I remember the time when my parents separated when I was just 4 years old. Too young to truly comprehend the challenges of motherhood and the demands of raising two young girls, my mother took on the daunting task with unwavering strength. By day, she tended to my sister and me, and by night, she pursued her college education. Despite being part-time, my mother played the role of both parents in our lives. In my eyes, she is more than just a woman; she's a fighter, an incredible chef, and my ultimate inspiration. Motherhood is undoubtedly one of the most crucial roles anyone can take on. It demands unwavering dedication, selflessness, and steadfast commitment. Despite the odds stacked against her, my mother rose above her circumstances and tirelessly sought greater opportunities for our family. Growing up in the foster care system placed her at a disadvantage, yet she demonstrated unparalleled determination and resilience. I am truly amazed at how she managed to juggle numerous responsibilities while being a pillar of strength and support for my sister and me. To this day, my mother remains my primary source of motivation and inspiration. As a child, I had a wide range of aspirations, from wanting to be a chef and a teacher to dreaming of being a princess or a ballet dancer. One distinct memory from my childhood involves my mother enrolling me in ballet classes at our local arts center. She took me shopping for all the necessary leotards, fully supporting my interests while reminding me that I could be anything I set my mind to. Unlike my father, my mother has been by my side since day one and constantly has been my mentor. My mother has taught me how to be a strong young woman, and the best version of myself. She taught me about my culture and the challenges that I may face in life while reassuring me that I have her support no matter what. In high school, I have run for my school’s Track and Field team for three years now. My mother has always been in the stands cheering me on, driving me to practices, staying in the hot sun, buying me all the essentials I needed, and making me her top priority. I am beyond grateful to have my mother in this lifetime. My mother is a true blessing and hero to me and my family. After I graduate, I want to pursue my dreams and make my mother proud. As college applications are becoming my main focus, she has been working with me every step of the way and that’s what I’m most grateful for. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her and her support. In the future, I plan to major in clinical psychology. I have chosen to pursue this major because I aspire to impact the lives of those around me. With an MA degree, I want to help young adults suffering from mental illness and guide them to becoming the best version of themselves. I believe I can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and lead individuals to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Ultimately, it would be their pillar of strength and support as my mother was for me and my family.

Understanding the concept of mental health can be quite challenging as an individual. It has a significant impact on our lives and the well-being of those around us. Acquiring knowledge, building self-awareness, and identifying triggers are crucial steps in improving mental health. I often turn to journaling to express and process my emotions when verbal communication feels overwhelming. Engaging in community service gives me a sense of purpose and hope for the future. I've found that volunteering not only helps me form lasting connections and boosts my self-confidence but also allows me to learn new skills while giving back to the community. Mental health has a profound influence on my self-perception and cognitive processes. From my own experiences, I've learned that neglecting my mental health can hinder personal growth and development. Dealing with low self-esteem, I sometimes find myself expressing negative thoughts about myself. Whether it’s comparing myself to others, criticizing myself for not being as lean, to wishing every part of me were different. As I navigate through life's challenges, my understanding of mental health has influenced my perspective as a young woman. I've dedicated myself to improving my mental well-being by delving into research, watching educational content, and reading self-help literature. By reshaping my mindset about mental health, I've cultivated a healthier self-esteem and am committed to embracing myself fully. With support from my family and peers, I have acknowledged that I am beautifully made. Reminding me that through mental health practices and self-discovery, I can overcome the negative thoughts that cloud my mind. With a deep interest in pursuing a career in the psychological field, forming meaningful connections, and improving the quality of life for others, I recognize the utmost importance of mental health in daily life. Stable mental health significantly contributes to my overall well-being and affects my emotional, physical, and social behaviors. I've learned that dedicating time to discussing my emotions with trusted individuals is beneficial for managing life's challenges. My mental health enables me to effectively cope with personal stress and focus on my intellectual development. Needless to say, my mental health plays a major role in my development and overall functioning. I believe there should be more emphasis on the importance of mental health, its effects on the brain and body, along with how to effectively manage a healthy mental status. Maintaining a healthy mental status is a challenge that requires constant effort and dedication. If I’ve learned anything from my experiences with mental health, it would be that it’s a journey worth taking. It allowed me to find the beauty in myself and discover my desire to become a clinical psychologist. I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and assist them in overcoming obstacles they may be facing. In the future, with an MA degree I plan on having a clinic that strives to prevent illness, mental health awareness, and healthcare. I want to help other young adults suffering from mental illness and guide them to becoming the best version of themselves.

