I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. I know that college will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. Getting where I want to be will take hard work and monetary investment. Being awarded the Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will help to overcome the financial obstacles that I will face in the years ahead. My journey thus far has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.”

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. As I faced the realization that my father might die, I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, vulnerability being one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can be on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life, and die knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful. As I enter the next chapter of my life, I intend to take with me what I have learned over the past three years. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” So, to become the man I want to be, to do what I have been placed on this Earth to do, to have an impact on the lives of others, I have to face my fears and push forward because that is the only way to become the man my father has taught me to be, the man I dream to become.

I plan to pursue a career in psychology and mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training. I feel a calling to stand in the gap, using my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. As I faced the realization that my father might die, I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, vulnerability being one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can be on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life, and die knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that I am most passionate about understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African-American born to parents of southern heritage. While the world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways, both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. As she is apt to do, she challenged me. She encouraged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. While growing up, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. All of these experiences have helped to shape the person she is today. Possibly due to the trauma she experienced as a child, my mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and its effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” Being successful in this life with which I have been blessed means becoming the man I want to be, doing what I have been placed on this Earth to do, and having a positive impact on the lives of others.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African American born to parents of southern heritage. The world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways. Both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. Taking this path I put Jesus first, others second, and myself third. In becoming a law enforcement officer, I devote my life to living true to Romans 12:7, “If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving.” Law enforcement is not a career filled with glory or riches but one filled with service and sacrifice. By devoting my life to helping others, I not only glorify Jesus’ name as a christian, but I also put into practice his teachings every day. By becoming a law enforcement officer I would not only be putting Jesus first but other people second as I would be risking my life to protect and serve my neighbors. As stated in Hebrews 13:16, “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have.” By devoting my life to doing good and sharing that good with others, I not only put others before me but I still remain true to serving Jesus. And finally, I would be putting myself last because as law enforcement is not a job anyone enters in order to gain material wealth. It is a position of service. To put others' lives above my own and sacrifice for them would be an honor and a pleasure of my life.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. Afterward, my father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. As I faced the realization that my father might die, I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. This is success. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, vulnerability being one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. For me living a successful life means that at the end of my life, as a man on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life, I can die knowing that if I had the choice, I would live this life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful. I intend to embark on this journey to success by exploring my passions in the area of psychology. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” Being successful in this life with which I have been blessed means becoming the man I want to be, doing what I have been placed on this Earth to do, and having a positive impact on the lives of others.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African American born to parents of southern heritage. The world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways. Both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been much worse; however, at the time, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of his surgery. I faced the realization that my father might die. I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear was worse than anything I've experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn. I still had no idea how to be a real man. This was the beginning of a journey of becoming a man who I could love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, exhibiting one of the purest forms of strength. He is trustworthy, and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can leave this world knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful. As I enter the next chapter of my life, I will take with me what I have learned over the past few years. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” So, to become the man I want to be, to do what I have been placed on this Earth to do, to have an impact on the lives of others, I have to face my fears and push forward because that is the only way to become the man my father has taught me to be, the man I dream to become. I want to use my education to become a psychologist, dedicating my life to helping people navigate the difficulties and turmoil that medical crises can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. My parents will do all they can to help financially; however, winning this scholarship will take some of that financial burden off of them as they will continue to have medical bills related to my father's diagnosis. I also have a younger brother who would like to attend college as well. Having this scholarship, will ultimately help me answer the calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those who would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. As I faced the realization that my father might die, I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, vulnerability being one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can be on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life, and die knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful. As I enter the next chapter of my life, I intend to take with me what I have learned over the past two years. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” So, to become the man I want to be, to do what I have been placed on this Earth to do, to have an impact on the lives of others, I have to face my fears and push forward because that is the only way to become the man my father has taught me to be, the man I dream to become. I want to use the education I receive to become a psychologist and dedicate my professional life to helping people navigate the difficulties and turmoil that medical crises can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African American born to parents of southern heritage. The world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways. Both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to develop a career in the area of mental health from a law enforcement perspective so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African American born to parents of southern heritage. The world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways. Both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. She challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. Growing up, I became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. She challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question, Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. She challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. Growing up, I became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive at Kennesaw State University to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive at Kennesaw State University to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive at Kennesaw State University to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Of course, she challenged me to explore the rationale behind this choice. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive at Kennesaw State University to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. Eventually, I would like to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in a leadership capacity so that I can serve my community by helping to understand and analyze human behavior and its motivation, ultimately working to keep communities safe. We have seen too often the negative effects of what can happen when a person in the throes of a mental crisis is confronted by law enforcement that may not have the proper training or the proper temperament. As I spend time with close family friends in law enforcement, I feel a calling to stand in the gap and count myself among those that would say, “I am here, and I want to help”. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams a reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

