My experience with mental health has shaped almost every part of who I am today: my beliefs, my relationships, the way I see myself, how I connect with others, and the kind of future I am building. I grew up in a difficult environment. My father was a drug addict, which left my mother to raise three children on her own. From a young age, I stepped into the role of caretaker for my two younger brothers. That experience, paired with my own mental health struggles, forced me to grow up quickly. I live with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a subtype of bipolar II, severe social anxiety, and PTSD. There are many days when it feels as though the world is closing in on me, when my thoughts feel too heavy, but I have learned to keep going. I have learned through therapy and healthy coping skills to keep moving forward, even when it is difficult. My mental health challenges have taught me resilience, but even more, they have taught me to be kind and understanding with others and myself. Being raised in a Caribbean household came with its own expectations: do not talk about your feelings, do not show weakness, and achieve success no matter what. But I have chosen to live differently, turning struggles into purpose. As a first-generation college student, I have had to figure everything out on my own, from scholarships to college applications, all while supporting my siblings, having a job, helping my mom pay bills, managing my mental health, and still maintaining a 3.6 GPA. At school, I am the president of the Optimist Club, where we lead community service projects such as distributing self-care kits to the homeless or going to the YMCA to hold a different themed dance each month for children with special needs. I am also a part of nine other clubs because I want to be involved in building a stronger connection with my school’s community. These leadership roles are more than just titles; they are how I stay grounded, give back, and ensure others feel seen. My mental health journey has also shaped how I connect with others, as I know what it feels like to be alone or overwhelmed. I make it a point to support those in my community who might need encouragement or simply a friend. I have become the person I once needed—someone who does not judge, but uplifts and listens. All these experiences have led me to want to become a teacher. I have always loved helping others learn, and I know first-hand that education is one of the most powerful ways to change someone’s life. I want to be a teacher who creates a safe, understanding classroom where students feel supported not just academically, but emotionally. I want my future students, especially those facing challenges at home or struggling silently, to know they are not alone. I want to show them that success is possible, no matter what they have been through. That is why I plan to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). For me, FAMU represents hope, strength, and belonging. It is a place where I can develop my identity, leadership, and future as an educator. My experience with mental health does not define me. It has shaped my beliefs about resilience, transformed my relationships through empathy, and fuelled my desire to be a role model, teacher, and leader. This scholarship would not only lift a financial burden, but also help me continue my journey of helping others and being a leader

Leadership is not just something I only practice at school. It was a role that was given to be at a very young age being the eldest and only daughter in a Caribbean household. I learned early on that responsibility does not wait. From a young age I took care of my two younger brothers. helping them with homework, taking them out so they can have fun, making sure they were fed and had more than what they needed and deserved. This role wasn't always easy, but it taught me how to be patient, dependable and lead by example. Even with all these responsibilities at home I have never let that stop me from getting my education and achieving my goals in school. I have been able to build a strong academic record while being involved and close in my school's community. I have leadership positions in 9 other clubs but most importantly I am the president of the optimist club. Through the optimist club I have led multiple projects to give make to my community. From putting together self care backs for the homeless to organizing food drives and school cleanups. These experiences have shown me how leadership is about service, kindness and showing up for others. Growing up without my parents consistently there due to drug abuse, working to make ends meet and their own personal struggles was difficult. I was constantly worried I wouldn't do well in school because I lacked support at home. I knew that if I wanted to have success I would have to do that on my own. Helping me balance family responsibilities, schoolwork and leadership roles. Being the oldest girl in my family has also taught me important lessons about what it means to lead and taking control of your own path, making decisions with care and staying strong to face challenges. But it also means being kind, patient and understanding, especially to those who look up to you. I carry those lessons with me everyday both at home and in my community I am planning to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) because it represents more than just a college. As an HBCU, FAMU offers a community where my identity and culture will be celebrated, where I can grow academically and personally and where I can continue developing as a leader. Going to FAMU means being apart of strength, resilience and so much more empowering me to keep pushing to be better not only for myself but for my family My leadership is about more than just titles or achievements, it's the way I take charge and try to help others around me. Whether that's my siblings, classmates, friends or people in my community.

