I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out on the other victorious like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic and interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homeless that I could not solve at my young age, I learned that possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable. to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important part in this. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental neutral safe space to land. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball at this point but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help others. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!

I DID NOT want to go to college! By the age of 13, I had given up on any hope for the future. COVID 19 had stifled all social interactions. I had gained weight; up to 210 on my petite 5'3" frame, (due in part to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes). I thought to myself, "It would best if I ended it all...". BUT faith, perseverance and especially the unwavering determination of my mom turned everything around. Now, I realize that not only can I succeed, but I can flourish by helping others find the light at the end of the tunnel. Through the help that your scholarship can provide, I will be well on my way to studying the field of Psychology as my major in college. Once competed, I will either become a counselor, therapist or doctor, so that I can assist young people in navigating the harsh realities of their teen years and come out victorious, like I did! Firsrt, my faith and my church helped me to emerge from my cocoon. I attended a Christian private school throughout my elementary years and some of my high school matriculation as well. Both schools were affiliated with churches that offered a plethora of community service and out reach. Initially, I had no desire to help but my mom made me. Strangely, almost like magic an interesting phenomena began to happen. The more I helped others, the more I forgot about my own problems. The more I forgot about my own problems, the more I was able to concentrate my focus on how to solve the specific issues facing our youth. This short essay cannot encompass all that I learned during this time but suffice it to say, while there were larger issues like finances and homelessness that I could not solve at that time, I learned that I possessed any amazing tool...a gift. I had a great ability to listen and help others feel comfortable and to share their thoughts and ideas. I also, provided people with a feeling of hope. This lead some to be able to step back, think and sometimes even determine their own solution. I had a small but important role. Just by listening and being a non-judgemental, safe space, others could grow in that space. Next, with my new found confidence, I decided I would begin to focus on how to improve me! I was truly behind the 8 ball, but I sat down, took inventory of my life and chose to do better. Over the next couple of years it took lots of perseverance to improve my grades. It took perseverance to get on a doctor recommended diet plan and follow it, in order to drop unhealthy pounds. I began to love my self and that perseverance lead to finally being successful in school again. It was crunch time, but luckily it was not too late. Last, but not least I have a mom who never gave up on me. She always saw my potential and reminded me of it daily. She did not allow laziness and self pity. She made me pray. She helped me to believe. It would take a book for me to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. She saw what I was capable of and suggested that I go into counseling as a career. She saw greatness in me. I've learned grace, gratitude, love and perseverance from what I've been through. I can go forward to use my experience to help. I look forward to growing in career of Psychology. I look forward to making a difference!