Three words: ease, freedom, and execution. When most people are asked about their dream life, they begin to list their dream cars, a big house, and much more. By no means am I removing those items from my list; however, my dream life has feelings attached to the look. In true therapist fashion. Upon graduating with my master's degree in sport and performance psychology in 2027, I will have completed a step towards obtaining my dream life, and that step is execution. My dream life consists of being able to execute what I set my mind to do. Many of us don't realize how much of a luxury it is to be able to solely invest our time, mind, money, etc, into bringing our dreams to reality. If working 2 jobs while being a full-time grad student has taught me anything is that my dream life provides me with the ability to focus without being stretched thin. To be able to release the need to always be on and to truly allow myself to reach new heights without waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am grateful for the skills my current experience has provided me, such as time management, being able to multitask, deciding what takes priority in my life, and the ability to pivot and problem-solve at a moment's notice. However, in my dream life, being in survival mode is no longer necessary. Which leads me into my next two feelings attached to my dream life, which are ease and freedom. My dream life feels like the manifestation of being in my "soft-girl era." As much as I am a woman who enjoys the finer things in life, something that holds insurmountable value in creating my dream life is freedom and ease. The freedom to fly anywhere, to enter any room, to attend any conference, to start my non-profit, to write a book, to retire my mother, to be all that I was created to be. I am in no way stating that I believe that I cannot obtain and accomplish these goals. Because a dream only becomes impossible when you stop believing in it. However, I want to end the cycle of putting myself through the wringer to only bask in an ounce of my hard work. Sometimes it is not that you don't believe that you can fly, but that you fear you will become too tired to try. Which is why freedom and ease are non-negotiables in the curation of my dream life. Furthermore, my dream life involves becoming a world-renowned psychologist and researcher, breaking down barriers in academia for Black women and men who want to pursue a career in research. Additionally, graduating with a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a JD in Sports and Entertainment Law are also key contributors to my dream life being as I want to serve as an advocate and lobbyist for mental health regulations for athletes in our country. As well as going into private practice with my best friend from college, we can continue to grow together as professionals, aiming to heal our community from within. On a more personal note, my dream life looks like celebrating my mom for bringing me all this way. Watching her overcome so much while raising me, providing me with the best life possible, and instilling in me many of the admirable qualities I hold today. I can't have a dream life without her in it. Lastly, my dream life looks like growing old with my boyfriend and buying a ranch to continue our mission of rescuing senior dogs.

My experience with mental health has completely reshaped how I move through the world. What once felt like silent struggles have become the foundation of my purpose. Facing my own mental health challenges, particularly in the wake of my career-ending injury, forced me to slow down and sit with emotions I had spent years pushing aside as an athlete. That pain became a teacher. In terms of my goals, it shifted everything. I went from chasing wins on the court to pursuing impact off of it. Now, my goal is to create spaces where athletes, especially Black men and children, feel seen, safe, and supported mentally, not just physically. I’m working toward becoming a sports psychologist, not just for the title, but to help build systems of early intervention and sustainable mental health culture in athletics. My relationships have deepened. I no longer value surface-level conversations, I crave connection. Vulnerability is now something I seek, not shy away from. I’ve learned how to set boundaries, communicate more honestly, and support others without neglecting myself. And my understanding of the world? It's more compassionate. I see how many people carry invisible pain, and how misunderstood mental health still is, especially in high-performance spaces and underserved communities. I now view healing as collective, not individual. Mental health isn’t a luxury or a weakness, it’s survival. And my life’s work is making sure more people have the tools and language to survive and thrive.

