My experience with mental health has shaped me into the person I am today stronger, more self-aware, and deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Growing up without my father, who was incarcerated during some of the most important years of my life, left a deep emotional impact. I had to navigate the world with a lot of questions, pain, and a sense of emptiness that I didn’t always know how to express. That silence built up over time and turned into anxiety constantly worrying about my future, my family, and whether or not I would ever make it out of my environment. On top of that, being betrayed in a relationship by someone I deeply trusted pushed me into a season of depression. I felt alone, misunderstood, and emotionally drained. It wasn’t just heartbreak it was the feeling that everything I was holding together was starting to fall apart. But because I didn’t want to be seen as weak, especially as a male athlete, I kept a lot of my pain hidden. That only made things harder. Despite these challenges, I stayed committed to my dream: graduating college and making it to the NFL. That dream has kept me going through the darkest moments. But it hasn’t been easy. The pressure to succeed coming from a poverty-stricken environment, being raised by a single mother who has given everything for me, and carrying the hope of changing our lives can feel like the weight of the world. There were times when I questioned if I was enough or if I was really going to make it. But every time I got knocked down, I got back up. I realized that strength isn’t about always being okay it’s about pushing forward, even when you’re not. These experiences have completely shifted how I see the world. They’ve made me more compassionate, more open, and more dedicated to being a positive force in people’s lives. I’ve learned how important mental health is not just for success, but for survival. That’s why, in addition to my athletic and academic goals, I want to be someone who speaks up about mental health, especially for young men and athletes who are often told to “tough it out.” My relationships have become more real and intentional. I value loyalty, honesty, and emotional support more than ever. I’ve also learned to protect my peace and surround myself with people who genuinely care about my well-being. Ultimately, these struggles have helped shape my career aspirations. Whether I make it to the NFL or become an educator and mentor, I want to help others understand that their pain doesn’t define them and that it’s okay to ask for help. My story is still being written, but I plan to use it to uplift and guide others who are battling silently, just like I was.

My name is Jhamari Hill, and I come from Irvington, New Jersey a place filled with violence, poverty, and limited opportunities. Growing up in such an environment has shaped me in many ways. It’s a place where kids often fall into the wrong paths simply because they don’t see any other options. But I’ve always known I wanted more for myself. I’ve always believed that with hard work, faith, and the right support, I could change the direction of my life and become someone who gives back and creates opportunities for others. My biggest supporter has always been my mother a single parent who has sacrificed everything for me. She took on debt to send me to junior college because she believed in my dreams, even when we didn’t have the money. Unfortunately, that financial burden has now left us in a situation where she can no longer help me continue my education. She isn’t eligible to co-sign a loan or take out any more credit, and I’m currently unable to secure the funding I need to continue at a four-year university where I’ve been offered the chance to play football and pursue my degree. This is why I’m applying for this scholarship. Without it, I won’t be able to move forward in my academic journey this year. I’ve come too far to stop now, and I’m not ready to give up on my future. Educationally, I’ve already earned my associate’s degree in Business and Sports Management from Monroe College, graduating with honors. My goal is to now complete my bachelor’s degree while continuing to play football, with the ultimate dream of transferring to a Division I school and earning opportunities through NIL. Beyond that, I want to become an educator and youth mentor someone who uses both knowledge and lived experience to inspire the next generation. I’ve already begun doing that in my own way. Back home, I’ve worked as a personal teacher’s aide at Peshine Avenue Elementary School in Newark and spent time training kids in my neighborhood in football and fitness. I also help with a local recreation club, giving my time to younger kids who remind me of myself at their age. Many of these children don’t have role models or support systems, and I want to show them that it’s possible to make something of yourself even if you come from a rough place like Irvington. Being involved in my community has taught me responsibility, compassion, and the importance of giving back. It’s helped me grow into a leader and realize that my purpose goes beyond personal success. Every time I encourage a kid, help them with schoolwork, or push them to keep going when they want to give up, I feel like I’m fulfilling my mission. And I’m just getting started. This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would allow me to continue my education and football career without having to pause or drop out due to financial barriers. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the type of role model and educator I needed when I was younger. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to have dreams bigger than your circumstances, and I also know what it’s like to keep going anyway. With your help, I can continue building a future not just for myself, but for the many young people I hope to guide and uplift. I want to be living proof that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. Thank you for considering my application and believing in students like me who are chasing a better future.

As the son of a single mother, I grew up understanding the value of hard work, sacrifice, and unconditional love. My mother did everything in her power to raise me with strong values, a good heart, and a resilient mindset, even when times were tough. Her strength and commitment to my future showed me the kind of difference one person can make in someone’s life. That’s the kind of difference I want to make—as an educator, mentor, and role model. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to overcome academic struggles, learning challenges, and personal obstacles. But I’ve never let those challenges stop me. I pushed myself, asked for help when I needed it, and stayed focused on my goals. I earned my associate’s degree in Business and Sports Management from Monroe College with honors, and I now play football at Lake Erie College. My dream is to continue growing as a student-athlete, transfer to a Division I program, and use my platform to inspire others. Through everything, one thing has remained clear: I have a deep passion for helping others especially the youth. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through education by becoming the kind of teacher and mentor I wish I had during my toughest moments. I want to create a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and understood. I want my students to know that their backgrounds or current struggles do not define their futures. With the right support, they can rise above anything. Outside the classroom, I also plan to stay active in my community. I’ve already begun training and mentoring kids in my neighborhood whether in the gym, on the football field, or just through conversation. I want to continue coaching youth sports and creating safe, empowering spaces for young people to grow, build confidence, and dream big. Sports changed my life it gave me discipline, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose and I want to pass that on. Eventually, I hope to lead initiatives focused on educational equity, mentorship, and mental health support in schools, especially in underserved communities. My goal is to show students that someone who came from humble beginnings, raised by a single mother, can rise, give back, and make a real difference. I’m not just pursuing a career I’m pursuing a calling. Through education, I will empower the next generation to believe in themselves and realize their full potential. That’s how I plan to impact the world.