When you think about the most influential person in your life, you may think of someone who is successful, ambitious, kind-hearted, goal-driven, etc. Someone who lives a life that is an inspiration to all. They set an example of what the ideal human should be. They walk in love, grace, and mercy. If I was to choose the most influential person in my life based on this description, I’d say my mother, my father, my grandparents, my siblings; nearly all the people who’ve contributed to my growth and development over the years. However, my biggest life influence looks a little different. As much as I’d love to speak on those wonderful people and the individual impacts that they’ve had on my life, nobody has had a bigger impact on me than my uncle, Jason. What makes his influence different from my other relatives is that he’s the opposite of what I aspire to be. I love my uncle with all my heart. In his sobriety, he is loving, family-oriented, intelligent, hardworking and so much more. However, when he’s under the influence, he is none of these things. He’s erratic, unpredictable, irritable, contentious, and sometimes even violent. Over the years, my family and I have witnessed the emergence of my uncle’s crack addiction. In its formative years, my parents and aunts did everything they could to help him. They spent time and money trying to put him in rehab, taking care of his family, and covering fees for his housing facilities. No matter what they did or how much they spent, nothing could prevent him from falling back into drug use. It was a never-ending cycle of sobriety and relapse. It was hard for me to understand how someone could get to such a low point in life. Growing up, Uncle Jason was never into hard drugs. The most he did was smoke cigarettes, and eventually, he stopped doing that. During my childhood, he worked so hard trying to create a stable life for himself and his son as a single father. He eventually remarried after 5 years and had a beautiful baby girl with his then-wife. He established a consistent stream of income and even started his own business. Life for him couldn’t seem to be better. That was…until his car accident. My uncle’s recollection of the accident was and is extremely vague and distorted until this day, so my family never got a clear understanding of how it all happened. All we know is how strenuous his recovery process was. He spent a month in the hospital getting treated for a severe head injury and a broken arm. According to him, he was prescribed 16 pills to take every day to ease his pain. We believe this was a possible trigger to his substance abuse. Watching my uncle’s life take a turn for the worse impacted me in ways I still don’t quite understand. I never thought someone who pretty much had it all together could lose everything in such a short time. Today, he no longer has his wife, his children, his job, or his home, and has lost an abundant amount of access to his close family and friends. Seeing his decline altered the way I looked at addiction, mental health, and substance abuse. It made me think about how most people struggling with addiction once had a good life and a village of people who cared for them. It taught me that addiction is no more a choice than it is a mental illness and victims should be given clinical help, not criminalized or demonized by society. My uncle's life story has taught me that no matter how successful you become or how “picture perfect” your life seems, one traumatic event can cause you to lose everything in the blink of an eye. It takes someone who is strong-minded, steadfast, and enduring to be able to withstand an event such as the one he did and although he couldn’t be that person, I knew he'd want me to. That, alone, propels my advocacy and push for the betterment of the mentally ill and drug-addicted.

As an aspiring child therapist, there is such a crucial need for people like myself with a yearning desire to improve the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of children in underrepresented and under-resourced communities. I’ve had the opportunity, through working with child-centered organizations such as High 5 After School Program and iEducate, to engage and uplift young black students who may face feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem as it regards to their academic abilities. With each interaction, I aim to dismantle any negative ideas or opinions that they may have formed around themselves and education as a whole, as well as empower them to break the stigmas and stereotypes impeding their destiny. Though there is still much work to be done, there have been great strides in these communities' educational and financial reform through government efforts and policies, but what about the mental health of these children and their families? When do they have a chance to receive therapy that is not attached to school or CPS? Real therapy with no strings attached. That’s what those children deserve, and that’s what I plan to give them. I will devote my career to advocating for government funding as it relates to therapy for children in low-income homes. That way, the burden of paying for this luxury is taken out of the hands of hard-working parents and put into the hands of people with the means to do so. Just imagine the difference it would make if children who lived in a household where their parents were constantly working to provide for them had an outlet to express themselves in a way that was emotionally cultivating. A space where they could not only release their emotions but be given the tools to address them as well. This would alleviate most of the issues we see in the classroom where educators have to deal with challenging behaviors. Instead of needing the intervention of an adult during classroom conflict, they could use the strategies given in therapy to redirect these situations on their own. That said, I believe I would be a well-selected recipient for the Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship, not only because of my strong belief in advocacy and inclusivity of minorities in low-income areas but because I know that this investment into my education will be a seed of social change in the communities I plan to impact. With a strong passion to bring mental health awareness and reform to low-income families, I assure you that I'll play a major part in changing the trajectory of inner-city children, teens, and adolescents; which is beyond vital as they will serve as our future lawyers, doctors, educators, and beyond.