I come from a multi-ethnic background. My father is a Jamaican-born naturalized United States Citizen and my mother is an African American born to parents of southern heritage. The world in which I grew up, the dynamics of my immediate household, and those of my extended family, were vastly different in many ways. Both sides have something in common that links all humans across this planet. Struggle! As I think about the struggles of my parents’ generation and their parents’ generation, it brings into clear focus what it is that I am called to do in the current social and political atmosphere of our society. I know that generations before me have endured personal challenges to which I, thankfully, will not be subjected. Due to their perseverance, our collective society has evolved. It is these noble measures of perseverance that have inspired me to use my lifetime to improve the world we live in in ways that will benefit the generations that come after my own, just as my parents and grandparents have done before. Over the years, I have had many different answers to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each time, my mother asked me, “Why?” I’ve heard this question from her for as long as I can remember. While she may believe otherwise, her voice silently blares in my mind with almost every decision I make. Her guidance throughout my life continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. Both she and my father have stood as inspirations as to how I want to live my life, how I must passionately pursue my dreams, how I must vigilantly defend those who can not defend themselves, and how I must accomplish these good works with joy and compassion in my heart. When I was sixteen, I told my mother I wanted to be a psychiatrist. She challenged me to explore "my why." At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question for quite some time, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works, along with helping people as best I can. As I am on the cusp of the next chapter in my life, I find that once again, my desires have shifted and I no longer want to be a psychiatrist. I do, however, have a continued passion for the field of psychology. Ultimately, I want to work to give back to society by helping people with mental illnesses and disorders. As I grew older, I gradually became aware of my mother’s struggles with her own mental well-being and how those struggles affect those around her. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her younger years, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues and experiences stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, most likely as a result of her childhood trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use the education I receive at the University of West Georgia University and through the Honors College to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather, and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back, I understand now that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. As I faced the realization that my father might die, I vehemently begged God to not take his life. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've learned that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation of recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable, vulnerability being one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can be on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life, and die knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and it was beautiful. The advice I would give anyone facing the threat of losing a parent is to find something that you can take away from the experience that will help carry on your own journey. As I enter the next chapter of my life, I intend to take with me what I have learned over the past two years. I know that college, and ultimately my professional career, will present obstacles that I cannot imagine right now. However, my journey has led to an understanding that growth is on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” So, to become the man I want to be, to do what I have been placed on this Earth to do, to have an impact on the lives of others, I have to face my fears and push forward because that is the only way to become the man my father has taught me to be, the man I dream to become.

I am a high school senior with aspirations to work in the field of clinical psychology. I am passionate about education and doing as much as I can to pursue my goals. I have been taking Advanced Placement classes since my freshman year in high school and began taking Dual Enrollment classes through a local community college at the beginning of my Junior year. I maintain a 3.7 GPA, and am enrolled in a high school pathway program offered through my school system whereby upon completion and graduation in May of 2025, I will be qualified to sit for the national certification examination to become a registered Emergency Medical Responder. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to helping my community through service. I spent the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore year volunteering at a local hospital. I have been a member of Beta Club since my Sophomore year in high school. Through this club, I have been very active in various community volunteer projects. Furthermore, this past year, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. Currently, I hold the office of President of both of my school’s chapters of National Honor Society and Beta Club. As a senior in high school, I am interning with my county’s development authority, finishing my course requirements for my Emergency Medical Responder certification, and taking Dual Enrollment courses through a local community college through which I will earn both high school and college credit. When I was 16, I told my mother I wanted to be a Psychiatrist. Her first question was “Why?” I’ve heard this question from my mother for as long as I can remember. She continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding the human mind and how it works. Ultimately, I want to work in the field of psychology as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist diagnosing and treating persons with mental illnesses and disorders. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her childhood, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety, most likely as a result of her trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

