives utilizing my knowledge and leadership skills. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career by advocating for and educating others about mental health and how to accommodate those who struggle with mental illness. I will advocate by spreading awareness about the issues with mental healthcare and vowing to solve those problems. I will educate others by becoming a psychology professor at the community college level, so I can teach a generation of people who want to help others just as much as I do. Additionally, I will volunteer in my community as much as I can to make as much of a difference as possible. These actions will encourage others to volunteer as well and give back to their communities. I want to support marginalized individuals and give them the psychological help that they need. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. Creating a name for myself in my profession is one of my greatest career goals. I desire to create an impact in the field of psychology by sharing other people's stories and experiences with mental health to inspire others to make a change. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction in their lives. I have always loved the STEAM subjects, some more than others. I have loved science since I was a young child, and I have been part of the arts for about six years. I recently started to love mathematics, specifically data science, because it came naturally to me and it will become useful to me during my career as a psychologist. Aside from the STEAM majors that I enjoy, I never was able to get into technology and engineering. STEAM interests me because the career path offers more job security and career growth. I believe all of the STEAM careers make crucial impacts on our society in their own ways.

My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs because of my knowledge of it and how I have interacted with those with mental health issues. I have learned more about mental health this past year since I enrolled in a psychology class in high school. I knew some aspects of it before I took the class as well, due to having friends throughout my life who have struggled with mental health issues. My relationships are influenced by this because it affects our bond and communication. I have done my research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. Mental health affects my career aspirations because I am so interested in the subject that I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help those who are struggling with their mental health find their place in this world and give them a voice. I want to make their quality of life better by providing services for them and giving them resources to alleviate or treat their illnesses. I am an eighteen-year-old upcoming college student who wants to make a difference in this world. I want to pursue higher education to become a clinical psychologist. My educational goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, earn a master’s in clinical psychology, and achieve a Psy. D. Outside of my love for psychology, I am extremely passionate about theater arts and have been part of it for six years. I perform on stage as well as do technical work for theater. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in mental health by improving the lives of people who have mental health issues. I have always loved supporting people and those close to me, which can make me a great clinical psychologist. I can help others feel a sense of belonging by giving them beneficial resources to improve their mental health and help them feel understood. Additionally, I could utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental illness to make a difference in the world. It gives me a sense of purpose to be able to make someone’s life better and worth living.

Making a difference in my future career field and others' lives is what I live for. I am continuing my educational journey to become a clinical psychologist. I am extremely passionate about helping others, especially through mental health challenges. In the fall, I will be attending a local university to study psychology. My goals are to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in clinical/counseling psychology, and a Psy. D. to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Once my career is stable and I have been in the field for some time, I will open up a clinic to provide psychological services. I am interested in pursuing a career in mental health because it has become a serious issue in today’s society, and I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental health issues. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career by advocating for and educating others about mental health and how to accommodate those who struggle with mental illness. I will advocate by spreading awareness about the issues with mental healthcare and vowing to solve those problems. I will educate others by becoming a psychology professor at the community college level, so I can teach a generation of people who want to help others just as much as I do. Another reason why I have decided to pursue psychology is because I fell in love with the subject when I took the class during my senior year of high school. Additionally, I will volunteer in my community as much as I can to make as much of a difference as possible. These actions will encourage others to volunteer as well and give back to their communities. I want to support marginalized individuals and give them the psychological help that they need. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. I desire to create an impact in the field of psychology by sharing other people's stories and experiences with mental health to inspire others to make a change. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction in their lives.

