The world is a complex place, reflecting the diversity of individuals who call it home. From the moment I entered this world, my hearing disability set me apart, presenting me with obstacles that some people may never understand. Despite the challenges that come with it, I have chosen to fully embrace my disability as a part of who I am, believing that my openness about it creates a fair and level playing field for me to navigate life's turbulent waters. Growing up with a hearing disability was a journey filled with unique challenges that often left me feeling embarrassed, isolated, and different from my peers. While others effortlessly absorbed classroom discussions and social interactions, I struggled to keep up, feeling the weight of humiliation as I was constantly being pulled out of classes for interventions. However, my teachers effortlessly normalized these moments for me and I was able to turn these moments into opportunities for growth, ultimately shaping me into the person I am today. My path as a student with a hearing disability has been one of determination and resilience, pushing me to reach beyond the limitations that society has placed upon me. I have learned the invaluable lesson of self-advocacy, navigating social settings with grace and determination, proving that every setback is just a stepping stone toward a brighter future. Having a disability does not define me, but rather enhances the lens through which I view the world. It has taught me to approach challenges with a sense of humor, optimism and determination, knowing that my previous experiences have equipped me with a unique set of skills that will guide me through life's toughest trials. Being a part of the disabled community has opened my heart to a world of empathy and understanding, allowing me to appreciate the beauty in the diversity of human experiences. This newfound perspective has not only enriched my personal relationships but also continues to influence my academic and professional pursuits, shaping me into a more compassionate and driven individual. In closing, being a part of the disabled community has instilled in me the importance of humility, humor, resilience, diversity, and empathy, guiding me as I continue on my path towards academic and personal growth. As I navigate the challenges ahead, I am committed to advocating for inclusivity and diversity, teaching others the very skills that shaped me, knowing that it is our unique differences that bind us together as a strong and united community.

Throughout my life, anxiety has been a constant companion, shaping my experiences, beliefs, and relationships with others. Even before I was born, my mother noticed signs of anxiety, setting the stage for a journey marked by challenges, opportunities, and growth. During my early years, my anxiety manifested as anger and aggression. I often found myself in fights at school, driven by a constant fear of failure and a need to control my environment. This behavior extended to my home life, where I would resist doing homework out of those same fears. Recognizing the need for an outlet, my mom encouraged my participation in sports, keeping me physically active to help manage my pervasive stress levels and ensure restful sleep without the need for medication. It wasn't until high school that I truly understood the impact of anxiety on my life. As I navigated the pressures of academics and the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and what my life would look like after high school, my anxiety reached new heights. Despite my continuous efforts to manage it through physical activity, journaling and the use of calm apps, it was a realization that I needed professional help to cope effectively. Throughout this journey, I have remained open and transparent about my struggles, hoping to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when needed. I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can help others understand that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Experiencing difficulties is a natural part of life and that reaching out for help demonstrates resilience. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from support at some point, and I hope that my openness will ultimately encourage others to do the same. In order to pursue a career in criminal justice, it is crucial that I develop strong social and emotional intelligence. Self-awareness plays a significant role in understanding and effectively interacting with others. Developing a trauma-informed approach will also be essential in serving troubled individuals with sensitivity and empathy. I aspire to contribute to the establishment of safer and more resilient communities, where constructive dialogue can occur without the threat of harm or loss due to conflict. As I look towards my future, I am committed to growing and approaching my work with a trauma-informed mindset. I understand the importance of empathy and kindness in supporting others, especially those who may be struggling silently. By continuously modeling this communication and behavior, I hope to inspire my coworkers and others in positions of influence to do the same, creating a culture of compassion and understanding. In conclusion, my journey with anxiety has been challenging, but it has also been transformative. It has taught me the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. We are never truly finished with personal and professional growth. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received and the lessons I have learned throughout my mental health journey. I am committed to using my experiences to positively impact the lives of those I encounter.

