My name is Jalisa Wilson, and my journey through higher education has been anything but easy. As a first-generation college student and a low-income mother balancing work, school, and community advocacy, I’ve had to navigate obstacles that many of my peers haven’t. But despite the challenges, I refuse to let my circumstances define me. I’ve used them as motivation to push forward, create opportunities, and build resources for others facing similar struggles. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand what it meant to fight for stability and opportunity. My mother, a former foster child who struggled with addiction, made the choice to break the cycle when she had me. Watching her navigate her own healing while raising me inspired me to step into the field of mental health and advocacy. At just 16 years old, I started working with youth, beginning in childcare and later transitioning to mental health peer support and nonprofit work. Now, I am pursuing a degree in Organizational Psychology with a concentration in workforce advocacy so I can continue helping underserved communities access resources, stability, and opportunities that they often lack. The reality is, higher education isn’t built for people like me people who are juggling multiple responsibilities, raising children, and navigating financial and systemic barriers with little outside support. Even with my determination, the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, and childcare makes it hard to focus on my education without sacrificing my family’s stability. This scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to continue my degree while also expanding my work in youth mental health and advocacy. Currently, I am launching a school-based youth peer support program in the Federal Way School District, designed to help students many of whom are first-generation, low-income, and struggling with mental health challenges—build relationships with mentors, develop life skills, and stay engaged in school. Many students in underserved communities struggle academically, not because they lack intelligence or motivation, but because they don’t have the right support systems in place. This program aims to change that. In addition to my school-based program, I work as a youth peer partner for DadsMove, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting fathers raising children with special needs. Many fathers feel disconnected from the resources available for their children, leaving them unsure of how to advocate for their needs. Through DadsMove, I help develop leadership programs, advocacy tools, and support services to bridge that gap. By supporting families, I am creating stronger systems for the youth who need them most. My Commitment • Ambition – I am not just attending college for a degree I’m here to create sustainable programs, advocate for underserved communities, and break barriers in mental health and education systems. • Drive – Since I was 16 years old, I’ve worked in community health, mental health peer support, and nonprofit leadership while pursuing my education and raising my child. I am fully committed to seeing my vision through. • Need As a low-income, first-generation college student and a mother, I have to balance financial responsibilities that many of my peers don’t. This scholarship would relieve some of that burden and allow me to fully focus on my education and community work. I am determined to finish my degree, expand my youth peer program, and continue advocating for students who, like me, have had to work twice as hard to get here. This scholarship is not just about financial assistance it’s about making real change possible for students who have been overlooked for too long. I appreciate the opportunity to apply and share my story. This isn’t just my education it’s my life’s work.

Hello, my name is Jalisa Wilson. For as long as I can remember, I have been committed to showing up for youth and families, especially those with special needs. I know what it’s like to feel unsupported, unheard, and unsure of where to turn, and I don’t want any young person to go through that alone. That’s why my work as a youth peer specialist and nonprofit consultant is so important to me it allows me to be that support system for others. Right now, I’m in process of developing a school-based youth peer support program in the Federal Way School District to provide students with mentorship, behavioral interventions, and emotional guidance. My work is more than just academic support it’s about helping students build relationships, navigate challenges, and feel like they belong. Many students with special needs struggle to form lasting connections with teachers and peers, and that lack of connection often leads to disengagement, frustration, and even school avoidance. My goal is to create a structured, emotionally supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Beyond my school-based work, I am also a youth peer partner for DadsMove, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting fathers of children with special needs. Many fathers feel left out of the conversation when it comes to advocacy and services for their children. Through my role at DadsMove, I help develop programming, leadership initiatives, and advocacy tools to make sure these families receive the support they need. Whether it’s navigating the special education system, accessing mental health resources, or simply building a stronger support network, I see the gaps, and I’m working to fill them. My Vision for Change At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their challenges. Too often, children with special needs face barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in school, community activities, and everyday life. Whether it’s a lack of resources, understanding, or advocacy, these barriers make life harder for kids who already have so much to navigate. I want to change that. My vision is to create inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where young people with special needs aren’t just accommodated they’re truly embraced and supported. This means equipping teachers with the right training, providing families with the advocacy tools they need, and creating programs that allow youth to develop confidence, independence, and long-term success. Through my studies in Organizational Psychology, I’ve learned that real change happens at both the individual and systemic levels. That’s why my work isn’t just about direct peer support it’s also about shifting policies, improving education systems, and making workplaces more inclusive for individuals with special needs. If awarded this scholarship, I will continue building my school-based youth peer program, develop training materials for educators and community partners, due to working with only a minimal amount of state and community funds while also pushing for policy changes that prioritize mental health and special needs inclusion. I don’t want to just help individual students I want to transform the systems that serve them.