What I want to build is a new foundation for how athletes, especially young, Black, and underserved ones, experience mental health within sports. Through my journey as a former high-level volleyball player, youth coach, and future sports psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how often performance is prioritized over personal well-being. I’m working to change that by building a culture that champions both. My own athletic career ended with a devastating knee injury and surgery. That loss pushed me into unfamiliar emotional territory, but it also revealed the urgent need for stronger mental health support in sports. I realized how many athletes suffer in silence, especially when they come from communities where mental health isn’t talked about openly or where resources are scarce. That’s when I committed to building something bigger than myself. Today, I coach beginner volleyball players ages 6–12, many of whom are playing sports for the first time. I use our time together to build confidence, discipline, and self-awareness—skills that extend beyond the court. I also founded The Gut Punch Magazine, a digital mental health platform for athletes and psychiatric professionals. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, it’s become a space for athletes to be heard and supported. I volunteer with the Be VicTORIEus Foundation, which supports Black and Brown youth athletes by addressing trauma, stress, and adversity from an early age. What I want to build next is a pipeline of mental performance resources accessible to all athletes, particularly those at HBCUs and underfunded schools. I plan to create integrated programs that train coaches to support their athletes’ minds, not just their bodies, and empower student-athletes to take ownership of their emotional health. It’s a vision rooted in collaboration, empathy, and sustainable change. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue building toward a future where athletic success and mental health go hand in hand. It would allow me to deepen my education by pursuing a master's in sport psychology and expand my reach, so I can keep showing up for my community and building something meaningful with them, not just for them. Let’s build this future together.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. It was during this time that I knew that my life’s mission was to help people on an emotional level, and from that moment forward, I knew that I would become a psychologist. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through learning more about the practice of psychology, I discovered the power and strength that we hold within our mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my mind and how to best regulate my emotions, as well as how to help others find a healthier, more impactful emotional release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood, and encourage others to adopt into their lives as well. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and the sub-practices within it. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. From being my nana's caregiver, I learned how our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

As a former competitive athlete, a coach, and an aspiring sports psychologist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how mental health struggles, particularly those rooted in trauma and adversity, are often overlooked in athletic spaces. I’m especially passionate about supporting Black athletes and those impacted by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), because I was once that athlete: strong on the outside, silently struggling within. The She Rose Foundation’s commitment to uplifting young women who are determined to break generational barriers mirrors my own mission; using sports psychology as a vehicle for healing, equity, and lasting change. My journey into this work began after a career-ending injury forced me to redefine my identity outside of the game I loved. That physical recovery brought to the surface deeper wounds, unprocessed trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt that had gone unnoticed by coaches, trainers, and even myself. Through therapy and reflection, I realized how many athletes, especially Black and Brown ones, are praised for their toughness but rarely offered space to be vulnerable. I also realized that true health equity in sports must include mental and emotional well-being. Currently, I make an impact through multiple avenues. As a youth volleyball coach, I prioritize not just skill development but self-worth. I embed mental health tools into my coaching, like breathing exercises, affirmation circles, and open conversations about failure, creating a culture where young athletes can thrive as whole people, not just performers. I also run a digital magazine and social media platform, The Gut Punch, where I share athlete-centered mental health content to normalize asking for help and encourage healing through storytelling. Receiving the She Rose Foundation Scholarship would directly support my next step: pursuing graduate studies in sports psychology. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of education but also affirm my commitment to building a career centered on advocacy, equity, and healing. With this support, I can focus on developing research and community-based programs that empower athletes who’ve been underserved and unheard. In the future, I plan to implement three key initiatives: - Early Intervention Programs in college athletics to identify athletes with high ACEs and provide proactive support. - Mental performance access at HBCUs ensures that Black athletes have equitable resources to thrive mentally and emotionally. - Storytelling Campaigns that elevate the voices of marginalized athletes and redefine mental toughness through a lens of empathy and resilience. My vision is bold, but so is the need. I believe healing can start on the court, in the locker room, and within the stories we tell ourselves. With the support of the She Rose Foundation, I will continue to create space for athletes, especially young women of color, to rise, reclaim their narratives, and access the mental health resources they deserve. I’m not just hoping to make a difference—I’m actively building one.