As a sophomore student studying criminal justice, I am intrigued by the extensive scope of the field and the diverse range of career opportunities it presents. I am particularly interested in exploring the correlation between criminal behavior and mental health, as well as advocating for systemic enhancements within the mental health sector. Entering into a criminal justice major provides a gateway into the heart of societal complexities, where the paths of law, psychology, and social justice intersect. It offers a valuable opportunity to understand not only the technical aspects of crime and justice but also to delve into the complex psychology of individuals involved in criminal activities. For me, this pursuit is not solely about uncovering the mysteries surrounding crime; it is equally devoted to revealing the hidden aspects of psychological well-being. I am eager to explore various avenues within this field, including law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, advocacy, and policy-making. Despite the uncertainty, one constant remains: my strong desire to understand the root causes of criminal behavior and to bring about transformative change within the mental health system. My vision goes beyond traditional criminal justice paradigms as I aim to bridge the gap between law enforcement and mental health, promoting collaboration to address the underlying mental health issues that often lead to criminal activity. By advocating for comprehensive mental health screenings and interventions within the criminal justice system, my goal is to reduce recidivism rates and promote a more compassionate approach to rehabilitation. On a personal level, my goals are closely connected to my passion for mental health advocacy. I envision a future where access to mental health care is not dependent on a diagnosis, and where preventative measures are promoted over reactive interventions. It is a future where individuals are empowered to seek help without the fear of stigma or financial burden, and where mental wellness is given equal importance to physical health. This scholarship would provide me the opportunity that will assist me in reaching my goals and instill a sense of hope in my aspirations. With its assistance, I will have the ability to engage in volunteer and research opportunities and obtain internships without the hindrance of financial constraints. I will be able to explore a wider range of paths within the field of criminal justice, including grassroots advocacy, mental health and research projects. It will serve as a foundational step towards a professional and personal journey dedicated to making substantial, positive contributions in our society.

Anxiety has been a long-standing factor in my life that I constantly have to learn how to navigate. Transitioning from high school to college and adjusting to independent living while learning to manage my anxiety without the external support from my parents presented a significant challenge, but also taught me valuable lessons. While at home, I would receive gentle reminders from my mother to take breaks for snacks, hydration, and fresh air. It was only later, after I had been living independently for some time, that she explained the importance of these breaks to me. I have come to understand the importance of embracing and working with my anxiety rather than viewing it as a negative force. By acknowledging and addressing my fears, such as fear of failure and social anxiety, I have developed strategies to prioritize my academic and personal well-being. I have also implemented several strategies to improve my organizational skills. This includes utilizing a calendar and setting reminders to prioritize my tasks and manage my daily schedule. Additionally, I have developed a habit of reviewing upcoming assignments. I also make an effort to plan and prepare meals in advance, as well as schedule appointments strategically to ensure a balanced week without becoming overwhelmed. I prioritize my mental health by participating in various practices beyond those previously discussed. I listen to podcasts, follow therapists on social media for tips, participate in individual therapy, see a psychiatrist and take medication along with vitamins and attend a weekly support group tailored for college-aged females coping with anxiety. Additionally, I prioritize healthy habits such as eating well and staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, engaging in physical activity, and surrounding myself with positive people. I consistently challenge myself by setting a goal to connect with at least one new person in each class every semester and actively participate in classroom discussions and activities. Taking all of these steps plus challenging myself has not only helped me maintain a high GPA, but it has also helped me maintain healthy friendships, grow my leadership skills, establish boundaries with those who do not align with me, and serve as a constant reminder to show kindness and empathy to others. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and should receive the same level of recognition and support from insurance providers. My personal goal is to advocate for preventative mental health care to be covered and valued to the same extent as preventive medical care. Given the increasing visibility and recognition of mental health in the media, now is an opportune time to start these conversations discussions on this matter.

Throughout my life, anxiety has been a constant companion of mine, shaping my experiences and relationships with others. Even before I was born, my mom noted signs of anxiety, setting the stage for a journey marked by challenges and growth. During my early years, my anxiety manifested as anger and aggression. I often found myself in fights at school, driven by a constant fear of failure and a need to control my environment. This behavior extended to my home life, where I would resist doing homework out of those same fears. Recognizing the need for an outlet, my mom encouraged my participation in sports, keeping me physically active to help manage my pervasive stress levels and ensure restful sleep without the need for medication. It wasn't until high school that I truly understood the impact of anxiety on my life. As I navigated the pressures of academics and the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and what my life would look like after high school, my anxiety reached new heights. Despite my continuous efforts to manage it through physical activity, journaling and the use of calm apps, it was a realization that I needed professional help to cope effectively. Throughout this journey, I have remained open and transparent about my struggles, hoping to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when needed. I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can help others understand that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Experiencing difficulties is a natural part of life and that reaching out for help demonstrates resilience. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from support at some point, and I hope that my openness will encourage others to do the same. As I look towards my future, I am committed to approaching my work with a trauma-informed mindset. I understand the importance of empathy and kindness in supporting others, especially those who may be struggling silently. By continuously modeling this behavior, I hope to inspire my coworkers and others in positions of influence to do the same, creating a culture of compassion and understanding. In conclusion, my journey with anxiety has been challenging, but it has also been transformative. It has taught me the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. I am grateful for the support I have received and the lessons I have learned, and I am committed to using my experiences to make a positive impact in the lives I touch.

