Raised by a single parent, I spent much of my childhood feeling isolated, as my mother worked long hours to support our family, and my father was absent from my life. His absence left me without a consistent male role model, with my brother serving as the only one present in the home. As I entered middle school, I faced bullying by a male classmate, which severely impacted my self-esteem. Name-calling, the taunting of my personal belongings, and online harassment on social media were all challenges I struggled to overcome. School, which had once been a place of opportunity, became a battleground for my confidence. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world shut down. While the bullying ended, the isolation from my peers and family was tough. It was during these challenging times that life seemed dark for me. I gained weight, I felt ugly, and negative thoughts often crossed my mind. During this time of isolation, I started working on nails because I liked them. Then I began perfecting my technique. This eventually grew this into a business and other smaller ventures. From this, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to a desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The strength and resilience I have has fueled my determination to pursue my academic and career goals. My experiences with isolation, bullying, and emotional struggles have given me a unique understanding of the importance of mental health, especially in adolescents. As I continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills, I have realized that I want to combine this with a passion for helping others, particularly young people. I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by master and doctoral programs, with the goal of opening my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. I am particularly interested in addressing the mental health needs of young people, as I believe their struggles are often overlooked. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the resources, knowledge, and network necessary to turn my aspirations into reality. The opportunity to be a part of the university’s vibrant community will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, get an excellent education, and feel a sense of pride. Being a part of this community will help me grow as both an entrepreneur and a future therapist, enabling me to make a lasting impact on the mental health field, especially in the lives of young people who need it most.

A community service organization that I have been involved in is Organically Pretty, which is a part of the Pretty As I Am program. This organization has inspired me tremendously. It is one of the reasons why I decided to pursue a degree in psychology. Through Organically Pretty, I have had the opportunity to mentor young girls, ages 9-15, at the local Boys and Girls Club. This program has been fulfilling and continues to make me want to help others. This program focuses on empowering young girls by building their confidence, teaching them professional skills, and promoting mental wellness. As a young entrepreneur who has definitely faced my share of obstacles over the years, I am able to share my personal experiences with these girls. I am able to be authentic by showing them that it is okay to struggle, but it’s also possible to rise above challenges and pursue their dreams. The organization gives me the freedom to be myself, an entrepreneur and a teenage girl, and to use my journey as a way to inspire others. I’ve also learned how to plan and lead workshops, collaborate with other mentors, and participate in community events that help spread awareness about youth empowerment. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, accountability, and leadership. I truly feel that I am a role model for these young girls. I am there for them, whether it is to answer questions, offer guidance, or simply be someone they can trust. They know that they can reach out to me whenever they need support or a listening ear. Organically Pretty has taught me the power of mentorship and the impact I can have being a leader. It is a privilege to be part of this program, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of these young girls. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have not only shaped my entrepreneurial spirit, but also led me to have a strong desire to pursue a career in psychology. Understanding that adolescent mental health is extremely important and can often be overlooked, my end goal is to open my own treatment center for adolescents. I have a lot of gratitude for my life experiences that have molded me into the young lady I am today. I plan to continue to seek out opportunities so that I can have a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Being a 17-year-old entrepreneur is one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my life so far not just because of what I have built, but because of everything I had to overcome to get here. My journey has been shaped by hardship, but also by hope, perseverance, and a growing desire to help others heal. I was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Her strength has always inspired me, but her long hours meant I spent a lot of time alone. With my father absent, I often felt the weight of that missing piece. My older brother was there, but even so, I struggled to find a consistent source of emotional support. Those early feelings of loneliness left a lasting impact. Middle school brought new challenges. I became the target of relentless bullying, name-calling, having my belongings mocked and taken, and being harassed online. It wore down my self-esteem and made school a place I dreaded. Then, just as I was trying to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The world shut down, the bullying ended but so did the chance for connection. I felt more isolated than ever. But in that quiet, painful space, something beautiful began. I started teaching myself nail art, using it as a way to cope and express myself. What began as a creative escape turned into a business—one I built with my own two hands. I began earning money, setting goals, and gaining confidence. I realized I could turn pain into purpose. I learned that I was capable of so much more than I had ever believed. Through this experience, I found a deeper calling. My own struggles with mental health made me recognize how many young people silently suffer. I want to be someone who helps them feel seen, heard, and supported something I longed for at their age. That’s why I plan to pursue a career in psychotherapy. My dream is to earn my bachelor’s degree in psychology, then go on to complete my master’s and doctorate, ultimately opening my own adolescent therapy practice. North Carolina A&T State University is the perfect place for me to begin that journey. Its strong programs in psychology, leadership, and business will help me grow not just as a student, but as a leader and future therapist. I’m excited to be part of a community where I can continue to thrive, build meaningful relationships, and make a real impact. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family it would be a step toward my future of healing and helping. I’ve turned my pain into power, and now I want to use it to uplift others.

