The Influence of Mental Health on Beliefs, Relationships, and Career Aspirations Growing up in a family with unhealed emotional wounds and childhood trauma has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The mental health challenges I faced and is still currently facing in particular is anxiety and PTSD, are not only a product of my environment but also a lens through which I can view and interact with the world. My family’s resistance to acknowledging mental health issues and seeking therapy created a landscape where my anxiety was often dismissed or ridiculed. Now I am great at masking my anxiety because I was always around people who laughed at me thinking that it was a joke, so I grew up hiding it. Observing their reluctance to address their own emotional struggles, I developed a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the nuances of human behavior and how the human ego really is. This acute observation often leads me to overthinking and overstressing about family-related issues, because I never know what issue they are going to cause next. The dismissive attitude towards mental health in my household reinforced a sense of isolation and misunderstanding, yet it also fostered a deep-seated belief in the importance of mental health awareness and support. The constant undercurrent of anxiety in my life forced me to confront and understand my mental health head-on. While my family’s stance on mental health was a source of pain, it also sparked a desire in me to break the cycle of silence and stigma. I came to believe that mental health is as crucial as physical health, deserving of attention, compassion, and care. This belief has become a cornerstone of my values, guiding my interactions with others and shaping my worldview. I strive to approach others with empathy and understanding, recognizing that everyone has unseen battles they are fighting. My relationships have been significantly influenced by my mental health experiences. The lack of understanding from my family pushed me to seek connections outside the home where my feelings and experiences were validated. Friends and mentors who acknowledged and supported my struggles became invaluable to me, teaching me the importance of building relationships based on mutual respect and emotional support. These relationships underscored the value of open communication and the necessity of having a support system that encourages mental wellness. Furthermore, my experiences with anxiety have made me more compassionate and patient in my relationships. I am acutely aware of how dismissive attitudes can exacerbate feelings of isolation, so I strive to be a source of support for others, ensuring they feel heard and understood. This approach has strengthened my relationships, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections. My career aspirations have also been profoundly shaped by my mental health journey. As an architecture major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, I am driven by a desire to create spaces that promote well-being and mental health. Understanding the impact of the environment on mental health, I am passionate about designing spaces that are not only functional but also nurturing and supportive

Embodying Luminaut Values as an Architect As an aspiring architect, I am committed to embodying the Luminaut values—humble yet hungry, focused yet fun, super yet human—in both my personal and professional life. My journey thus far, rooted in resilience, determination, and a passion for learning, has prepared me to integrate these principles into my future career. Humble Yet Hungry Humility is an essential trait for any successful professional, particularly in architecture. I recognize the importance of staying grounded and valuing the contributions of others. Growing up in a single-parent household with two siblings, I have learned the value of hard work and the importance of supporting one another. This background has instilled in me a sense of humility and a hunger for success. I understand that every project is a collaborative effort, and I am eager to learn from my peers, mentors, and even clients. My studies at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University have further reinforced this mindset, teaching me that there is always more to learn and room for improvement. Focused Yet Fun Balancing focus and fun is crucial in maintaining creativity and productivity. Architecture is a demanding field that requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both aesthetics and functionality. However, it is equally important to infuse joy and passion into the work. Inspired by figures like Tyler, the Creator, I believe that a touch of mischief and playfulness can drive innovation and societal progress. I aim to approach each project with a disciplined yet creative mindset, ensuring that my designs are not only practical but also inspiring and enjoyable spaces for people to inhabit. Super Yet Human The concept of being super yet human resonates deeply with me. As architects, we strive to create structures that stand the test of time and serve the needs of communities. However, it is crucial to remember our humanity and the impact our work has on people's lives. Coming from a diverse background, with a mother and godfather who have always supported me, I understand the importance of empathy and inclusivity in design. My goal is to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also accessible and welcoming to all. By staying true to myself, remaining disciplined, and continuously learning, I can ensure that my designs reflect the values and needs of the communities they serve. Conclusion In conclusion, embodying the Luminaut values as an architect involves maintaining a delicate balance between humility and ambition, focus and fun, and excellence and empathy. My personal experiences and education have equipped me with the mindset and skills necessary to integrate these principles into my work. By staying open-minded, disciplined, and true to myself, I am confident that I can contribute positively to the field of architecture and create meaningful, lasting impact through my designs.

Choosing to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University was an easy decision for me. As an architecture major, I am deeply passionate about designing spaces that bring together community and inspire innovation. My career aspiration is to become a renowned architect or a designer who not only creates aesthetically pleasing and functional structures but also contributes to the revitalization of us underrepresented communities. I want to use my skills to design things such as affordable housing, community centers, and other essential infrastructure that uplifts and empowers our communities. Being Black to me means resilience, creativity, and pride in my heritage. It means recognizing the strength and beauty in our culture, despite the historical and ongoing challenges we face. Attending an HBCU like FAMU allows me to immerse myself in an environment where my identity is celebrated and my potential is nurtured. Here, I am surrounded by peers who share my experiences and aspirations, and by faculty who are dedicated to our success. At FAMU, I feel at home. The sense of community, the support, and the cultural affirmation I experience here are unparalleled. This environment motivates me to excel academically and to give back to my community. My goal is to use my education and skills to make a tangible difference in the world, and attending FAMU is the first step in that journey. By investing in my future at an HBCU, I am not only investing in myself but also in the legacy and future of the Black community.

I believe I should be given this scholarship because it would help me worry less about finding money to go to school, and it would help me focus more on my work. I am a hard worker, and I never give up. If I do badly on an assignment, I’ll stay up all night on youtube teaching myself about the things that I got wrong since I obviously didn’t comprehend what I learned the first time, which is ok and why I don’t give up. I play on two travel flag football teams, not including my school’s flag football team, and I’m also in the marching band and maintain a 4.0 GPA, which made me well disciplined. This scholarship will contribute to me being able to get my Ph.D. in finance. After and while I’m in college, I plan to get my real estate license and be an accountant, Real Estate Developer, Personal financial advisor, or an appraiser, and this scholarship will help me get 1 step closer to that. I’m a senior in high school but I’m currently taking classes at Broward College because I’ve finished with all of my high school credits so I’m doing early admission to get a head start, then I’ll go to a University next year. I’m also the first Haitian daughter, which makes it harder because im basically the second mother of the house. I drop and pick my siblings up from school before and after I come from school. I make sure to give them a motivational talk before school so they could have a good day, especially if our parents made them mad. I make sure to help with any homework if they need help, and I always make sure that they’re fed, and if they ever need someone to talk to when they’re mad about our parents, school, or friends, they know that they could come to me.