As someone pursuing a future in sports psychology with a deep commitment to athlete mental health, my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA is Sha’Carri Richardson. Cheering for Sha’Carri means more than celebrating her electric speed, it means uplifting an athlete who embodies resilience, authenticity, and the urgent need for mental health reform in sports. Her story inspires my academic and professional journey, and reflects everything I believe in as a future mental health advocate for athletes. Sha’Carri’s rise to prominence was meteoric. With her bright hair, fierce confidence, and captivating performances, she captured the world’s attention as a sprinter unlike any other. But it wasn’t just her athleticism that made her memorable, it was the humanity she showed when faced with public adversity. In 2021, after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, she was disqualified due to a positive marijuana test. Sha’Carri openly shared that she had used marijuana to cope with the unexpected death of her biological mother just days before the trials. Her vulnerability struck a chord with me. As a Black woman, an athlete, and an aspiring sports psychologist, I saw her not as a failure, but as someone in pain, navigating grief, pressure, and public scrutiny with remarkable honesty. That moment illuminated a glaring gap in the sports world: the lack of holistic mental health support for athletes, particularly Black women. Sha’Carri became a symbol of how much emotional labor athletes carry and how little grace they’re given when their humanity shows. Her experience affirmed my commitment to building mental performance and wellness frameworks that see athletes as people first, not just performers. What makes cheering for Sha’Carri even more powerful is the way she returned. In 2023, she won the 100m at the World Athletics Championships, becoming the fastest woman in the world. Her comeback wasn’t just about speed, it was about healing. It proved that prioritizing your mental health doesn’t mean abandoning your goals; it can be what strengthens them. Her journey taught the world and reaffirmed for me that resilience is not about never falling; it’s about getting back up with purpose. As a future mental health practitioner, I admire the courage it takes for someone like Sha’Carri to show up authentically in a system that often demands conformity. Her boldness, from her appearance to her openness about her emotional journey, reminds me of the need for culturally competent care in athletic spaces. Athletes like Sha’Carri deserve therapists and support systems that understand the nuances of race, gender, grief, and pressure. They deserve to be seen fully, and I intend to be a part of creating that reality. Sha’Carri’s story also underscores the broader cultural shift that’s happening in sports, a shift I hope to help lead. From Simone Biles to Naomi Osaka to Sha’Carri Richardson, we’re seeing athletes take control of their narratives, advocate for their mental health, and model vulnerability as strength. It’s an exciting and necessary evolution, and it motivates me every day in my academic journey. In cheering for Sha’Carri, I am also cheering for the future I want to build. A future where mental health is not a luxury for athletes but a foundation. A future where stories like hers are met with support, not punishment. A future where young athletes, especially Black girls, can see themselves represented, respected, and protected in all aspects of their careers. That’s why Sha’Carri Richardson is my favorite Team USA athlete because her impact transcends the track. She runs for herself, for those who’ve been counted out, and for the change we so desperately need in sports.

Sports have shaped my identity for as long as I can remember. As a competitive volleyball player, I thrived in the structured, high-pressure environment of athletics. The sport taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of a strong mindset. But when my career was cut short by injury, I found myself in uncharted territory—grappling with the loss of something that had defined me for so long. The transition was disorienting. I realized just how much my mental well-being had been tied to my sport, and for the first time, I truly understood the struggles that many athletes face when their physical abilities no longer align with their ambitions. That experience solidified my passion for athlete mental health. I saw firsthand how often mental struggles in sports go unspoken, how the pressure to perform can overshadow emotional well-being, and how many athletes, especially Black athletes, are left to navigate these challenges alone. This realization led me to pursue a degree in psychology and dedicate my career to ensuring that athletes have the mental health support they need—not just to perform at their best, but to thrive as individuals. The MASPP program at the University of Denver is the perfect fit for my aspirations. It provides the rigorous training and applied experience necessary to make a real impact in sport psychology. More than that, it aligns with my mission to bridge the gap between performance and well-being, particularly in communities where mental health resources are limited. My goal is to develop sustainable, athlete-centered mental health initiatives that address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) early, improve the coach-athlete relationship through mental performance training, and ensure that athletes at HBCUs have access to the same mental health resources as those at PWIs. Mental health in athletics is often treated as secondary to physical performance, but I believe they are inseparable. The knowledge and skills I gain in this program will help change that narrative—allowing athletes to see that mental well-being is just as important as strength, speed, and skill. Through my work, I want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, particularly for Black athletes who often face additional cultural and systemic barriers to seeking help. I want to create spaces where athletes feel safe expressing their emotions, discussing their struggles, and accessing the support they need. This means not only working with athletes, but also educating coaches, sports organizations, and institutions on how to integrate mental performance and well-being into their programs. My long-term vision is to develop comprehensive mental health and performance programs that are accessible to athletes at every level—from youth sports to professional leagues. By implementing early intervention strategies, particularly for athletes who have experienced childhood trauma or adversity, I hope to create a healthier, more sustainable sports culture where athletes don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Balancing full-time work while being a graduate student has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a clinical research coordinator, mentor, and coach, I wear multiple hats daily—often juggling responsibilities that demand my full attention. There are days when exhaustion sets in, the workload feels overwhelming, and imposter syndrome tries to creep in. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience in a way that no textbook could teach. I’ve developed time management skills that allow me to stay on top of my studies while remaining committed to my work. More importantly, I’ve learned how to prioritize my own mental well-being—practicing the same strategies I advocate for in athletes. These experiences allow me to approach my education with a deeper sense of purpose.