Hello, my name is Jalisa Wilson. Life has given me many challenges, and each one has shaped my resilience, purpose, and drive to make a lasting impact in the field of mental health. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of trauma, addiction, and limited access to care within my family and community. My mother, a foster child who later struggled with addiction, transformed her life by seeking healing and pursuing higher education. Her resilience inspired me to rise above my circumstances and dedicate my life to helping others heal and thrive. One of my most meaningful challenges was learning how to manage my own mental health while supporting others. Early in my career working with youth, I realized how overwhelming it could be to carry the emotional weight of others’ trauma. There were moments I felt like I had failed because I wasn’t yet equipped to balance my own well-being with my desire to serve others. However, instead of giving up, I saw this challenge as a learning opportunity. I sought mentorship, developed stronger coping mechanisms, and studied evidence-based mental health practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through this process, I learned that failure isn’t a dead end it’s part of the journey toward success. That lesson has become the foundation of my work today. I now support teens and young adults with high behavioral needs, trauma, autism, ADHD, and other challenges. I mentor them, model positive behavior, and teach coping strategies that promote resilience and emotional well-being. I also work with families and schools to create sustainable systems of care that support long-term healing and success. My most meaningful achievement has been seeing the transformation in the youth I support. One of the most powerful moments in my career was watching a young woman who had been struggling with self-doubt and emotional instability begin to believe in herself. With the support and guidance I provided, she was able to develop healthier coping skills and set goals for her future. Moments like this remind me why I chose this path—to give others the opportunity to rise above their challenges, just as I have. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Organizational Psychology to deepen my knowledge of how mental health and leadership intersect in communities and workplaces. My goal is to lead initiatives that promote emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and equity. I want to be a leader who empowers others to overcome their setbacks and create positive change. Like Jore Lund, I believe that progress comes from hard work, resilience, and teamwork. I am committed to making my sphere of influence better by giving my best effort every day, no matter how tough the challenges may be. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for a scholarship that honors such an inspiring legacy.

Hello, my name is Jalisa Wilson. Since I was 16 years old, I have dedicated my life to serving and supporting others, particularly youth and families in my community. My journey began in childcare, where I learned the importance of building trust, providing guidance, and fostering growth in young people. Over time, my passion for helping others evolved, and I began focusing on mental health advocacy to address the deeper challenges that many in my community face. Growing up, I witnessed how mental health struggles, trauma, and stigma can limit a person’s potential. My mother, who overcame addiction and trauma from her time in foster care, inspired me by breaking cycles of pain through healing and education. Her journey taught me that transformation is possible with the right support and encouragement. This experience drove me to pursue a career where I could empower others to overcome similar obstacles. Over the years, I have developed critical skills through both education and experience. I currently work as a youth peer specialist, where I support teens and young adults who face trauma, high behavioral needs, autism, ADHD, and other challenges. I provide mentorship, model positive behaviors, and teach emotional regulation and coping strategies through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also work closely with families to create sustainable systems of care and stability in their lives. In addition to my direct work with youth, I volunteer at local schools to help students build life and vocational skills, develop relationships with teachers, and access resources for success. I also advocate for restorative justice practices to address conflicts and promote healing in school communities. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education, mental health support, and leadership development are essential for helping others unlock their full potential. Currently, I am completing a degree in Organizational Psychology, which equips me with additional tools to promote emotional intelligence, leadership, and systemic change in both community and workplace settings. My long-term goal is to create trauma-informed programs and policies that address barriers to success, particularly for low-income families and youth of color. I am driven by the desire to give back to my community and help others achieve their goals. Helping others thrive has always been more than just work for me it’s my life’s mission. I am honored to apply for this scholarship in memory of someone who shared similar values of selflessness and support. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