From a young age, I've always been a compassionate and caring person who is there to support others in need. When I was in elementary school, a friend of mine faced bullying due to a disability. Instead of joining in, I made sure she felt valued and supported. I brought the situation to the attention of the school counselor and remained by her side. It's always been important to me to show kindness and empathy towards others. As I reflect on this experience, it makes me wonder how the situation affected my friend's mental health. Understanding the concept of mental health can be quite challenging as an individual. Acquiring knowledge, building self-awareness, and identifying triggers are crucial steps in improving mental health. I often turn to journaling to express and process my emotions when verbal communication feels overwhelming. Engaging in community service gives me a sense of purpose and hope for the future. I've found that volunteering not only helps me form lasting connections and boosts my self-confidence but also allows me to learn new skills while giving back to the community. Mental health has a profound influence on my self-perception and cognitive processes. From my own experiences, I've learned that neglecting my mental health can hinder personal growth and development. Dealing with low self-esteem, I sometimes find myself expressing negative thoughts about myself. Whether it’s comparing myself to others, criticizing myself for not being as lean, to wishing every part of me were different. As I navigate through life's challenges, my understanding of mental health has influenced my perspective as a young woman. I've dedicated myself to improving my mental well-being by delving into research, watching educational content, and reading self-help literature. By reshaping my mindset about mental health, I've cultivated a healthier self-esteem and am committed to embracing myself fully. With support from my family and peers, I have acknowledged that I am beautifully made. Reminding me that through mental health practices and self-discovery, I can overcome the negative thoughts that cloud my mind. With a deep interest in pursuing a career in the psychological field, forming meaningful connections, and improving the quality of life for others, I recognize the utmost importance of mental health in daily life. Stable mental health significantly contributes to my overall well-being and affects my emotional, physical, and social behaviors. I've learned that dedicating time to discussing my emotions with trusted individuals is beneficial for managing life's challenges. My mental health enables me to effectively cope with personal stress and focus on my intellectual development. Needless to say, my mental health plays a major role in my development and overall functioning. I believe there should be more emphasis on the importance of mental health, its effects on the brain and body, along with how to effectively manage a healthy mental status. Maintaining a healthy mental status is a challenge that requires constant effort and dedication. If I’ve learned anything from my experiences with mental health, it would be that it’s a journey worth taking. It allowed me to find the beauty in myself and discover my desire to become a clinical psychologist. I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and assist them in overcoming obstacles they may be facing. In the future, with an MA degree I plan on having a clinic that strives to prevent illness, mental health awareness, and healthcare. I want to help other young adults suffering from mental illness and guide them to becoming the best version of themselves.

Understanding the concept of mental health can be quite challenging as an individual. It has a significant impact on our lives and the well-being of those around us. Acquiring knowledge, building self-awareness, and identifying triggers are crucial steps in improving mental health. I often turn to journaling to express and process my emotions when verbal communication feels overwhelming. Engaging in community service gives me a sense of purpose and hope for the future. I've found that volunteering not only helps me form lasting connections and boosts my self-confidence but also allows me to learn new skills while giving back to the community. Mental health has a profound influence on my self-perception and cognitive processes. From my own experiences, I've learned that neglecting my mental health can hinder personal growth and development. Dealing with low self-esteem, I sometimes find myself expressing negative thoughts about myself. Whether it’s comparing myself to others, criticizing myself for not being as lean, to wishing every part of me were different. As I navigate through life's challenges, my understanding of mental health has influenced my perspective as a young woman. I've dedicated myself to improving my mental well-being by delving into research, watching educational content, and reading self-help literature. By reshaping my mindset about mental health, I've cultivated a healthier self-esteem and am committed to embracing myself fully. With support from my family and peers, I have acknowledged that I am beautifully made. Reminding me that through mental health practices and self-discovery, I can overcome the negative thoughts that cloud my mind. With a deep interest in pursuing a career in the psychological field, forming meaningful connections, and improving the quality of life for others, I recognize the utmost importance of mental health in daily life. Stable mental health significantly contributes to my overall well-being and affects my emotional, physical, and social behaviors. I've learned that dedicating time to discussing my emotions with trusted individuals is beneficial for managing life's challenges. My mental health enables me to effectively cope with personal stress and focus on my intellectual development. Needless to say, my mental health plays a major role in my development and overall functioning. I believe there should be more emphasis on the importance of mental health, its effects on the brain and body, along with how to effectively manage a healthy mental status. Maintaining a healthy mental status is a challenge that requires constant effort and dedication. If I’ve learned anything from my experiences with mental health, it would be that it’s a journey worth taking. It allowed me to find the beauty in myself and discover my desire to become a clinical psychologist. I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and assist them in overcoming obstacles they may be facing. In the future, with an MA degree I plan on having a clinic that strives to prevent illness, mental health awareness, and healthcare. I want to help other young adults suffering from mental illness and guide them to becoming the best version of themselves.

