“I like you better depressed.” Those were the words I heard from an advanced placement teacher that I had during my senior year in high school. Without context, those words are still harsh and insensitive; however, I had just survived an attempt to end my life a month prior to that teacher stating those words. When asked why I am pursuing a degree in psychology, my simple answer is this, “I want to help people with their problems. I want to help people feel seen and heard.” There are few people that know my true desire for pursuing a career in mental health is because I want to provide safety for adolescents that are struggling. Moreover, I want to provide the care and intervention that I didn’t have. During high school I maintained excellent grades. On the surface, I appeared to be doing well, but underneath, I was struggling with the behaviors of my family. It wasn’t until more than 15 years later that I would discover what was taking place within my home and family are now known as adverse childhood experiences. I did, in fact, reach out for help but was failed miserably. Upon sending an email to the principal, the counselor paid me a visit almost immediately. To my dismay, the counselor contacted my mother, and my mother met me with anger and contempt. My mother promptly took me to see a doctor and the doctor prescribed an antidepressant for me to take. It wouldn’t be till years later that I would realize that I didn’t need antidepressants but needed a safe home. Now that I have provided the foundation for my inspiration for a career in psychology, I want to inform the reader what my future goals are. If it weren’t for my past experiences, I would simply pursue becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, but because of the home life I endured, I now hope to become a licensed clinical social worker. Social workers have more influence when it comes to assisting a person in their life. For instance, social workers have more clout when advocating for a child in an abusive home or assisting a woman who must escape an abusive marriage. In addition, social workers collaborate with governmental agencies such as the Department of Human Services. Considering that antidepressants weren’t the answer for my situation, it is another goal of mine to learn about holistic treatments for mental health and provide them in my practice. Medications can and do help many people but sometimes it isn’t enough. I think it is invaluable to know natural remedies and alternative methods in assisting someone live a healthy life. In addition to my personal experiences with mental health, I have professional experiences as well. I was employed as a mental health technician at a children’s crisis unit in 2023. As a mental health technician, I observed the clients and assisted them with them acquiring coping skills and boundary setting. I had the opportunity to witness children and adolescents that were struggling with their mental health and was able to guide them through those times. It was an honor to see them reach recovery and better health strategies that would aid them in the future. It has become my purpose to help anyone facing hardship in their life with skills and tools for overcoming difficulties.

In 2023, I had to seek refuge in a domestic violence shelter that was 3 hours from my hometown. The relationship I have with my mother has been marked by exploitation, abuse, and recurrent traumatic experiences. I understand and respect that many people have loving relationships with their mothers, but some have had to struggle and face excruciating pain. My mother has been mentally ill since I was a child and has refused to get professional help. This has impacted every aspect of my life, denying me autonomy and safety. I had no choice but to turn from my family and find healing in a new place. The town I moved to became the haven where I developed my identity as I discovered the things I enjoyed and the values I stood by. The boundaries in my family have been blurred and people rarely talk about what they are upset about or struggling with. This left me without the capacity to be vulnerable until I discovered that it made me mentally unhealthy. As I lived on my own, for the first time in my life, I began to work on unhealthy coping mechanisms and personality traits that I developed from being in survival. For the first time, I was responsible for average adult expectations like rent, utilities, and learning how to make friends. It was the most difficult thing I have ever endured because I wasn’t given the option to become a responsible adult. If given the chance, my mother would hold me within her reach so that my life would remain stagnant and miserable. I ventured off into a new era of my life when I moved. Although this season of my life seemed uncertain and frightening, I reflected on the goals I desired to reach. Not only was I able to discover the dreams I sought to accomplish, but I was also allowed to pursue them. There comes a time when we must decide what is best for us, regardless of how society may perceive it as selfish or insensitive. If I hadn’t left to build a new life for myself, I would have had to endure more abuse and maltreatment from my family. I had to leave everything I knew and go to a place where I was unsure of how I would cope. What I discovered is a strength within myself that I never knew. I understood I could create a happy life for myself. I paid my rent and utilities on schedule, cared for my physical and mental health, and formed lasting friendships with amazing people.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world. This scholarship will enable me to achieve my goals of becoming a therapist and initiating change in my community. Having the ability to gain my education and help others that are struggling is incredibly important to me. Going to college is becoming increasingly expensive, as is being able to live comfortably in the world. Without scholarship assistance I will struggle to make ends meet and pay for my schooling.

When I was younger, I had many dreams about becoming an astronaut or a meteorologist. I have always been fascinated with science, but I would have never imagined that I would be studying psychology. The more I learn about behavioral sciences and the study of the mind, the more intrigued I become. My plans for the future include acquiring a bachelor’s degree in psychology so that I can attend graduated school and gain a master’s degree in social work. It is my goal to become a licensed clinical social worker and operate as a therapist. I am studying psychology because I desire to create change in my community and hopefully abroad. Following graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and achieve a master’s degree in social work. Acquiring a master’s degree in social work will set the foundation in getting certified as a licensed clinical social worker. I desire to become a therapist and help people that are in distress or having difficulties with their mental health. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. The treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. Realizing that the field of mental health needs significant changes, it has become a future goal of mine to initiate those changes. It has become my purpose to help others see their intrinsic worth and guide them as they navigate life. I want to honor the stories of individuals who have feared seeking help because of stigma and encourage them to become everything they are meant to be.

I was still in high school when I started having anxiety at the age of 16. My experiences taught me that people may make bad decisions and consider the sick as less than human, which has affected every element of my existence. I wish I could take back the experiences I had, but the abuse I went through taught me valuable lessons. My perspective on the world has changed. I don't think people who experience mental health issues are incompetent or undeserving of respect. I wanted a change in my life after going through a lonely journey of being misinterpreted and shunned by my own family. I turned to my natural aptitude for thorough investigation. My goal was to comprehend my family and myself. I had a lot of inquiries. I started to see the reality of my existence after doing research, seeing a therapist, and reading books written by psychologists. I began to understand the reasons behind my coping strategies. I was parentified, which made me a perfectionist. My battles with mental illness have not only helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and to recognize them for who they are as human beings, but they have also made me realize that I am a child trauma survivor. Unresolved childhood trauma, in my opinion, is the root cause of most, if not all, mental health problems that our society faces. I firmly believe that our qualities are shaped by our environments. My life's events have molded my relationships by inspiring me to take care of and be appreciative of them. My friendships turned into my strongest sources of support during the most agonizing times in my life. Every acquaintance I have is invaluable since they all have unique perspectives and insights. When I stray from the path, I rely on my friends to provide me feedback and guidance. My objectives have been shaped by my battles with mental health, which inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology and become a social worker. Making a significant impact on my community is important to me. I believe that intervention is not as vital as prevention. Helping someone feel comfortable enough to talk about their struggles is important if they are having trouble. Shame is a powerful motivator for trauma survivors and mental health sufferers, keeping them from receiving the necessary care. I experienced violence, bullying, and a constant sense of being alone in every room during my youth. I felt unreachable and irreparable after those experiences and emotions, but I started to show myself the same compassion that I naturally showed to other people. My life took a positive turn when I began practicing inner child work, shadow work, yoga, meditation, and dismantling false beliefs I held about myself because of my self-love and self-compassion. When I realized how painful my experiences had been and how I was preventing myself from growing personally, my confidence was released. My perspective on the world changed from one of fear and mistrust to one of spontaneity and self-assurance. I am living proof that healing is achievable. Having found recovery in the middle of suffering, I am motivated to assist others. I think people who believe can find hope. My main conviction is that everyone is deserving of happiness and healing. I would be a different person now if it weren't for my hardships and experiences. I wouldn't stand up for myself or those in my vicinity. I also wouldn't have the same depth of sympathy and empathy.

Can you help me understand what you need most? If I had been asked that question after I attempted to end my life, my life might be radically different. I began struggling with my mental health at a young age and instead of being wrapped in compassion and understanding, I was mocked and denigrated by my family and peers. What I needed was to be understood and heard. I needed a safe person to talk to and a home that was secure and emotionally healthy. Unfortunately, I found myself alone in my distress and my autonomy taken from me. I no longer had the freedom to work towards my future or my goals. My right to privacy was taken from me. Every sphere of my life was being monitored and picked apart by other people. My life was soon filled with terror. I began to realize that I didn’t have a support system and was often blamed for having anxiety. I longed for someone to try and understand me. I yearned for someone to hear what I had to say. I desired a connection and emotional intimacy from the people around me. Years passed and I came to accept that I needed to understand myself and recognize what I needed. I became my support system and soon became a person who advocated for other people experiencing depression and anxiety. Realizing that few people have taken the time to listen to what I need, inspires me to listen to people. My ambition to become a therapist stems from that question and the fact that no one asked me what I needed most. I believe if we listen to others and provide them space to express what is weighing heavily on their minds, we can give them what they need. The most valuable thing that we can offer other people, is our time and active listening. Sometimes what people need the most is another person to vent to. In addition to becoming a therapist, I desire to uplift my community and create change within mental health care. I urge clinicians to treat their clients like human beings with rights, not animals that can be locked up. Anyone who works in health care and mental health should uphold the statement, “first, do no harm”. Let’s become a society that desires to understand others so that we can help them get what they truly need. It is my hope that I will inspire doctors, psychologists, and therapists to value their patients more than the money that they earn.