Growing up in a single-parent household with my mom and two younger brothers has been a journey with both challenges and great things. My mother, brothers, and I escaped a house of domestic violence when I was young it was very difficult but my mom's determination to provide a better life for us was truly inspiring and amazing. we all shared one small room and one queen-sized bed where we would all sleep until I was 15 years old sometimes I caught myself doing schoolwork lying down in my closet because it was my only form of privacy. despite these hardships, my mom worked tirelessly from 6 am to 8 pm to make sure we had everything we needed for school. One accomplishment that stands out in my journey is my realizing the strength and hard work within my family. seeing my mom work so hard and make countless sacrifices to make sure we had a chance at a brighter future. Her dedication to my and my sibling's education is relentless; she has always made sure and instilled in us to do good in school despite the emotional and financial challenges we faced. This experience has blessed me with an understanding of the importance of perseverance and the impact of a supportive family. it has taught me that no matter how tough circumstances may be, with hard work and determination it is possible to overcome hardships my mom's efforts have instilled in me a strong work ethic and desire to succeed not just for myself but to honor her sacrifices and set a positive example for my younger brothers. Through these experiences, I have learned the value of education and the importance of giving back to people. I am committed to making the most of all my opportunities to use my education as a tool to create a better future for myself and my family. this scholarship would not only alleviate some of the financial burdens but also be a testament to the hard work that my mom and I have put into overcoming our challenges. in addition to the financial struggles growing up in a single-parent household also taught me the importance of independence and responsibility. With my mom working long hours to support us I often had to take on responsibilities at home including cleaning making dinners doing most chores and helping take care of my 2 brothers. These responsibilities have made me more self-sufficient and have taught me important life skills that I will carry into adulthood. In conclusion, growing up in a single-parent household came with a lot of challenges but it has also shaped me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. my mom's dedication to our education and well-being has inspired me to work hard and pursue my dreams of being a teacher and working with children. the experiences and lessons I have learned along the way have given me a deeper understanding of myself and the importance of supporting others. this scholarship would not only provide much-needed financial support but also serve as a recognition of the hard work and perseverance that my family and I demonstrated. Thank you for considering my application.

When I started giving back to the community I was in fourth grade when I started making goodie bags for the homeless. Every year without fail I make sure to make these bags with essential items for example a toothbrush, toothpaste mini soap bar a sandwich a candy bar of water, and a small card saying they are always alive. This tradition has taught Me the importance of being kind and having empathy for people you don't know. seeing the smiles on people's faces from those people reinforced my commitment to continue this tradition for years to come encouraging my family, friends, and peers to get out and help too. In addition, I volunteer at my local food pantries. making meals for people who are struggling. it is honestly very fulfilling seeing those people's faces and humbling reminding me what is important and the importance of community and the power of coming together as a community. Whether it is packing boxes, giving money, or making meals for people I approach each task with kindness and patience ensuring that every person is treated with respect. My commitment to giving back to my community extends to my involvement in the YMCA, I volunteer every month to dance with disabled individuals of all ages. these dance sessions are not all about movement but also connection and joy letting everyone know they are welcomed and loved creating an inclusive environment. The relationships I've built and the happiness I've seen in the participants are rewarding. this experience has taught me patience and understanding of the impact of being present and sharing a moment with people Furthermore, I am in my school's student body government. I take on many leadership roles to promote community service. Organizing and participating in service projects has allowed me to inspire my classmates to get involved and to make a difference. From coordinating cleanups to drives to fundraising for local charities. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating that service excellence is about dedication passion, and a want to help others. In all of these activities, my ambitions and drive are fueled by my belief to always give back. I aim to honor Harriet Russel Carr's legacy by continuing to serve my community with the same spirit of kindness she shows. My experiences have shaped who I am today. I am more than eager to continue this journey, making a positive impact wherever I can

In the funny land of books and pens where learning truly never ends, there is a place that's oh so so cool, it's the wonderous world of school From math to art, all the way to science too, there is always something fun and exciting to do. With friends and teachers kind so dear, there's no place better, far or near. so go grab your bag pens bright let's drive into our seats with delight. with every class and every bell, we'll learn and laugh like all is well. for schools, a place for dreams to take flight where knowledge grows both day and night. so let's be glad, clap and cheer, let's go to school, and have a good year!

When I was a child I had a very tough home life my father was a drug addict and drug dealer and my mother was always working to save up money to move me and my brother out of a household full of negativity, domestic violence, and drugs. I would go to school smelling like weed tired every morning from hearing yelling and arguing all night. I had undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia so I was already struggling I was getting bullied and I failed a grade so I was the oldest in my class. most teachers just thought I was a bad kid and were annoyed with me every time I spoke. When I was just a kid looking for an escape I loved school. I will never forget my second-grade teacher Miss Robinson. She was the first teacher to talk to me and to sit me down to really get to know me and what I was struggling with at school and home. She would take the time to go over material when I was behind. when I missed school because I was taking care of my brother. She was truly an amazing teacher she was very patient with me even when I acted out in her class and showed me I could do more with education and that I could truly do what I wanted to do when I put effort. now have taken the advice guidance and wisdom she has given me and continued to do well in school and I want to do the same for children. One of my future goals is to become a teacher. I want to show other children what Miss Robinson showed me that you always have people looking out for you and you do have people who see your potential. I firmly believe that teachers should get paid just as much as doctors. we want people to teach our children not only academically but emotionally. I do hope I can inspire a child and not only teach them but make them belive that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to. She is not the only teacher who has shown me grace throughout my school career Ms. Magui my French teacher, Mr Browne my old English teacher, and my third-grade math teacher Miss Minone. they were all amazing teachers who have helped me develop this goal that I can't wait to accomplish