Mental health is extremely important to me as a student because it directly impacts my ability to succeed, both academically and personally. As someone who has faced various challenges in life, including feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, I understand firsthand how crucial it is to prioritize mental wellness. I have overcome bullying, I have overcome the longing for a father-daughter relationship, and I have overcome being alone due to my single mother working all of the time. Mental health influences managing stress, balancing responsibilities, and interacting with others. As a student, maintaining good mental health helps me focus on my academic goals while also building positive relationships with peers and educators. It allows me to perform at my best, remain resilient during setbacks, and continue working toward my long-term career aspirations. I advocate for mental health in my community by being actively involved in initiatives that promote wellness and empowerment. One organization that has been particularly impactful for me is Organically Pretty, which is a part of the Pretty As I Am program. Through this community service organization, I have had the opportunity to mentor young girls, ages 9-15, at the local Boys and Girls Club. This experience has not only inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology but also reinforced the importance of mental health in fostering confidence and resilience. Through my work with Organically Pretty, I’ve been able to advocate for mental wellness by sharing my personal experiences with these girls. I emphasize the message that it’s okay to face challenges and feel vulnerable, but it’s also essential to believe in one's ability to overcome adversity. I focus on building their self-confidence, teaching them professional skills, and encouraging them to take care of their mental health. Being authentic and open about my own struggles allows me to connect with them on a deeper level and show them that they are not alone. As a mentor, I am committed to being a role model for these young girls. Whether it’s offering guidance, answering questions, or just being a listening ear, I want them to know that they have someone they can trust and turn to for support. I believe that through mentorship, I can make a significant impact on their mental well-being, helping them to grow into confident, resilient individuals. Organically Pretty has taught me the power of mentorship and how positively it can influence others. I look forward to continuing to advocate for mental health by supporting these young girls in my community. They inspire me every day, and I look forward to helping them, as I continue to grow and pursue my degree in psychology, with the goal of one day becoming an adolescent therapist who can further help those in need.

My experiences with mental health have deeply influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that shaped my perspective on mental health, particularly in adolescence. Raised by a single parent and feeling isolated for much of my childhood, I struggled with my sense of belonging. My father's absence also created an emotional void, one that made me question my worth and caused me to seek validation in places where it was difficult to find. I longed for a relationship with him, and this created a deep sense of loss and resulted in severe emotional and trust issues. While I tried to fill that void with other aspects of my life, like my friendships and hobbies, the emotional gap left by his absence was always there, affecting my confidence and how I viewed myself. To top it off, I was bullied in middle school, which severely affected my self-esteem and emotional well-being. Neither the teachers nor the administration did anything to stop this until he started taking my belongings at school. The taunting, name-calling, and online harassment I experienced created lasting emotional scars. School, which was once a place of opportunity, turned into a battleground for my confidence. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, which isolated me even more. I felt distanced from both my peers and family. These difficult times, however, became a turning point for me as I started counseling. I began to understand the importance of mental health and resilience. These personal challenges shaped my belief that mental health struggles, especially among young people, are often overlooked or minimized. My experiences gave me a deep understanding of how isolation and emotional pain can impact one's self-worth and outlook on life. They instilled in me the belief that addressing mental health needs, particularly during adolescence, is essential. This belief drives my passion to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The obstacles I faced led me to develop resilience and a desire to help others navigate similar emotional struggles. I understand that mental health challenges are complex, and they require not only professional care but also empathy and understanding. In terms of relationships, my experiences with bullying and isolation have taught me the importance of compassion and support in building meaningful connections. They have also shaped my desire to be a role model and a source of strength for others, particularly young people who may feel alone or misunderstood. These lessons have influenced my approach to relationships, as I now prioritize understanding, communication, and emotional support. Ultimately, my journey has confirmed my career aspiration to become a psychotherapist focusing on helping adolescents. I plan to earn a degree in psychology and continue my education to open my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. My goal is to provide a safe space for young people to explore their emotions, overcome their struggles, and gain the resilience to thrive. