My father wanted me, and my mother didn't, but that all changed when I was born. My mother was 22 when she had me, fresh out of college, trying to put a rough past behind herself with a new baby. My father left her and tried to act like we were nothing but a hiccup in his life, but she shielded me from his harsh actions. I was her baby, and she didn't have financial stability or job security, but she had love for me and knew she'd do anything to make sure I grew up feeling loved regardless of our situation. We didn't have much, but she worked hard enough, so I had what I wanted and needed. She had a dream of me being a great person and being the better version of her, no matter what. With those expectations, we'd butt heads when I didn't do things right or if we didn't agree on certain things. Most of these problems started with school. Part of her dream had to be realized through my success in school. She would push me to do great in every subject. If I had all A's and a B, it'd always be "What happened here?" and "Can you fix this?". For a time, I would start to understand this, and of course, I would achieve it. I would still complain about it, as we children do, but I wouldn't become upset over it. I would be upset with how she wouldn't acknowledge my achievements, but as I continued to grow up, I realized she was just trying to understand what happened for me to have lower performance and that she already expected me to excel. I would start to understand this, and of course, I would occasionally still complain about it as we children do, but I wouldn't become upset over it. It became fuel for me to do better. It worked so well that I graduated as salutatorian of my class. When I graduated, it wasn't just an accomplishment to me but a testament to what my mother accomplished by raising me on her own. A 22-year-old woman coming from a terrible environment raised a great son who's off to do great things. Our situation caused a lot of problems mentally for both of us, but I'm off to become something great. I'm going to college to become a psychiatrist because I know therapy would've helped us process our problems better. My father didn't help my mother at all, and even now he refuses to help us pay for college, but even through the ignorance of my father, my mother and I will persevere and try our hardest to achieve her dream for me and my goals.

Growing up in the African American community, I have witnessed firsthand the damaging stigma that surrounds mental health. It was ingrained in our culture that seeking help for mental health issues was a sign of weakness, something that was "not black." This attitude not only keeps alive the idea that mental health concerns are not valid but also creates a barrier for community members to seek the help they need. The impact of this stigma is particularly concerning when it comes to younger generations. When children and teens are taught to ignore or suppress their mental health issues, it can have lasting effects on their well-being and overall development. By normalizing the idea of therapy and mental health support, we can empower young people to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed. I firmly believe that seeking therapy should not be a last resort but rather a proactive step towards self-care and personal growth. Just as we visit the doctor for regular check-ups, we should also prioritize our mental health by seeking therapy when necessary. This shift in mindset is crucial in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a culture of openness and support. In my community, I have taken on the role of advocating for mental health awareness and support. I actively participate in youth rallies and converse with my peers about their struggles and experiences. By sharing my journey and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being, I hope to inspire a shift in attitudes towards mental health within my community. Even though the quest to end the stigma of mental health continues, I can't just advocate for change in high school and then stop as soon as I graduate. I need to keep pushing forward and ensure that my goal doesn't remain in the past. Looking towards the future, I have set my sights on a career as a psychiatrist. My goal is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, particularly those from minority backgrounds who have been underserved in terms of mental health resources. I am committed to being a voice for those who feel unheard and to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the help they need. Education plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By pursuing a college education and specializing in psychology, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on mental health. Through continuous learning and professional development, I aim to be at the forefront of advocating for mental health awareness and support within minority communities. In conclusion, I am determined to be a voice for those who feel unheard. I'm fully committed to making a difference in the lives of those marginalized and underserved regarding mental health support.

A community is a group of people who find each other through location, circumstance, or experience, but a community is also when the people around you have your back, and vice versa. Growing up in the African American community, I have witnessed firsthand the damaging stigma that surrounds mental health. It was ingrained in our culture that seeking help for mental health issues was a sign of weakness, something that was "not black." This attitude not only keeps alive the idea that mental health concerns are not valid but also creates a barrier for community members to seek the help they need. The impact of this stigma is particularly concerning when it comes to younger generations. When children and teens are taught to ignore or suppress their mental health issues, it can have lasting effects on their well-being and overall development. By normalizing the idea of therapy and mental health support, we can empower young people to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed. I firmly believe that seeking therapy should not be a last resort but rather a proactive step towards self-care and personal growth. Just as we visit the doctor for regular check-ups, we should also prioritize our mental health by seeking therapy when necessary. This shift in mindset is crucial in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a culture of openness and support. In my community, I have taken on the role of advocating for mental health awareness and support. I actively participate in youth rallies and converse with my peers about their struggles and experiences. By sharing my journey and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being, I hope to inspire a shift in attitudes towards mental health within my community. Even though the quest to end the stigma of mental health continues, I can't just advocate for change in high school and then stop as soon as I graduate. I need to keep pushing forward and ensure that my goal doesn't remain in the past. Looking towards the future, I have set my sights on a career as a psychiatrist. My goal is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, particularly those from minority backgrounds who have been underserved in terms of mental health resources. I am committed to being a voice for those who feel unheard and to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the help they need. Education plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By pursuing a college education and specializing in psychology, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. Through continuous learning and professional development, I aim to be at the forefront of advocating for mental health awareness and support within minority communities. In conclusion, I believe awarding this scholarship to me will help serve my community while relieving some of the financial burden of attending college from my family. Creating a community leader who's debt-free, but fully committed to making a difference in the lives of those who have been marginalized and underserved in terms of mental health support.