My name is Jalen Thymes, and I am a recent graduate of Hampton University. I have always had a passion for understanding the societal structures that shape our lives and communities, which is why I pursued a degree in sociology. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that while education can illuminate many social issues, it is action, advocacy, and policy change that can truly create lasting transformation. This realization led me to the decision to pursue higher education to develop more resources and support systems for my community. The more I learned, the more determined I became to help effect meaningful change, especially in the realm of mental health within the African American community. Growing up, mental health was a subject rarely, if ever, discussed in my household or community. As I navigated my teenage years, I witnessed firsthand how deeply mental health struggles impacted many Black men in my life, from family members and friends to individuals in the broader community. Sadly, I also saw how many of these issues went unnoticed, undiagnosed, or untreated. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among Black men, created a barrier that was nearly impossible to break. The consequences were severe, as individuals often suffered in silence, unable to find the help they desperately needed. In my neighborhood, I saw how these struggles manifested in different ways: depression, anxiety, and a general sense of hopelessness. These mental health challenges were compounded by the ever-present pressures of living in an underserved community, where systemic inequality, poverty, discrimination, and violence often formed a toxic backdrop. In these environments, Black men frequently carry a heavy emotional load. They are expected to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, with little room for vulnerability or seeking help. This is a narrative that I know all too well, having seen it in my own family, where mental health struggles were often dismissed, and emotions were bottled up and buried beneath the weight of daily survival. The more I reflected on these experiences, the more I became committed to creating change. I want to become a social worker because I firmly believe in the power of community and that every person deserves access to mental health resources and support. Specifically, I am passionate about advocating for the mental health needs of Black men and women. The intersection of race, gender, and mental health creates unique challenges that often go unnoticed in broader societal discussions. The stressors that Black men face are disproportionately high, given the daily racial discrimination, financial instability, and violence they may encounter. To achieve these goals, I have chosen to pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at Columbia University. The MSW program at Columbia offers the rigorous training, diverse perspectives, and commitment to social justice that I need to equip myself to be an effective advocate and social change agent. Additionally, I have chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that real, lasting change happens at the systemic level. As I take the following steps in my education, I recognize that pursuing an MSW at Columbia comes with significant financial challenges. My parents were incredibly supportive during my undergraduate years, helping to fund my education and pay off my student loans. However, due to financial constraints, they are no longer able to contribute to my graduate studies. The cost of attending Columbia is a significant burden, with tuition currently set at $99,000 per year. This financial commitment is a considerable challenge, but I am determined to find a way to make it work. I am actively seeking scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance to help alleviate the economic burden of my education. I understand that higher education is an investment, not just in my future, but in the future of those I will serve. With the proper resources and education, I am confident that I will make meaningful contributions to my community and beyond.