Growing up you can only ever imagine what it may feel like to lose someone so special to you. The process of being grateful for every moment spent with that person and fooling yourself into believing that you’ll have them forever. That’s nothing like it was when my family received the news of my cousin’s death. The moment came like a cannonball into a pit of fire, my dearest memories now simply that. The most considerate and energetic person I've encountered was now declared dead. I remember the look on my mother’s face in this moment of grief, an amazing cousin to me yet something like a sister to my mother. Three years later, the presence of my cousin is immense; through holidays, photographs, and telling stories about the numerous obstacles she overcame. The grieving of my cousin was evident in my family and my well-being. I reflect on the loss of my cousin and it reminds me to not take advantage of the many things life has to offer. As well as the importance of mental health and self-care in moments like these. As the rate of suicide has skyrocketed, I believe there should be more outlets for young teens and adults who may struggle with mental illnesses. One piece of advice I’d give to anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one is to allow yourself to feel the pain and most importantly preserve the memories of that loved one. It may feel like you are lost without them, but through getting support you can adjust to the situation. The loss of my cousin has given me the courage to bring awareness to the importance of taking care of one’s mental health and suicide prevention. There are numerous ways our mental health impacts our lives, overall well-being, and those around us. Gaining knowledge, cultivating a sense of self, and acknowledging triggers are simple steps to improve your health. Journaling, for instance, is a technique I use often when it becomes hard to communicate my feelings with others. It allows me to reflect on those feelings and clear my mind. As a result, of the amalgamation of the loss my family and I endured, I altered my mindset. I am ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. My biggest inspiration comes from my family, being a third gen, and seeing the dedication, resilience, and perseverance that my mother had gives me the fuel to achieve my aspirations and leave a meaningful impact on my community. Prevention, awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society. I have chosen this major because I plan to lead individuals to a happy and fulfilling life and also develop a safe space for individuals experiencing mental illnesses.

Growing up you can only ever imagine what it may feel like to lose someone so special to you. The process of being grateful for every moment spent with that person and fooling yourself into believing that you’ll have them forever. That’s nothing like it was when my family received the news of my great-grandmother's death. The moment came like a cannonball into a pit of fire, my dearest memories now simply that. The most considerate and energetic person I've encountered– my great-grandmother, the rock of my family and roots to my family history– was now declared dead. I remember the look on my mother’s face in this moment of grief, an amazing great-grandmother to me yet a hero to my mother. Three years later, the presence of my great-grandmother is immense; through holidays, photographs, and telling stories about the numerous obstacles she overcame. The grieving of my great-grandmother was evident in my family and my well-being. I reflect on the loss of my great-grandmother and it reminds me to not take advantage of the many things life has to offer. As well as the importance of mental health and self-care in moments like these. As the rate of suicide has skyrocketed, I believe there should be more outlets for young teens and adults who may struggle with mental illnesses. One piece of advice I’d give to anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one is to allow yourself to feel the pain and most importantly preserve the memories of that loved one. It may feel like you are lost without them, but through getting support you can adjust to the situation. The loss of my great-grandmother has given me the courage to bring awareness to the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. There are numerous ways our mental health impacts our lives, overall well-being, and those around us. Gaining knowledge, cultivating a sense of self, and acknowledging triggers are simple steps to improve your health. As a result, of the amalgamation of the loss my family and I endured, I altered my mindset. I now aspire to pursue a career in the psychological field and build relationships with individuals. I am ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. Prevention, awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society. I have chosen this major because I plan to lead individuals to a happy and fulfilling life and also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others as my great-grandmother did.