In today's fast-paced world, the significance of mental health is an increasingly important topic, yet the stigma that surrounds it is not going anywhere. This stigma often prevents individuals from accessing necessary support, resulting in unaddressed mental health challenges and an overall decrease in quality of life. To address this, a complete overhaul of the mental health system is essential—one that aims to not only reduce stigma but also promotes mental wellness as an integral part of a person’s overall health. One way to accomplish this is the introduction of routine preventative mental health check-ups, similar to annual physical exams, with insurance coverage included without the need for a specific diagnosis. The first step is to introduce the concept of preventative mental health physicals. These would be annual check-ups focused on mental health, conducted by mental health professionals such as psychologists or counselors. These physicals would involve screenings, assessments, and discussions aimed at identifying potential mental health issues early on, much like how medical physicals catch physical health problems early. In order to assess the effectiveness of these physical exams, data could be collected on the number of individuals receiving physicals, the types of mental health issues identified, and the resulting treatment results. This data would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the program and enable customization to better address individual's specific needs. To ensure that these physicals are widely available, it is recommended that insurance coverage be aligned with that of preventative healthcare services and that no diagnosis is required for coverage. By removing this barrier to mental health care, more individuals may be encouraged to seek treatment at an earlier stage and significant mental health challenges could be caught and treated sooner, therefore increasing overall quality of life. By normalizing the idea of preventative mental health physicals, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Just as individuals have routine annual physical exams to monitor their physical health, it should become common practice to incorporate annual mental health assessments to monitor and maintain mental wellness. The implementation of preventative mental health screenings could be phased in, beginning with pilot initiatives in collaboration with select private insurance providers. The expansion of this program would be contingent upon the success of these initial trials. This incremental strategy would enable us to make necessary modifications based on the feedback and data obtained from the pilot programs. In conclusion, the implementation of preventative mental health screenings, supported by insurance coverage without the need for a formal diagnosis, is a progressive approach that can lessen the stigma surrounding mental health and enhance overall mental wellness within our community and society at large.

Hello, my name is Kylie. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Toledo in Ohio, where I am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Over the next two years, I plan to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, complete the police academy, and minor in forensic science. At this time, I am still in the process of exploring various career paths within the field and am seeking opportunities to shadow professionals to gain more insight and experience. In addition, I was a collegiate cheerleader during my freshman year, but had to step back due to having emergency surgery. Despite facing challenges such as a hearing disability and a chronic health issue known as SMA syndrome, which required me to undergo two surgeries, I have maintained a GPA of over 3.75 and also work part-time. Outside of academics and work, I live with three roommates and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I have a beloved dog and provide pet sitting services for families in my area. While I do value my personal time due to my health concerns, I always make an effort to be there for my roommates and offer a listening ear when needed. Growing up with a hearing loss taught me valuable advocacy skills, enabling me to effectively communicate my needs for success. I strive to be a voice for others who require similar support. Despite facing challenges, I have never allowed my disability to hinder my ambitions. Instead, I have worked diligently to prove myself based on my skills rather than seeking pity or special treatment. I am passionate about promoting disability rights and aim to advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals. I am proud to identify myself as Kylie, rather than defining myself solely as a student with a disability. This scholarship will provide me with the means to prioritize my overall well-being, both physically and mentally. By reducing my workload, I will have the opportunity to focus more on my professional development and career goals within the diverse field of criminal justice. With the knowledge gained through this scholarship, I aim to make informed decisions as I embark on my career journey. Additionally, this scholarship will afford me the ability to create a healthier work-life balance, allowing me to alleviate stress associated with working to meet basic needs such as nutrition. While I am grateful for the financial assistance received through my academic scholarship, it is essential to acknowledge that college expenses extend beyond what is covered by that support.