As a college student with a background in sports, mental health advocacy, and coaching, I have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on mental health, especially within the athlete and youth communities. Here are some actions I can take to leverage my experiences and passions: Leverage My Experience in Sports and Mental Health My journey as a former athlete who transitioned into mental health advocacy is a powerful story that I can share. By speaking at events, conducting workshops, or writing blog posts on my platform, The Gut Punch Magazine (@thegutpunchmag), I can highlight how athletes, particularly those coming from minority populations, can prioritize their mental health and overcome challenges. I can host monthly Instagram Live sessions or panel discussions with other athletes and mental health professionals to share strategies for coping with stress, injury, and performance pressure. Create Mental Health Resources for Athletes Drawing from my own experiences with the pressures of competitive sports, I can develop resources specifically tailored for athletes. This might include practical guides on managing mental health during injury recovery or balancing sports with academics. I can develop a digital guide or e-book focused on mental resilience for student-athletes and distribute it through my magazine and social media platforms. Organize Workshops for Youth Athletes As a youth volleyball coach, I’m already in a position of influence. I can introduce mental wellness practices to my young athletes, helping them build a strong mental foundation from an early age. I can integrate mindfulness activities, like deep breathing or visualization exercises, into my coaching sessions. Additionally, I can host occasional workshops for parents and players on the importance of mental health in sports. Build a Support Group for Injured Athletes Reflecting on my experience with a career-ending injury, I know how valuable a supportive community can be. I can create a space for other athletes going through similar challenges, particularly those struggling with the transition from sports to a different lifestyle. I could start a support group or peer network on campus for injured or retired athletes, providing a space to discuss challenges and share coping strategies. I might also collaborate with my college’s counseling center. Develop a Mentorship Program Given my role as a coach and advocate, I can create a mentorship program where upperclassmen athletes support incoming freshmen, focusing on sports, mental wellness, academic balance, and personal development. I could partner with my college’s athletic department to pilot this mentorship program, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being for student-athletes. Contribute to Academic Research Being that I want to explore the academic side of mental health further. I can collaborate with professors or other students on research projects related to mental health in sports, especially focusing on underrepresented communities. I can join or initiate a research project exploring the impact of mental health initiatives on athlete performance and overall well-being. I could publish my findings in my magazine or present them at student conferences. I can significantly contribute to the mental health landscape by taking these steps, especially for athletes and young people. My unique perspective, drawn from my personal experiences and commitment to advocacy, positions me to be a powerful force for change on my campus and beyond.