I grew up in a Catholic household and believed in God for much of my life. My parents are very religious, and I was raised with the same beliefs as them. I was even baptized as a baby and went through the sacrament of communion. That changed when I was about twelve years old, when I started to question my faith and how Earth was created. At the time, I was learning about the creation of Earth and dinosaurs in my middle school science class. I was conflicted with these concepts because my family and church would tell me that God created everything, while my school taught me that the Earth was created by the Big Bang and that humans evolved from primates. I did not know what to believe. Until I started reflecting on it and doing research. The evolution theory started to make a lot more sense to me because I loved science, and I believed that theory was more scientifically accurate. I was already doubting the existence of God because I did not believe the creation stories or the divinity of Jesus. I did not understand the concept of Jesus being both human and divine, and I still do not quite understand it even after attending a Catholic high school. Something about humans not being able to physically see God and the idea of the Holy Spirit made me doubt the entire religion. I could not wrap my brain around the concept of an omnipotent being who watches over us and has plans for every one of us. Additionally, there was a lack of evidence of God existing besides from the Bible, which further led me to stop believing in God and Jesus. That was until my freshman year of ethics class, when my teacher taught us that there is historical evidence that Jesus existed. I dove deeper into research and learned more about the religion during my four years at a Catholic high school, and I started to reconsider believing in God again. However, I still had thoughts and beliefs about what I think is scientifically correct. Currently, I am still conflicted about what to believe because I understand both sides of the debate. I have decided to settle on labeling myself as a Catholic because, after all, I was baptized. Despite my doubts, I respect the moral guidance and sense of belonging that my Catholic upbringing gave me; these things still shape my morals and how I live my life.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. In the fall, I will be attending a local university to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education until I earn a Psy. D. and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, playing various roles in the industry, such as tech crew member, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and opportunity to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls' basketball team for one season. My educational goals include obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology, and a Psy. D. to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I believe this scholarship will support my educational goals because it will provide the funds necessary for attending a four-year university. Currently, my family's financial situation is challenging due to the impact of today's economy, including high inflation and difficulties seeking employment. It would alleviate a significant amount of financial burden on my family if I were awarded this scholarship. Moreover, this scholarship will greatly support my educational goals by allowing me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist with more dedication and focus. This scholarship would help me continue my education while also allowing me to utilize my skills and compassion as a clinical psychologist to make an essential contribution to my community and beyond.

Mental health care can be difficult to afford and access in this day and age. I could contribute to the creation of an app that can match people with a therapist that is right for them and their needs. It could be similar to Tinder, with profiles and a matching system. The app can feature a price for the mental health service that the therapist or psychologist provides so that the client can choose a professional that is affordable for them. I will be among those professionals, as I will be pursuing a career in clinical psychology. I may not know how to develop apps, but I am very willing to work with developers to make this app available to anyone who needs it.

Supporting others is one of the greatest feelings in life. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I support those around me in my everyday life by helping them out with tasks and generally being there for them whenever they need it. Helping other people is one of my passions in life, which is why I chose the career path that I did. I am pursuing higher education to become a clinical psychologist. Throughout my career, I will continue to support others by providing mental health services to individuals who need guidance. Once I finish my formal education, I will open up a private clinic to focus on the well-being and health of patients. I believe that all humans deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. I will spend my career helping others reach that goal and heal their suffering. I will educate others about mental health and how to accommodate individuals who suffer from mental illness. I have advocated for mental health in the past and will continue to do so throughout my career. I can encourage others to support their loved ones who are struggling with mental health. It is crucial to be loving and supportive to those who are struggling in any way to alleviate their pain and give them hope for a better situation. With my career, I will strive to give people a better quality of life by providing my services and support.

Everyone can agree that Zendaya is one of the most talented women in the entertainment industry. Out of all of her many successful careers, I admire her acting career the most because that is what I knew her from before anything else. When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with watching TV shows, especially Disney Channel. I first heard of Zendaya when I watched "Shake It Up" on the Disney Channel. Now that I am a young adult, I got into watching "Euphoria," which stars Zendaya. It is such a surreal experience to watch someone grow so much in their acting career. From watching her on Disney Channel when you were young to watching her play a serious and profound role when you are a lot older, this has greatly influenced my view on actors and how people change with time and move on to more adult projects. Her versatility in her acting career is what I most admire about her. Zendaya is still young, and she has already achieved so much success in her many careers. It makes me even more excited for what else life has in store for her. Zendaya has become a household name over the years, and she will continue to be an inspiration to everyone around the world.