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will be instrumental in helping me achieve this goal, offering me the academic foundation and network to turn my aspirations into reality.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Journey By: La’a Pulley Being a 17-year-old entrepreneur is one of my most rewarding experiences and accomplishments. This experience has been rewarding because I have overcome many obstacles to get here. Raised by a single parent, I spent much of my childhood feeling isolated, as my mother worked long hours to support our family, and my father was absent from my life. His absence left me without a consistent male role model, with my brother serving as the only one present in the home. As I entered middle school, I faced bullying by a male classmate, which severely impacted my self-esteem. Name-calling, the taunting of my personal belongings, and online harassment on social media were all challenges I struggled to overcome. School, which had once been a place of opportunity, became a battleground for my confidence. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world shut down. While the bullying ended, the isolation from my peers and family was tough. It was during these challenging times I worked to perfect my nail technique. Eventually, I grew this into a business and other smaller ventures. From this, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to a desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The strength and resilience I have has fueled my determination to pursue my academic and career goals. My experiences with isolation, bullying, and emotional struggles have given me a unique understanding of the importance of mental health, especially in adolescents. As I continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills, I’ve realized that I want to combine this with a passion for helping others, particularly young people. I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s and doctoral program, with the goal of opening my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. I am particularly interested in addressing the mental health needs of young people, as I believe their struggles are often overlooked. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the resources, knowledge, and network necessary to turn my aspirations into reality. The university’s strong business, leadership, and psychology programs align perfectly with my goals. The opportunity to be a part of the university’s vibrant HBCU community will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, get an excellent education, and feel a sense of HBCU pride.

Empowerment, to me, is the process of taking control of one’s circumstances, making decisions that shape your future, and using your personal experiences to fuel growth and transformation. It is about gaining the confidence to take on challenges and not let them define or limit you, but instead use them as stepping stones toward a better future. Empowerment is also about having the courage to pursue your dreams, even when facing adversity, and believing in your ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. In my own life, empowerment has meant overcoming personal struggles and using those experiences to build a foundation for my success. Growing up in a single-parent household, I faced isolation and emotional struggles. The absence of my father and the bullying I experienced in middle school severely affected my self-esteem. Yet, these challenges didn't defeat me, they motivated me. The isolation I felt during the pandemic became the turning point where I chose to focus on developing my skills and passions, particularly my interest in nails. I transformed this into a business and found the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial goals. Through this journey, I realized that empowerment is not just about success but about resilience, and the ability to keep moving forward in the face of setbacks. This empowerment has shaped my desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to deal with emotional and psychological challenges, especially during adolescence. By overcoming my own battles, I want to empower others to do the same, particularly young people who are struggling with mental health issues or bullying. I’ve learned that mental health is crucial to one’s well-being, and I want to create a space where adolescents can feel supported and understood. My experiences with isolation and bullying have shown me that the path to healing begins with empowerment, the belief that one has the strength to overcome challenges and the tools to thrive. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will be a significant step toward further empowerment, as it will provide me with the education, resources, and community support necessary to continue building on my entrepreneurial and psychological aspirations. The opportunity to engage with the university's leadership, business, and psychology programs will allow me to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the mental health field, particularly for adolescents facing similar struggles. The empowerment I feel today fuels my determination to help others find the strength within themselves to overcome their challenges and succeed.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Journey By: La’a Pulley Being a 17-year-old entrepreneur is one of my most rewarding experiences and accomplishments. This experience has been rewarding because I have overcome many obstacles to get here. Raised by a single parent, I spent much of my childhood feeling isolated, as my mother worked long hours to support our family, and my father was absent from my life. His absence left me without a consistent male role model, with my brother serving as the only one present in the home. As I entered middle school, I faced bullying by a male classmate, which severely impacted my self-esteem. Name-calling, the taunting of my personal belongings, and online harassment on social media were all challenges I struggled to overcome. School, which had once been a place of opportunity, became a battleground for my confidence. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world shut down. While the bullying ended, the isolation from my peers and family was tough. It was during these challenging times I worked to perfect my nail technique. Eventually, I grew this into a business and other smaller ventures. From this, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to a desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The strength and resilience I have has fueled my determination to pursue my academic and career goals. My experiences with isolation, bullying, and emotional struggles have given me a unique understanding of the importance of mental health, especially in adolescents. As I continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills, I’ve realized that I want to combine this with a passion for helping others, particularly young people. I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s and doctoral program, with the goal of opening my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. I am particularly interested in addressing the mental health needs of young people, as I believe their struggles are often overlooked. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the resources, knowledge, and network necessary to turn my aspirations into reality. The university’s strong business, leadership, and psychology programs align perfectly with my goals. The opportunity to be a part of the university’s vibrant HBCU community will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, get an excellent education, and feel a sense of HBCU pride.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Journey By: La’a Pulley Being a 17-year-old entrepreneur is one of my most rewarding experiences and accomplishments. This experience has been rewarding because I have overcome many obstacles to get here. Raised by a single parent, I spent much of my childhood feeling isolated, as my mother worked long hours to support our family, and my father was absent from my life. His absence left me without a consistent male role model, with my brother serving as the only one present in the home. As I entered middle school, I faced bullying by a male classmate, which severely impacted my self-esteem. Name-calling, the taunting of my personal belongings, and online harassment on social media were all challenges I struggled to overcome. School, which had once been a place of opportunity, became a battleground for my confidence. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world shut down. While the bullying ended, the isolation from my peers and family was tough. It was during these challenging times I worked to perfect my nail technique. Eventually, I grew this into a business and other smaller ventures. From this, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to a desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The strength and resilience I have has fueled my determination to pursue my academic and career goals. My experiences with isolation, bullying, and emotional struggles have given me a unique understanding of the importance of mental health, especially in adolescents. As I continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills, I’ve realized that I want to combine this with a passion for helping others, particularly young people. I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s and doctoral program, with the goal of opening my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. I am particularly interested in addressing the mental health needs of young people, as I believe their struggles are often overlooked. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the resources, knowledge, and network necessary to turn my aspirations into reality. The university’s strong business, leadership, and psychology programs align perfectly with my goals. The opportunity to be a part of the university’s vibrant community will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, get an excellent education, and feel a sense of pride.