One of my biggest inspirations comes from my family, being a third gen, and seeing the dedication, resilience, and perseverance that my mother had gives me the fuel to achieve my aspirations and leave a meaningful impact on my community. Through volunteering at my local arts center for children, I have the opportunity to strengthen the development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills. As I engage in conversation with the kids I have identified their passions and how they plan to contribute to the improvement of our society. I have attended food pantries that my school offers to the families in my neighborhood and in doing so I’ve made connections with other like-minded adolescents who aspire to impact the world. When I aid the needs of my community in the ways stated above, I feel optimistic about the future and it gives me a sense of purpose. I never would have thought that through volunteering you can make lifelong connections, increase self-confidence, and learn new skills, all while enhancing the well-being of your community. It does not have to be volunteering specifically, but giving back to the community in any way exposes one to the wonders of the world. For me, giving back is a way to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. I may be one individual but my impact on others is large, and I continue to do so in the future. With the help of this scholarship, I can make my mother proud as I journey to obtain a much higher level of education than she had. Additionally, it will support my dream of being a psychology major and allow me to guide others to a better understanding of themselves. I will be one step closer to getting an MA degree, I aspire to have a clinical health office. My dream clinic will strive to promote mental health awareness, prevention of mental illness, and knowledge on cultivating a sense of self. Ultimately leading individuals to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Love, a word composed of four letters but can take on numerous forms and be shown in unique ways. It is a bond between the two that involves care, compassion, intimacy, and understanding. Growing up, watching films with my older sister on Disney all I could ever dream about was finding my one true love. Over the years my idea of love has changed, developing into values that correlate with my desires and so on. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a beautiful depiction of a turning of age and lovestruck story. I am on Team Jeremiah, the clear admiration and connection he and Belly had throughout the series gave me butterflies. For example, in the episode “Summer House” Jeremiah greets Belly with a look in his eyes that has this softness. Jeremiah is compassionate, understanding, and respectful of Belly. I believe his characteristics and personality truly set him apart from his brother more than anything. In the episode “Summer Nights” he gifts Belly with a beautiful “lucky” charm for her 16th birthday, a simple gesture with a significant meaning. Jeremiah has such a kind heart and it’s obvious he’s in love through the way he treats Belly, like she is the most beautiful girl of them all. In the episode “Summer Love”, they attend the debutante ball. There is one phrase Jeremiah uses to describe Belly that makes me blush: “You’re a goddess”. This compliment displays his admiration and respect for her at that moment. There are numerous moments throughout the series where you can sense the character's intense affection towards one another. Love is a companionship, it’s a feeling of safety and it is seeing a future with someone. Jeremiah’s intimate and comforting nature is what drew me to his character; those are characteristics I admire. Among the other traits, he is also supportive of Belly. This is shown in “Episode 7” when they explore the Finch campus gym where he implies a future with Belly as she dreams of playing collegiate volleyball and experiencing college with him. Jeremiah shows his love for Belly in little ways throughout the series, like buying her favorite gas station candy “Swedish Fish” or offering to teach her how to waltz. He shows he loves Belly more than anything as he is always there when she needs him. Jeremiah proved time after time that you know when you’re in love and when you’re willing to be with that person no matter what.