My name is Jalen Thymes, and I am a recent graduate of Hampton University. I have always had a passion for understanding the societal structures that shape our lives and communities, which is why I pursued a degree in sociology. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that while education can illuminate many social issues, it is action, advocacy, and policy change that can truly create lasting transformation. This realization led me to the decision to pursue higher education to develop more resources and support systems for my community. The more I learned, the more determined I became to help effect meaningful change, especially in the realm of mental health within the African American community. Growing up, mental health was a subject rarely, if ever, discussed in my household or community. As I navigated my teenage years, I witnessed firsthand how deeply mental health struggles impacted many Black men in my life, from family members and friends to individuals in the broader community. Sadly, I also saw how many of these issues went unnoticed, undiagnosed, or untreated. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among Black men, created a barrier that was nearly impossible to break. The consequences were severe, as individuals often suffered in silence, unable to find the help they desperately needed. In my neighborhood, I saw how these struggles manifested in different ways: depression, anxiety, and a general sense of hopelessness. These mental health challenges were compounded by the ever-present pressures of living in an underserved community, where systemic inequality, poverty, discrimination, and violence often formed a toxic backdrop. In these environments, Black men frequently carry a heavy emotional load. They are expected to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, with little room for vulnerability or seeking help. This is a narrative that I know all too well, having seen it in my own family, where mental health struggles were often dismissed, and emotions were bottled up and buried beneath the weight of daily survival. What struck me the most was that these issues were not isolated. Mental health struggles, left unaddressed, became generational. I saw how unresolved trauma affected fathers, sons, and grandfathers alike. The ripple effect of untreated mental health issues wasn’t just confined to the individual—it impacted entire families and communities. This interconnectedness was something that I could not ignore. It was not only a matter of individual healing but also a communal one. The more I reflected on these experiences, the more I became committed to creating change. I want to become a social worker because I firmly believe in the power of community and that every person deserves access to mental health resources and support. Specifically, I am passionate about advocating for the mental health needs of Black men and women. The intersection of race, gender, and mental health creates unique challenges that often go unnoticed in broader societal discussions. The stressors that Black men face are disproportionately high, given the daily racial discrimination, financial instability, and violence they may encounter. For many Black men, these stressors become an overwhelming weight that they carry, often in isolation. As a result, mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are exacerbated, yet the willingness to seek help is still low. This is due in part to the cultural norms that prize strength and independence over vulnerability. The narrative that Black men should "tough it out" or “handle their business” without seeking help is harmful and needs to change. One of my core beliefs as I embark on this journey toward becoming a social worker is that mental health issues within the Black community cannot be treated separately from the larger systemic factors that perpetuate them. Factors such as poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, lack of education, and discriminatory policies are inextricably linked to the mental health struggles of Black men. These challenges often leave them feeling unheard, invisible, and unsupported. As a social worker, I want to challenge this narrative. I want to break down the barriers to mental health care that Black men face, and I want to provide them with the tools and resources they need not only to survive but to thrive. I envision a world where the Black community has access to the same level of mental health support that other communities have. This is not just about providing therapy or counseling, but about creating culturally competent programs that understand and address the unique experiences of Black men. It’s about providing services that not only treat the symptoms of mental health issues but also work to prevent them by addressing the root causes—systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and the lack of access to resources. While we’ve made progress in recent years, there is still so much work to be done. Conversations about mental health in the Black community are becoming more frequent, but there is still a long way to go. Many people are still unaware of the mental health resources that exist or how to access them. The stigma surrounding mental health is slowly being dismantled, but it will take more than just awareness—it will take action. This is where I see my role as a social worker. I aim to be part of a broader effort to increase access to mental health resources, raise awareness, and challenge the stigmas that keep Black men from seeking help. To achieve these goals, I have chosen to pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at Columbia University. The MSW program at Columbia offers the rigorous training, diverse perspectives, and commitment to social justice that I need to equip myself to be an effective advocate and social change agent. I have chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that real, lasting change happens at the systemic level. By understanding how policies are made and how they can be shaped, I will be better equipped to advocate for mental health resources at the local, state, and national levels. I want to work on both the grassroots level—helping individuals and families directly—and at the policy level—working to change the systems that impact those individuals and families. Additionally, I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders to build momentum around mental health initiatives. This work will not only benefit the Black community but also serve as a model for other underserved communities that face similar challenges. The ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone, regardless of race or background, has access to the mental health care they deserve. As I take the following steps in my education, I recognize that pursuing an MSW at Columbia comes with significant financial challenges. My parents were incredibly supportive during my undergraduate years, helping to fund my education and pay off my student loans. However, due to financial constraints, they are no longer able to contribute to my graduate studies. The cost of attending Columbia is a significant burden, with tuition currently set at $99,000 per year. This financial commitment is a considerable challenge, but I am determined to find a way to make it work. I am actively seeking scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance to help alleviate the economic burden of my education. I understand that higher education is an investment, not just in my future, but in the future of those I will serve. With the proper resources and education, I am confident that I will make meaningful contributions to my community and beyond. By focusing on policy change, community building, and direct advocacy, I am committed to creating a world where Black men—and all individuals—can access the mental health support they need to live fulfilling, healthy lives.