In today's fast-paced world, the importance of mental health is an increasingly significant topic, however, the stigma surrounding it remains prevalent. This stigma often hinders individuals from accessing necessary support, leading to untreated mental health challenges and a decline in overall quality of life. To address this issue, a comprehensive overhaul of the mental health system is essential - one that not only aims to reduce stigma but also promotes mental wellness as a fundamental aspect of overall health. One approach to achieving this is through the implementation of routine preventative mental health check-ups, similar to annual physical exams, with insurance coverage included without the need for a specific diagnosis. The first step would involve introducing the concept of preventative mental health physicals. These would be annual check-ups focused on mental health, conducted by mental health professionals such as psychologists or counselors. These physicals would include screenings, assessments, and discussions aimed at identifying potential mental health issues early on, mirroring how medical physicals detect physical health problems in their early stages. To evaluate the effectiveness of these physical exams, data could be collected on the number of individuals receiving physicals, the types of mental health issues identified, and the treatment outcomes. This data would provide valuable insights into the program's efficacy and enable tailored interventions to address individual needs more effectively. In order to ensure widespread access to these physicals, it is recommended that insurance coverage for them align with that of preventative healthcare services and does not necessitate a specific diagnosis for coverage. By eliminating this barrier to mental health care, more individuals may be encouraged to seek treatment at an earlier stage, potentially catching and addressing significant mental health issues sooner and improving overall quality of life. By normalizing the concept of preventative mental health physicals, the stigma surrounding mental health can be reduced. Just as individuals undergo routine annual physical exams to monitor their physical health, it should become common practice to include annual mental health assessments for monitoring and maintaining mental wellness. The implementation of preventative mental health screenings could be introduced gradually, starting with pilot initiatives in collaboration with selected private insurance providers. The program's expansion would be contingent upon the success of these initial trials, allowing for necessary adjustments based on feedback and data from the pilot programs. In conclusion, the implementation of preventative mental health screenings, supported by insurance coverage without the need for a formal diagnosis, represents a progressive approach that can alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health and promote overall mental wellness within our community and society as a whole.

As a very young gymnast, I tried out to be on a local competitive team and was told by the head coach that I would never make a competition team because of my hearing impairment. She told me that I was a liability. She was convinced that being hard of hearing caused balance issues and since gymnastics requires a lot of balance, she told me I would not be a good fit. The coach clearly did not know much about hearing loss. While I felt defeated at gymnastics after that incident, I was determined to not allow my disability to dictate my future in sports. Later that year, I was introduced to allstar cheerleading. I was eight years old. In allstar cheerleading, the Summit and Worlds are the highest level of competition, similar to what the Superbowl is for football. As an allstar cheerleader, I have been lucky enough to compete at Summit twice and Worlds once, qualifying a second time but canceled due to COVID. This is something not many people my age accomplish. COVID ended my allstar career due to all of the restrictions. My focus turned to my highschool team. I am currently a Varsity sideline and competition cheerleader. The competitive level is unmatched compared to allstar cheer, but it allows me to continue the sport I love. Next on my bucket list is to make a collegiate cheer team and compete at Nationals. My experience in both allstar and game day cheer make this a possibility.

Professionally, my goal is to be in the FBI. What once seemed like only a dream, now seems more like a remote possibility. I was born with hearing loss, which in the past, would have automatically disqualified me from the FBI. I was ecstatic when I learned about Nicole Lopez, a Michigan NCAA athlete, also with hearing loss, who appealed the FBI’s initial decision and was admitted to the academy in 2017. Because of her trailblazing efforts, I am more motivated than ever. In high school, I participated in the Toledo Police Safety Cadet program. Throughout this program, I learned skills and activities related to law enforcement such as traffic stops, search and seizure, bomb threats, etc. I participated in mock scenarios. This past summer I also had the opportunity to explore my interest further by shadowing a detective from the Toledo Police Department. I checked vehicles in the impound lot for DNA, fingerprints, and drugs. I went to the forensics lab and spent the day testing bullets and the authenticity of a recent cocaine seizure. I also was able to spend a day in the heart of the city exploring an active crime scene of a drive by shooting. I had learned so much in such a small amount of time, I knew that this was not a passing phase, and that this experience was the motivation I needed to pursue my career goal of serving others in this capacity. I am motivated and driven to succeed in college despite my hearing loss. Not only am I a Varsity athlete, I work part time and take college credit classes. I plan to pursue collegiate sports as well as continue to work part time while being enrolled in full time college classes.

It's human nature to plan and look forward to vacations, holidays and big events in our life. Sometimes, the anticipation leading up to those events are actually better than the event itself. Within a short time after the event, I find myself forgetting certain details. The thought about going on a big vacation is at times better than the reality of it. In my mind, I can dream about all of the details I want to happen. Rarely does it turn out like that. Every day, my mom and I have this routine before bedtime. I say "I love you." She replies with, "I love you most." Then we send memes or GIFs back and forth for a little bit to compete about who loves who more. It's a routine we have done for years. When she goes out of town or I am away at a friend's house, I always text or call her. We never let a day go by without this banter. Another simple pleasure is looking out my living room window in the evening to take pictures of the amazing sunsets. We have a pond in our front yard and a field across the street. It makes for a great back drop. As much as I still like to go on vacations, I always look forward to these two very simple pleasures and how thankful I am for them every day.