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was a weird and nerdy girl. I didn’t have many friends, and I never seemed to like the same things my family did. I enjoyed wearing colorful clothing and extravagant makeup styles. More and more, my authenticity was buried under societal and familial expectations. I began to wear muted colors and simple makeup. I ceased dying my hair with wild colors after being mocked and humiliated by my peers. Chappell Roan’s music illustrates the beauty of being your authentic self. Chappell grew up as a Christian and learned that being gay or lesbian was a sin, but she no longer believes that. Although I am not part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I honor anyone who is. They are brave enough to be themselves fully. They dare to go against the grain and have the courage to live their life to the fullest. I admire Chappell and many other trailblazers for setting the example for being yourself without filters. Chappell’s music is creative, and her vocals soar in each song. I enjoy listening to the upbeat melodies so much that I sing along and dance. My favorite song that Chappell sings is “Good Luck, Babe.” The meaning behind this song is simple, do not live a life that doesn’t align with who you are. I hope to become more and more comfortable being myself and showing others that it is okay. When we display our diversity and individuality, our world becomes more enriched. Chappell’s music echoes hope and beauty within my soul and joy in my heart.

Throughout my childhood and growing up, I was frequently told that college was too expensive and that I could never afford to attend. It has been my dream to go to college since I was in the 5th grade, but my dreams were consistently shattered whenever I approached my parents for support. For over a decade, I struggled with my mental health and most days I just focused on surviving the chaos and dysfunction in my family. My dreams of becoming an astronaut or meteorologist soon faded but another dream began to surface. The more I discovered healthy coping mechanisms to aid in my recovery from childhood trauma, the more passion I developed for the pursuit of becoming a therapist. The more I witnessed friends and family members being taken advantage of by professionals in the field of mental health, the more I yearned to create change for people in distress. Obtaining higher education will drastically alter my path forward, enabling me to become a therapist and create lasting change in other people's lives. Becoming financially secure is important because I can shift my thoughts from financial burdens to being present with people I intend to help. If my brain is constantly worrying and anxious about student loans or working a full-time job to simply get by, then I will be unable to focus on what is important; my education. Having an education will not only plunge me forward into a rewarding career for myself and anxious people, but it will also allow me to pursue more of my dreams and hobbies. As a person who has lived in poverty their entire life, attending college and acquiring a degree will open doors for multiple career options, including the field of mental health. I understand what it is like to worry about affording food and necessities. I understand what it is like to struggle with your mental health and live from paycheck to paycheck. I am a person who has gone through multiple traumatic experiences and who is actively working on my recovery. I have overcome adversities that my friends and family believed I wouldn’t. My pursuit of higher education will create a safe and healthy life for myself and enable me the capacity to help others. Helping others and creating change in my community is of the utmost importance to me and I will stop at nothing to achieve it.

Most children learn how to make their beds at a young age; however, I learned to bounce a quarter on my bed. Anyone who had a parent that served in the armed forces understands that phrase well. My father was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, and his experience shaped my upbringing. I learned about cleanliness, personal responsibility, and respect. The influence my father had on me, inspired me to join Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, or JROTC, when I became a freshman in high school. Being a cadet in JROTC impacted my everyday life. I enjoyed marching and following commands, so much that I eventually became a member of the cadet staff, color guard team, and saber team. As a member of the cadet staff, I worked closely with the senior army instructor at my high school and with the cadets in high-ranking leadership positions. I was fascinated at how the cadets were confident and courageous. I inspired to be like them, leading me to maintain the appearance of my uniform and strive to be more involved. In addition, to being honored for wearing a uniform that resembles the uniforms our service members wear, I began to deeply value my country. I learned how to honor the flag of the United States, with respect and proper handling of the flag. I began to comprehend that the freedoms that Americans have today are not free and have come with a price. Not only did our freedoms cost many of our service members their lives and left others with injuries, but the families of the military have paid consequences as well. My father taught me that to respect others, I must respect myself enough to do what is right. Having my father as a member of the armed forces of the United States, enabled me to witness the amount of sacrifice that our military makes for each of us every day. I celebrate Veterans Day and Memorial Day, not because I served in the military, but because someone I love dearly was brave enough to fight for my freedoms. Moreover, being a member of JROTC from freshman to senior year, left me with a sense of dignity and irrevocable thankfulness for being a citizen of the United States. I have had the privilege to grow up in a country where people strive to be equal, and everyone is able to have the same opportunities. In conclusion, the military has impacted my life by helping me to be grateful for everything I have and appreciate the people that have fought for me to be alive.

Throughout my life, others have described me as being empathetic and compassionate. I have heard multiple people encourage me to become a therapist because I show such an interest in the well-being of other people. Although, for many years of my life, I struggled with my mental health. Each effort I made to seek treatment and guidance from a therapist or doctor left me feeling disappointed and invalidated. I began to seek alternative methods for treating my anxiety and depression, including holistic and naturopathic medicine. Over time, I realized that although the “professionals” in the field of mental health care failed me, I was able to be empathetic and compassionate towards myself. I discovered that self-care is highly underrated and that understanding myself was the key to healing my traumas. The more I provided myself love and positive regard, the more I desired to pursue helping others with their mental health. It became more transparent to me that becoming a therapist is my life’s purpose. I must bring change to the people in my community. Each day I witness others in their distress and struggling with their mental health but are unable to find clinicians who fully understand them. As a person who endured maltreatment from mental health professionals, I am motivated to help people understand themselves and what forms of treatment are best for them. I believe that medicine has helped mental health significantly, but I am aware that it is not a “one size, fits all” tool for mental illness. I believe there is still much to discover about the function of the mind, and I know that our early childhood experiences greatly impact how we interact in society. As a first-generation college student and someone who has grown up in poverty, this scholarship will further my ability to continue my educational pursuit of becoming a therapist. The cost of tuition increases with each year which increases the likelihood that fewer students will be able to continue their education. As a person who puts forth exceptional effort into their schoolwork, it will be unfortunate to withdraw from my dreams of becoming a therapist. This scholarship will make my dreams achievable.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world. This scholarship will enable me to achieve my goals of becoming a therapist and initiating change in my community. Having the ability to gain my education and help others that are struggling is incredibly important to me. Going to college is becoming increasingly expensive, as is being able to live comfortably in the world. Without scholarship assistance I will struggle to make ends meet and pay for my schooling.

Most children learn how to make their beds at a young age; however, I learned to bounce a quarter on my bed. Anyone who had a parent that served in the armed forces understands that phrase well. My father was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, and his experience shaped my upbringing. I learned about cleanliness, personal responsibility, and respect. The influence my father had on me, inspired me to join Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, or JROTC, when I became a freshman in high school. Being a cadet in JROTC impacted my everyday life. I enjoyed marching and following commands, so much that I eventually became a member of the cadet staff, color guard team, and saber team. As a member of the cadet staff, I worked closely with the senior army instructor at my high school and with the cadets in high-ranking leadership positions. I was fascinated at how the cadets were confident and courageous. I inspired to be like them, leading me to maintain the appearance of my uniform and strive to be more involved. In addition, to being honored for wearing a uniform that resembles the uniforms our service members wear, I began to deeply value my country. I learned how to honor the flag of the United States, with respect and proper handling of the flag. I began to comprehend that the freedoms that Americans have today are not free and have come with a price. Not only did our freedoms cost many of our service members their lives and left others with injuries, but the families of the military have paid consequences as well. My father taught me that to respect others, I must respect myself enough to do what is right. Having my father as a member of the armed forces of the United States, enabled me to witness the amount of sacrifice that our military makes for each of us every day. I celebrate Veterans Day and Memorial Day, not because I served in the military, but because someone I love dearly was brave enough to fight for my freedoms. Moreover, being a member of JROTC from freshman to senior year, left me with a sense of dignity and irrevocable thankfulness for being a citizen of the United States. I have had the privilege to grow up in a country where people strive to be equal, and everyone is able to have the same opportunities. In conclusion, the military has impacted my life by helping me to be grateful for everything I have and appreciate the people that have fought for me to be alive.

Following the night in which I was honored for achieving status of high school valedictorian in 2008, my mother told me, “You didn’t deserve to be valedictorian.” Her words have stayed with me since that night in May. Valedictorian isn’t the easiest honors to receive, and it wasn’t so in my case. I consider becoming valedictorian my greatest achievement to date because I struggled with my mental health since the 8th grade. The chaos taking place at home affected me in multiple ways. I had little to no social skills and was had chronically low self-esteem. In addition, during my senior year, I survived an attempt to take my own life. Becoming valedictorian wasn’t something that I accomplished easily. I studied and put effort into everything I did. It was no easy task to endure conflict and dysfunction at home and maintain exceptional grades. I had little to no help with schoolwork, even when I was a child. It seemed as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and it was simply too much. When I reflect on becoming the valedictorian of my graduating class, I am proud and aware that I put every ounce of my life into schoolwork. The words of my mother left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough or that I was some type of fraud. That night had me questioning my hard work and even my identity. For many years I struggled to be proud of myself; however, I have been able to build back confidence and acknowledge that I did in fact achieve something spectacular amidst conflict and adversity. Overcoming obstacles and the honor of being valedictorian has taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. I can overcome learned self-hatred. Although I struggled many years after that night my mother said those insensitive words, I am elated to say that I am pursuing my dreams. That experience and specific achievement has taught me that if I believe in myself, I can reach my goals and aspirations. In addition to that experience teaching me the importance of hard work, it also enabled me to practice compassion towards myself and others. It took incredible effort and conscious forgiveness, but I can view my mother with love now. I understand that my mother was raised in a chaotic home and has had her own share of mental health struggles. Recently, my mother was wanting to get highlights in her hair and I offered to do them for her. Although our relationship has had shakiness and confusion, I wanted to do something selfless for her. The more I understand that my mother experienced trauma and heartache, the more my heart softens towards her. We both enjoyed the time when I put highlights in her hair, and she was pleased with the result. I exhibit agape love because I could forgive and let go of the past. Relationships are significant and I will always be grateful for the quality of care my mother was able to give me.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world. This scholarship will enable me to achieve my goals of becoming a therapist and initiating change in my community. Having the ability to gain my education and help others that are struggling is incredibly important to me. Going to college is becoming increasingly expensive, as is being able to live comfortably in the world. Without scholarship assistance I will struggle to make ends meet and pay for my schooling.