Hello, my name is Jalisa Wilson. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and creating safe, supportive spaces for youth and families. My experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped my dedication to breaking down barriers to mental health care and fostering healing in underserved communities. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. When I was a child, my mother battled addiction and trauma from being a foster child. Despite these challenges, she found resilience when she had me and pursued her master’s degree in counseling. Witnessing her journey of healing and growth deeply inspired me and sparked my passion for mental health. I saw firsthand how stigma and limited access to care prevented people in my community from seeking help. Even within my own family, fear of judgment and internalized shame created barriers to healing. I knew I wanted to make a difference by creating safe spaces where others could find support and understanding. Since then, I have dedicated my life to this mission. I began working with youth at 16 and have focused on mental health ever since. In my role as a youth peer specialist, I work with young people who face trauma, behavioral needs, autism, ADHD, and other mental health challenges. Many of them, like my mother, have experienced a lack of support and role models. I’ve seen the effects of shame, isolation, and frustration, which are only worsened by an inaccessible mental health system. I’ve also personally used and taught evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping youth build coping skills and emotional regulation strategies. I work closely with families to implement sustainable systems of care that foster emotional well-being and growth. These experiences have shaped my belief that emotional intelligence and empathy are key to leadership and systemic change. Currently, I am completing a degree in Organizational Psychology to better understand how mental health issues affect individuals and entire systems. My goal is to reduce barriers to care through trauma-informed programs, policy advocacy, and leadership development. I want to be a voice for youth and families in underserved communities, providing resources that offer hope and healing. The memory of Daniel V. Marrano reminds me why this work is so critical. I am committed to carrying forward his legacy by breaking down the stigma around mental health and building systems of support that create lasting change. Thank you for your consideration.

The Importance of Mental Health: A Personal and Community Commitment Mental health is important to me as a student because it has been the foundation of my personal growth and resilience. Growing up in an abusive home, I faced significant emotional and psychological challenges that left me feeling hopeless. By 16, I turned to drugs to cope with the pain, and my struggles led to suicidal ideation and attempts. It wasn’t until I was hospitalized and connected to therapy that I began to understand the importance of addressing these struggles. Mental health care saved my life, equipping me with tools to heal and move forward. It continues to be critical in my journey as a student, professional, and parent. As a single parent pursuing a degree in psychology, I face many challenges, but maintaining my mental well-being helps me stay focused and committed. Prioritizing mental health has allowed me to balance my academic responsibilities with parenting and professional growth. This process has taught me that mental health is not a weakness but a strength, empowering me to show up for my family, my community, and myself. I advocate for mental health in my community as a youth peer partner working in mental/community health by using my lived experiences, I support young people facing mental health challenges, substance abuse, and socioeconomic barriers. By fostering trust and providing a nonjudgmental space, I help them share their struggles and develop coping strategies. My role normalizes mental health conversations and encourages vulnerability, breaking down the stigma that often prevents people, especially in marginalized communities, from seeking help. Beyond one-on-one mentorship, I organize workshops and events to promote emotional resilience, self-care, and mental health awareness. These initiatives aim to educate families, students, and educators about the importance of mental health and connect them to accessible resources. I also collaborate with local organizations to ensure culturally relevant care and services are available to those who need them most. Within my school community, I advocate for policies and programs that prioritize student well-being. I engage in discussions with peers and professors to highlight the importance of mental health for academic success. Whether by connecting others to resources, sharing mindfulness techniques, or simply listening, I strive to be a source of support. Mental health is more than a personal priority it is my mission. Through my education and advocacy, I aim to uplift others and create spaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and capable of overcoming their struggles.

