Being a non-traditional student can present its own set of challenges and obstacles, but it also brings with it unique perspectives and experiences that can enrich the educational environment. As a high school senior, I find myself in a position where I may not fit the traditional mold of a student, but I believe that my non-traditional background can be an asset in my academic pursuits. In this essay, I will explore the reasons why I consider myself a non-traditional student and how receiving a scholarship can help me achieve my education goals. One of the main reasons why I identify as a non-traditional student is due to my diverse background and experiences. Growing up, I faced various challenges that have shaped my academic journey. As a first-generation student, I did not have the privilege of having parents who had gone through the college application process or understood the intricacies of the education system. This lack of guidance and support meant that I had to navigate the academic landscape on my own, often relying on my own tenacity and determination to overcome obstacles. Furthermore, as a student from a low-income household, I have had to juggle multiple responsibilities outside of school, such as working part-time jobs to support my family. Balancing academics with work and family commitments has been a constant struggle, but it has also taught me invaluable lessons in time management, resilience, and perseverance. These experiences have made me more mature and independent, qualities that I believe will serve me well in my academic pursuits. Receiving a scholarship would be a game-changer for me in pursuing my education goals. As a non-traditional student, I do not have the financial resources to afford a college education without assistance. A scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of tuition and living expenses but also provide me with the opportunity to fully immerse myself in my studies without the constant worry of how to make ends meet. Moreover, a scholarship would open doors for me to pursue my passion for learning and personal growth. With financial stability, I would be able to explore various academic disciplines, participate in research opportunities, and engage in extracurricular activities that align with my interests and career goals. This scholarship would not only empower me to pursue my academic aspirations but also equip me with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in a competitive academic environment. In conclusion, being a non-traditional student has its challenges, but it also offers a unique perspective and set of skills that can benefit the educational community. Receiving a scholarship would not only provide me with the financial means to pursue my education goals but also empower me to thrive academically and achieve my full potential. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and using it to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.

Choosing a career isn't just about achieving financial stability or personal success; it is also about a lasting positive impact on society. For me, the field of forensic psychology offers an extraordinary opportunity to advance the well-being of individuals and communities. As a high school student aspiring to be a remote forensic psychologist, I am eager to use my skills and knowledge to help the legal system, support mental health, and promote justice. Forensic psychology is the intersection of psychology and the legal system. This includes applying psychological principles and techniques to understand criminal behavior, assisting in criminal investigations and providing expert testimony in court cases. Forensic psychologists can help prevent future crimes and help rehabilitate criminals by studying the minds of criminals. Professionals in this field can work closely with law enforcement, lawyers and social services to ensure a fair and just trial. The advent of technology has enabled remote access to many disciplines, including forensic psychology. Remote forensic psychologists can conduct assessments, provide expert opinions and consult with legal teams using digital platforms. This flexibility allows for greater outreach, making psychological services available in underserved or remote areas. In addition, it reduces the need for physical presence, which can sometimes be a barrier in high-risk environments or places with insufficient forensic psychological services. One of my main goals as a remote forensic psychologist is to have a positive impact within the justice system. By evaluating individuals involved in legal proceedings and providing expert testimony, I aim to help courts make informed decisions about mental health and competency, ultimately promoting justice. I also want to address mental health issues among offenders to facilitate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, benefiting both individuals and the community. Additionally, I plan to advocate for policy changes that support mental health and justice by contributing to research that informs public policy. Through collaboration with professionals and institutions, I hope to disseminate valuable insights that lead to positive change within the justice system and beyond. By working remotely, I can bridge the gap in accessibility of forensic psychological services, especially in rural or underserved communities, ensuring that all individuals have access to fair legal aid and promoting a more inclusive and just society. Furthermore, a career as a remote forensic psychologist offers opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning, allowing me to constantly adapt to new developments in psychology and law and make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