When I was younger, I had many dreams about becoming an astronaut or a meteorologist. I have always been fascinated with science, but I would have never imagined that I would be studying psychology. The more I learn about behavioral sciences and the study of the mind, the more intrigued I become. My plans for the future include acquiring a bachelor’s degree in psychology so that I can attend graduated school and gain a master’s degree in social work. It is my goal to become a licensed clinical social worker and operate as a therapist. I am studying psychology because I desire to create change in my community and hopefully abroad. Following graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and achieve a master’s degree in social work. Acquiring a master’s degree in social work will set the foundation in getting certified as a licensed clinical social worker. I desire to become a therapist and help people that are in distress or having difficulties with their mental health. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. The treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. Realizing that the field of mental health needs significant changes, it has become a future goal of mine to initiate those changes. It has become my purpose to help others see their intrinsic worth and guide them as they navigate life. I want to honor the stories of individuals who have feared seeking help because of stigma and encourage them to become everything they are meant to be.

I have volunteered in churches and other organizations throughout my life. I embody selflessness by giving my time and my dedication so that others can feel loved and cared for. Volunteering as a children and youth leader in churches is something that I have taken seriously. I have given up my time and oftentimes, my personal belongings to provide for a child in need. I believe that because children are our future, they deserve attention, kindness, and empathy. Children are learning by example and emotion, which is why we should model good behavior and help them feel understood. As a person that has assisted in ministries involving children and adolescents, I recognize the significance of displaying integrity. Most recently, I volunteered for a non-profit organization in Altus, Oklahoma. At this ministry, families and individuals received assistance with food, hygiene items, clothing, bed sheets and blankets, and many other items. In addition to necessities, there were families that received assistance with payments for electricity and other utilities for their homes. I often contributed by bringing in items that I wasn’t using so that needy families could have them. I assisted in giving out hot meals to people in the community and helping children find school supplies before school began. Another way I contributed to this organization was by being a data entry assistant. With the influx of families and individuals receiving help, the organization was required to document the help being provided and record financial expenses. For a short period of time, I became the person that was inputting information into the computer program. To the non-profit sector, it is important to record this information for local governmental agencies and financial institutions. I was honored to be of assistance for the organization. I believe that if we are in a position to help other people, whether that is with time, money, or donations of some sort, then we should do so. As a person that has had to live in a domestic violence shelter, I received gifts and donations from people in the community and without those people helping me, I would have had severe financial burdens. I was grateful to be blessed and cared for during a difficult time in my life, which is why I began to volunteer. I know what it feels like to be worried about the future and be without physiological needs. Perhaps the most important way in which I model selflessness, is through empathy. I am a person that can hold space for others when they need support. I practice active listening for my friends and family because I know how invaluable it is to show someone that they are important. Throughout the times in my life that I didn’t have someone to talk to or didn’t have my needs met, only serves as a reminder to appreciate the times that others have been generous towards me with financial assistance and with their time. I am honored to serve my communities and be kind towards the people around me.

While I was a freshman in high school, my grandfather began chemotherapy and radiation for thyroid cancer. My grandfather lived in California and my mother left to be with him during treatment. It wasn’t long after, that the oncologist discovered that the cancer spread to other parts of my grandfather’s body. My mother continued to stay with him to help take care of him during his final days in the hospital. My grandfather passed away and when my mother returned, I quickly noticed that she had lost a significant amount of weight. I later discovered that my mother had become an addict to methamphetamines. I was experiencing bullying at school and didn’t want to talk to either of my parents because my grandfather just passed away. The entire family was grieving but we had to keep moving on. We had to live our lives although we were devastated. On top of that, I became worried about my mother and tried to urge my dad to help her seek help. My mother was able to become sober from the methamphetamines, but she soon began using alcohol to numb her pain. Meanwhile, I was becoming more and more debilitated by anxiety and depression. There were many times where I wanted to talk to my parents and tried to, but I was always told that I would be fine and not to worry about things. I eventually gave up trying to talk about my emotional problems. I continued to see that my mom was struggling, and I did everything I could to help her and console her through dark times. Perhaps, the biggest impact that cancer had on myself, and my family was that my grandfather was a pastor of a small church in California. Following radiation and the oncologist having to remove my grandfather’s voice box, my grandfather was unable to speak. He was given a device that could help but he would never be able to preach sermons or guide the congregation. With my family all being Christian, we were left with questions that were unanswered. We were left with anger towards what was happening, then after cancer winning the battle, the overwhelming feeling of despair swept over all of us. It was during those times that I stopped believing in God. Perhaps it was my anger that left me losing my faith, or it might have been the incomprehensible amount of loneliness I experienced daily. Nevertheless, my relationship with God was never the same. I was affected greatly by the passing of my grandfather after the clutches of cancer too him from us. If I could go back in time but couldn’t save my grandfather, then I would seek help for our family in any way I could. If I could find us a grief counselor so we could all process what happened, I would do everything in my power to do that. I was only an adolescent and had no knowledge of such resources and I cannot go back in time, but what I can give myself now is compassion. What I continue to give myself for the decisions I made during those traumatic experiences is compassion. I did the best I could with what I knew.

Throughout high school and in my life, I struggled with my mental health which prevented me from applying to college until I was in my 30s. Although my run in with mental health prevented me from seeking higher education subsequently after high school and prevented me from living a fulfilling life like many my age, I was still honored as the valedictorian of my graduating class. There were several things that I excelled at, including academic studies, artistic hobbies, volunteering and advocating for mental health. My ability to remember things quickly and accurately is another skill I excel at. I have an innate ability to bring creativity to special projects and alternative solutions for complex problems. My field of study is psychology because I desire to create change in my community and hopefully abroad. Following graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and achieve a master’s degree in social work. Acquiring a master’s degree in social work will set the foundation in getting certified as a licensed clinical social worker. I desire to become a therapist and help people that are in distress or having difficulties with their mental health. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. The treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. Following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love; it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. I am aware that many changes I have suggested may seem far-fetched. How are we to change deeply ingrained society norms that are affecting our children negatively? How are we to prompt parents to become more active and attuned to their children? How are we to pay teachers for all the tremendous amount of guidance they provide to children, especially if we are adding tasks to their already exhaustive list of expectations? My suggestions would appear outlandish to those that prefer to keep things as they are or refuse to invest in improvements for our children. However, I believe that if we shift much of our investments into early childhood prevention of mental illness and addiction, then we will save thousands, if not millions in possible future expenses for intervention. Regarding our current mental health system, I continuously overhear young people being diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses and being prescribed medications to treat them, which ultimately leads to these people being prescribed additional medications to combat side effects. We are seeing an enormous increase in the elderly being prescribed antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Is the solution to add more medications to these humans that are already over-prescribed? Absolutely not. I believe that every person should be seen as a whole person, meaning that the environment in which they grew up in and currently live in must be analyzed. Their experiences and the relationships in their lives must be evaluated and understood. More importantly, we must have mental health professionals that are willing to be with their clients throughout their distress and hold positive regard for them. To hold positive regard would require that clinicians and physicians view the person as a human that has experienced hardship and distress. The field of medicine and psychology must shift to a trauma-informed approach. It is simple to assign a chemical imbalance to people when we do not care for them. It is easier to dismiss them as disordered instead of traumatized. It is easier to label children as entitled and manipulative, rather than evaluating the parenting style they are receiving. I hope that I can initiate change within the field of medicine and psychology, because I witnessed my family being harmed instead of being helped. I understand change is difficult to ignite when we refuse to see the prevalent systemic problems within our society, but change can begin with one person. I hope that person is me.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world.

When I was a child, I often heard that as a woman, I should desire to become married and have children when I get older. In addition to that narrow view of a woman’s role in society, I was taught that I should serve the people around me. My mother taught me how to prepare meals, do laundry, and keep things clean but that wasn’t something I believed was my only purpose. I believe success is achieving the goals that you set for yourself. Furthermore, I believe that success occurs when you realize that there will goals you do not reach in your lifetime. As a person that has experienced adversity and hardship since I was a child, I consider success being able to hold yourself in high regard whether you fail at something or do exceptionally well. Oftentimes, as a society we imagine that success appears to be reaching common milestones, such as getting a license to drive, having a fulfilling career, purchasing a home and finding someone to enjoy life with. While I agree that those things are enjoyable, I realize that many people who can drive legally, have a job, and have a spouse are still unhappy. Ultimately, I believe having contentment in your life no matter what season you are in is a display of success. Perhaps, instead of viewing our life as some competition in which we seek to climb the rungs of a ladder, we ought to slow down and value what is right before us. For much of my life, I was unhappy although I had a safe place to live, food and water to supply nutrition to my body, and loving people to spend my time with. I discovered that my mindset had to shift. If I were to achieve something with my life and strive to reach my goals, I had to appreciate the things that I already had. Changing the way I see life and being grateful wasn’t an easy task. More and more, I could see that my dissatisfaction began with how I viewed myself. As a survivor of childhood trauma, seeing myself in a favorable light was frightening and at times agonizing, but it had to be done. After repetition of mindfulness, I was able to shift my perspective on life and thankfulness began to fill my thoughts. While my thoughts continued to shift from pessimism to optimism, my view of gender roles remained the same. I do not believe that men should only have certain careers, nor do I believe that women must be wives and mothers. I believe that every person should be able to choose the life they desire and have the freedom to build towards it. I believe that everyone should feel safe enough to be authentic and diverse. The more I appreciate my life and the things I am already blessed with, the more I cherish my unique personality and talents. In my opinion, success is when you become the person you are meant to be. Success is when you appreciate every season of your life, no matter if you are facing abundancy or lack. I believe success is when you view yourself with confidence and love, regardless of what life throws your way. Success is more than money, a large office, an elegant home, or a vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Success is more than having a spouse and children. Success is contentment and having the safety to display yourself to the world without any filters.