As I waited for the browser to load, I considered my worth and intelligence. I might seem like the ideal student: good grades, extracurriculars, and a high achiever. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to exceed, whether it was being the first in class to finish the quiz or simply answering a question correctly. Some might say I am a perfectionist and I can fully admit to being such, but believing that it was a healthy habit and that I can control everything in my life– led to my toxic mindset. As the browser came into view, I snapped back to reality surely enough I failed. I was ashamed of myself knowing that I could do better and I felt defeated. In the following weeks, I committed to strategically planning my study sessions and completing practice exams to improve my outcome. I immersed myself in passages, poems, and grammar prompts, and received advice from my teachers on how to conquer this task that I had not yet passed. The thought of failing caused fear to settle, I don’t entirely know who I am when I'm not working on some assignment or project. I haven’t found her just yet, nevertheless, I was determined to succeed. A quote by Maya Angelou comes to mind when I reflect on this experience: “Courage allows the successful woman to fail and learn from the failure so that in the end she didn’t fail at all.” When I analyze this quote it reminds me that failure is a small step towards something greater, it allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Above all, my tendency to try to complete every task perfectly proved to be unsuccessful and quite unhealthy. I am organized and dedicated, however, imperfection would fluster me. Despite those setbacks, I reflected on this experience as a chance to grow and not allow failure to define me, but rather drive me to prevail. With a passion for pursuing a career in the psychological field, building relationships with individuals, and improving their quality of life in any way– I understood that my mindset was what was holding me back. As I grew older and experienced various obstacles in my personal life, my perspective on failure altered my outlook on life as a young woman. I realized the true depth and significance every situation can hold, as well as how I can apply the knowledge gained to my everyday life. To demonstrate, I would make the effort to improve my mental health by researching, watching Psych2Go on YouTube, and reading self-help books. Undoubtedly, this had a positive impact on my intellectual development. All whilst cultivating a sense of self, and truly committing to accept myself for all that I am as well as all I may become. As a result, the amalgamation of these obstacles led me to the person I am today. Ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. I have chosen to pursue this major because I aspire to impact the lives of those around me. In the future, with an MA degree I plan on having a clinic that strives for prevention, self-care awareness, and knowledge. I want to help other young adults suffering from mental illness and guide them to becoming the best version of themselves. I believe I can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and lead individuals to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

I am a young Haitian American woman. I am compassionate, strongminded, and ambitious. I attend Island Coast High School, I plan to attend the University of Florida and major in clinical psychology. I am the ideal student: good grades, extracurriculars, and a high achiever. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to exceed, whether it was being the first in class to finish the quiz or simply answering a question correctly. Some might say I am a perfectionist and I can fully admit to being such, but believing that it was a healthy habit and that I could control, everything in my life led to my toxic mindset. With a passion for pursuing a career in the psychological field, building relationships with individuals, and improving their quality of life in any way– I understood that my mindset was what was holding me back. As I grew older and experienced various obstacles in my personal life, I realized the true depth and significance every situation can hold. As well as how I can apply the knowledge gained to my everyday life. To demonstrate, I would make the effort to improve my mental health by researching, watching Psych2Go on YouTube, and reading self-help books. Undoubtedly, this had a positive impact on my intellectual development. I have learned that mental health can impact your overall well-being. From the way we interact with others to how we handle stress, it even affects the choices we make. Personally, I learned how my mental health affects my schoolwork and my self-esteem. Through broadening my knowledge on mental health, I have developed a healthier self-esteem, allowing me to understand the importance of mental health. All while cultivating a sense of self and truly committing to accept myself for all that I am as well as all I may become. As a result, the amalgamation of numerous obstacles led me to the person I am today. Ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist as I journey to guide others through their path. I chose to pursue this major because I want to make a difference in the lives of those around me. In the future, with an MA degree, I plan on having a clinic that strives for prevention, self-care awareness, and knowledge. I believe I can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and lead individuals to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

With every passing generation brilliant minds are being developed and passions are found in the depths of our society. I believe that if the 8.1 billion individuals that inhabit Earth made it their priority to preserve the youth it would contribute to the well-being of numerous communities. My first inspiration came from a world-famous activist and advocate for the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech inspired me as he spoke of the impact we have as people of this nation. My next inspiration comes from my family, being a third gen, and seeing the dedication, resilience, and perseverance that my mother had gives me the fuel to achieve my aspirations and leave a meaningful impact on my community. Through volunteering at my local arts center for children, I have the opportunity to strengthen the development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills. As I engage in conversation with the kids I have identified their passions and how they plan to contribute to the improvement of our society. With dreams of being a criminal law attorney, an artist, a dancer, a teacher, and many more I believe there is power in the youth. I have attended food pantries that my school offers to the families in my neighborhood and in doing so I’ve made connections with other like-minded adolescents who aspire to impact the world. When