Growing up in a household with pastors for parents, there was a new sight of leadership in and outside of the church walls every day. Along with the three hours delegated to serving the church body every Sunday, my parents were often met with midnight calls from members needing urgent prayer for themselves or a loved one, they would sometimes have to split time between supporting us at extracurricular events and facilitating bible study, and there were endless staff meetings, marriage counseling sessions, and new members classes that they juggled throughout the week. As I grew older and became ready to take on leadership roles in my educational journey, I noticed that I inevitably adopted similar habits as my parents when they were in leadership. I would often be awake at the break of dawn brainstorming, planning, and calculating what could be done to better the organizations I led. I found myself reaching out to fellow e-board members to check on their well-being when I was a blink away from throwing in the towel, myself. I was devoted to serving the student body and if that required me to put their needs and wants before mine, that’s what I would do…just as my parents did. As a first-year college student, I still carry the same leadership values I did growing up. I’ve had the chance to work on the e-board as a secretary intern for Deep South Aggies, a hometown organization for students hailing from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Although it’s a more minuscule leadership position compared to the ones I held in high school--- Freshmen Class President, Senior Class President, National Honor Society President, Dance Team Captain, etc.--- I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a liaison bridging the gap between the e-board and members. I gather information from both parties and effectively exchange them to ensure a smooth-flowing, member-oriented organization. As much as I value leadership in my life, I also value academic excellence. From being a Gifted & Talented student in elementary, a National Junior Honor Society student in middle school, a National Honor Society student in high school, and now an Honors College student in college, I know what it takes to excel academically. However, after years of receiving accolades and awards for my intelligence, I don’t see myself as some type of genius or academic guru. In my eyes, I’m just an ordinary black girl who strives to be the best she can be so that she can inspire generations of little black boys and girls just like her. When I reflect on my academic success, I relish two things: representation and reformation. This brings me to my last life pillar: social change. As an aspiring child therapist, there is such a crucial need for people like myself with a yearning desire to improve the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of black children in underrepresented and underresourced communities. There have been great strides in these communities' educational and financial reform through government efforts and policies, but what about the mental health of children of these children? When do they have a chance to receive therapy that is not attached to school or CPS? Real therapy with no strings attached. That’s what those children deserve, and that’s what I plan to give them. I will devote my career to advocating for government funding as it relates to therapy for children in low-income homes. That way, the burden of paying for this luxury is taken out of the hands of hard-working parents and put into the hands of people with the means to do so.

Growing up, reading was second nature to me. There was not a point where you would see me without a book in my hand. Reading allowed me to escape from the world around me and enter a new reality; one that would allow me to exercise the creative act of imagination. The words on the pages often came to life and before I knew it, I had orchestrated a whole theatre production in my head. Although I’d read a plethora of books throughout my childhood, it wasn’t until I got to sixth grade that I actually felt a book. Not just imagined it but actually felt it deep in my soul. It was a weekday and my siblings and I went on our monthly trip to the local library. My dad made it a tradition to take us to the library every month so that we’d have at least 2-3 books to read over the span of the following 4 weeks. I was on the cusp of teenagehood and knew I needed to upgrade my book collection to more mature content. My sister who was probably 15 at the time recommended that I look into Sharon G. Flake, a Black female author who was known for creating coming-of-age books about young Black teens. I hurried to the shelf labeled “Authors A-G”. My fingers fiddled through the array of books until I finally picked up a book with the title, “The Skin I’m In”. On the cover was a beautiful dark skin woman with distinct Afrocentric features. I was instantly captivated and knew that this book would be a game-changer for me. As soon as I got home from the library, I cracked open ”The Skin I’m In”. Once I opened the book that night, I never closed it again. I identified so much with the main character, Maleeka, and her struggle with simply loving who she was. Though I may have not shared the same issue of embracing my complexion as her, there were so many other reasons why I was convinced to not love the skin I was in. Much like Maleeka, I was bullied for my appearance. “You’re so tall, like a giant.”, “Your nose is too big.”, “Ew look at your feet!”. Comments like these constantly rang in my head and soon enough, I began to internalize them. Similar to Maleeka, these insecurities prevented me from enjoying the simple things in life. I was scared to make new friends, I hated going out ‘cause I didn’t like the way I looked, and I often sold myself short when it came to different opportunities because my self-worth was so low. It wasn’t until I read this book that I realized the true meaning of the quote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” “The Skin I’m In” taught me that I would never be satisfied with how I looked if I relied on the validation of others. The only way I can change how I feel about myself is if I change my perception of myself. After hearing Maleeka affirm herself in the end and say “I’m black, real black, and if you don’t like me, too bad ‘cause black is the skin I’m in!” I knew I had to begin to speak life into my own self. Since then I’ve been declaring that I’m beautiful no matter what and if people don’t like it, too bad ‘cause THIS is the skin I'M in!