During my last two years of high school, I had the opportunity and honor to make my middle school theatre kid dreams come true. When I picked up theatre arts in sixth grade, I developed a dream of writing a stage play and getting it performed on stage. Flash forward to high school; I was able to achieve that dream not once, but twice! In my junior year, I wrote a stage play adaptation of "Mrs. Doubtfire" titled "Mr. Sawalski" for my musical theatre class assignment. My teacher loved it so much that he wanted it to be performed on stage for the Visual and Performing Arts Showcase. I cast my classmates in the show and directed the play. I was able to get a real taste of leadership during this experience. In my senior year, I wrote and directed an original stage play for my senior service project. I gained management experience and a better sense of responsibility during my time as a student director. My duties as director consisted of monitoring performances to review technical and performance aspects for concept consistency, organizing rehearsals and performances to ensure that the production ran smoothly, and planning technical aspects of production. In the future, I hope to achieve a positive change in society through my leadership skills. I will do this by pursuing a career that will help others, which is clinical psychology. Supporting others has always been one of my passions, especially with mental health. I want to take the initiative and utilize my leadership skills to enhance the field of psychology. I have the drive and ambition to create change and make a positive impact on others' lives. I will further my education by going to university, where I will continue to be a leader in other ways, such as academically and socially. I will earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology, and a Psy. D. to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I want to be a leader for those who are struggling with their mental health and need guidance. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. Additionally, I hope to become a leader in the field of psychology among my future colleagues. I know that someday in the future, I will make a difference in the world through my leadership.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a motivated upcoming college student. I will be attending a local university in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. I will continue my formal education all the way until I earn a Psy.D and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I have a passion for theatre arts and have been part of it for six years. Throughout those six years, I have played many roles in the industry, such as tech crew, actor, and director. During my last two years of high school, I had the honor and privilege to be able to perform two self-written and self-directed stage plays. My other hobbies consist of playing musical instruments and spending time with friends. During high school, I was part of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation for three years. Additionally, I was part of my high school's junior varsity girls basketball team for one season. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my clinical psychology career by uplifting and supporting marginalized individuals who struggle with getting help for their mental health. I want to focus my career on providing mental health services to anyone who cannot easily access psychological support, especially women. Women's needs are often seen as unimportant, and it has been that way since the dawn of time, even now. I want women to be heard and understood now more than ever because we are often targets of crimes and harassment. I want to be an advocate for mental health and make a difference in the field of psychology. Clinical psychologists are in high demand, and I want to be able to provide the help that people need. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. My career will allow me to advocate for individuals who struggle psychologically and destigmatize getting help. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. By advocating for mental health, I will strive to help raise awareness about rising child and adolescent mental illness, amplify the voices of those who need to be heard, and make social change to improve the quality of life of those who need it. I will strive to achieve greatness and success in my career.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Having stable mental health sets us up for success, growth, satisfaction, and happiness in our lives. As a student, my mental health is a crucial part of my life because it affects every aspect of it, especially my academics. There have been countless times where I lost motivation to complete an assignment due to burnout and academic pressure. I studied for hours and crammed the night before or even hours before a test to achieve the highest grade I could earn. I also struggled greatly with procrastination. Fortunately, I overcame these challenges by developing effective study habits and learning how to manage my time better. Additionally, I frequently take mental health days and do things that I enjoy, which regulates my mental state and emotional well-being. Good emotional health aids me with my coping skills and resilience against setbacks and rejection. I will continue to utilize these skills and methods to keep my grades as high as possible and get the most out of my university education. While I have not actively advocated for mental health as much as I would like to, I have done so in the past. I have informed friends, family, and others about mental health awareness through online activism. In the future, I have plans to attend a suicide prevention training at my university in August to further enhance my education on mental health and how to help others struggling with it. This training will inform participants about mental health challenges for high-risk populations and provide in-depth trainings and workshops on suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Furthermore, I am aiming to pursue a career in psychology to advocate for mental health. Specifically, I will become a clinical psychologist. This fall, I will begin my journey to obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology. Later, I will continue my education to achieve a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology. After that, I will earn a Psy.D and become a licensed clinical psychologist. My career will focus on helping others who need mental health support. I will utilize my knowledge and training to provide services to those who are in need of help. Psychologists are currently in high demand in the job market. I want to help as many individuals as possible and make their quality of life more enjoyable. I want to be part of the treatment for mental illness.

The character that I resonate the most with from "The Office" is Erin Hannon. Erin and I have very similar personality traits and mindsets. When I watch the show, I often find myself envisioning myself doing the same actions and making the same choices as Erin because I would make those same decisions. We are both bubbly and child-like individuals who are full of life. We may not have grown up in the same environments, but our upbringings influenced us to think and act in the same way. This show has shaped my sense of humor because it has helped me understand obscure jokes and references better. I find this show absolutely hilarious, and I love the character dynamics as well. My perspective on workplace dynamics has also been shaped by this show by allowing me to view the accuracy of an office job. The drama, relationships, and hierarchy make up the culture of an office job. I feel like if I worked at a company similar to Dunder Mifflin, it would look much like how "The Office" portrays it. The portrayal of an office job is lighthearted and paints the life of an office worker as not as serious as we believe.