As someone who has personally struggled with mental health issues in the past, I have found that sharing my experiences and coping strategies can be incredibly helpful in not only my own healing journey, but in helping others who may be going through similar struggles. The strategies I have used has been a great outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and reducing stress. Growing up, I often felt overwhelmed with my emotions and struggled to cope with the stresses of daily life. It wasn't until I sought out expressing my feelings and getting support from loved ones that I began to understand the importance of taking care of my mental well-being. Through this process, I learned that coping with strategies such as mindfulness meditation, writing, dancing, exercising and listening to music has all helped me manage my anxiety and depression. These strategies have been invaluable in helping me navigate difficult periods in my life and maintain a sense of balance and peace. In addition to my own mental health journey, I have also developed a passion for forensic psychiatry. I am fascinated by the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, and I am committed to advocating for the mental health needs of individuals who are involved in the legal system. My goal is to become a remote forensic psychiatrist, providing expert mental health evaluations and treatment recommendations for individuals in correctional facilities or involved in legal proceedings. I aim mainly to help those in need, receive the care and support they deserve. Furthermore, I am also pursuing a real estate license as I am interested in exploring the world of real estate investment and development. I believe that having a diverse range of skills and interests will allow me to have a fulfilling and successful career that aligns with my values and goals. Whether it's helping clients find their dream home or providing mental health support to those in need, I am committed to making a positive impact in both industries. In conclusion, my experiences with mental health have shaped my career aspirations and personal growth in profound ways. By sharing my story and utilizing coping strategies to manage my mental health, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their own well-being and seek support when needed. I am excited about the possibilities that the future holds as I work towards becoming a remote forensic psychiatrist and obtaining my real estate license.

Math has always been my favorite subject in school. Since elementary school numbers and equations always seem to interest me. I tend to be extremely excited about trying to solve problems to get solutions. As a kid, I would answer most of the questions being asked in class; kids would always ask, why does she have to answer most of the questions? Therefore, my math teacher spoke with me and then placed me in a higher-level course/class. I was placed in advanced and honors math from middle school to high school. This has been a major difference because the kids in my new classes were quick with answering questions just like me if not even quicker. The teachers in the advanced classes would often challenge us more to make sure we keep improving our skills. Meanwhile, being an overachiever I became a treasurer of the African Heritage Club at my school. I believe that if I take advantage of my skills; I can receive more opportunities and have a way to gain more knowledge. Math has been very beneficial to me. Eventually, I decided to go into a career major that includes math which is accounting and business management. Overall, I love mathematics and understanding the way it works. It involves structure and critical thinking.

Mental health impacts are not just about mental illness, and the way people treat their bodies, but about how to deal with it as a human. One day I was in a store called “Rainbow” looking for something to wear. I found everything I needed, and I went into the checkout line. All of a sudden, I became dizzy and passed out. Luckily, two angels worked there and helped me along with my mom. They found out I had iron deficiency from not eating. I went ate food and took medicine. Afterward, I was feeling better. At that moment, I felt like I realized what mental health is about. When you struggle and stress yourself out over something you can’t control you can hurt or eventually get yourself killed over the small things. Another instance is when I was in class sitting doing my work. My friend (Thelma) had an anxiety attack in the middle of class. Everyone was worried. The teacher took her outside of the classroom talked to her and calmed her down. She was fine after asking for a break from school or was she? There have been multiple instances where panic attacks have been occurring at my high school recently. I think that since quarantine the cases often increase in severity because they have been more frequent than usual. Now at my school, we have AIM a program that focuses on student athletes’ development and leadership with yoga classes. I feel it helped in a way but only for athletes. I feel students who are not athletes should have the same opportunity because they use the muscles in their senses to study and remember work. Moreover, mental health should be a priority for everyone in this world. I don’t want anyone to feel how my friend and I felt when those situations happened. Schoolwork is already stressful enough for me. Therefore, I take a break once in a while and rest my mind by relaxing and listening to gospel music for a while to take my mind. We have to remember to set our priorities right and mentally prepare ourselves accordingly to make sure that our actions do not interfere with our goals. Mental health is our responsibility to ensure our safety in our communities. We are all in this together. Always remember academics are important as well as our mental. You can remain focused on academic performance while being mentally stabilized.