When I was 15, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumor needed to be removed immediately. My father would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Looking back now, I understand that his prognosis could have been so much worse; however, at not quite 16 years old, I was shaken to the core. I vividly remember the day of my father’s surgery. Vehemently I prayed and begged God to not take him away. I faced the realization that my father might actually die. The fear I felt was worse than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't fathom not having my father in my life. I still had so much to learn from him. I still had no idea how to be a real man, and if I lost my father, I would not be able to learn anymore from his example. This was the beginning of a journey, a journey of becoming a man who I can look at in the mirror and love, accept, and respect. Embarking on this journey led me to examine what it meant to be a man. Through studying the qualities of my father that I want to emulate, and qualities of others that I do not, I've surmised that a man is someone who does what is right, no matter how painful or tiresome or costly. A man is also someone who helps people to the best of his ability. He acts honorably without any expectation for recognition. He is someone who can be strong and vulnerable at the same time, as vulnerability is one of the purest forms of strength. He is someone who can be trusted and works to never lose that trust. A man is someone who can experience turmoil and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. He remains steadfast in how he treats others. A man is someone who forgives those who’ve wronged him, not because they deserve it, but because holding grudges only hurts himself. This is the type of man I am working to become. At the end of my life, I hope to be a man who can be on his deathbed, watching the movie of his life and die knowing that if he had the choice, he would live that life again because it was fulfilled and beautiful. While on this journey, and since my father’s diagnosis, I have grown more than I ever thought possible. This past school year, I became the president of my school’s chapters of Beta Club and National Honor Society, roles that I had never imagined for myself. Although I was scared of the new responsibility, this fear was quickly replaced with eagerness for this new challenge and the opportunity to grow as a person. This sentiment has extended into my college application process. I was terrified to take the ACT and the SAT, but I knew that both would put me in the perfect environment to grow and get ever closer to becoming the type of man I want to become. My journey has led me to understand that growth is always on the other side of fear! It reminds me of a movie quote I once heard, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you stay in the same place your whole life.” So, to become the man I want to be, I have to face my fears and push forward because that is the only way to become the man my father has taught me to be, the man I dream to become.

When I was 16, I told my mother I wanted to be a Psychiatrist. Her first question was “Why?” I’ve heard this question from my mother for as long as I can remember. She continually pushes me to explore the reasoning behind my decisions. At the time, I could not answer her. After considering her question, I realized that what I am most passionate about is understanding a person’s reasons for doing something. This understanding can lead to knowing why a person is angry, how to calm them down or make them more agreeable, or how to deescalate a situation. This world is riddled with complicated issues that can have innumerable effects, both positive and negative, on many people’s lives. Ultimately, I want to work in the field of psychology as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist diagnosing and treating persons with mental illnesses and disorders. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was seven years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her childhood, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety, most likely as a result of her trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.

I am a high school junior with aspirations to work in the field of clinical psychology. I am passionate about education and doing as much as I can to pursue my goals. I have been taking Advanced Placement classes since my freshman year in high school and began taking Dual Enrollment classes through a local community college at the beginning of this school year. I maintain a 3.8 GPA, and am enrolled in a high school pathway program offered through my school system whereby upon completion and graduation in May of 2025, I will be qualified to sit for the national certification examination to become a registered Emergency Medical Responder. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also committed to helping my community through service. I spent the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in high school volunteering at a local hospital in the Central Sterile Department. I have been a member of Beta Club since my sophomore year in high school. Through this club, I have been very active in various community volunteer projects. I am currently the Vice President of my school's chapter of this national organization. Furthermore, this past year, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. Ultimately, I want to work in the field of psychology as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist diagnosing and treating persons with mental illnesses and disorders. My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder when my mother was 7 years old. I have heard many stories of her childhood, her growth and development through her childhood, teenage years, and through her adult life related to the issues stemming from her father’s illness. My mother has been diagnosed with Anxiety, most likely as a result of her trauma and experiences. Mental illness is something that we discuss openly in my family and I am fascinated by its causes and effects on individuals and families. I want to use my education to dedicate my professional life to helping people like my mother, my grandfather and families like mine navigate the difficulties and turmoil that mental illness can bring about, helping them to get through to the other side. My aspirations are great. I am aware that the road ahead will be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I am confident that through my faith and with the support of my family and community, I will be able to make my dreams reality and ultimately be able to give back to the community which I love.