Mental health advocacy in the Black community is an essential and urgent matter that requires concerted efforts and community service. The historical and ongoing experiences of racism, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities have disproportionately impacted the mental well-being of individuals within the Black community, and through my own personal experience witnessing the lack of mental health support for the Black community in my hometown, Chicago, Illinois. No Black person should feel as though they have to heal alone or without guidance. Especially when the systems responsible for the trauma and those enforcing it are still standing. With this scholarship I will be able to fund my pursuit of a Master's in Mental Health to further equip me with the knowledge, network, and resources to make a positive impact on society. Recognizing the systemic barriers and lack of access to mental health resources in the Black community, I feel a sense of duty to address these issues through community service and disaster relief efforts. Community service is deeply ingrained within the Black community, rooted in traditions of collective support, resilience, and empowerment. I plan to employ cultural value system encourages individuals to take action and make a positive impact by actively engaging in conversations about mental health within the community can help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. By openly discussing mental health issues and sharing personal stories, individuals can promote understanding, acceptance, and encourage others to seek help. Recognizing the structural inequities that contribute to mental health disparities, I plan to empower individuals to advocate for policy changes at the local, regional, and national levels. This includes advocating for increased funding for mental health services, culturally competent care, and improved access to mental health resources within the Black community. By partnering with mental health professionals and organizations I plan to help contribute to the efforts to enhance the effectiveness of community service efforts. This collaboration can lead to the development of culturally sensitive treatment approaches, training programs, and workshops tailored specifically for the Black community. Mental health advocacy in the Black community requires community service and disaster relief efforts driven by personal experiences, a sense of responsibility, and cultural values. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, providing support and resources, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, individuals can contribute more effectively to mental health advocacy in the Black community. It is through these collective efforts that I plan to assist in creating a society that supports the mental well-being of all individuals, promoting healing, resilience, and social equity.

Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for social justice and mental health. During my senior year of college, I served as the President of a mental health organization called Bettering black Minds. Where our goal is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and therapy in the Black community and educate others about the nuances of mental health as a Black person in society. We hold weekly meetings discussing everything from generational trauma to how to make space for one another and ourselves. This organization has greatly impacted the community because it is no secret that mental health struggles are something that is plaguing every community, and even moreso historically disenfranchised communities with minimal access to resources. By leading and being a part of this organization we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as, Black and African-American students visiting our university counseling center. As a mental health advocate and collegiate volleyball player, I noticed the underrepresentation of girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. So naturally, to blend my two passions I founded my organization, (ACE) All Children Excel Sports and Fitness Academy, which allows girls from historically disenfranchised communities to play competitive volleyball, develop youth leadership, and cultivate emotional intelligence skills to show them the parallels between emotional intelligence and being an effective leader. I also serve as one of the coaches and secured a corporate partnership that provides additional support such as a space to hold practices and tournaments. Through ACE I attack the lack of mental health education and leadership skills which is a key component in many of the social issues that plague society today whether that be the lack of diversity in sports, STEM, business, etc or the ever-growing amount of children institutionalized, medicated, and not receiving the proper resources and access simply because of the color of their skin and how much their household income is. I use my organization and community outreach as a platform to help educate my community and others about my mental health movement "Operation it Ends with Us", as we lead the fight against the youth mental health crisis. This fully youth-led peer-to-peer virtual discussion is an initiative to talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the biggest public health threat facing our nation's youth and a major contributor to the stark rise in mental health challenges among young people today. All of these initiatives and organizations share a common goal in mind, and that is to uplift, educate, and empower Black and African-American youth to be able to be a part of the positive change in the world and in our community.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. It was during this time that I knew that my life’s mission was to help people on an emotional level, and from that moment forward I knew that I would become a psychologist. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through learning more about the practice of psychology, I discovered the power and strength that we hold within our mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my mind and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood, and encourage others to adopt into their lives as well. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and the sub-practices within it. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. It was during this time that I knew that my life’s mission was to help people on an emotional level, and from that moment forward I knew that I would become a psychologist. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. I started restoring one of the most important relationships in my life. My relationship with myself. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for social justice and mental health. During my senior year of college, I served as the President of a mental health organization called Bettering black Minds. Where our goal is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and therapy in the Black community and educate others about the nuances of mental health as a Black person in society. We hold weekly meetings discussing everything from generational trauma to how to make space for one another and ourselves. This organization has greatly impacted the community because it is no secret that mental health struggles are something that is plaguing every community, and even moreso historically disenfranchised communities with minimal access to resources. By leading and being a part of this organization we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as, Black and African-American students visiting our university counseling center. As a mental health advocate and collegiate volleyball player, I noticed the underrepresentation of girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. So naturally, to blend my two passions I founded my organization, (ACE) All Children Excel Sports and Fitness Academy, which allows girls from historically disenfranchised communities to play competitive volleyball, develop youth leadership, and cultivate emotional intelligence skills to show them the parallels between emotional intelligence and being an effective leader. I also serve as one of the coaches and secured a corporate partnership that provides additional support such as a space to hold practices and tournaments. Through ACE I attack the lack of mental health education and leadership skills which is a key component in many of the social issues that plague society today whether that be the lack of diversity in sports, STEM, business, etc or the ever-growing amount of children institutionalized, medicated, and not receiving the proper resources and access simply because of the color of their skin and how much their household income is. I use my organization and community outreach as a platform to help educate my community and others about my mental health movement "Operation it Ends with Us", as we lead the fight against the youth mental health crisis. This fully youth-led peer-to-peer virtual discussion is an initiative to talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the biggest public health threat facing our nation's youth and a major contributor to the stark rise in mental health challenges among young people today. All of these initiatives and organizations share a common goal in mind, and that is to uplift, educate, and empower Black and African-American youth to be able to be a part of the positive change in the world and in our community. As someone who also struggles with mental illness, pouring myself into my organizations and mentoring, and hosting events is one of the main coping mechanisms that help me. Being in a space with individuals who can empathize with your current state without pitying you or trying to fix you is really a healing environment to be in. I hope that with this experience, being able to build this community, and being able to further my education I will become a licensed child and adolescent psychologist that also specializes in sports psychology. There is a need in our communities for not just psychologists and mental health professionals, but professionals that can speak to and relate to their clients on a personal level, not as an outsider.