Overcoming Challenges and Building a Path Forward Growing up in a household defined by abuse and instability, I faced significant challenges from an early age. My father’s abusive behavior created an environment of fear and emotional pain, and my family’s struggle with poverty meant we often went without basic necessities. By the age of 16, I turned to drugs as a way to cope with the trauma and chaos in my life. When my family couldn’t make ends meet, I resorted to selling my body for food and money. These experiences left me feeling lost and hopeless, and I fell into a cycle of suicidal ideation, leading to multiple attempts. The turning point in my life came when I was hospitalized following a suicide attempt. During my recovery, I was connected to therapy and mental health services that helped me begin to address the deep pain I had been carrying. More importantly, I was introduced to a youth peer partner who became a safe space for me. Through her support, I learned to trust again and found hope for a better future. Her compassion and ability to relate to my struggles inspired me to believe in my own potential. Her impact on my life led me to pursue a similar path. Today, I am a youth peer partner, working with young people who face their own mental health and substance abuse challenges. I strive to be the same safe space for them that my youth peer partner was for me, offering understanding, encouragement, and tools for recovery. My journey has taught me that while challenges may shape us, they do not define us, and we all have the power to create a new path forward. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me continue to give back to my community. As I work toward a degree in psychology, the financial support would allow me to focus on expanding my skills and knowledge to better serve marginalized youth. I aim to develop programs that address not only mental health challenges but also systemic barriers that prevent young people from accessing the resources they need. By reducing the financial burden of my education, this scholarship would enable me to focus on my mission: empowering others to overcome adversity and build brighter futures. Regarding the hobby of philately, I believe the key to encouraging young people to pursue it lies in making it relatable and interactive. Stamp collecting can be an engaging way to learn about history, culture, and geography. Schools and community organizations could incorporate philately into educational programs by connecting it to topics students are passionate about. For instance, showcasing stamps that feature influential figures, iconic moments, or themes like environmental conservation could spark interest. Hosting stamp-trading events or creating digital platforms for young collectors could also modernize the hobby and make it more appealing to a tech-savvy generation. By sharing my story, furthering my education, and engaging with my community, I aim to contribute to a world where everyone has the support they need to overcome their challenges and thrive. This scholarship represents a critical step in turning that vision into reality.

In Pierce County, Washington, I am developing a school-based youth peer program to support students in lower-income communities and those with behavioral challenges. This program targets alternative schools and STEM programs where students often face barriers related to mental health, behavioral concerns, and limited resources. By pairing students with youth peers near-age mentors who model effective behaviors and provide relational support we aim to foster connection, build resilience, and improve academic and personal outcomes. This initiative addresses gaps in mental health care for underserved populations. Many students in high-need schools face socioeconomic challenges that often go unaddressed, leaving them at risk for dropping out, substance use, or academic failure. The program trains peers in mental health awareness, de-escalation, and resource navigation, ensuring impactful mentorship. By embedding mental health support in schools, we reduce stigma and make help accessible. This model emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and cultural relevance by recruiting mentors who reflect the students’ backgrounds. My vision is to normalize mental health care as a right, creating equity and opportunity for the next generation.