For a significant part in my life, I have been surrounded by friends and family members who have struggled with mental illness. I grew up with friends who struggled with anxiety and depression, which to me is alarming for my friends to be struggling with that at thirteen-years-old. I researched and learned how to accommodate and help those who suffer from mental illness. Additionally, I took a psychology class my senior year of high school, and I fell in love with the subject. These experiences influenced my decision to pursue a career in psychology. I am continuing my education to become a clinical psychologist. My goal is to earn my bachelor's degree in psychology. Then, I will achieve a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology. After, I will obtain a Psy.D and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I strive to raise awareness about mental health and help others be heard and understood. I desire to create an impact in the field of psychology by sharing other's stories and experiences with mental health to inspire others to make a change. I want to be part of the treatment to help individuals achieve greater satisfaction their lives.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life, both indirectly and directly, for quite some time. Throughout my life, I have had many friends and family members who have suffered from mental health issues. Over time, I have learned how to accommodate to them and help them feel understood. Mental health has shaped my goals by guiding me towards a career path. I have decided to become a clinical psychologist to assist those grappling with mental health challenges, especially the increasing number of children and adolescents facing such issues. My primary career goal is make a significant difference in the field of psychology and raise awareness about mental health. My relationships are influenced by mental health because it impacts our bond and communication. I have conducted extensive research on mental illness, learning how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. My understanding of the world has been shaped by mental health because I have learned that many individuals do not understand mental health or refuse to acknowledge it. What people do not realize is that mental illness has been present since the dawn of time. I want to utilize my career and education to raise awareness and normalize mental health care. I believe that by doing this, I will help make the world a better place.

Investing in higher education isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about building a future full of limitless opportunities and personal development. Many factors have motivated me to pursue a higher education, such as passion, a love for learning, and better career opportunities. I am extremely passionate about the field of psychology. My educational goals consist of earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, achieving a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology, and obtaining a Psy.D. Additionally, I have plans to work in a clinic and then work up to opening my own practice to provide mental health services. I will continue my educational journey to reach my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. Achieving the highest degree level gives me more options in the psychology field. I have a passion for helping people, especially with their mental health. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and should be taken seriously. I want to advocate for mental health and make a difference in the field of psychology. I would like to improve others’ quality of life and make them feel understood. I want to give them a voice in this world because mental health is a complex subject that a lot of people struggle with. I love to learn about psychology and want to learn about it as much as possible to enhance my career development. Since I have enrolled in a psychology class at my high school, I fell in love with the subject, and I knew that is what I wanted to do with my life. Pursuing higher education will allow me to explore the various psychology career options. If I change my mind and obtain a Ph.D., I can become a professor, which is what I have recently been considering for a career. Doctorate degrees offer versatility in a career field that most master’s and bachelor’s degrees do not offer. Higher degrees also provide better financial security opportunities if you want to earn a higher salary. I aspire to make a name for myself in the field of psychology and inspire others to pursue their dreams of helping others. Being successful in my academic career so far motivates me to continue learning and reach my full potential to become successful in my profession. I am ecstatic about continuing my educational journey and gaining further knowledge and experience in psychology. The idea of helping others and making a difference in their lives for the better excites me the most about pursuing this path.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a high school senior who will be attending university this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After that, I will strive to achieve a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a Psy.D to become a clinical psychologist. Aside from my future career, I am extremely passionate about theatre arts. It has been my hobby during school and outside of school for six years. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my future career by providing services to those in need of mental health care. I want others who are struggling with mental health to be heard and understood. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. I will encourage others to do good with their lives through their careers, as I will be doing with mine. I can utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I want to inspire other people who are like me to pursue careers related to helping others and giving back to our communities. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. I am passionate about continuing my education because I want to strive to reach for my dream career, and to do that, I need to achieve the highest education required of my career. In addition, I love to learn about psychology, and I want to learn as much about the subject as possible. I wish to enhance my knowledge in psychology so I can be the best in my field. My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs because of my knowledge of it and how I have interacted with those with mental health issues. I have learned more about mental health this past year since I enrolled in a psychology class at my high school. I knew some aspects of it before I took the class as well, due to having friends throughout my life who have struggled with mental health issues. My relationships are influenced by this because it affects our bonds and communication. I have done my research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. Mental health affects my career aspirations because I am so interested in the subject that I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help those who are struggling with their mental health find their place in this world and give them a voice. I want to make their quality of life adequate by providing services for them and giving them resources to alleviate or treat their illnesses. Overall, I am going to strive to make a difference in this world.

