Being a first-generation student in psychology means more than being the first in my family to go to college. It means becoming the example I never had and proving that determination and compassion can build a future that once felt out of reach. My parents worked hard to give me stability, but they never had the chance to pursue higher education. Every time I sit in class or write a paper, I remind myself that I am not just doing this for me but for them, and for the people who come after me. The journey has not been easy. Without anyone to guide me through financial aid, college applications, or academic planning, I had to figure everything out on my own. Balancing school, work, and military service while helping support my mother tested me in every way possible. There were times I felt overwhelmed trying to juggle Air Force Reserve duties, a full course load, and the responsibilities of daily life. But those moments taught me perseverance, time management, and focus. Each challenge I faced reminded me of my purpose—to create a better life for my family and to help others through the study and practice of psychology. Psychology gave me a new way to understand people, trauma, and healing. My time in the military exposed me to situations where mental health support made the difference between despair and recovery. That experience shaped my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist who helps veterans, children, and families rebuild resilience and hope. I want to specialize in trauma and crisis intervention and eventually open a practice that offers affordable and culturally responsive care. My long-term goal is to make therapy accessible to those who need it most, especially people in underserved communities who may not trust or afford traditional care. This scholarship would bring me closer to that goal by easing the financial pressure of being a full-time psychology student, a reservist, and a caregiver. It would allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, research, and volunteer work instead of worrying about expenses. It would also affirm that my hard work and sacrifices are paying off. Being a first-generation psychology student means carrying forward my family’s sacrifices while paving a new path of service and compassion. It means refusing to let obstacles define me and using my education to create change that lasts beyond myself. This scholarship would help me continue that journey with the same drive and purpose that have guided me from the start.

Choosing a career in mental health was shaped by my lived experiences in the military and my exposure to people in moments of crisis. During my service in the United States Air Force, I was often the first responder to situations involving suicidality, domestic disturbances, and acute trauma. These experiences showed me how critical mental health intervention is, not just for immediate stabilization but also for long-term recovery. I realized that my role could not end with a temporary solution. I wanted to become a professional who could walk alongside individuals as they rebuilt their lives, fostering resilience and healing over time. One of the most formative experiences in this journey was serving as a child abuse monitor. In that role, I worked with investigators on highly sensitive cases, documenting statements and providing stability to children and families in deeply traumatic circumstances. Witnessing the long-term impact of abuse reinforced for me how vital trauma-informed care is, especially when delivered with compassion and cultural awareness. It also highlighted the gaps in access to mental health services for families who need ongoing support. That experience helped solidify my decision to pursue clinical psychology, with the goal of addressing these gaps and becoming a provider who advocates for equitable care. My future goals are grounded in both service and advocacy. I plan to become a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and crisis intervention, particularly for veterans, children, and underserved populations. Having served in the military myself, I know the unique struggles service members and their families face, from post-traumatic stress to reintegration challenges. I also want to extend my work to immigrant and minority communities, where cultural barriers and systemic inequities often limit access to care. My long-term aspiration is to open a community-focused practice that combines evidence-based approaches with culturally responsive care, ensuring that individuals feel both supported and understood. I bring with me a range of mental health-related experiences that strengthen my foundation for this career. I have training in trauma-informed care, crisis communication, and de-escalation, which I applied in real-world emergencies while serving in the Air Force. I also served as a peer mentor, supporting new Airmen through transitions and stressors. More recently, I completed training in text-based crisis intervention, building skills in suicide prevention, de-escalation, and connecting individuals to resources. These roles taught me that mental health work requires patience, cultural competence, and ethical responsibility, qualities I continue to develop as I prepare for graduate-level training. For me, psychology is more than an academic interest. It is a calling shaped by service, responsibility, and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit. I chose this career path because I have seen how profoundly mental health care can change lives, and I want to be a part of creating that change. My goal is not only to provide care for individuals in need but also to help shape a system that makes services more accessible, equitable, and inclusive.

