One of the hardest truths I have dealt with while growing up is realizing not everyone has a well-trained muscle in emotional intelligence. I was tested the hardest when my mom was dating a high school classmate for two years. Originally, he had exemplified a respectful, humorous man who was trying to swoon my mom. As they progressed in their relationship, his mask started to fall, and he showed his true colors of being an abusive, manipulative narcissist. Though his manipulation was distasteful, it made me question how someone can create a new identity for themselves and be so convincing. It also astonished me how much of a hold he had on my mother. She had tried many times to leave the storm, but she was pulled back in. Eventually, she was able to rip off the bandaid and walk away from the two years of pain. The two years I had watched them argue and baffle made me wonder how and why they would clash yet return together. Reflecting on those times, I have wanted to research more into the brain’s response mechanisms to trauma because I want to understand my mom’s experience through a clearer lens. If a scholarship were awarded to me, it would help me immensely while attending college. My mother and father are single parents who will contribute to my education. My dad supports me financially, along with my younger siblings, who are five and seven. He is stretched thin due to paying high child support fees to my siblings’ mother. Additionally, my mom is currently paying the bills for her home and a second family home because her siblings are not financially stable enough to pay the bills consistently. My parents work after hours for their high-demand jobs, despite not earning additional pay for their work. My mom is an insurance manager and communicates directly with clients. Her job is very mentally draining, and receiving a scholarship would put less pressure on both of my parents to pay for my education