As in many career industries, there’s an underrepresentation of black professionals in the field of therapy, which is reflected in the population of black people who actually partake in therapy. According to CrossRiverTherapy.org, out of the 198,811 therapists currently employed in the United States, Blacks and African Americans only make up 4.1%. Meanwhile, as of 2020, 28% of Blacks and African Americans reported having a mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder. As an aspiring child therapist, there is such a crucial need for people like myself with a yearning desire to improve the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of children in underrepresented and under-resourced communities. I’ve had the opportunity, through working with child-centered organizations such as High 5 After School Program and iEducate, to engage and uplift young black students who may face feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem as it regards to their academic abilities. With each interaction, I aim to dismantle any negative ideas or opinions that they may have formed around themselves and education as a whole, as well as empower them to break the stigmas and stereotypes impeding their destiny. Though there is still much work to be done, there has been great strides in these communities' educational and financial reform through government efforts and policies, but what about the mental health of these children and their families? When do they have a chance to receive therapy that is not attached to school or CPS? Real therapy with no strings attached. That’s what those children deserve, and that’s what I plan to give them. I will devote my career to advocating for government funding as it relates to therapy for children in low-income homes. That way, the burden of paying for this luxury is taken out of the hands of hard-working parents and put into the hands of people with the means to do so. Just imagine the difference it would make if children who lived in a household where their parents were constantly working to provide for them had an outlet to express themselves in a way that was emotionally cultivating. A space where they could not only release their emotions but be given the tools to address them as well. This would alleviate most of the issues we see in the classroom where educators have to deal with challenging behaviors. Instead of needing the intervention of an adult during classroom conflict, they could use the strategies given in therapy to redirect these situations on their own. That said, I believe I would be a well-selected recipient for the Social Change Fund United Scholarship, not only because of my strong belief in advocacy and inclusivity of minorities in low-income areas but because I know that this investment into my education will be a seed of social change in the communities I plan to impact. With a strong passion to bring mental health awareness and reform to low-income families, I assure you that I'll play a major part in changing the trajectory of inner-city children, teens, and adolescents; which is beyond vital as they will serve as our future lawyers, doctors, educators, and beyond.

As an aspiring child therapist, there is such a crucial need for people like myself with a yearning desire to improve the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of children in underrepresented and under-resourced communities. I’ve had the opportunity, through working with child-centered organizations such as High 5 After School Program and iEducate, to engage and uplift young black students who may face feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem as it regards to their academic abilities. With each interaction, I aim to dismantle any negative ideas or opinions that they may have formed around themselves and education as a whole, as well as empower them to break the stigmas and stereotypes impeding their destiny. Though there is still much work to be done, there have been great strides in these communities' educational and financial reform through government efforts and policies, but what about the mental health of these children and their families? When do they have a chance to receive therapy that is not attached to school or CPS? Real therapy with no strings attached. That’s what those children deserve, and that’s what I plan to give them. I will devote my career to advocating for government funding as it relates to therapy for children in low-income homes. That way, the burden of paying for this luxury is taken out of the hands of hard-working parents and put into the hands of people with the means to do so. Only from my own experiences, though, am I able to relate and appeal to these families. I grew up in the Homestead area of Houston, Texas; one of the most underserved and impoverished neighborhoods in the city. If it wasn’t for the vision and faith that my parents had to not just get out of that unhealthy environment, but go back and reform it, I wouldn’t have the passion I do now to go back and do the same. I knew that by attending college and getting my degree, I would be able to make an impact on an even broader scale. Just imagine the difference it would make if children who lived in a household where their parents were constantly working to provide for them had an outlet to express themselves in a way that was emotionally cultivating. A space where they could not only release their emotions but be given the tools to address them as well. This would alleviate most of the issues we see in the classroom where educators have to deal with challenging behaviors. Instead of needing the intervention of an adult during classroom conflict, they could use the strategies given in therapy to redirect these situations on their own. That said, I believe I would be a well-selected recipient for the Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship, not only because of my strong belief in advocacy and inclusivity of minorities in low-income areas but because I know that this investment into my education will be a seed of social change in the communities I plan to impact. With a strong passion to bring mental health awareness and reform to low-income families, I assure you that I'll play a major part in changing the trajectory of inner-city children, teens, and adolescents; which is beyond vital as they will serve as our future lawyers, doctors, educators, and beyond.