Theatre arts hold a special place in my heart, offering a unique blend of expression, excitement, and community that keeps me engaged and coming back for more. I have been involved with theatre arts for six years. It all started when I began working in technical theatre as backstage crew for a middle school musical, and I fell in love with everything about theatre. Throughout middle school, I mostly worked in the technical theatre department, but I also dabbled in the performing aspect as an actor. Despite experiencing stage fright initially, I gradually became accustomed to the mixed emotions I felt on stage. The nervousness, excitement, and adrenaline was what kept me going throughout my performances. In my sophomore year of high school, I auditioned for the spring musical. I was extremely nervous because I have only ever been in plays and I did not like to sing in front of others. However, I landed a lead understudy role and I was ever so grateful for the opportunity. From then on, I fell in love with performing even more. The community during high school was like none other. We lifted each other up, supported, and loved each other through difficult times. The friendships I have made since I have been part of theatre have been wonderful. The community is what keeps me coming back to perform or work in tech. When I joined theatre in middle school, I had a dream of writing my own play and getting it performed on stage. I had the opportunity to create my own script for my musical theatre class in my junior year. My teacher assigned the class to create an original play adaptation script utilizing the plot of an existing movie and change the character names and title. My teacher loved my play adaptation of the famous film, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” so much that he wanted me to direct it and have it performed on stage for my school’s visual and performing arts showcase. It turned out amazing, and it was such a surreal experience to have my dream come true. This school year, I wrote and directed another original play to perform on stage for my senior exit project, raising awareness about Safe Haven Baby Boxes. My six years of being part of theatre arts and playing every part in the community have been the best experiences I have had the pleasure of working with.

Frank Ocean is one of the most influential music artists of our time. His two most popular albums spark a lot of impact on our society today. Frank’s second album, “Blond,” has much more influence and power than his first album, “Channel Orange.” The opposing viewpoint of this argument is anyone who thinks Channel Orange is Frank’s most influential album. The opposing side has supporters because they believe Frank’s first album, “Channel Orange,” has more of an impact on the world than Blond. Despite the use of imagery, mood, and storytelling on Channel Orange, by examining how Blond’s lyrics have a deeper meaning, the use of metaphors and symbolism. Frank uses a lot of symbolism in his songs by pouring his emotions and thoughts into his lyrics. The symbolism on Blond is part of what makes this album so powerful and moving. Symbolism is a literary device that uses nouns to represent other things. The title of the fourteenth track on the album is called “White Ferrari” and it symbolizes the innocence and purity of a relationship, which is represented by white. The Ferrari represents how valuable and precious the relationship is, much like how a Ferrari is also precious and valuable. This shows that symbolism plays a huge role in music and in this album because it touches the hearts of many listeners when they relate to the music. In addition, symbolism and metaphors can work together to create more effect on an idea. Metaphors are used often in Blond to create a story and make comparisons. Frank utilizes them to compare one thing to a completely different idea to help the listeners understand the story behind the songs. He also uses them to convey complex emotions and enhance the resonance that his music produces. The metaphors in the songs are also universal, which allows listeners to interpret the songs in their own meaningful and personal way. On Ocean’s song “Nights,” he claims, “My whole body see through.” What he means by that is that he is comparing his body to glass because you can see right through glass, and his body becomes transparent. I personally believe this means that he knows he is a person who is easy to read and whose words and actions are transparent. Not only do metaphors and symbolism have an effect on a story, but they can also add a deeper meaning to certain lyrics to emphasize why they were written. Every line on this album holds so much meaning and background behind the stories the songs create. Blond’s lyrics share a deeper meaning within these songs due to the way they are written and his word choice. On Frank’s song “Ivy,” the first line is, “I thought that I was dreaming when you said you loved me.” This line has two different meanings behind it, one of which is that the artist wrote it because he was in a relationship that was doomed from the beginning, and the line could be interpreted as a happy line about falling in love. The other meaning behind it is more upsetting because it could also be interpreted as a sad line about a breakup. In short, songs that have multiple meanings tend to have a greater impact on people than other songs do. Both albums are fantastic, but Blond resonates with listeners’ souls and touches the hearts of many people around the world. During an interview with Frank in 2017, the artist states, “I haven’t shied away from expectations, I really try to use it as fuel because people have a positive association of what I do and what I make and they expect something that’s good. So, okay, how do you convert that into, I don’t know, just a better moment, a better song, a better album, a better presentation?” A lot of people relate to these songs because of their life experiences and what they have been through in their lifetime. That is why this album holds so much influence on people and our society.