To whom much is given, much is expected is the reason that I volunteer with multiple organizations, but I have a special place in my life for my involvement with Organically Pretty, a part of the Pretty As I Am program. This organization has profoundly impacted me, further inspiring my decision to pursue a degree in psychology. Through Organically Pretty, I've had the opportunity to mentor young girls, ages 9-15, at the local Boys and Girls Club. The program's focus on empowering young girls by boosting their confidence, teaching them valuable professional skills, and promoting mental wellness is also special to me. As a young entrepreneur who has faced many challenges myself, like being bullied, which caused me to experience self-confidence issues, not having my father present, and feeling alone because my mother worked a lot to provide for me and my brother. I can relate to the struggles these girls experience. I want to show them that although life has obstacles, they can still achieve their dreams. The organization allows me to be authentic, using my own story to inspire others. I can connect with these girls as both an entrepreneur and a young woman; that bond makes the experience even more meaningful. Being a mentor to these young girls has taught me the true power of selflessness and leadership. Also, I will provide free makeup, hair, and nail services for important events, like homecoming, prom, and senior pictures during the year to help them feel beautiful. Feeling beautiful is so important for girls. I understand the importance of being there for others, and I let them know they can reach out to me anytime. Through this experience, I've learned just how much of an impact mentorship can have on both the mentor and the mentee. Organically Pretty has allowed me to grow as a leader and inspired me to continue helping others in meaningful ways. I feel privileged to be part of this program, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of these young girls. I would like to see this in my community for young black men. Having community and volunteer events like this on a regular basis can save someone from the streets. It can give them hope for a better life despite all of the challenges around them. Bringing in mentors who are in a position to show them what it takes to be a man in this world would really change the community. This is needed more today than ever before.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Journey By: La’a Pulley Being a 17-year-old entrepreneur is one of my most rewarding experiences and accomplishments. This experience has been rewarding because I have overcome many obstacles to get here. Raised by a single parent, I spent much of my childhood feeling isolated, as my mother worked long hours to support our family, and my father was absent from my life. His absence left me without a consistent male role model, with my brother serving as the only one present in the home. As I entered middle school, I faced bullying by a male classmate, which severely impacted my self-esteem. Name-calling, the taunting of my personal belongings, and online harassment on social media were all challenges I struggled to overcome. School, which had once been a place of opportunity, became a battleground for my confidence. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world shut down. While the bullying ended, the isolation from my peers and family was tough. It was during these challenging times I worked to perfect my nail technique. Eventually, I grew this into a business and other smaller ventures. From this, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to a desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. The strength and resilience I have has fueled my determination to pursue my academic and career goals. My experiences with isolation, bullying, and emotional struggles have given me a unique understanding of the importance of mental health, especially in adolescents. As I continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills, I’ve realized that I want to combine this with a passion for helping others, particularly young people. I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s and doctoral program, with the goal of opening my own adolescent psychotherapy practice. I am particularly interested in addressing the mental health needs of young people, as I believe their struggles are often overlooked. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the resources, knowledge, and network necessary to turn my aspirations into reality. The university’s strong business, leadership, and psychology programs align perfectly with my goals. The opportunity to be a part of the university’s vibrant community will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, get an excellent education, and feel a sense of pride.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Journey By: La’a Pulley I am a 17-year-old entrepreneur. I run my own nail business, which has been successful for almost four years now. At the same time, I have maintained a 3.4 GPA taking honors classes. I have a drive to learn more, achieve more, and be a better person. From an early age, I had a unique passion for entrepreneurship. Around 8 or 9 years old, I learned how to make slime, and started marketing my slime to classmates and family. Although this may sound simple, it sparked my creativity and led to other interests, such as braiding hair for friends and family. This experience taught me the value of time management and the potential for profitability. My curiosity did not stop there, I continued to expand into skincare, makeup, eyelashes, homemade scented shea butter and air fresheners. However, my success has not come without obstacles. Raised by a single parent, I was often alone because my mom worked a lot. My dad was absent, so there was no male role model in the home other than my brother. This caused me to have abandonment issues early on. Also, I was bullied by a male student in middle school, which caused some negative self-view issues that were not easy to overcome. I suffered name calling, touching of my personal items, and taunting on social media. This was the first time; life and school really became a challenge for me. Then COVID-19 hit, and the world shut down. Sure, I did not endure the bullying every day anymore, but the isolation from friends and family was tough. It was during these hard times, I worked to perfect my nail technique and build my web page, which eventually let to the successful growth of my business, along with other smaller ventures. Through this journey, I gained resilience and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have not only shaped my entrepreneurial spirit, but has also inspired my desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy. I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but my ultimate goal is a PhD. My goal is to open my own adolescent psychotherapy practice, as I believe adolescent mental health is extremely important and can often be overlooked. I am committed to changing that by providing support and care to young people in need. Attending North Carolina A&T State University will provide me with the tools, knowledge, and network to achieve my goal of establishing my own business. The university's strong programs in business and leadership, combined with its vibrant community, will help develop my path, continue to help build my confidence, allow me to build relationships, and get a quality education.