Parenting has became greatest most astonishing experiences I have ever experienced but throughout my parenting journey the most challenging barriers of being both a student and a single parent is managing time and energy while striving to succeed in both roles. As a mother, my priority is providing my child with the love, attention, and stability they deserve. At the same time, as a student pursuing a degree in psychology, I’m committed to advancing my education to create a better future for us. The pressure to excel academically while ensuring my child feels supported and secure can feel overwhelming, especially when resources like time, finances, and childcare are limited. There are days when it feels like there aren’t enough hours to study, complete assignments, and still be the parent my child needs. However, these challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of prioritizing long-term goals over temporary hardships. This scholarship would provide critical support in paving the way for a brighter future for both myself and my child. Financial relief would ease the burden of tuition costs and allow me to focus more on my studies and professional development rather than worrying about making ends meet. With this support, I can continue working toward my degree in psychology, which will open doors for a career dedicated to improving mental health access and services for underserved communities. Beyond its financial benefits, this scholarship would allow me to continue developing a school-based youth program in Pierce County, Washington while also providing my clients and staff evidence based practice around educational outcomes and opportunities. This program is designed to support students in overcoming academic, social, and emotional barriers. By pairing students with youth peers who model effective behaviors and provide mentorship, the program aims to foster relationship permanency, reduce substance reliance, and address challenges at home that affect academic performance. The initiative focuses on building readiness skills, improving mental health awareness, and encouraging students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. My journey has been shaped by adversity and perseverance. Growing up as the child of a single mother who overcame addiction and trauma, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mental health services and community support. Inspired by her resilience, I began working as a youth peer partner and have since dedicated my career to mentoring young people and empowering families. My past experiences, both personal and professional, fuel my passion for creating programs that address the unique needs of marginalized communities and promote equity in mental health care. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance it represents the opportunity to continue growing as a parent, student, and advocate. With this support, I can provide my child with the stability they deserve while building a career that will have a lasting impact on our community. My goal is to lead by example, showing my child that with determination, resilience, and support, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. This journey is not just for me it’s for the future we’re building together, one step at a time.

Growing up as the child of a single Black mother who overcame addiction and trauma, I witnessed firsthand the power of resilience and community support. My mother, a former foster child who never met her parents, struggled with mental health challenges and substance abuse while raising me and my siblings. She found stability through mental health services and later became a clinician herself, dedicating her career to helping others heal. Her journey not only shaped my understanding of the importance of community but also inspired me to become a force for positive change in my own life. One of the most impactful moments in my journey was working as a youth peer partner in a community program that supported underserved families. I was tasked with helping young people navigate mental health challenges while building emotional resilience and strengthening family relationships. Many of these families faced significant barriers, including systemic inequities, cultural stigma, and a lack of access to resources. I saw firsthand how these obstacles could overwhelm them, but I also saw the potential for transformation through support and guidance. In one instance, I worked with a young person who was struggling with anxiety and low self esteem due to bullying at school. The student’s mother, overwhelmed by financial struggles and her own mental health challenges, was unsure how to help. I organized regular mentoring sessions with the student, teaching coping skills and helping them identify their strengths. At the same time, I supported the mother by connecting her to resources for affordable counseling and advocating for her child’s needs at school. Over time, the student became more confident, their academic performance improved, and the family’s dynamic grew stronger. This experience underscored the importance of representation, trust, and culturally responsive care in fostering positive change. As someone who shares similar lived experiences with many of the families I work with, I understand the stigma and fear that often prevent individuals from seeking help. My role allowed me to bridge that gap, providing not only resources but also understanding and encouragement. Beyond individual support, I’ve also taken steps to create broader community impact. I’ve organized workshops for families on topics such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and accessing mental health services. These sessions are designed to empower families to overcome challenges while fostering a sense of community. By creating spaces where individuals feel safe to share and learn, I hope to normalize conversations about mental health and promote healing within marginalized communities. Servitude is about more than providing assistance it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive. Whether mentoring a young person, supporting a struggling parent, or leading community initiatives, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of others. These experiences have reinforced my passion for mental health advocacy and my desire to build a career dedicated to uplifting my community. By continuing to serve others, I hope to honor my mother’s resilience and create a lasting impact. Together, through education, advocacy, and compassion, we can build stronger, more supportive communities.