I aid the needs of my community in the ways stated above, I feel optimistic about the future and it gives me a sense of purpose. I never would have thought that through volunteering you can make lifelong connections, increase self-confidence, and learn new skills, all while enhancing the well-being of your community. It does not have to be volunteering specifically, but giving back to the community in any way exposes one to the wonders of the world. For me, giving back is a way to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. I may be one individual but my impact on others is large, and I continue to do so in the future. Nevertheless, I do not plan on stopping now, in the future with an MA degree I aspire to have a clinical health office. My dream clinic will strive to promote mental health awareness, prevention of mental illness, and knowledge on cultivating a sense of self. Ultimately leading individuals to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Growing up you can only ever imagine what it may feel like to lose someone so special to you. The process of being grateful for every moment spent with that person and fooling yourself into believing that you’ll have them forever. That’s nothing like it was when my family received the news of my great-grandmother's death. The moment came like a cannonball into a pit of fire, my dearest memories now simply that. The most considerate and energetic person I've encountered– my great- grandmother, the rock of my family and roots to my family history– was now declared dead. I remember the look on my mother’s face in this moment of grief, an amazing great-grandmother to me yet a hero to my mother. Three years later, the presence of my great-grandmother is immense; through holidays, photographs, and telling stories about the numerous obstacles she overcame. Equally important, the mental strength she possessed while caring for thirty grandchildren among other relatives. One fond memory of my great-grandmother is that she was always there when someone needed her. The grieving of my great-grandmother was evident in my family and my well being. I reflect on the loss of my great-grandmother and it reminds me to not take advantage of the many things life has to offer. As well as the importance of mental health and self care in moments like these. One piece of advice I’d give to anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one is to allow yourself to feel the pain and most importantly preserve the memories of that loved one. It may feel like you are lost without them, but through accepting it and getting support you can adjust to the situation. The loss of my great-grandmother has given me the courage to bring awareness to the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. There are numerous ways our mental health impacts our lives, overall well-being , and those around us. Gaining knowledge, cultivating a sense of self and acknowledging triggers are simple steps to improve your health. I have embarked on a journey to develop a healthier self-esteem, using techniques as simple as writing in my diary, praying, as well as taking a moment to breathe. As a result, the amalgamation of the loss my family and I endured, I altered my mindset. I now aspire to pursue a career in the psychological field and build relationships with individuals. I am ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. Prevention, awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society. I have chosen this major because I plan to lead individuals to a happy and fulfilling life, also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others as my great-grandmother did.

As I waited for the browser to load, I considered my worth and intelligence. I might seem like the ideal student: good grades, extracurriculars, and a high achiever. From a young age I’ve always wanted to exceed, whether it was being the first in class to finish the quiz or simply answering a question correctly. Some might say I am a perfectionist and I can fully admit to being such, but believing that it was a healthy habit and that I can control everything in my life led to my toxic mindset. As the browser came into view, I snapped back to reality and surely enough I failed. All my time and diligent studying at this single moment was useless! I was ashamed of myself knowing that I could do better. In the following weeks, I committed to strategically planning my study sessions and completing practice exams to improve my outcome. I immersed myself in passages, poems, grammar prompts, and receiving advice from my teachers on how to conquer this task that I had not yet passed. The thought of failing caused fear to settle, I don’t entirely know who I am when I'm not working on some assignment or project. I haven’t found her just yet, nevertheless I was determined to succeed. A quote by Maya Angelou comes to mind when I reflect on this experience: “courage allows the successful woman to fail and learn from the failure, so that in the end she didn’t fail at all.” When I analyze this quote it reminds me that failure is a small step towards something greater, it allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Above all, my tendency to try to complete every task perfectly proved to be unsuccessful and quite unhealthy. I am organized and dedicated, however imperfection would fluster me. Despite those setbacks, I reflected on this experience as a chance to grow and not allow failure to define me, but rather drive me to prevail. With a passion to pursue a career in the psychological field,I understood that my mindset was what was holding me back. As I grew older and experienced various obstacles in my personal life, my perspective on failure altered my outlook on life as a young woman. I realized the true depth and significance every situation can hold, as well as how I can apply the knowledge gained to my everyday life. To demonstrate, I would make the effort to improve my mental health by researching, watching Psych2Go on youtube, and reading self help books. Through altering my perspective on failure, I have developed a healthier self-esteem allowing me to understand that failure is a natural process of learning meant to develop you. Undoubtedly, this had a positive impact on my intellectual development; I viewed my challenges as opportunities to improve myself along with my resilience. All while cultivating a sense of self, and truly committing to accept myself for all that I am as well as all I may become. As a result , the amalgamation of these obstacles led me to the person I am today. Ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. I have chosen to pursue this major because I aspire to impact the lives of those around me.Prevention, awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society someday. I believe I can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and lead individuals to a healthy, happy and fulfilling life.