During my battles with anxiety and depression throughout the years, I noticed a recurring dilemma in my recovery and progress; I didn’t have a support system. Not having someone I trust to converse with left me feeling more overwhelmed. I reached a point in my life where I desired to become my own support system. As I began to validate and hold compassion for myself, I recognized that not everyone can provide needed support for themselves. While I cultivated my skills for coping with difficult situations and symptoms of anxiety, I continued to seek alternative treatments for mental health disorders. I discovered that everyone’s mental health journey is unique just as much as my own. With that discovery, I began to supply compassion and sensitivity towards others. I now offer solutions to my friends, such as grounding exercises, techniques for handling big emotions, and skills for healthy communication. Many of my friends ask for my advice regarding various supplements that can help and exercises that inspire them to be more physically active. I encourage my friends to seek help from a therapist or doctor. In addition to recommending that my friends ask for professional guidance and treatment, I support them with decisions they make. I believe it is important to provide a support system for the people you love, because there are times when they are terrified to get help. As someone who has struggled with their mental health and lacked a support system, I know how invaluable it is to have someone hold space for your discomfort. Studying psychology is going to further aid my ability to help others from a place of knowledge and experience. I plan on attending graduate school to acquire a degree in social work so that I can become a therapist. I hope to provide trauma-informed therapeutic services to my community. The more knowledge and wisdom I gain from overcoming my own struggles will prove to serve others from various walks of life.

As a child I didn’t understand that my parents were using alcohol as a coping mechanism for their difficult childhoods. I would think that my parents just seemed to be having fun until they would yell and throw things at each other when they were upset. It never dawned on me that my parents were not just alcoholics, but they occasionally used other substances to numb painful memories. As I grew older, I began to pick apart my own memories and the countless times that I felt alone and overwhelmed with the violence and chaos within my family. I often thought that I had made my parents upset somehow because of their behavior. It caused me to isolate myself out of fear of upsetting my parents even more than they were. I put forth all my energy into achieving the most acceptable grades and doing as my parents say so that I can mitigate any collisions with their anger. Their addictions not only left me feeling inadequate, but my mental health began to suffer before I entered high school. I had suffered from debilitating social anxiety and soon depression began to eat away at my self-esteem. In response to my personal struggles with anxiety and depression, I began to seek answers through therapy and psychological resources. However, years passed until I understood the severity of my parents’ unhealthy coping mechanisms and the incomprehensible pain it left on my mind. It comes as no surprise that my siblings and I have rarely drank alcohol, never smoked cigarettes, and have never used drugs. I can testify with honesty that my siblings have suffered from witnessing our parents using substances and enduring their emotional immaturity. Regardless of my siblings suffering like myself, I displayed the most horrendous symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I exhibited an overexaggerated startle response, emotional flashbacks, emotional dysregulation, and recurrent nightmares. My life became a waking nightmare but what intensified my symptoms was the lack of communication in my family. Instead of someone discussing what they were feeling and creating healthy boundaries, I witnessed projection and triangulation. This was an ongoing dilemma in the family because problems were swept under a rug and every member was lashing out at one another. With that said, I have become a person that chooses to talk about the things that are bothering me and find guidance from people I trust. There are additional skills and methods I use to take care of my mental well-being. I practice mindfulness, grounding exercises, yoga, arts and crafts, writing poetry, and journal my thoughts. I have also been in intensive trauma therapy for over a year which includes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), inner child work and shadow work. These various therapeutic treatments and coping skills that I implement into my life have helped me tremendously. I can identify emotions within myself and practice compassion when I am struggling. Each day still comes with difficulties, but I am becoming more skilled, empathetic, and regulated. I am proud that I have not taken on the addictions of my parents and if I ever consider drinking, I remember the pain that I experienced. My memories serve as motivation to live a happy and healthy life.

My friends tell me all the time that I enjoy “dry reading”. I think they are trying to tell me that the books I read are boring or unenjoyable. However, the more I read psychology and medical related books, the more excited I become to study psychology and become a therapist. With each page I turn in the books I read; I discover various ways to aid people during their distress. I become more aware of the importance of early childhood relationships, attachments, temperaments, and family dynamics. As I reflect on my life, I can laugh when I remember that I had a guidance counselor in high school that recommended that I study child development and different types of parenting. During my years in high school, I was terrible with children and there was tremendous conflict within my family. The last thing I wanted then was to learn more about the dysfunction I saw on a daily basis. Interestingly enough, that was exactly what I needed. The more I read books written by psychologists and doctors, the more I understand myself and the people around me. I am learning more about how the brain functions and how it interacts with the body. I am learning about healthy family systems and unhealthy families. I am discovering that much of the things I endured as a child were unhealthy and damaging to my mental health. Moreover, I become more fascinated with epigenetics and generational trauma by reading a book by Mark Wolynn. When I embarked on my journey in pursuing a degree in psychology, I had little knowledge about the field. I immediately desired to interact with children in my future endeavors as a therapist and social worker; however, upon reading books discussing attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the more I am inspired to become a trauma-informed clinician. I believe that many, if not all the problems arising with mental health is derived from childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. I understand there are caveats to every situation and studies, but I advocate for children to be cultivated and celebrated. Our children are our future and the more knowledge we each have in parenting, child development, and the systemic issues in our society, we can initiate change. I attribute my increased awareness and knowledge in mental wellbeing and psychology to books and podcasts than I do the things I have learned in school. If I hadn’t begun reading several books on psychology and health, my insight would be based purely on experience and college curriculum. If one wants to become a professional in a certain field or area of study, it is important that they read and do exhaustive research.

Since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to the people around me tell stories of their lives. In the field of psychology, which includes social work and mental health, people should be more than diagnoses or diagnostic criteria. Each person must be treated as a person and valued as such. Believing this came as no simple feat throughout my life. There were many years in which I believed I emanated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. In fact, the treatment I received from multiple professionals in the field of mental health, left me feeling as though I was only a number. I often use a variation of the phrase, “if you can’t beat ‘em; join them.” Instead of joining mental health professionals and perpetuating the cycle of treating clients like numbers and like they are inferior to others, I want to bring reform to psychology. Essentially, instead of joining psychiatrists and psychologists, I am challenging them. I believe that health care and mental health professionals can do better. I believe that if we are to reach the people struggling with their mental health, then we must first treat them as people. Everyone’s stories are significant to them which is why we must listen and dig deeper to discover cures and additional coping skills that people can use. If it weren’t for my personal and professional experiences with mental health, I would most likely pursue higher education for teaching and composition; however, following sixteen years of the mental health system miserably failing me and failing other people I love, it is time for change. I enjoy learning how the mind works and how our entire body communicates with our brains. I believe that listening to another person’s life experiences can be key to understanding them. As I continue to witness people around me seeking answers and desiring for change with the approach to mental health, the flame within me continues to spark my passion for a college major in psychology. Our world is experiencing distress, and it is possible that we are witnessing a mental health epidemic occur before our eyes. Do we need more prescriptions to treat certain disorders? Perhaps. I do not doubt that pharmacology has brought forth significant change for those struggling with their mental health. Do we need more therapists and physicians that specialize in behavioral health? Absolutely. However, what I believe we truly need is education. Within our schools, I believe it is vital to teach our children about emotional regulation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. I believe we need an influx of physical activity and less engagement on social media and other computer-based learning modalities. I also believe that parental education must be brought forth. With the accumulated knowledge that we are now recognizing for various disorders and adverse childhood experiences, reform must happen within the home as well. Pursuing higher education in psychology and becoming a therapist has become my purpose. I am excited about bringing change in my community and quite possibly, the world.

She is intelligent but her mental health is in shambles. Those were the reports I received from psychiatrists, year after year. It left me feeling inadequate and as though I would never break free from the chains of mental illness. I began to struggle with anxiety and depression at an early age. In fact, many who knew me, felt pity and sadness when they thought of me. Many of my friends believed that I would always struggle and never attempt to achieve anything with my life. Despite becoming the valedictorian when I was a senior in high school, my mental health took a toll that no one could have ever imagined. I once thought that I would never find tools that would help me cope and ultimately would need assistance for the remainder of my life. Today, I am elated to show that recovery is possible. Although it took years to find a therapist that specializes in trauma that would assist me in finding wholeness, I stand stronger and more confident that I ever have. I am excited to embark on a journey studying psychology and other behavioral sciences. I believe that we all have something to add to this world, and my experiences with mental health will bring remarkable insight to the field of psychology. It is my hope to bring change to psychology and compassion for those that struggle. Human distress isn’t anything new, yet we still have much to learn. I believe that many are afraid to understand the complexities of mental illness because it is frightening. When we are afraid of something, it is easier to provide labels and stigma. If we could take the time to hear stories and cultivate the diversity that is brought forth from distressed people, we will see change ignite. To this day, many question whether psychology should be included in the genre of science, but the study of human behavior is as much scientific as anything else. It involves theory, testing, speculation, skepticism and experimentation. The methods of psychology have been replicated throughout the years and treatment has been modified to bring more awareness and healing to our society. I am interested in case studies within psychology because I believe that humans cannot be put into a box of diagnostic criteria. I am interested in understanding holistic and naturopathic approaches because I have experienced healing from both. I am also intrigued by theories that have been brought forth by subsequent psychologists and physicians. In addition to behavioral sciences, engineering and mathematics has brought extensive advancements to our understanding of the human brain. In addition, many of the methods that scientists and doctors are using to understand humans would not be available without technology. Lastly, I am most interested in the arts because without art and writing, I would forever be stuck in an endless loop of intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Writing and creating things with my hands has brought healing and an appreciation for my understanding. I hope to integrate artistic and creative approaches in my therapeutic approach in the future. I hope that when people think of me, they will now say, “She is intelligent, and her mental health is no longer in shambles.” Without the advancements of psychology and the understanding we now have of childhood trauma, I would not have come so far. I am forever thankful for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, because without those fields of study, I would not only be the suffering, but our world would have remained within the primitive understanding of former years.