When my mother moved to Washington, she was running from drugs, violence, and the trauma tied to my father while pregnant with me and raising my four year old brother. As a foster child who never met her parents, she had no support system and battled substance abuse and mental health challenges while trying to care for us. Her breaking point came when she finally sought mental health services, a decision that not only transformed her life but also shaped the trajectory of mine. Her resilience taught me the importance of seeking help and inspired me to pursue a career in mental health to support others who face similar struggles. As a college student interested in mental health, I believe the most impactful actions start with advocacy, representation, and accessibility. One of my priorities is to normalize mental health care within marginalized communities by addressing the stigma that surrounds therapy and support services. Through workshops, peer discussions, and outreach initiatives, I aim to create safe spaces where people, particularly BIPOC individuals, feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help. These conversations can foster awareness, build trust, and encourage more people to prioritize their mental well-being. Another way I can make a positive impact is by addressing barriers to care. Marginalized communities often face systemic inequities that make accessing mental health services challenging, such as cost, mistrust of medical systems, and a lack of culturally responsive providers. As a student, I can volunteer with organizations that offer free or low cost mental health resources, help connect individuals to services, and advocate for policies that promote equity in care. Additionally, I plan to work closely with community programs to bring mental health education to schools, ensuring young people understand the importance of emotional resilience and learn coping strategies early on. Representation in mental health care is critical, and as a Black woman pursuing a degree in psychology, I recognize the value of providing care that reflects the cultural experiences of those being served. I want to become a visible example of what inclusive mental health support looks like. Representation builds trust and reduces the fear that often prevents people from seeking help. By mentoring young people and fostering community connections, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in mental health and contribute to a more diverse field. As a youth peer partner, I’ve already seen the power of mental health advocacy and education in action. By mentoring youth and supporting families, I’ve helped create positive change on a small scale. However, I know there’s more to do. My goal is to use my education and lived experiences to develop innovative programs that address mental health holistically, tackling not only individual challenges but also the systemic factors that impact well-being. Creating a positive impact in mental health means meeting people where they are, understanding their unique challenges, and ensuring they feel seen and supported. Through education, advocacy, and representation, I believe I can help foster a world where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and free from stigma. By taking these actions as a college student and future psychologist, I’m committed to building a stronger, healthier future for all.

When my mother moved to Washington, she was escaping a cycle of drugs, violence, and trauma tied to my father. Pregnant with me and raising my four year old brother, she faced overwhelming challenges as a foster child who never knew her own parents. With no family or support system, she battled substance abuse and mental health issues, which made it difficult to care for us emotionally or financially. She cycled through jobs, barely managing to keep our family afloat. Her turning point came when she accessed mental health services, a decision that transformed her life and set the foundation for my own journey. Through therapy and recovery programs, my mother reclaimed her strength and stability. She secured a job with the mental health agency that had supported her, working in housing development. This role allowed her to see the power of mental health services firsthand. Inspired, she pursued higher education and is now a clinician working toward her license as a therapist. Watching her rebuild her life taught me two important lessons: mental health support is transformative, and access to these services is critical for breaking generational cycles of trauma, particularly within marginalized communities. My mother’s story, paired with my own experiences, shaped my decision to pursue a degree in psychology and commit to serving marginalized communities. Growing up as a Black child in a single parent household, I witnessed the barriers BIPOC individuals face when seeking mental health care. Systemic racism, cultural stigma, and a lack of representation prevent many from accessing the services they need. Therapy is often misunderstood in these communities, seen as a weakness or as something only for people who are “broken.” I want to change this narrative by normalizing therapy and creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel empowered to seek help. My experience as a youth peer partner has strengthened my commitment to this mission. Working with young people and families, I’ve seen how vital representation is in fostering trust and breaking down barriers to care. People are more likely to seek help when they feel understood by someone who shares their background and experiences. For me, psychology is not just about addressing mental health challenges—it’s about understanding the systemic factors that contribute to them and working to create lasting change. I plan to make a positive impact within marginalized communities by combining education, advocacy, and culturally responsive care. My goal is to provide accessible mental health services, particularly for young people and families, to help them build resilience and navigate challenges. I hope to work in schools and community programs to address mental health at its roots, providing tools and resources that empower individuals to heal and thrive. My lived experiences have shaped my beliefs and career aspirations. I’ve seen the transformative power of mental health care in my own family, and I understand the urgency of making these services more equitable. Choosing psychology is more than a career for me; it’s a calling to honor my mother’s resilience, amplify the voices of those too often silenced, and redefine what mental health means for marginalized communities. Through my work, I hope to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and create a future where seeking help is seen as a strength. By addressing mental health with compassion and cultural awareness, I believe we can create spaces where healing is possible for everyone.

