To me, adversity isn't something that obstructs the natural flow of your life, it's not something to get through or overcome. To my understanding, adversity is shaped by its impact on an individual, it determines who you are once you've come through the other end of the struggle. As I've encountered and overcome various obstacles in life, I've come to appreciate the significance of fostering meaningful connections within my community through an emphasis on empathy and authentic involvement. These experiences have taught me that genuine connection and active engagement are essential for community well-being and personal growth, particularly as I faced the challenges brought on by my mother's injury and its aftermath. My mom's health struggles have taught me a lot. Unlike before, when I took my mother's presence for granted, I now appreciated her and myself on an entirely different level. After an accident that resulted in a concussion, multiple herniated discs in her neck, and three major surgeries, my mother had been left partially disabled. The toll extended beyond her physical well-being, affecting the entire household emotionally and physically. This burden, shared among us, reshaped our daily lives and interactions, bringing into focus the fragility of our bonds and the importance of empathy. This understanding helped me cope and grow, something I've taken into my community efforts. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I worked as a pool attendant. It was a tough job, making sure everyone followed safety rules. This experience taught me that looking out for each other goes beyond borders. Much like the lessons I learned at home, where our family's shared experiences deepened our empathy, I took this understanding into my community work. By helping families in need, distributing flyers, and collaborating with local centers, I saw firsthand the strength of unity, even in the most challenging times. Being a big sister at a local school was another eye-opener. Connecting with a shy 7-year-old named Leon made me realize how important it is to care and offer focused support. Our bond gradually grew as I spent time with him, much like the connection between my family members during my mother's health struggles. This way of thinking guides how I engage with my community, focusing on the power of genuine connections over generic actions. Getting involved in the Green Thumb Initiative, where I planted crops and championed sustainability, was a natural step. I grew up in the Bronx, and seeing the disconnect between caring for the environment and people pushed me to take action. Just as understanding shared struggles has influenced my interactions, looking after the planet and people is inherently connected. Initiatives like the food drive became a way for me to help low-income communities by providing fresh food and hope. Community well-being, just like my family's well-being, relies on interconnected efforts. My journey in giving back isn't about being a hero. It's about using my experiences to make a real impact. Looking forward, I want to keep helping meet different needs while also growing as a person. I imagine a community where we come together, support each other and keep growing side by side. Through real connections, addressing specific needs, and showing that we care, I'm excited to be part of a community that stands firm no matter what comes our way.

My philanthropic journey has been influenced by meaningful experiences of community engagement, reflecting my connection to these pivotal instances. From overseeing pool safety to fostering bonds as a big sister, and tending to nature through the Green Thumb Initiative, these chapters reveal a sincere dedication to unity, growth, and giving back. As a dedicated pool attendant at Costello Pool, I found myself entrusted not only with the safety of swimmers but also with the responsibility of upholding vital Covid-19 protocols. It was here that I realized the true essence of community care and how the preservation of public health transcends the boundaries of the pool, extending to every corner of society. My role as a volunteer resonates deeply with the oversight experienced by African American communities during the pandemic. I actively engaged in distributing flyers, attending community meetings, and collaborating with other local recreational centers to provide a meaningful outlet to families facing financial difficulties to ensure that they make the most of their experience with us at the pool. In the face of an overlooked reality, my dedication symbolized the collective effort required to bridge gaps and demonstrate that every individual's contribution matters. Through my role, I strived to reflect the spirit of unity and proactive care that African American communities, and all communities, truly deserve. As a big sister at the local school, I discovered a new dimension of community engagement, with nurturing relationships emerging as the pinnacle of my volunteer work. This journey taught me that philanthropy extends beyond money—it's about investing time, compassion, and empathy. A 7-year-old boy named Leon, initially very reserved, entered my mentorship. Gradually, I recognized he sought a supportive presence rather than a social one. I shared my experiences as "the new kid," and our connection shifted when he invited me to read Alice in Wonderland together. This experience highlights that genuine impact often begins with understanding an individual's needs. Looking ahead, this encounter has definitely steered my philanthropic path. I've learned the transformative power of genuine connection and focused support. This insight has in turn guided my future efforts to address diverse needs within the community, emphasizing personal growth and meaningful connections rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Among the lush surroundings of the Green Thumb Initiative, I immersed myself in nature's rhythm. Planting and tending to crops not only rooted me in the earth but also emphasized the value of sustainability. My involvement in this endeavor stemmed not just from a desire to give back, but also from a dissatisfaction with the prevalent waste in my community. Having grown up in the Bronx, I've witnessed the unfortunate lack of responsibility towards our environment, which directly impacts how we treat low-income areas. This resonates with the interconnectedness of climate change and social equity. Engaging in initiatives like this food drive is my way of contributing, even in a modest capacity, to address these challenges. By providing fresh produce, I am packaging not only nourishment but also hope, health, and support for those who need it most. This reflects my belief that climate consciousness and social justice are intertwined, and in my small actions, I endeavor to make a positive impact within my community. This collective narrative underscores a genuine commitment to community well-being. It's a reflection of proactive care, connections, and targeted support. As I move ahead, I'm driven to extend my efforts further to address the diverse needs of my community, nurture personal growth, and ensure that my aspirations align with the development of a thriving and inclusive community.

My ambition in the field of psychology stems from a deep-seated desire to comprehend both my psychological and racial identity. Over the course of my nineteen years of life, I've been fortunate to be nurtured and guided by self-sufficient women who have taught me the significance of maintaining an unwavering commitment to one's goals. The legacy of three generations of self-made women, spanning from grandmothers to mothers, serves as an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance that shapes my pursuit of passions. A particularly influential role has been the presence of my mother in my upbringing. Despite facing adversities, she has achieved significant success and shown exceptional drive. Her journey, including the challenges of single-handedly raising my sister and me, navigating her own battles with mental illness, and putting herself through college has deeply shaped my perspective and aspirations. All while recovering from an accident that has left her partially disabled, witnessing her tenacity while shouldering the strain of personal hardships, has brought new meaning to planting your feet firmly in the face of adversity. This personal experience has shown me the intricate nature of inner conflicts, especially within the context of being a black woman and a mother contending with mental health challenges. This motivates me to delve into the depths of my own psyche, fostering a better understanding of myself and, by extension, others. Within the African American community, there exists a contentious view that addressing mental health is to simply overcome hardships instead of discovering what the issue is at its root. This is where generational trauma and the stigmas surrounding mental well-being come into play. I have experienced firsthand what it looks like to question a loved one's morals, only to find out they are simply a product of their upbringing. People would rather slap a bandaid on the fact that trauma influences parenting styles which in turn affects the child, and the cycle continues. This is why so many views seeking support negatively, the idea that teaching your children as you were taught invalidates the idea of trauma in black families because everyone essentially goes through this, so ‘what makes you so special’. But the fact that so many people have experienced such trauma does not make it acceptable. In my pursuit of psychology, I aspire to shatter these stigmas, promoting understanding and empathy. I aim to contribute to a more inclusive dialogue about mental health following graduation and obtain my degree in psychology. With this, I will work towards a profession in criminal psychology, following the completion of an advanced degree in graduate school, and embark on formulating long-lasting contributions to this field. Thus through my studies and eventual practice, I seek to embrace a broad perspective on human experiences, both within and beyond psychology.