During the summer of 2003, I went with my church youth group to a concert that is known as Winter Jam. Winter Jam is a compilation of various Christian artists and musicians gathering to worship God and have Christians of multiple denominations celebrate with one another. With this being my first concert experience, I had no idea what to expect. When I climbed out of the vehicle, I looked around the parking lot. The weather was humid enough to make you wish you had stayed home. There were church youth groups everywhere and many of them were wearing matching t-shirts. I heard laughter and singing as I walked towards the entrance doors of the convention center. Beyond the doors, the smell of popcorn and nachos made my mouth salivate. It reminded me of the state fair, where there are delicious foods everywhere you turn, and music fills the air. The clamor of talking made it difficult to concentrate on finding good seats to enjoy the event. Soon, I found myself sitting down and waiting for the opening act. I still remember how exhilarating it was to hear the beat of the drums, strumming of guitars, and singing all around me. I could feel palpitations within my chest from all the adrenaline and excitement. This experience ignited my passion for music but paled in comparison to another concert I attended years later. During the autumn of 2021, I assisted with serving a dinner at church for a concert that would be performed by an Israeli band called Shilo Ben Hod. What I was about to witness was something that I could have never fathomed. I had never met anyone from Israel or even heard anyone speak Hebrew. I knew that this event would be an eye-opener, but I had no idea that I would find myself falling in love with the Hebrew language. The vocals of the singers seemed magical and evoked a sense of peace within me. I watched as people clasped hands together and danced throughout the building. Before my eyes, I watched in awe while they held smiles on their faces, laughed joyfully, and music filled my heart. This experience left me appreciating different cultures, religions, and ethnicities. As a courtesy, the band performed tracks sung in Hebrew and English. They had multiple musical instruments such as a piano, acoustic guitars, drums, bass guitars, harps, and flutes. Another fascinating aspect of this band was that they would occasionally blow a traditional Jewish horn called a shofar which is made from a ram’s horn. It was an event that I would never forget, but having the privilege to meet and serve the band a traditional Mediterranean meal was the icing on the cake. The Israeli band members and their families were so thankful to have a meal prepared for them. Their kindness revealed to me that people who are different are nothing to be afraid of. They are just as unique and celebratory. Their culture teaches us exciting ways to enjoy life that we may have never known. Being part of that event was memorable and changed my life forever.

I believe that a leader is someone who paves the way for a new direction and sets an example for success. In my family and among others that have struggled with their mental health, I am a leader because I am pioneering on a road that is least traveled. I never imagined that I would recover from the anxiety and depression that plagued my everyday life, but as I type these words, I am astonished by the amount of growth I have accomplished in less than a year. My days were filled with doctor’s appointments, prescription pill bottles, and a never-ending sense of despair. I am a leader because I have broken free from the debilitating symptoms I once had. I am setting the example for my friends and family that recovery is possible. For as long as I can remember, my family has had their fair share of mental health struggles. It is an honor to hear my father tell me that he is proud of how well I am doing. I believe that my growth has prompted my parents to take steps to care for their mental health, and because of that, they are beginning to overcome their struggles. Another example of my leadership traits is that I am a first-generation college student. Attending college was a dream I had since I was in the 5th grade. I found it fascinating and enjoyable to learn and had visions of becoming a meteorologist or astronaut. Throughout the years, my career goals have changed but my passion for learning has not. With the life experiences I have had and potentially fatal hardships with my mental health, it is now my dream to become a therapist. I am setting the example in my family that we can achieve things if we set our mind to it. I am leading the way for my family to pursue the things that bring them the most joy. I have become the child that is showing my family various ways to achieve peace in their daily life through meditation and yoga. I believe that we are all unique and should strive to be our authentic selves. Which is why each day, I find ways to add color, music, and art to light up my life and bring joy. I am a leader because I am proving that being authentic isn’t strange or something to be mocked, it is something to be celebrated and appreciated. Every day is filled with glimmers, big and small, and I am a person that seeks glimmers in each new day. Sometimes being a leader isn’t about being the loudest or most influential, there are times when you become a leader just by being you.

Each new day provides new opportunities. Many people blaze through each day going to work and coming home to spend time with their families. Oftentimes we do not predict vehicle collisions, or a family member being diagnosed with a chronic illness. We can approach each day being spontaneous that we will be confronted with opportunities for growth, whether circumstances are positive or negative, but we may also digress if the stimulus is too much to bear. I am going to share a story that challenged me to view life with a different lens. When I was 29 years old, my father was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and would need six heart bypasses to continue living. As his daughter, this was heartbreaking news, but for my father, this meant that his life would change entirely. Open heart surgery is extremely risky and there are times when the surgery doesn’t go as planned. Our family approached this devastating news with sensitivity and caution. For my father, it meant that entering surgery could mean a chance at continuing life and being with his family, but it also meant that his diet and selfcare would need significant adjustment. For the rest and me of the family, this meant that we must appreciate each moment we have with my father. For open heart surgery, it isn’t about what could go wrong, it is about hoping for what goes right. My father was in surgery under the care of the physicians for over 8 hours. Our family waited patiently and anxiously that day. I remember that cool day in the autumn of 2019. It was almost as if I could see hope even though that day was dreary and frigid cold. The entire family was elated and relived when the surgeon informed us that the surgery was a success and my father’s heart was beating properly. For the weeks and months to follow while my father was in recovery, we rejoiced and were grateful for the hospital and doctors that care for my father. What could go wrong now? Our father’s heart was now adequate to keep functioning and pumping blood to the organs in his body. We were scared that we desired to return to work but were optimistic that he would be fine. January of 2020 approached and myself and my family began to fear the worst while reports of Covid-19 were plastered over every news broadcast. What did this mean for our world and more importantly for our family, what would this mean for my father? We were filled with more fear than ever. Not only did we risk catching Covid-19 while out in public shopping for groceries, but my father was a salesman that had to frequently travel for his job. Asking myself the question, “what could go wrong” would have never led me to believe that the entire world would be facing a deadly virus and complete public lockdown! My life seemed to blur as I watched masks being sold on the shelves, toilet paper and other household necessities were undergoing shortage, and mass hysteria was the new norm. On top of that, with my family being religious, receiving the Covid-19 vaccination was seen as part of the apocalypse. We all were afraid that we were facing the end of the world. My brother and his family refused to get the vaccination, as did my sister in her family. My father and mother; however, desired to continue living healthily and worried that if my father fell ill to Covid-19, he could possibly die. Without question, they both opted for receiving the vaccination and so did I. I am thankful that we each received the vaccination and the corresponding booster shots. My father, mother and I were exposed to the virus on multiple occasions and thankfully the vaccination provided protection. With my father needing open heart surgery and the subsequent pandemic of Covid-19, my view of life changed from carelessness to one of caution and appreciation. I am beyond grateful that my father has been able to live 5 additional years following the surgery and thankful that the pandemic is no longer an immediate threat to humanity. When I now think of what could go wrong, I keep my eyes open and respond to each circumstance with readiness and hope.

I was still in high school when I started having mental health issues at the age of 16. My experiences taught me that people may make bad decisions and consider the sick as less than human, which has affected every element of my existence. I wish I could take back the experiences I had, but the abuse I went through taught me valuable lessons. My perspective on the world has changed. I don't think people who experience mental health issues are incompetent or undeserving of respect. I wanted a change in my life after going through a lonely journey of being misinterpreted and shunned by my own family. I turned to my natural aptitude for thorough investigation. My goal was to comprehend my family and myself. I had a lot of inquiries. I started to see the reality of my existence after doing research, seeing a therapist, and reading books written by psychologists. I began to understand the reasons behind my coping strategies. I was parentified, which made me a perfectionist. My battles with mental illness have not only helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and to recognize them for who they are as human beings, but they have also made me realize that I am a child trauma survivor. Unresolved childhood trauma, in my opinion, is the root cause of most, if not all, mental health problems that our society faces. I firmly believe that our qualities are shaped by our environments. My life's events have molded my relationships by inspiring me to take care of and be appreciative of them. My friendships turned into my strongest sources of support during the most agonizing times in my life. Every acquaintance I have is invaluable since they all have unique perspectives and insights. When I stray from the path, I rely on my friends to provide me feedback and guidance. My objectives have been shaped by my battles with mental health, which inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology and become a social worker. Making a significant impact on my community is important to me. I believe that intervention is not as vital as prevention. Helping someone feel comfortable enough to talk about their struggles is important if they are having trouble. Shame is a powerful motivator for trauma survivors and mental health sufferers, keeping them from receiving the necessary care. I experienced violence, bullying, and a constant sense of being alone in every room during my youth. I felt unreachable and irreparable after those experiences and emotions, but I started to show myself the same compassion that I naturally showed to other people. My life took a positive turn when I began practicing inner child work, shadow work, yoga, meditation, and dismantling false beliefs I held about myself because of my self-love and self-compassion. When I realized how painful my experiences had been and how I was preventing myself from growing personally, my confidence was released. My perspective on the world changed from one of fear and mistrust to one of spontaneity and self-assurance. I am living proof that healing is achievable. Having found recovery in the middle of suffering, I am motivated to assist others. I think people who believe can find hope. My main conviction is that everyone is deserving of happiness and healing. I would be a different person now if it weren't for my hardships and experiences. I wouldn't stand up for myself or those in my vicinity. I also wouldn't have the same depth of sympathy and empathy.