Creating a name for myself in my future career as a clinical psychologist is one of my many goals in life. I want to be able to network in my field, make meaningful connections with others, and help my future colleagues and patients. I will strive to achieve greatness and success in my career as well as my in life. As mentioned before, I have a dream of becoming a clinical psychologist and working in a clinic. Additionally, I have a plan to study neuroscience or neuropsychology sometime after I finish receiving my title of clinical psychologist. The idea of clinical psychology has recently piqued my interest, and so has neuropsychology. Aside from career goals, I would love to continue with volunteer work and community service throughout my life. I have participated in a few community service events in the last 3 years, such as cleaning up streets and aiding low-income families. In the near future, I plan to participate in animal rescue services and other community service events. Additionally, I have a desire to advocate for mental health awareness through my future career. I want others who are struggling with mental health to be heard and understood. As someone who has also struggled with mental health, I want to help people get the resources they need to better themselves. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals, and I want to be part of the treatment. I strive to positively impact others through my career, volunteer work, and advocacy by encouraging others to do good things with their lives. I could utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I will volunteer in my community as much as I can to make as much of a difference as possible. Through my service, I can inspire others to make a social change in our community or nation. I will encourage others to volunteer in their communities so they can feel a sense of belonging and purpose in the world. By advocating for mental health, I will strive to help raise awareness about rising child and adolescent mental illness, amplify the voices of those who need to be heard, and make social change to improve the quality of life of those who need it. Helping out marginalized individuals will strengthen our society and drive real change for the better.

After I graduate high school in June 2024, I will attend a local university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After that, I will further my education by staying at the university to achieve a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology. From there, I will attend a different university to finish my education and earn a Psy.D. After I have completed my educational journey, I hope to open up a clinic to provide psychological services. Additionally, I have plans to return to school to earn a degree in neuropsychology to add to my profession as a clinical neuropsychologist. The obstacles I have had to overcome throughout my life are academic difficulties and burnout. I am currently experiencing a struggle in searching for employment. In the first years of middle school, I was not a good student academically. I had okay grades and had a lot of missing assignments because I was unmotivated. Then, something in me changed, and I started to try harder in school. From then on, I started taking my academics seriously. I still have problems with it, even now. I work so intensely to get good grades that I become overwhelmed, and my mental health begins to decline. I have overcome this challenge by managing my time effectively. Recently, my family has been facing a bit of financial struggle. Due to this, my parents are urging me to find a job to relieve some of the financial burden. I have applied to multiple jobs and still have not heard back from any of them. I am currently attempting to overcome this challenge by applying for more jobs and taking the initiative to reach out to employers. I have been facing burnout from school for the past few years. Constantly doing schoolwork, homework, and school activities takes a toll on my mental health. When I feel burned out, I often do not want to do my schoolwork, and I revert back to my old ways of procrastination. I have overcome this challenge by setting realistic expectations for myself to finish work, prioritizing important deadlines, and managing my time. These obstacles will potentially affect my progress throughout my education and my life by preparing me for my future. Having a good work ethic and experience early on can help me become successful in the long run. I am eager to gain more experience and discover what I can achieve to work towards my career and overall life goals.

“Bojack Horseman” is one of the best shows on Netlix. This show takes place in a world with humans and personified animals, and it is about a washed-up 90s sitcom actor, Bojack Horseman, as he navigates through his life in the 2010s while he struggles with alcohol abuse, mental health issues, and self-destructive behaviors. We also see other characters navigate through their very different lives. Everyone should watch this show because it has so much depth and symbolism in it. The writing and emotional content are astounding. The blend of dark humor, reflective storytelling, and moving social commentary found in “Bojack Horseman” is distinctive from other TV shows. It tackles difficult subjects such as mental health, addiction, and existentialism in a way that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. It is also a visually appealing and captivating watch due to its clever storyline and animation style. The characters have distinct personalities and motives that make this show unique. It is a show that shows the reality of life, relationships, and fame. The storyline and writing are raw because they expose how certain people act in certain situations. Some of the characters are not likeable for a reason. The writers painted them in a negative light because their actions are inherently bad. There are some characters that are portrayed as likeable because of their happy personalities, but if you analyze their behaviors and actions, they really are bad people. This show will make you realize that not everyone is as perfect as they portray themselves to be. It can also make you rethink your life and how your actions can affect others. The show can be emotionally jarring, and that is what also makes it so captivating. In the show, we also see the backstories of the main characters that explain why they are the way they are. As viewers, we can place ourselves in their shoes and understand their behaviors. “Bojack Horseman” stands out for its criticism and satire of Hollywood culture and the lives of celebrities. It portrays the highs and lows of its imperfect characters with empathy and depth as it explores their struggles. The show’s plot is made more complex by its openness to address tough issues, such as regret, loneliness, and life’s purpose. The writers chose to call out the problems with Hollywood and critique the industry as a whole. Overall, “Bojack Horseman” is a unique and remarkable Netflix show that speaks to viewers on many levels.