As an aspiring child therapist, there is such a crucial need for people like myself with a yearning desire to improve the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of children and families in underrepresented and under-resourced communities to attain a higher education. I’ve had the opportunity, through working with child-centered organizations such as High 5 After School Program and iEducate, to engage and uplift young black students who may face feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem as it regards to their academic abilities. With each interaction, I aim to dismantle any negative ideas or opinions that they may have formed around themselves or school based on the stigmas that have been perpetuated by society on young black children and their education. Only from my own experiences am I able to relate to these students as well as appeal to them. I grew up in the Homestead area of Houston, Texas; one of the most underserved and impoverished neighborhoods in the city. If it wasn’t for the vision and faith that my parents had to not just get out of that unhealthy environment, but go back and reform it, I wouldn’t have the passion I do now to go back and do the same. I knew that by attending college and getting my degree, I would be able to make an impact on an even broader scale. Just imagine the difference it would make if children who lived in a household where their parents were constantly working to provide for them had an outlet to express themselves in a way that was emotionally cultivating. A space where they could not only release their emotions but be given the tools to properly address them as well. This would alleviate most of the issues we see in the classroom where educators have to deal with challenging behaviors. Instead of needing the intervention of an adult during classroom conflict, they could use the strategies given in therapy to redirect these situations on their own. That said, I believe I would be a well-selected recipient for the Stacy T. Mosley Jr. Educational Scholarship, not only because of my strong belief in advocacy and inclusivity but because I know that this investment into my education will be a seed of social change in the communities and areas I plan to impact. With a strong passion to bring mental health awareness and reform to low-income families, I assure you that I'll play a major part in changing the trajectory of inner-city children, teens, and adolescents; which is beyond vital as they will serve as our future lawyers, doctors, educators, and beyond.

There is no doubt that Covid-19 has caused a huge disruption in all of our lives. We’ve been forced to assimilate and adjust to a standard of living that we wouldn’t be able to imagine a couple of years ago. Who would’ve thought we’d be conformed to a world of masks, Lysol, and Germ-X? Constantly awaiting the next CDC announcement or our routinely Covid-19 test results. There hasn’t been controversy around positives and negatives like this since the discovery of batteries! In all seriousness, though, I’ve experienced loss, pain, grief, confusion, fear and so many other unsettling emotions during this pandemic. It didn’t take long for me to come to grips with the fact that life as we knew it might never be the same. It was at that moment I also realized there was nothing I could do but make the best of it. “How?” you may ask; by realizing that there were people out there who were suffering far worse than my weariness of being stuck in the house. There were single mothers and fathers who lost their jobs and could no longer provide for their families. There were new mothers who had to bring a life into this world alone in an empty, family-less hospital room. There were prison inmates who had spent years of their lives receiving the bare minimum but were faced with even worse conditions when having to be stuck in small facilities with an air-borne disease permeating the atmosphere. There were so many different people with so many different circumstances. I knew that sitting in my room moping about how Coronavirus halted my social and school life would do nothing to help those in more crucial situations. Being that my parents are founders of a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide aid and assistance to people living in underserved communities, I had a clear-cut chance to make an impact. Every Wednesday, during the summer of 2020, I went to Northeast Houston to distribute meals to one of the most crime and poverty-infested apartment complexes in the Homestead area. Anyone living in Houston can attest to the lack of resources and opportunities provided to a community such as this. That was until organizations like Community Works CDC set out to be the solution to this problem. With our weekly meal distributions, we were able to serve over 300 families a week, providing them with a 3-course meal plan lasting for at least seven days. We also administered our very own “Covid kits” to each family. These kits included masks, Lysol, gloves, thermometers, emergency food (canned goods), and more! In addition to providing families with nutritious meals & Covid kits, we were given a large grant to dispense rental assistance to people in that same area who were financially impacted by the pandemic. This opportunity birthed my first ever job: case management assistant. At the age of 16, I had the responsibility of compiling, managing and organizing the case files of several clients in need of financial assistance. I played a pivotal part in distributing $500,000 worth of Covid relief funds to struggling inner-city families. It’s unbelievable to think that I had such a positive impact on my community during a time when the whole world was facing adversity. I can truly say that 2020 ended up being one of my best years yet. I experienced a peak in my emotional, spiritual, and financial prosperity. I can go on in life never doing anything else and would still be fulfilled with my contribution to such a beautifully flawed community.