“I like you better depressed.” Those were the words I heard from an advanced placement teacher that I had during my senior year in high school. Without context, those words are still harsh and insensitive; however, I had just survived an attempt to end my life a month prior to that teacher stating those words. When asked why I am pursuing a degree in psychology, my simple answer is this, “I want to help people with their problems. I want to help people feel seen and heard.” There are few people that know my true desire for pursuing a career in mental health is because I want to provide safety for adolescents that are struggling. Moreover, I want to provide the care and intervention that I didn’t have. During high school I maintained excellent grades. On the surface, I appeared to be doing well, but underneath, I was struggling with the behaviors of my family. It wasn’t until more than 15 years later that I would discover what was taking place within my home and family are now known as adverse childhood experiences. I did, in fact, reach out for help but was failed miserably. Upon sending an email to the principal, the counselor paid me a visit almost immediately. To my dismay, the counselor contacted my mother, and my mother met me with anger and contempt. My mother promptly took me to see a doctor and the doctor prescribed an antidepressant for me to take. It wouldn’t be till years later that I would realize that I didn’t need antidepressants but needed a safe home. Now that I have provided the foundation for my inspiration for a career in psychology, I want to inform the reader what my future goals are. If it weren’t for my past experiences, I would simply pursue becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, but because of the home life I endured, I now hope to become a licensed clinical social worker. Social workers have more influence when it comes to assisting a person in their life. For instance, social workers have more clout when advocating for a child in an abusive home or assisting a woman who must escape an abusive marriage. In addition, social workers collaborate with governmental agencies such as the Department of Human Services. Considering that antidepressants weren’t the answer for my situation, it is another goal of mine to learn about holistic treatments for mental health and provide them in my practice. Medications can and do help many people but sometimes it isn’t enough. I think it is invaluable to know natural remedies and alternative methods in assisting someone live a healthy life. In addition to my personal experiences with mental health, I have professional experiences as well. I was employed as a mental health technician at a children’s crisis unit in 2023. As a mental health technician, I observed the clients and assisted them with them acquiring coping skills and boundary setting. I had the opportunity to witness children and adolescents that were struggling with their mental health and was able to guide them through those times. It was an honor to see them reach recovery and better health strategies that would aid them in the future. It has become my purpose to help anyone facing hardship in their life with skills and tools for overcoming difficulties.

I was still in high school when I started having mental health issues at the age of 16. My experiences taught me that people may make bad decisions and consider the sick as less than human, which has affected every element of my existence. I wish I could take back the experiences I had, but the abuse I went through taught me valuable lessons. My perspective on the world has changed. I don't think people who experience mental health issues are incompetent or undeserving of respect. I wanted a change in my life after going through a lonely journey of being misinterpreted and shunned by my own family. I turned to my natural aptitude for thorough investigation. My goal was to comprehend my family and myself. I had a lot of inquiries. I started to see the reality of my existence after doing research, seeing a therapist, and reading books written by psychologists. I began to understand the reasons behind my coping strategies. I was parentified, which made me a perfectionist. My battles with mental illness have not only helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and to recognize them for who they are as human beings, but they have also made me realize that I am a child trauma survivor. Unresolved childhood trauma, in my opinion, is the root cause of most, if not all, mental health problems that our society faces. I firmly believe that our qualities are shaped by our environments. My life's events have molded my relationships by inspiring me to take care of and be appreciative of them. My friendships turned into my strongest sources of support during the most agonizing times in my life. Every acquaintance I have is invaluable since they all have unique perspectives and insights. When I stray from the path, I rely on my friends to provide me feedback and guidance. My objectives have been shaped by my battles with mental health, which inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology and become a social worker. Making a significant impact on my community is important to me. I believe that intervention is not as vital as prevention. Helping someone feel comfortable enough to talk about their struggles is important if they are having trouble. Shame is a powerful motivator for trauma survivors and mental health sufferers, keeping them from receiving the necessary care. I experienced violence, bullying, and a constant sense of being alone in every room during my youth. I felt unreachable and irreparable after those experiences and emotions, but I started to show myself the same compassion that I naturally showed to other people. My life took a positive turn when I began practicing inner child work, shadow work, yoga, meditation, and dismantling false beliefs I held about myself because of my self-love and self-compassion. When I realized how painful my experiences had been and how I was preventing myself from growing personally, my confidence was released. My perspective on the world changed from one of fear and mistrust to one of spontaneity and self-assurance. I am living proof that healing is achievable. Having found recovery in the middle of suffering, I am motivated to assist others. I think people who believe can find hope. My main conviction is that everyone is deserving of happiness and healing. I would be a different person now if it weren't for my hardships and experiences. I wouldn't stand up for myself or those in my vicinity. I also wouldn't have the same depth of sympathy and empathy.

As a child, I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere, especially at school. I didn’t have many friends from the time I moved during the 3rd grade till my senior year in high school. My family has always lived in financial scarcity, and although I know my parents did the best they could, I absorbed their stress. Being a highly sensitive and intuitive person, I became introverted and withdrew when circumstances got tough. During my senior year in high school, I attempted suicide. I narrowly survived; however, I still graduated as valedictorian, a member of the National Honors Society, and the battalion Command Sergeant Major of the Army JROTC program at my high school. After that first attempt to end my life, familial conflict only escalated, to the point that I rarely discussed what I was feeling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Psychiatrists tried dozens of different prescriptions and dosages, to no avail. I was labeled as a treatment resistant patient. I began to lose hope in the life I once desired, leaving me abusing the prescription medications and sedating myself daily. Every day felt like a never-ending battle with my parents. For as long as I can remember, they have been irrational, impulsive, destructive, and highly critical of me. As a child, I only wanted them to be happy, so I did my best to be a good kid and not cause any problems. I became both my parents’ emotional support while my feelings and struggles were of little importance. I repressed everything to the point of dissociative amnesia. In desperation for myself and my family, I began attending church again. I found community and positive moments, but underneath I was still the same person. I felt alone, abandoned, rejected, misunderstood, and beyond repair. I often believed that my family didn’t love me which further distanced all of us. I placed blame on many people because I didn’t understand why medication didn’t help, why therapy made little difference, and why I only felt worse after seeking every intervention I could. It wasn’t until a woman began attending the church I was a member of. Our relationship developed naturally, and our words flowed with ease. I felt seen and heard as she would tell me she was proud of my achievements and that I should pursue my dreams. If it weren’t for her, I would still be crippled in depression and anxiety, with an extremely low self-esteem. I sought out alternative treatments for my mental health struggles and acknowledged my unhealthy addiction to prescription medication to sedate myself. I began practicing yoga, practicing mindfulness meditation and deconstructed my beliefs after a profound realization that religion was toxic for me. I look back on my experiences and am grateful I am still alive after a near-death attempt to end my life. I have grown exponentially in just a year and aspire to assist others with their mental health as a therapist licensed as a social worker. I am living proof that recovery is possible, but it is not easy. I am currently seeing a clinician biweekly and am undergoing Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to combat a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. I no longer require medication, because my therapist understands my experiences of iatrogenic harm, leading to more helpful coping techniques. My coping techniques vary but include creative writing, yoga, meditation, interpretive dance, digital art, painting and sketching, jewelry making, cosmetology, crafting, poetry, and singing. Many do not understand the impact of one’s mental health struggles until they experience similar struggles.

I began struggling with my mental health at the age of 16 while I was in high school. I realize now as I look back that I was a perfectionist who rarely said no to the requests of others. On top of my inability to advocate for myself and set boundaries, I wound up entering the psychiatric system. My experiences shaped every aspect of my life by showing me that humans can make terrible decisions and treat those who are ill like they are inferior and subhuman. I experienced things that I wish I could erase; however, I have gained wisdom from the maltreatment that I endured. I now see the world through a different lens. I do not look upon those who struggle with their mental health like they are incompetent or unworthy of fair treatment. Nor do I look upon those with addictions or may be homeless like they choose that life. After a lonely path of being misunderstood and isolated by my own family, I desired to make a change in my life. I resorted to my innate ability to do intense research. I wanted to understand myself and my family. I had many questions. After researching, working with a therapist, and reading books by prominent twenty-first-century psychologists like Dr. Gabor Mate, I began to see the reality of my life. I started to uncover why I had the coping mechanisms I did. I became a perfectionist because I was parentified. I developed anxiety due to never enabling myself to say no to requests that others had of me that I would prefer to say no. Not only did my struggles with my mental health allow me to see others by their humanity, and cultivate empathy and compassion, but I also realized I am a survivor of childhood trauma. I believe that the majority, if not all issues that our society sees regarding mental health is a result of unresolved childhood trauma. I am a firm believer that our families and peers shape our traits. We may each have our temperaments and dispositions, but many of us are shaped by our environments. My experiences have shaped my relationships by motivating me to nurture them and be grateful. My friendships became my greatest support in excruciatingly painful moments of my life. Each of my friends has different insights and perspectives that are invaluable. I rely on my friends to provide feedback and advice when I get off track. My friends have become my confidants, and they notice when my communication dwindles. I advocate for everyone to build a support system because my friends are my confidants. My struggles with mental health have influenced my goals, motivating me to become a therapist who is licensed in social work. It has become my desire to make a lasting difference in my community. I understand that prevention is more important than intervention. If someone is struggling, we must help them feel safe to express what is going on in their life. Survivors of trauma and those that struggle with their mental health are deeply motivated by shame which prevents them from getting the help they need. My childhood was marked by abuse, bullying, and feeling out of place in any room I entered. Those experiences and feelings left me feeling unreachable and beyond repair, but I began to give myself the empathy I easily gave to others. My life changed for the better when my self-love and self-compassion led me to practice inner child work, shadow work, yoga, meditation, and deconstructing lies I once believed about myself. In conclusion, my struggles with mental health had me feeling that I was stuck in a never-ending pit of despair, but deep within myself, I had a spark that was flickering and growing stronger. I knew that I was intelligent, having been the valedictorian of my high school graduating class. I knew that I could do anything I set my mind to, but my confidence was buried under the trauma I covered in. My confidence was released when I acknowledged the pain of my experiences and that I was holding myself back from personal growth. My perception and view of the world shifted from dread and distrust to spontaneity and confidence in myself and the people around me. I am proof that recovery is possible. I am inspired to help others because I found healing amidst pain. I believe hope is available to those who believe. My core belief is that everyone deserves good things and recovery. Without my experiences and struggles, I would not be who I am today. I would not advocate for myself or those around me. Nor would I have such a enormous amount of empathy and compassion.