My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo. I admire Frida because like myself she used her pain and trauma as fuel for her work that has brought her to fame. She never let any of the obstacles in her life deter her from making inspirational, life-changing artwork. Until Frida's dying day she was a fighter, an activist, a creative, and an innovator.

I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day-to-day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the painful relationship with my father and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my traumas ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

One of my favorite moments on the court would have to be during my high school senior season. In my junior year, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to undergo a medical procedure which in turn didn't allow me to complete my club volleyball season. I spent months going to physical therapy and working to be 100% healthy. We were playing one of our fierce competitors. I called a play that we worked on in practice but never executed in a game. I told one of my teammates "on this pass be ready." It was like watching a movie for the first time. We had a perfect pass, I set up our back row attack, and then BOOM all I could hear was the crowd erupting with joy as we scored the point. It truly was a moment for the books. What makes me passionate about volleyball is the friendship, leadership, camaraderie, and confidence that is cultivated within a team. You might join a team not knowing a single person, but by the end of the season, you all have created a bond formed by shared victory and defeat. I can say with confidence that volleyball has helped shape the person I am today. It helped me develop leadership skills, learn how to process my emotions in a healthy manner, push through adversity, strategize, and have grit. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. My volleyball journey is a testimony to the power of the origin story. We all have a unique story. Sharing my experience of resilience coming back from a career-ending injury and fighting for my mental health has shown others the power of grit and vulnerability. It is very telling that a sport could literally change your life. I can honestly attest that volleyball grew me into the young woman and servant leader I am today. I have always had a passion for volleyball and only after being mentored by my high school coaches was I inspired to pursue building my own business around my passion. I saw how much the volleyball world lacked representation for Black girls and girls of color, and decided to create a space for them to discover, cultivate, and grow their talent, passion, and skill for volleyball. I wanted to create a space that was judgment-free and allotted girls of color the same training, resources, and accessibility that our white counterparts have.

I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. The mission of ACE is to introduce black and brown girls, ages 5-12, to volleyball incorporating social-emotional learning and leadership coaching. I believe that early exposure to the sport not only peaks girls’ interests sooner, but it also prepares them to play competitively. This could increase opportunities for athletic scholarships and offers to play on collegiate or professional teams. Proximity provides access and opportunity. I want to be a catalyst for change wherever I am. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. I believe my actions have positively impacted my community by offering an opportunity that otherwise is only attainable by those that have the finances to do so. Lack of accessibility and lack of exposure plague Black and brown communities, and through A. C. E. I hope to be apart of the movement to bridge the gap.

I am interested in entrepreneurship because I have always found pride in creating opportunities for myself and others through dreams and visions of mine. Entrepreneurship is a great way to fulfill one's own dream while also creating jobs and opportunities for their community and others. Entrepreneurship furthers my passion for community outreach and inclusion by being a limitless field. There are truly no bounds to who can start a business and what that business can be. It in itself is a safe space for creativity, learning, growth, failure, and expansion. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive.