As I waited for the browser to load, I considered my worth and intelligence. I might seem like the ideal student: good grades, extracurriculars, and a high achiever. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to exceed expectations, whether it was being the first in class to finish the quiz or simply answering a question correctly. Some might say I am a perfectionist, and I can fully admit to being such, but believing that it is a healthy habit and that I can control everything in my life led to my toxic mindset. As the browser came into view, I snapped back to reality; surely enough, I failed. All my time and diligent studying at this single moment were useless! I was ashamed of myself, knowing that I could do better. In the following weeks, I committed to strategically planning my study sessions and completing practice exams to improve my outcome. I immersed myself in passages, poems, grammar prompts, and receiving advice from my teachers on how to conquer this task that I had not yet passed. The thought of failing caused fear to settle. I don’t entirely know who I am when I'm not working on some assignment or project. I haven’t found her just yet, but nevertheless, I was determined to succeed. A quote by Maya Angelou comes to mind when I reflect on this experience: “courage allows the successful woman to fail and learn from the failure, so that in the end she didn’t fail at all.” When I analyze this quote, it reminds me that failure is a small step towards something greater; it allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Above all, my tendency to try to complete every task perfectly proved to be unsuccessful and quite unhealthy. I am organized and dedicated; however, imperfection would fluster me. Despite those setbacks, I reflected on this experience as a chance to grow and not allow failure to define me, but rather drive me to prevail. With a passion to pursue a career in the psychological field, building relationships with individuals, and improving their quality of life in any way, I understood that my mindset was what was holding me back. As I grew older and experienced various obstacles in my personal life, my perspective on failure altered my outlook on life as a young woman. I realized the true depth and significance every situation can hold, as well as how I can apply the knowledge gained to my everyday life. To demonstrate, I would make the effort to improve my mental health by researching, and reading self help books. Through altering my perspective on failure, I have developed a healthier self-esteem, allowing me to understand that failure is a natural process of learning meant to develop you. From that day forward, I viewed my challenges as opportunities to improve myself along with my resilience. All while cultivating a sense of self and truly committing to accept myself for all that I am as well as all I may become. As a result, the amalgamation of these obstacles led me to the person I am today. I am ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist as I journey to guide others through their path. I have chosen to pursue this major because I aspire to impact the lives of those around me. Prevention, mental health awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society someday. I believe I can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and lead individuals to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

Growing up you can only ever imagine what it may feel like to lose someone so special to you. The process of being grateful for every moment spent with that person and fooling yourself into believing you’ll have them forever. That’s nothing like it was when my family received the news of my great-grandmother's death. The moment came like a cannonball into a pit of fire, my dearest memories now simply that. The most considerate and energetic person I've encountered– my great- grandmother, the rock of my family and roots to my family history– was now declared dead. I remember the look on my mother’s face in this moment of grief, an amazing great-grandmother to me yet a hero to my mother. Three years later, the presence of my great-grandmother is immense; through holidays, photographs, and telling stories about the numerous obstacles she overcame. Equally important, was the mental strength she possessed while caring for thirty grandchildren among other relatives. One fond memory of my great-grandmother is that she was always there when someone needed her. The grieving of my great-grandmother was evident in my family and my well-being. I reflect on the loss of my great-grandmother and it reminds me to not take advantage of the many things life has to offer. As well as the importance of mental health and self-care in such moments. Additionally, the loss of my great-grandmother has given me the "FIGHT" to bring awareness to the importance of taking care of one's mental health. There are numerous ways our mental health impacts our lives, overall well-being, and those around us. Gaining knowledge, cultivating a sense of self, and acknowledging triggers are simple steps to improve your health. I have embarked on a journey to develop a healthier self-esteem, using techniques as simple as writing in my diary, praying, as well as taking a moment to reflect. As a result, of the amalgamation of the loss my family and I endured, I altered my mindset. I now aspire to pursue a career in the psychological field and build relationships with individuals. I am ready to take on the challenges of becoming a clinical psychologist, as I journey to guide others through their path. Prevention, awareness, and knowledge are what I want to achieve in our society. I have chosen this major because I plan to lead individuals to a happy and fulfilling life and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others as my great-grandmother did.