As a child, I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere, especially at school. I didn’t have many friends from the time I moved during the 3rd grade till my senior year in high school. My family has always lived in financial scarcity, and although I know my parents did the best they could, I absorbed their stress. Being a highly sensitive and intuitive person, I became introverted and withdrew when circumstances got tough. During my senior year in high school, I attempted suicide. I narrowly survived; however, I still graduated as valedictorian, a member of the National Honors Society, and the battalion Command Sergeant Major of the Army JROTC program at my high school. After that first attempt to end my life, familial conflict only escalated, to the point that I rarely discussed what I was feeling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Psychiatrists tried dozens of different prescriptions and dosages, to no avail. I was labeled as a treatment resistant patient. I began to lose hope in the life I once desired, leaving me abusing the prescription medications and sedating myself daily. Every day felt like a never-ending battle with my parents. For as long as I can remember, they have been irrational, impulsive, destructive, and highly critical of me. As a child, I only wanted them to be happy, so I did my best to be a good kid and not cause any problems. I became both my parents’ emotional support while my feelings and struggles were of little importance. I repressed everything to the point of dissociative amnesia. In desperation for myself and my family, I began attending church again. I found community and positive moments, but underneath I was still the same person. I felt alone, abandoned, rejected, misunderstood, and beyond repair. I often believed that my family didn’t love me which further distanced all of us. I placed blame on many people because I didn’t understand why medication didn’t help, why therapy made little difference, and why I only felt worse after seeking every intervention I could. It wasn’t until a woman began attending the church I was a member of. Our relationship developed naturally, and our words flowed with ease. I felt seen and heard as she would tell me she was proud of my achievements and that I should pursue my dreams. If it weren’t for her, I would still be crippled in depression and anxiety, with an extremely low self-esteem. I sought out alternative treatments for my mental health struggles and acknowledged my unhealthy addiction to prescription medication to sedate myself. I began practicing yoga, practicing mindfulness meditation and deconstructed my beliefs after a profound realization that religion was toxic for me. I look back on my experiences and am grateful I am still alive after a near-death attempt to end my life. I have grown exponentially in just a year and aspire to assist others with their mental health as a therapist licensed as a social worker. I am living proof that recovery is possible, but it is not easy. I am currently seeing a clinician biweekly and am undergoing Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to combat a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. I no longer require medication, because my therapist understands my experiences of iatrogenic harm, leading to more helpful coping techniques. My coping techniques vary but include creative writing, yoga, meditation, interpretive dance, digital art, painting and sketching, jewelry making, cosmetology, crafting, poetry, and singing. Many do not understand the impact of one’s mental health struggles until they experience similar struggles.

My struggles with mental health began when I was still attending high school. My mental health never matter that much to me until I realized that I wanted to help other people. I had many people tell me that I should become a therapist because I have empathy and active listening comes with ease. In addition, when I began to see that my mental health was negatively affecting my body, I knew I had to make some changes. My mental health has become something I protect. I used to not believe that burn out was real and pushed myself to make everyone around me comfortable. Being kind to others is a good quality, but it began to take a toll when I denied myself the things I enjoyed. Moreover, I began to ask myself deep questions about my reality, thoughts, and feelings. My mental health is the center of my entire well being. If I am lacking quality sleep, proper nutrition, or am suppressing something, then my entire body is in misalignment. That misalignment can result in irritability, physical pain, nausea, and many other psychosomatic symptoms. It is of the utmost importance to me to prioritize my mental health because I want to be physically healthy and I also want to show up at full capacity for the people I love. If my mental health is suffering, then soon my body is in pain and I am on edge. I make sure to care for my mental health so that the people I love do not have to walk on egg shells around me. Additionally, because I am pursuing a degree in psychology and hope to become a therapist, my mental health is vital for my success. I want to be an example of how to care for yourself and provide optimal services to my clients, and be a better friend. To cultivate a healthy mental well being, I practice yoga, meditation, and dialectical behavioral therapeutic skills. What has helped me the most with my mental health is writing poetry, short stories and doing things with my hands. Another modality I use to care for my mental health is therapy. I have a clinician that I see twice a month and am able to share my achievements, struggles, and gain insight for my life. My therapist recommends books and podcast for mental health and immersing myself in knowledge has become one of my greatest tools for caring for myself. Our mental health is important for our over all well being and I advocate for the people around me to take their mental health seriously. In the past, I failed to take my mental health seriously and I paid the consequences, so I hope that I can make change for others and maintain my well being as an example.

She is intelligent but her mental health is in shambles. Those were the reports I received from psychiatrists, year after year. It left me feeling inadequate and as though I would never break free from the chains of mental illness. I began to struggle with anxiety and depression at an early age. In fact, many who knew me, felt pity and sadness when they thought of me. Many of my friends believed that I would always struggle and never attempt to achieve anything with my life. Despite becoming the valedictorian when I was a senior in high school, my mental health took a toll that no one could have ever imagined. I once thought that I would never find tools that would help me cope and ultimately would need assistance for the remainder of my life. Today, I am elated to show that recovery is possible. Although it took years to find a therapist that specializes in trauma that would assist me in finding wholeness, I stand stronger and more confident that I ever have. I am excited to embark on a journey studying psychology and other behavioral sciences. I believe that we all have something to add to this world, and my experiences with mental health will bring remarkable insight to the field of psychology. It is my hope to bring change to psychology and compassion for those that struggle. Human distress isn’t anything new, yet we still have much to learn. I believe that many are afraid to understand the complexities of mental illness because it is frightening. When we are afraid of something, it is easier to provide labels and stigma. If we could take the time to hear stories and cultivate the diversity that is brought forth from distressed people, we will see change ignite. To this day, many question whether psychology should be included in the genre of science, but the study of human behavior is as much scientific as anything else. It involves theory, testing, speculation, skepticism and experimentation. The methods of psychology have been replicated throughout the years and treatment has been modified to bring more awareness and healing to our society. I am interested in case studies within psychology because I believe that humans cannot be put into a box of diagnostic criteria. I am interested in understanding holistic and naturopathic approaches because I have experienced healing from both. I am also intrigued by theories that have been brought forth by subsequent psychologists and physicians. In addition to behavioral sciences, engineering and mathematics has brought extensive advancements to our understanding of the human brain. In addition, many of the methods that scientists and doctors are using to understand humans would not be available without technology. Lastly, I am most interested in the arts because without art and writing, I would forever be stuck in an endless loop of intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Writing and creating things with my hands has brought healing and an appreciation for my understanding. I hope to integrate artistic and creative approaches in my therapeutic approach in the future. I hope that when people think of me, they will now say, “She is intelligent, and her mental health is no longer in shambles.” Without the advancements of psychology and the understanding we now have of childhood trauma, I would not have come so far. I am forever thankful for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, because without those fields of study, I would not only be the suffering, but our world would have remained within the primitive understanding of former years.

Following the night in which I was honored for achieving status of high school valedictorian in 2008, my mother told me, “You didn’t deserve to be valedictorian.” Her words have stayed with me since that night in May. Valedictorian isn’t the easiest honors to receive, and it wasn’t so in my case. I consider becoming valedictorian my greatest achievement to date because I struggled with my mental health since the 8th grade. The chaos taking place at home affected me in multiple ways. I had little to no social skills and was had chronically low self-esteem. In addition, during my senior year, I survived an attempt to take my own life. Becoming valedictorian wasn’t something that I accomplished easily. I studied and put effort into everything I did. It was no easy task to endure conflict and dysfunction at home and maintain exceptional grades. I had little to no help with schoolwork, even when I was a child. It seemed as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and it was simply too much. When I reflect on becoming the valedictorian of my graduating class, I am proud and aware that I put every ounce of my life into schoolwork. The words of my mother left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough or that I was some type of fraud. That night had me questioning my hard work and even my identity. For many years I struggled to be proud of myself; however, I have been able to build back confidence and acknowledge that I did in fact achieve something spectacular amidst conflict and adversity. Overcoming obstacles and the honor of being valedictorian has taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. I can overcome learned self-hatred. Although I struggled many years after that night my mother said those insensitive words, I am elated to say that I am pursuing my dreams. That experience and specific achievement has taught me that if I believe in myself, I can reach my goals and aspirations. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and hope to continue my education in a graduate program for social work. It has become my purpose to help others see their intrinsic work and guide them in reaching their goals. It is my dream to become a licensed clinical social worker that provides therapeutic services to adolescents that need someone to understand them. I believe our children are the future and they deserve to be seen, heard, and acknowledged for the various ideas they have for society. I hope to teach young people skills for emotional regulation, communication, and coping strategies for a healthy mind. My achievement was unexpected from the home environment in which I lived but is still worthy of recognition. Our children need to be celebrated for the things they do well. My hope for the future is to show children they are amazing even when they don’t do well, which is why I desire to work with young people in my upcoming therapeutic practice.