During my junior year of high school, I was publicly ostracized and shamed by my teammates for taking a knee during the national anthem. My teammates were openly mean and hateful towards me. They refused to touch my hand, engage with me on the court, and publicly stood away from me as I knelt. Even parents were making 'inappropriate gestures' toward me while they were in the stands. Making a strong stand against racial injustice and police brutality in America is a brave stance to make. Especially when the environment is predominantly white and racist towards African-Americans.

During quarantine my grandmother's cancer had returned and she was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What COVID-19 has taught me about the world is that we are our own source of happiness and peace. We must take time to experience ourselves both internally and externally and not allow the machine that is modern society to overwhelm us or dismiss ourselves. This pandemic has also taught me to be more compassionate. Our encounters with the outside world should never be taken for granted. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

After completing two years of community college and working as a pharmacy technician and home health aide, I am on track for completing my Bachelor of Science degree in pursuit of a future in medicine. In a world where only 2.6% of physicians are Black, and in orthopedics where even fewer are black women, I aspire to enter the field of orthopedic medicine and make a difference. As a student and an athlete, I plan to expand my network of professionals in my field as well as give back to the community through my nonprofit All Children Excel (ACE) Sports and Fitness Academy. The mission of ACE is to introduce black and brown girls, ages 5-12, to volleyball incorporating social-emotional learning and leadership coaching. I believe that early exposure to the sport not only peaks girls’ interests sooner, but it also prepares them to play competitively. This could increase opportunities for athletic scholarships and offers to play on collegiate or professional teams. Proximity provides access and opportunity. I want to be a catalyst for change wherever I am. Additionally, I plan to be active in the student government and community outreach as it relates to social justice and public health.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day to day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

One of my favorite moments on the court would have to be during my high school senior season. In my junior year, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to undergo a medical procedure which in turn didn't allow me to complete my club volleyball season. I spent months going to physical therapy and working to be 100% healthy. We were playing one of our fierce competitors. I called a play that we worked on in practice but never executed in a game. I told one of my teammates "on this pass be ready." It was like watching a movie for the first time. We had a perfect pass, I set up our back row attack, and then BOOM all I could hear was the crowd erupting with joy as we scored the point. It truly was a moment for the books. What makes me passionate about volleyball is the friendship, leadership, camaraderie, and confidence that is cultivated within a team. You might join a team not knowing a single person, but by the end of the season, you all have created a bond formed by shared victory and defeat. I can say with confidence that volleyball has helped shape the person I am today. It helped me develop leadership skills, learn how to process my emotions healthily, push through adversity, strategize, and have grit. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. My volleyball journey is a testimony to the power of the origin story. We all have a unique story. Sharing my experience of resilience coming back from a career-ending injury and fighting for my mental health has shown others the power of grit and vulnerability. It is very telling that a sport could literally change your life. I can honestly attest that volleyball grew me into the young woman and servant leader I am today.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal candidate and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools, AAU teams, and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will be unique in its approach to tackling two barriers in minorities community: discussing mental health and having access to elite sports. I use my journey as a testimony to the power of our origin story. Sharing my experience with mental health has taught others the importance of empathy and vulnerability. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body, but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. According to a study conducted by co-author Catherine Sabiston, Ph.D., of the University of Toronto, “Team sports offer a heightened emphasis on group goals, social support, and sense of connection that provide more opportunity for learning adaptive coping strategies that can be essential for long-term mental health.” The researchers found that youth who were involved in school sports had better scores on all three mental health assessments, compared with those who did not play sports at all. Therefore, the study found that playing school sports during adolescent years is significantly linked to lower depression symptoms, lower perceived stress, and better self-rated mental health in young adulthood. In other words, playing school sports from ages 12 to 17 protects young people from poor mental health four years later. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal candidate and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools, AAU teams and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will be unique in its approach to tackling two barriers in minorities community: discussing mental health and having access to elite sports. I use my journey as a testimony to the power of our origin story. Sharing my experience with mental health has taught others the importance of empathy and vulnerability.

I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day to day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.