My decision to pursue a career in mental health is deeply connected to my lived experiences in the military and in my work supporting individuals in crisis. During my time in the Air Force, I was frequently placed in situations where immediate intervention was required, whether it was responding to suicidality, de-escalating domestic disturbances, or supporting those experiencing acute trauma. The most defining role was my service as a child abuse monitor, where I worked directly with investigators on sensitive cases involving children and families. In these moments, I witnessed the power of trauma-informed care and the importance of meeting people with compassion and stability during their most vulnerable times. These experiences were not just professional duties; they were transformative moments that shaped my identity and direction. They inspired me to move beyond providing temporary crisis stabilization and toward becoming a clinician who helps people develop resilience, heal over time, and reclaim their sense of self. This foundation has guided the kind of provider I hope to become: one grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to serving populations who are too often overlooked, including veterans, children, and immigrant families. As I reflect on my career goals, I also think about the challenges within the current mental healthcare system. If I could make one significant change to create greater access, equity, and inclusion, I would focus on expanding affordable, community-based mental health services. Too many individuals face barriers to care because of cost, insurance requirements, or long waitlists, which can worsen conditions that might otherwise be managed effectively with earlier support. Veterans, immigrants, and working-class families are particularly affected, as many are either underinsured or mistrustful of institutions that feel out of reach. By treating mental health care like primary care and ensuring that it is available at little or no cost, we would not only promote equity but also shift the system toward prevention instead of crisis management. This change would create a stronger, more inclusive healthcare environment that prioritizes accessibility and acknowledges that mental health is essential to overall well-being. At the same time, I see promise in the innovations already shaping the field, especially teletherapy. Teletherapy has expanded access by breaking down barriers of geography and stigma, making it possible for individuals in rural communities, those with mobility challenges, or veterans hesitant to visit a clinic to connect with a provider from their own home. It has made mental health care more convenient and, in many cases, less intimidating. However, it also presents unique challenges. Privacy concerns, unequal access to reliable technology, and the difficulty some people face when trying to build trust through a screen are real issues that can limit its effectiveness. To continue moving forward, we need to invest in platforms that are secure yet easy to use, expand multilingual services to reach diverse populations, and provide therapists with training in building digital rapport so that sessions feel personal and effective. By approaching teletherapy with innovation and inclusivity in mind, we can ensure it becomes a tool that truly supports diverse communities rather than one that leaves certain groups behind. Ultimately, my experiences have shaped not only my decision to pursue psychology but also the perspective I bring to the field. I understand the urgency of immediate intervention, the long-term impact of compassionate care, and the necessity of systemic change to make services more equitable. I hope to contribute to a mental healthcare system that is both innovative and accessible, one that prioritizes prevention, embraces diversity, and recognizes the humanity of every individual seeking help.

Throughout my educational journey, the person who has supported me the most is undoubtedly my mother. Raised by a single mother, I experienced firsthand the sacrifices she made to provide for our family. Her unwavering determination and relentless work ethic not only shaped my upbringing but also inspired my pursuit of higher education and personal growth. From an early age, my mother instilled in me the importance of education. Despite the challenges of being a single parent, she always emphasized that learning was the key to a better future. I remember countless evenings spent at the dining room table, where she would help me with my homework, patiently guiding me through subjects that sometimes felt insurmountable. Her encouragement never wavered; she celebrated my achievements, no matter how small, reinforcing my belief that I could overcome any obstacle. Financial challenges were a constant presence in our lives. My mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, often sacrificing her own needs for mine. I vividly recall the times when she would come home exhausted yet still find the energy to help me study or attend school events. Her dedication was a profound lesson in resilience and commitment. Witnessing her navigate those struggles taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons that I carry with me in my own life, especially as I balance my military duties with my academic ambitions. When I enlisted in the security forces, my mother was my biggest cheerleader. She understood the demands of military life and encouraged me to pursue my goals, knowing that I was committed to building a brighter future. Her support became even more critical during my time stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base and later at Hill Air Force Base. Balancing military responsibilities with academic pursuits was no easy feat, but her belief in me kept me motivated. I often called her during tough times, sharing my struggles and fears. Each conversation left me feeling more grounded and determined, fueled by her unwavering faith in my potential. Now, as I pursue a degree in accounting, I continue to lean on her for support. She provides not only emotional encouragement but also practical advice. She reminds me of the importance of financial literacy and often shares insights from her own experiences managing our household finances. Her perspective has been invaluable as I prepare for a career that will enable me to assist others in navigating their financial paths. Ultimately, my mother’s influence extends far beyond academic support; she has shaped my values and aspirations. Her sacrifices have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back to my community. I aspire to not only succeed in my career but also to help others achieve their educational and financial goals, just as she helped me. In conclusion, my mother has been my greatest supporter and role model throughout my educational journey. Her unwavering belief in my potential, combined with her sacrifices and life lessons, has inspired me to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. As I work toward my degree and future career, I carry her lessons with me, determined to honor her support by making a positive impact in the world.