When my mother moved to Washington, she was fleeing drugs, violence, and the trauma tied to my father while pregnant with me and raising my four-year-old brother. As a foster child who never met her parents, she had no support system and faced overwhelming challenges. Battling mental health issues and substance abuse, she struggled to provide for us emotionally or mentally, cycling through jobs and enduring the weight of single parenthood. Everything changed when she sought mental health services, beginning a recovery journey that transformed her life and ours. It took years of resilience for my mother to find stability. Therapy and recovery programs allowed her to heal and rebuild her strength. She eventually secured a job with the mental health agency that had supported her, working in housing development. This opportunity helped her see the transformative power of mental health services, inspiring her to pursue higher education and a career in the field. Today, she is a clinician working toward her license as a therapist, breaking generational cycles of trauma and stigma while raising three children. Her resilience showed me the power of mental health support and the importance of addressing stigma within BIPOC communities. Witnessing her journey shaped my decision to pursue a degree in psychology. Growing up, I saw how untreated mental health challenges affected families and how systemic barriers prevented BIPOC individuals from accessing care. For many, cultural stigma, systemic racism, and a lack of representation make it difficult to seek help. Therapy is often viewed as a luxury or as something only for people who are “broken.” These misconceptions leave many to suffer in silence. My goal is to change this narrative by normalizing therapy and advocating for accessible, culturally relevant mental health services. Psychology provides tools to heal both individuals and systems. In BIPOC communities, addressing generational trauma and systemic inequities is critical to creating meaningful change. Prevention and early intervention are essential, which is why I hope to work in schools and community programs to help young people develop emotional resilience and provide families with tools to navigate mental health resources. By building trust and creating culturally responsive care, I aim to make these services more impactful. My work as a youth peer partner has strengthened my commitment to this field. Supporting families and young people has shown me the power of mentorship and representation in building trust within underserved communities. People are more likely to seek help when they feel understood by someone who shares their experiences. Pursuing a degree in psychology allows me to bridge the gap between underserved populations and the care they need. Mental health services can change lives, just as they did for my family. My mother’s resilience taught me the value of community resources, while my own experiences have highlighted the systemic barriers that hold many back. By working to break these barriers, I hope to create spaces where healing is possible for everyone. Choosing psychology is more than a career choice; it’s my way of honoring my mother’s journey and advocating for equity and representation in mental health care. Through education, advocacy, and action, I want to redefine what mental health means for BIPOC communities and create a future where seeking help is a sign of strength.

Coming from a single parent household taught me resilience and determination. Watching my mom work hard as a single parent inspired me to push through challenges, even when it felt like the odds were against me. Growing up in a low income household meant we didn’t always have the resources we needed, and I faced struggles, including learning disabilities and responsibilities as an older sibling. I often helped care for my younger sister, which taught me the importance of family support and gave me a sense of responsibility early on. These experiences shaped me, making me stronger and more empathetic toward others facing hardships. Today, I’m using these life experiences to fuel my purpose in the community. I am pursuing a degree in Organizational Psychology with a focus on Organizational Behavior, aiming to create impactful programs for youth and families, especially those from similar backgrounds. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked and unsupported, so I’m determined to build school-based programs that support students emotionally and mentally, equipping them with tools to succeed and break generational cycles. Through my role as a youth peer specialist, I’m already offering mentorship and guidance, showing young people that no matter where they come from, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. I am fully committed to my goals because I know each step brings me closer to creating meaningful change. I aim to be an example for my daughter, siblings, and community, proving that where you start doesn’t determine where you end up. My ultimate goal is to establish programs supporting mental health and resilience, helping others find strength in their struggles as I’ve found strength in mine. This scholarship would greatly support my journey, allowing me to focus on my education and use my experiences to uplift others.