I am a 17 student who has struggled with my mental health. Raised by a single parent, I was often alone because my mom worked a lot. My dad was absent, so there was no male role model in the home other than my brother. This caused me to have abandonment issues early on. Also, I was bullied by a male student in middle school, which caused some negative self-view issues that were not easy to overcome. I suffered name calling, touching of my personal items, and taunting on social media. This was the first time; life and school really became a challenge for me. I really withdrew and started isolating myself. Around this time, I found out that my father suffered from mental health issues, resulting in cutting and a near death attempt. This was a traumatic experience that I couldn’t fully understand then. I felt helpless, confused, and overwhelmed by the situation. It was only later that I came to recognize the pain my father had been experiencing, and how his struggles affected not just him but our entire family. His battle with mental health left me with a sense of uncertainty and my own emotional struggles. I also realized that I had inherited some of these mental health challenges and I needed to address them to heal. Through counseling, I have healed some of those wounds and developed other ways to cope with my feelings. Therapy allowed me to understand my emotions and process the trauma that had built up over the years from abandonment, bullying, and my own insecurities. My father’s return to my life after 15 years also played a significant role in my healing. Although our relationship is still growing, his presence has allowed me to rebuild the connection we lost. These experiences have taught me the importance of mental health and how deeply it impacts individuals and their loved ones. It has sparked a deep desire in me to better understand mental health, break the stigma surrounding it, and use my experiences to help others who are facing similar struggles. This is a main reason why I have chosen to major in psychology in the fall, eventually to become an adolescent psychotherapist. I am very passionate about working with people like me. I want to create a safe space where they can open up and receive the care they deserve. I believe that by helping others navigate their mental health, I can contribute to the larger movement of reducing the stigma surrounding it and creating a society where mental health is just as important as physical health.

As a 17-year-old entrepreneur, I have learned the importance of time management, community engagement, and integrity. From an early age, I had a unique passion for entrepreneurship. My curiosity peaked around 8 years old when I took an interest in learning how to make slime and began marketing it to my classmates and family. Although this may sound simple, it sparked my creativity and led to other interests, such as braiding hair for friends and family. I continued to expand into skincare, makeup, eyelashes, homemade scented shea butter and air fresheners. I eventually found my passion in making people feel confident and beautiful as a nail technician. In the past 3 years, I have had the opportunity to serve in client-facing roles which taught me to communicate effectively and gauge the needs of others while maintaining transparency and inclusivity. Spending time building rapport with my clients, I learned just how many people struggle with insecurities and used this time to pour into them through affirmations and validation. Although I am only 17, I gained this wisdom from my own experiences being bullied in school and being away from friends and family. I was raised by a single parent and was often alone because my mom worked a lot and my father was not present. I was in search of community and a way to make an impact in the lives of those who can relate to my story. Two years ago, I began volunteering for a non-profit called Organically Pretty where I help host programs at local Boys & Girls Clubs. Once a month, I speak with girls and provide insight into what it is like to be a teenage entrepreneur and navigate societal pressures at school. The theme of the bulk of our conversations has been mental health and self-care. All of the obstacles and achievements I have experienced thus far have not only shaped my entrepreneurial spirit but also led me to have a strong desire to pursue a career in psychology. Understanding that adolescent mental health is extremely important and can often be overlooked, my end goal is to open my own treatment center for adolescents. I have a lot of gratitude for my life experiences that have molded me into the young lady I am today. I plan to continue to seek out opportunities so that I can have a positive impact on the lives of young people. Attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University will provide me with the knowledge, resources, and network to achieve my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. NCA&T’s Psychology program piqued my interest most, and I look forward to courses such as: Child, Adolescence and Young Adult Development, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Family Systems. Coming from a rich legacy of HBCU grads, the importance of attending a historically Black institution was instilled in me at a very early age. NCA&T’s dedication to providing a safe space and guidance for young professional minorities ensures me that faculty and staff are invested in the success of each of their students even beyond graduation. Even the student body invests in one another’s success through student organizations, such as Natural and Proud Sistas (NAPS) and New Student Programs (NSP) that creates a sense of lifelong community. Each time I have visited campus and met more people; I felt the true meaning of culture and Aggie PRIDE and inspired to attend this HBCU.