I am applying for this scholarship not simply as a student pursuing higher education, but as a pastor who understands the deep responsibility of serving people holistically; spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Completing my psychology degree is not a personal ambition alone; it is a calling that directly shapes how I serve God, the church, and the next generation. My desire to enter the field of psychology began at home. Growing up, my mother struggled with chronic depression accompanied by psychosis. Watching her battle an illness that was often misunderstood, minimized, or spiritualized without compassion deeply affected me. At that time, mental health was rarely discussed openly, especially within church contexts. I saw firsthand how silence, stigma, and lack of understanding can isolate individuals who are already suffering. Those experiences planted in me a burden to bridge the gap between faith and mental health, a gap that still exists in many churches today. As a pastor, I regularly walk alongside people who are hurting beneath the surface. Many young people, in particular, wrestle with anxiety, depression, identity struggles, and trauma, yet feel unsafe or unsure about expressing those struggles within spiritual spaces. My education in psychology equips me with tools to listen better, respond wisely, and serve them with both biblical truth and psychological understanding. I believe the church should be a place of refuge, not shame, and knowledge allows me to steward that responsibility with integrity. This journey is especially meaningful to me because I am the first person in my family to attend university. Higher education represents more than a degree; it represents perseverance, sacrifice, and the hope of opening doors not only for myself, but for those who will come after me. This scholarship would relieve financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies, ministry, and personal growth without the constant strain of balancing limited resources. Beyond serving youth, I also feel called to support other pastors. Many leaders silently carry emotional exhaustion, stress, and unresolved trauma while caring for others. I have seen how unchecked mental strain can harm families, ministries, and personal faith. With formal training in psychology, I hope to be a voice of support and healing for pastors who often feel they must remain strong at all costs. This scholarship would directly benefit my journey with God and higher education by allowing me to continue preparing for a life of service rooted in compassion, wisdom, and faith. I am committed to using what I learn not for personal gain, but to serve the church more effectively, advocate for mental health awareness, and help others encounter God’s healing in every dimension of their lives. Ultimately, receiving this scholarship would affirm the vision God has placed in my lifeto serve people with compassion that is informed, responsible, and deeply rooted in faith. Education sharpens discernment and expands capacity, allowing ministry to move beyond good intentions into effective care. As I continue this journey, I desire to model a faith that embraces both spiritual devotion and intellectual growth, demonstrating that seeking help, learning deeply, and serving wisely are acts of obedience to God. This support would not only help me finish my degree, but would also empower me to continue building a ministry where healing, understanding, and hope are accessible to all.