My name is Jalen Thymes, and I am a recent graduate of Hampton University. After obtaining my degree in sociology, I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education in hopes of fostering support for my community. I want to become a social worker to give back to the African American community, particularly in the area of mental health. Growing up during a time when mental health was not openly discussed in our community, I witnessed firsthand how deeply it affected Black men from their teenage years through their elder years, and how it impacted previous generations. I also saw the serious consequences that often followed when these struggles were left unaddressed. Many Black men carry an immense weight on their shoulders. The pressure of simply existing in a society that frequently overlooks or misunderstands their struggles is overwhelming. This burden often leads to unaddressed mental health challenges that can silently shape and limit their lives. My goal as a social worker is to help change that. I aim to introduce new resources and policies, and to bring greater awareness to mental health within the Black community. Mental health is a serious issue that demands both urgency and compassion. I want to challenge the harmful stereotypes that Black men face, including that they don’t need help, that we can and should endure it all alone. This mindset too often prevents us from accessing the care we truly need and deserve. Although more conversations are happening and more resources are becoming available, it’s still not enough to fully uplift the community. That’s why I plan to collaborate not only with like-minded individuals but also with people from diverse backgrounds to foster stronger support systems. My goal is to foster a sense of community, healing, and belonging, not only for African Americans but for everyone who needs support. As part of my journey, I chose Columbia University to gain the tools, insight, and training necessary to become an effective advocate and change agent. I’ve chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that systemic change begins with policy. This focus will enable me to better understand how to advocate for essential resources at the local, state, and federal levels. I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and other advocacy groups to build momentum across these platforms. My mission begins with Black men, but it extends far beyond to create a world where every individual has access to the mental health support they need.

My name is Jalen Thymes, and I am a recent graduate of Hampton University. After obtaining my degree in sociology, I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education in hopes of fostering support for my community. I want to become a social worker to give back to the African American community, particularly in the area of mental health. Growing up during a time when mental health was not openly discussed in our community, I witnessed firsthand how deeply it affected Black men from their teenage years through their elder years, and how it impacted previous generations. I also saw the serious consequences that often followed when these struggles were left unaddressed. Many Black men carry an immense weight on their shoulders. The pressure of simply existing in a society that frequently overlooks or misunderstands their struggles is overwhelming. This burden often leads to unaddressed mental health challenges that can silently shape and limit their lives. My goal as a social worker is to help change that. I aim to introduce new resources and policies, and to bring greater awareness to mental health within the Black community. Mental health is a serious issue that demands both urgency and compassion. I want to challenge the harmful stereotype that Black men don’t need help, that we can and should endure it all alone. This mindset too often prevents us from accessing the care we truly need and deserve. Although more conversations are happening and more resources are becoming available, it’s still not enough to fully uplift the community. That’s why I plan to collaborate not only with like-minded individuals but also with people from diverse backgrounds to foster stronger support systems. My goal is to foster a sense of community, healing, and belonging, not only for African Americans but for everyone who needs support. As part of my journey, I chose Columbia University to gain the tools, insight, and training necessary to become an effective advocate and change agent. I’ve chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that systemic change begins with policy. This focus will enable me to understand better how to advocate for essential resources at the local, state, and federal levels. I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and other advocacy groups to build momentum across these platforms. My mission begins with Black men, but it extends far beyond to create a world where every individual has access to the mental health support they need.

My name is Jalen Thymes, and I am a recent graduate from Hampton University. After obtaining my degree in sociology, I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education and work towards providing support for my community. I want to become a social worker to give back to the African American community, particularly in the area of mental health. Growing up during a time when mental health was not openly discussed in our community, I witnessed firsthand how deeply it affected Black men from their teenage years through their elder years, and how it impacted previous generations. I also saw the serious consequences that often followed when these struggles were left unaddressed. Many Black men carry an immense weight on their shoulders. The pressure of simply existing in a society that frequently overlooks or misunderstands their struggles is overwhelming. This burden often leads to unaddressed mental health challenges that can silently shape and limit their lives. My goal as a social worker is to help change that. I aim to introduce new resources and policies, and to bring greater awareness to mental health within the Black community. Mental health is a serious issue that demands both urgency and compassion. I want to challenge the harmful stereotype that Black men don’t need help, that we can and should endure it all alone. This mindset too often prevents us from accessing the care we truly need and deserve. Although more conversations are happening and more resources are becoming available, it’s still not enough to fully uplift the community. That’s why I plan to collaborate not only with like-minded individuals but also with people from diverse backgrounds to foster stronger support systems. My goal is to foster a sense of community, healing, and belonging, not only for African Americans but for everyone who needs support. As part of my journey, I chose Columbia University to gain the tools, insight, and training necessary to become an effective advocate and change agent. I’ve chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that systemic change begins with policy. This focus will enable me to understand better how to advocate for essential resources at the local, state, and federal levels. I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and other advocacy groups to build momentum across these platforms. My mission begins with Black men, but it extends far beyond to create a world where every individual has access to the mental health support they need.