The anime series that I could watch over and over again and never get tired of is “Ouran High School Host Club.” I was hooked on it ever since I watched it for the first time in 2020 after my friends recommended it to me. I do not typically rewatch anime, but this is the only one I have been able to rewatch. It is a comfort show for me because the comedy and romance give me a feeling of nostalgia from watching it for the first time. The animation style is truly captivating as well. The storyline is creative and interesting to watch. Additionally, I find the main character, Haruhi, to be relatable, and I find that she is just like me in terms of how we act. The soundtrack is catchy and fun to listen to. The characters are extremely funny at times, and the comedic scenes are hilarious. I love to watch it when I need to release stress, when I am sad, or when I am happy and just want a laugh. You could watch this anime in any mood, and it will automatically lift your spirits. This anime is very lovable for those who adore the romance and comedy genres.

A setback I have faced in my educational journey was in my data science class in my senior year of high school. The challenge was that I could not grasp a certain concept that was going to be on the semester final the next week. I was able to understand everything else that was being taught to me in the course, but the concept of probability was extremely difficult for me to comprehend. I was not always good at mathematics, and since I have enrolled in the data science class, it seems that it has become natural to me. That was until the probability unit, when I believed that my inability to understand math was catching up to me again. I felt lost and hopeless. That class was the only one that helped me understand math. I felt like my world was crumbling right beneath me because I thought I would never understand the concept, which would make me get a lower grade on my final. I did not think I was going to get a good grade on my semester final exam. I was afraid to ask my teacher for help because I felt ashamed that I could not grasp it. The next day, I decided that I would stop feeling sorry for myself and do something about my problem. I overcame this obstacle by studying and reviewing what I was able to understand to help me figure out why I could not comprehend the probability concept. Then it clicked. I finally learned probability, and it all became clear. I studied the subject hard, as well as the other units we learned throughout the semester. I went above and beyond to review and study everything to earn an “A+.” I was willing to sacrifice my time and sleep for a good grade. The day of the semester final came around, and I felt like I was ready to take on the world. I finished the exam with my head held high in confidence. I received my report card with a 93% on the exam. I was ecstatic about the grade, and I knew all of that studying had paid off. I learned a valuable lesson after this ordeal. I discovered that I should not be afraid to ask for help about anything. But I am glad that I figured it out by myself because I believe that it made me a stronger and more resilient student. Additionally, I learned that hard work pays off.

My name is Isabella Tovar, and I am a high school senior who will be attending university this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After that, I will strive to achieve a master’s degree in clinical psychology and Psy.D and become a clinical psychologist. After I finish my education, I will open up a clinic to provide psychological counseling and other services. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through the principle of love by practicing God’s teaching of loving others as he loves them. Loving others can significantly impact an individual’s life for the better and boost their self-worth. Being a loving person means being a person who is selfless and lends a helping hand to others because you see the good in everyone. I will make a positive impact on the world through the principle of faith by spreading God’s word and encouraging others to practice the Christian or Catholic faith. I can help others develop good morals and ethics to better their lives. I could promote Christian and Catholic values of tolerance, kindness, respect, understanding, compassion, and reconciliation. Having faith in our lives can help point us in the right direction in life and keep us connected with God. I currently attend a Catholic high school, and my school has taught me the fundamentals and principles of the Christian/Catholic faith. Additionally, I grew up in a Catholic family, and the beliefs have been instilled in me since I was born. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through community service by helping those who are struggling and by making others’ lives better. I have participated in several community service events as a fire explorer and helped others by providing my services. One of the events I participated in was through the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefits Association Shop with a Cop as a fire explorer, and we helped low-income families purchase Christmas gifts. Another event I participated in as a fire explorer was a clean-up day on the streets around the Yaamava’ Casino in California. A few instances when I provided service for those who needed it was technical theater for my high school. I have six years of technical theater experience, and I love helping out at my high school’s performance arts center with musicals and plays. I will continue to serve my community in other ways in the future, through volunteering and my career.

I am extremely passionate about helping others, especially through mental health challenges. I will advocate for progress and social change regarding bullying and harassment in K-12 by restricting children below the age of twelve from being on social media. Cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, with technology and social platforms expanding. The social media age restriction can be implemented by applying stricter age policies to keep children off social media. Additionally, social media platforms can add features that can detect cyberbullying that goes under the radar and make them face consequences for their actions. As for school bullying, we can decrease the likelihood of it by training teachers and administrators to spot the harassment and apply proper consequences. I am interested in pursuing a career in mental health because it has become a serious issue in today’s society, and I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental health issues. Specifically, I want to become a clinical psychologist. Another reason why I am interested in pursuing this career is because I have recently become interested in the subject of psychology and want to learn as much as I can about it. I would like to improve others’ quality of life and make them feel understood. I want to give them a voice in this world because mental health is a complex subject that a lot of people struggle with. I intend to streamline the now convoluted process of obtaining the appropriate treatment options for children and adolescents struggling with mental health and bullying by educating others about the signs of bullying, symptoms of psychological disorders, and how to support someone struggling with mental health. Mental illness in youth looks much different than in adults. The complexity of mental health issues in children can often lead to misdiagnosing. I want to be part of the solution to helping children and adolescents feel more understood and find their place in this world. The rise in mental illness in children and adolescents is quite alarming to me. This inspires me to want to find treatments and help the youth through these difficult challenges in their lives. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. Supporting someone who is struggling with mental health challenges can make a huge difference in their life and have a positive impact on them.