Volunteering time and giving back to the community has many benefits. There's no better way to become educated and gain perspective in how others live than to immerse onself into their community. It's not only important to the community because without volunteers, community members would go without basic needs. It's been proven that people who volunteer regularly live a healthier life, physically and mentally. For me, this has proven true. Being able to volunteer with our community's homeless veteran population has been the most warming community service I have ever done. Seeing smiles on the faces of homeless individual's when I serve food or pass out clothing or hygiene items is so heartwarming. I have volunteered in many capacities, but this has been the most rewarding. It immediately makes me realize how lucky I am to have my wants and needs met without struggle. It also makes me want to continue to help in this capacity because people living in true poverty are happy with very little. It teaches me patience, communication and how to truly be happy without having material things. Being able to give back to those who risked their lives for me and our country is really the best feeling.

Each year presented new challenges, as I was born with hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since the age of one. I loved sports, however there were always whistles and coaches yelling from the sidelines, all of which I couldn’t hear. It was all so confusing, and I was exhausted by day’s end. Out of all the struggles I faced, one specific incident sticks out as having the most profound impact in my life. I took gymnastics for many years, advancing quickly. When I was old enough, I tried out to be on their competitive team. When I didn’t make the team, I was devastated. The coach responded, "Sweetie, you will never make this team. You can’t hear. This effects your balance, and you would be a huge liability to our gym.” I ran out of the gym, never wanting to try another sport again. I was later introduced to Allstar cheer. There were no whistles, and no one yelling from the sidelines. The routine was performed to music and taught to counts of 8. I excelled at cheer. Someone who was once a liability has competed her way to Summit twice, made the Worlds team at the age of 14 and qualified for Worlds twice. I also competed NCA and our high school team will be competing at Nationals this February. It’s like making it to the Super Bowl of cheer 6 times before the age of 18! There will always be obstacles and setbacks in life. I could have given up and never tried another sport, but I was determined to not let my hearing loss define me. This experience has taught me that I can do hard things. I will never stop chasing my dreams and this experience taught me that all things are possible.

I have gained many life experiences and learned many life lessons throughout my childhood as a deaf competitor in All-Star Cheer. All-Star Cheer doesn’t involve chanting cheers for your favorite team with pom-poms on the sidelines. It consists of tumbling, stunting, jumps and a short dance all wrapped into an intense 2.5-minute routine. Competition teams are age based and the skill levels range from Level 1 to Level 6. I was both lucky and unlucky to have moved up the competitive ladder quickly. I was one of about four girls who was placed on a Senior Level 4 team at the age of 8, and I was one of a few placed on a Level 6 Worlds team at the age of 13. My confidence soared being so young on such an elite team, as did my anxiety. I received a lot of attention and praise. With that, there were high expectations placed on me. I was expected to perform at the level of kids 4-8 years older than me. Although I had many older role models and received a lot of support, I had very few friends my own age. Most of my friends were competing on lower-level teams. This was very isolating as not many of my friends understood the amount of pressure I was under and the time commitment that was involved. I learned to be very competitive at a young age. We were always trying to achieve a higher score. Teamwork and cooperation was taught very early in my cheer career. There was zero tolerance for talking negatively to, or about, other teammates. I learned resilience and perseverance as coaches were very strict, particular and sometimes militant. While my anxiety was always high, I learned how to cope with and perform under high stress situations. I learned how to ask for help and how to lean on others for support. I learned what it felt like to come in last after performing my best and I learned what it felt like to win it all even after not being able to perform a particular skill. Each experience brought new opportunities to learn about myself and about my team. I was dedicated to my team and my teammates were dedicated to each other. We learned sportsmanship not only towards our competitors, but also with our teammates. I learned that I could show compassion to a teammate who fell and caused our team to lose. I could also give grace to myself when my routine didn’t go exactly as rehearsed. Each experience turned out to be a teachable moment with lessons that I was able to apply off the mat. I took these skills I learned to volunteer within my school and community. I helped coach youth clinics in cheer and lacrosse. I helped mentor underclassmen transition to high school. I volunteered with our community’s disability and homeless veteran population. My goal is to continue this type of leadership into my adulthood. Utilizing the skills I have developed, I want to serve the public as a career in law enforcement at the federal level and continue to serve my community as a volunteer.