My name is Jalen Thymes and I am a recent graduate from Hampton University with my bachelor's degree in Sociology. After obtaining my degree, I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education and work towards uplifting communities. I want to become a social worker to give back to the African American community, particularly in the area of mental health. Growing up during a time when mental health was not openly discussed in our community, I witnessed firsthand how deeply it affected Black men from their teenage years through their elder years, and how it impacted previous generations. I also saw the serious consequences that often followed when these struggles were left unaddressed. Many Black men carry an immense weight on their shoulders. The pressure of simply existing in a society that frequently overlooks or misunderstands their struggles is overwhelming. This burden often leads to unaddressed mental health challenges that can silently shape and limit their lives. My goal as a social worker is to help change that. I aim to introduce new resources and policies, and to bring greater awareness to mental health within the Black community. Mental health is a serious issue that demands both urgency and compassion. I want to challenge the harmful stereotype that Black men don’t need help, that we can and should endure it all alone. This mindset too often prevents us from accessing the care we truly need and deserve. Although more conversations are happening and more resources are becoming available, it’s still not enough to fully uplift the community. That’s why I plan to collaborate not only with like-minded individuals but also with people from diverse backgrounds to foster stronger support systems. My goal is to foster a sense of community, healing, and belonging, not only for African Americans but for everyone who needs support. As part of my journey, I chose Columbia University to gain the tools, insight, and training necessary to become an effective advocate and change agent. I’ve chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that systemic change begins with policy. This focus will enable me to understand better how to advocate for essential resources at the local, state, and federal levels. I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and other advocacy groups to build momentum across these platforms. My mission begins with Black men, but it extends far beyond to create a world where every individual has access to the mental health support they need.

I want to become a social worker to give back to the African American community, particularly in the area of mental health. Growing up during a time when mental health was not openly discussed in our community, I witnessed firsthand how deeply it affected Black men from their teenage years through their elder years, and how it impacted previous generations. I also saw the serious consequences that often followed when these struggles were left unaddressed. Many Black men carry an immense weight on their shoulders. The pressure of simply existing in a society that frequently overlooks or misunderstands their struggles is overwhelming. This burden often leads to unaddressed mental health challenges that can silently shape and limit their lives. My goal as a social worker is to help change that. I aim to introduce new resources and policies, and to bring greater awareness to mental health within the Black community. Mental health is a serious issue that demands both urgency and compassion. I want to challenge the harmful stereotype that Black men don’t need help, that we can and should endure it all alone. This mindset too often prevents us from accessing the care we truly need and deserve. Although more conversations are happening and more resources are becoming available, it’s still not enough to fully uplift the community. That’s why I plan to collaborate not only with like-minded individuals but also with people from diverse backgrounds to foster stronger support systems. My goal is to foster a sense of community, healing, and belonging, not only for African Americans but for everyone who needs support. As part of my journey, I chose Columbia University to gain the tools, insight, and training necessary to become an effective advocate and change agent. I’ve chosen policy practice as my specialization because I believe that systemic change begins with policy. This focus will enable me to understand better how to advocate for essential resources at the local, state, and federal levels. I plan to partner with nonprofit organizations and other advocacy groups to build momentum across these platforms. My mission begins with Black men, but it extends far beyond to create a world where every individual has access to the mental health support they need. After reading the core competencies, I am bringing positive engagement and advocacy into my practicum. I want to utilize my time to develop new skills, such as policy practice and engaging with diversity, to help connect with different communities and introduce changes that prove beneficial.

In high school, my friends and I discussed attending an HBCU after graduation, considering universities like Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Howard. Despite my initial excitement, my grades weren't sufficient for acceptance, leading me to attend Pierce Community College. However, I later discovered a program at Pierce that guaranteed admission to certain HBCUs. This opportunity motivated me to improve my grades. Once my grades rose, I researched participating HBCUs and toured campuses on the East Coast, including Bowie State and Virginia State University. Additionally, I visited Hampton and Howard, though they were not part of the program. Upon visiting Hampton, I knew it was the right fit and was accepted for the Fall 2022 semester. From my group of friends in high school, I am the only one who went on to obtain my degree from an HBCU. At Hampton, I have learned the significance of being surrounded by peers who share my cultural background. It has reinforced the value of my identity and experience as a Black individual. I am eager to apply the knowledge I have gained from Hampton to effect real change in the world. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology, my goal is to join an organization dedicated to improving the mental health of Black men in low-income communities.