“I like you better depressed.” Those were the words I heard from an advanced placement teacher that I had during my senior year in high school. Without context, those words are still harsh and insensitive; however, I had just survived an attempt to end my life a month prior to that teacher stating those words. When asked why I am pursuing a degree in psychology, my simple answer is this, “I want to help people with their problems. I want to help people feel seen and heard.” There are few people that know my true desire for pursuing a career in mental health is because I want to provide safety for adolescents that are struggling. Moreover, I want to provide the care and intervention that I didn’t have. During high school I maintained excellent grades. On the surface, I appeared to be doing well, but underneath, I was struggling with the behaviors of my family. It wasn’t until more than 15 years later that I would discover what was taking place within my home and family are now known as adverse childhood experiences. I did, in fact, reach out for help but was failed miserably. Upon sending an email to the principal, the counselor paid me a visit almost immediately. To my dismay, the counselor contacted my mother, and my mother met me with anger and contempt. My mother promptly took me to see a doctor and the doctor prescribed an antidepressant for me to take. It wouldn’t be till years later that I would realize that I didn’t need antidepressants but needed a safe home. Now that I have provided the foundation for my inspiration for a career in psychology, I want to inform the reader what my future goals are. If it weren’t for my past experiences, I would simply pursue becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, but because of the home life I endured, I now hope to become a licensed clinical social worker. Social workers have more influence when it comes to assisting a person in their life. For instance, social workers have more clout when advocating for a child in an abusive home or assisting a woman who must escape an abusive marriage. In addition, social workers collaborate with governmental agencies such as the Department of Human Services. Considering that antidepressants weren’t the answer for my situation, it is another goal of mine to learn about holistic treatments for mental health and provide them in my practice. Medications can and do help many people but sometimes it isn’t enough. I think it is invaluable to know natural remedies and alternative methods in assisting someone live a healthy life. In addition to my personal experiences with mental health, I have professional experiences as well. I was employed as a mental health technician at a children’s crisis unit in 2023. As a mental health technician, I observed the clients and assisted them with them acquiring coping skills and boundary setting. I had the opportunity to witness children and adolescents that were struggling with their mental health and was able to guide them through those times. It was an honor to see them reach recovery and better health strategies that would aid them in the future. It has become my purpose to help anyone facing hardship in their life with skills and tools for overcoming difficulties.

In 2023, I had to seek refuge in a domestic violence shelter that was 3 hours from my hometown. The relationship I have with my mother has been marked by exploitation, abuse, and recurrent traumatic experiences. I understand and respect that many people have loving relationships with their mothers, but some have had to struggle and face excruciating pain. My mother has been mentally ill since I was a child and has refused to get professional help. This has impacted every aspect of my life, denying me autonomy and safety. I had no choice but to turn from my family and find healing in a new place. The town I moved to became the haven where I developed my identity as I discovered the things I enjoyed and the values I stood by. The boundaries in my family have been blurred and people rarely talk about what they are upset about or struggling with. This left me without the capacity to be vulnerable until I discovered that it made me mentally unhealthy. As I lived on my own, for the first time in my life, I began to work on unhealthy coping mechanisms and personality traits that I developed from being in survival. For the first time, I was responsible for average adult expectations like rent, utilities, and learning how to make friends. It was the most difficult thing I have ever endured because I wasn’t given the option to become a responsible adult. If given the chance, my mother would hold me within her reach so that my life would remain stagnant and miserable. I ventured off into a new era of my life when I moved. Although this season of my life seemed uncertain and frightening, I reflected on the goals I desired to reach. Not only was I able to discover the dreams I sought to accomplish, but I was also allowed to pursue them. There comes a time when we must decide what is best for us, regardless of how society may perceive it as selfish or insensitive. If I hadn’t left to build a new life for myself, I would have had to endure more abuse and maltreatment from my family. I had to leave everything I knew and go to a place where I was unsure of how I would cope. What I discovered is a strength within myself that I never knew. I understood I could create a happy life for myself. I paid my rent and utilities on schedule, cared for my physical and mental health, and formed lasting friendships with amazing people.

As a child, I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere, especially at school. I didn’t have many friends from the time I moved during the 3rd grade till my senior year in high school. My family has always lived in financial scarcity, and although I know my parents did the best they could, I absorbed their stress. Being a highly sensitive and intuitive person, I became introverted and withdrew when circumstances got tough. During my senior year in high school, I attempted suicide. I narrowly survived; however, I still graduated as valedictorian, a member of the National Honors Society, and the battalion Command Sergeant Major of the Army JROTC program at my high school. After that first attempt to end my life, familial conflict only escalated, to the point that I rarely discussed what I was feeling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Psychiatrists tried dozens of different prescriptions and dosages, to no avail. I was labeled as a treatment resistant patient. I began to lose hope in the life I once desired, leaving me abusing the prescription medications and sedating myself daily. Every day felt like a never-ending battle with my parents. For as long as I can remember, they have been irrational, impulsive, destructive, and highly critical of me. As a child, I only wanted them to be happy, so I did my best to be a good kid and not cause any problems. I became both my parents’ emotional support while my feelings and struggles were of little importance. I repressed everything to the point of dissociative amnesia. In desperation for myself and my family, I began attending church again. I found community and positive moments, but underneath I was still the same person. I felt alone, abandoned, rejected, misunderstood, and beyond repair. I often believed that my family didn’t love me which further distanced all of us. I placed blame on many people because I didn’t understand why medication didn’t help, why therapy made little difference, and why I only felt worse after seeking every intervention I could. It wasn’t until a woman began attending the church I was a member of. Our relationship developed naturally, and our words flowed with ease. I felt seen and heard as she would tell me she was proud of my achievements and that I should pursue my dreams. If it weren’t for her, I would still be crippled in depression and anxiety, with an extremely low self-esteem. I sought out alternative treatments for my mental health struggles and acknowledged my unhealthy addiction to prescription medication to sedate myself. I began practicing yoga, practicing mindfulness meditation and deconstructed my beliefs after a profound realization that religion was toxic for me. I look back on my experiences and am grateful I am still alive after a near-death attempt to end my life. I have grown exponentially in just a year and aspire to assist others with their mental health as a therapist licensed as a social worker. I am living proof that recovery is possible, but it is not easy. I am currently seeing a clinician biweekly and am undergoing Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to combat a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. I no longer require medication, because my therapist understands my experiences of iatrogenic harm, leading to more helpful coping techniques. My coping techniques vary but include creative writing, yoga, meditation, interpretive dance, digital art, painting and sketching, jewelry making, cosmetology, crafting, poetry, and singing. Many do not understand the impact of one’s mental health struggles until they experience similar struggles.

I began struggling with my mental health at the age of 16 while I was in high school. I realize now as I look back that I was a perfectionist who rarely said no to the requests of others. On top of my inability to advocate for myself and set boundaries, I wound up entering the psychiatric system. My experiences shaped every aspect of my life by showing me that humans can make terrible decisions and treat those who are ill like they are inferior and subhuman. I experienced things that I wish I could erase; however, I have gained wisdom from the maltreatment that I endured. I now see the world through a different lens. I do not look upon those who struggle with their mental health like they are incompetent or unworthy of fair treatment. Nor do I look upon those with addictions or may be homeless like they choose that life. After a lonely path of being misunderstood and isolated by my own family, I desired to make a change in my life. I resorted to my innate ability to do intense research. I wanted to understand myself and my family. I had many questions. After researching, working with a therapist, and reading books by prominent twenty-first-century psychologists like Dr. Gabor Mate, I began to see the reality of my life. I started to uncover why I had the coping mechanisms I did. I became a perfectionist because I was parentified. I developed anxiety due to never enabling myself to say no to requests that others had of me that I would prefer to say no. Not only did my struggles with my mental health allow me to see others by their humanity, and cultivate empathy and compassion, but I also realized I am a survivor of childhood trauma. I believe that the majority, if not all issues that our society sees regarding mental health is a result of unresolved childhood trauma. I am a firm believer that our families and peers shape our traits. We may each have our temperaments and dispositions, but many of us are shaped by our environments. My experiences have shaped my relationships by motivating me to nurture them and be grateful. My friendships became my greatest support in excruciatingly painful moments of my life. Each of my friends has different insights and perspectives that are invaluable. I rely on my friends to provide feedback and advice when I get off track. My friends have become my confidants, and they notice when my communication dwindles. I advocate for everyone to build a support system because my friends are my confidants. My struggles with mental health have influenced my goals, motivating me to become a therapist who is licensed in social work. It has become my desire to make a lasting difference in my community. I understand that prevention is more important than intervention. If someone is struggling, we must help them feel safe to express what is going on in their life. Survivors of trauma and those that struggle with their mental health are deeply motivated by shame which prevents them from getting the help they need. My childhood was marked by abuse, bullying, and feeling out of place in any room I entered. Those experiences and feelings left me feeling unreachable and beyond repair, but I began to give myself the empathy I easily gave to others. My life changed for the better when my self-love and self-compassion led me to practice inner child work, shadow work, yoga, meditation, and deconstructing lies I once believed about myself. In conclusion, my struggles with mental health had me feeling that I was stuck in a never-ending pit of despair, but deep within myself, I had a spark that was flickering and growing stronger. I knew that I was intelligent, having been the valedictorian of my high school graduating class. I knew that I could do anything I set my mind to, but my confidence was buried under the trauma I covered in. My confidence was released when I acknowledged the pain of my experiences and that I was holding myself back from personal growth. My perception and view of the world shifted from dread and distrust to spontaneity and confidence in myself and the people around me. I am proof that recovery is possible. I am inspired to help others because I found healing amidst pain. I believe hope is available to those who believe. My core belief is that everyone deserves good things and recovery. Without my experiences and struggles, I would not be who I am today. I would not advocate for myself or those around me. Nor would I have such a enormous amount of empathy and compassion.