My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs because of my knowledge of it and how I have interacted with those with mental health issues. I have learned more about mental health this past year since I enrolled in a psychology class at my high school. I knew some aspects of it before I took the class as well, due to having friends throughout my life who have struggled with mental health issues. My relationships are influenced by this because it affects our bond and communication. I have done my research about mental illness, and I learned how to accommodate someone who is suffering from it and what I can do to help them feel safe and understood. Mental health affects my career aspirations because I am so interested in the subject that I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help those who are struggling with their mental health find their place in this world and give them a voice. I want to make their quality of life better by providing services for them and giving them resources to alleviate or treat their illnesses. I am an eighteen-year-old high school senior who wants to make a difference in this world. I want to pursue higher education to become a clinical psychologist. My educational goals are to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, earn a master’s in clinical psychology, and achieve a PsyD. Outside of my love for psychology, I am extremely passionate about theater arts and have been part of it for six years. I perform on stage as well as do technical work for theater. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in mental health by improving the lives of people who have mental health issues. I have always loved supporting people and those close to me, which can make me a great clinical psychologist. I can help others feel a sense of belonging by giving them beneficial resources to improve their mental health and help them feel understood. Additionally, I could utilize my leadership skills and passion for helping others and apply that to my profession to enhance its positive impact on the world. I want to be part of the solutions and treatments for mental illness to make a difference in the world. It gives me a sense of purpose to be able to make someone’s life better and worth living.

I have academically challenged myself in high school by pushing my limits while studying and maintaining near-perfect grades. I have spent countless hours studying to achieve good grades to make my parents and family proud. I push myself academically because I have a goal to reach higher education and become a clinical psychologist. I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals throughout my journey to higher education. I challenged myself enough to develop a better time management strategy to prevent myself from procrastinating, which was a major problem for me during the first half of my high school career. Throughout high school, my goals have been easier to accomplish because I have been developing a stronger growth mindset. Outside of school, I physically pushed myself past my limits as a San Manuel Fire Explorer. There have been times when I physically overexerted myself to the point of being unable to continue with the training drill. I wanted to push my boundaries because I was one of the only girls in the Fire Explorer Post, and I wanted to prove that I can do anything that a man can do. I did prove to myself and to others that women can be in the fire service field.

I have not always wanted to become a psychologist. I am currently taking a psychology course at my high school and it made me fall in love with the career. I am a driven and ambitious student who loves to learn. I am an eighteen-year-old high school senior who is looking forward to attending a four-year university to achieve a bachelor's degree in psychology. After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I will strive to achieve a master's degree and/or a doctorate in clinical psychology. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist and work in a clinic. Later on, I will obtain more education to work in neuropsychology. Additionally, I hope to open my up own private practice in the future to offer mental health services. I believe I am deserving of this scholarship because I am extremely passionate about helping those who are facing mental health challenges. I want to be an advocate for mental health and make a difference in the field of psychology. This scholarship would benefit me by providing the funds to afford my college education. It will also provide me encouragement and essential resources to flourish in my journey through higher education. This scholarship can make it possible for me to reach my full potential to achieving my dreams. I chose this career path because psychology is an interesting subject to me and I love to learn everything I possibly can about it. I want to help those who are suffering from pain that may not be physical. Another reason why I chose this career is because it offers long-term financial security, which is one of the most crucial factors of choosing a career path for me. Clinical psychologists are in high demand and I want to be able to provide the help that people need. There is a rise in mental illness and mental health issues among individuals and I want to be part of the treatment. Being able to connect with people and make a difference in their lives is what makes the career worth it. I want to inspire other people who are like me to pursue careers related to helping others and giving back to our communities. I believe that making an impact in someone's life can later on change the lives of the individuals around them. Uplifting and encouraging others is the aspect in myself that makes me believe that I would be a great clinical psychologist and candidate for this scholarship.