I want to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector because I am deeply passionate about serving others and helping individuals grow both personally and professionally. I believe that leadership is most effective when it is rooted in servanthood, humility, and integrity. Rather than pursuing personal recognition or success, I am driven by the desire to uplift, empower, and invest in others so they can reach their full potential and positively impact those around them. The nonprofit sector provides a meaningful path for purpose-driven work that prioritizes people and community impact over profit. It allows me to align my values with my career by focusing on initiatives that create lasting change. I am especially interested in creating opportunities for leadership development through coaching, mentorship, and training. By helping individuals strengthen their mindset, grow in their character, and lead with strong values, I can support them in becoming more confident and effective leaders in both their professional and personal lives. My desire to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector of Biblically Fit Learning is deeply rooted in the calling of biblical discipleship, which emphasizes teaching, guiding, and walking alongside others as they grow in both faith and purpose. Discipleship is not simply about instruction, but about transformation, and I believe nonprofits provide a meaningful space to invest in people holistically. Through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development, I aim to model servant leadership in a way that reflects Christ’s example of serving and empowering others. The nonprofit sector allows me to live out this calling by creating environments where individuals are not only developed professionally, but also encouraged to grow in character, integrity, and compassion. My work becomes an extension of discipleship by equipping others to lead, serve, and pour back into their own communities. Ultimately, I see nonprofit work as a way to multiply impact by developing leaders who will continue to disciple, serve, and create positive change in the lives of others. Creating a positive impact by equipping people with practical skills and a strong ethical foundation is central to my goals. I hope to do this by offering leadership workshops, mentoring young professionals and students, and engaging in community outreach efforts that meet real and immediate needs. Whether it is guiding someone through career challenges, helping them develop leadership skills, or providing encouragement and support, I want my work to make a meaningful difference. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals not only succeed, but also develop compassion, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving others. The goal is to contribute to stronger, more connected communities by developing leaders who lead with purpose, integrity, and a heart for service. I believe that when individuals are empowered with the right tools, values, and support, they can influence entire organizations and communities in a positive way. By investing in people and walking alongside them in their growth, I hope to create a ripple effect of transformation that extends far beyond individual success. Through this work, I aim to leave a lasting impact that encourages growth, fosters connection, and inspires others to lead with intention and compassion.

My experience with mental health has shaped the way I see myself, my faith, and the life I want to build for my children. There was a point when everything felt too heavy, and I had to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital. That moment is not easy to revisit, but it is one of the most honest parts of my story. It forced me to slow down and face what I had been trying to carry on my own for too long. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of who I was becoming. I questioned my strength and my ability to keep going. But even in that space, I was not alone. In the quiet moments, I felt a sense of conviction and direction that I now understand as the Holy Spirit. I did not always recognize it clearly, but I was being guided to make choices that would protect me and help me begin again. Choosing to accept help, choosing to reflect, and choosing to keep going were not easy decisions, but I believe they were led by God. That experience changed my faith completely. I stopped seeing faith as something I just believed and started living it as something I relied on. I learned to trust God even when I did not understand what I was feeling or why I was going through it. My faith became something steady that I could hold on to when everything else felt uncertain. It gave me a sense of purpose even in a season that felt confusing. Being a parent made everything more real. My children have always been at the center of my decisions, and during that time, they became my reason to grow and to heal. I realized they do not need a perfect parent. They need a present one. They need someone who is willing to do the work to be better. My journey with mental health has made me more intentional with them. I want to show them what it looks like to be strong in an honest way, to have faith, and to keep going even when things are hard. My goals have changed because of this experience. Success is no longer just about what I achieve. It is about the life I build and the peace I am able to maintain. I want to create stability for myself and for my children. I want a life that reflects growth, balance, and faith. I am driven not just by ambition, but by the desire to be whole and grounded. My relationships have also shifted. I value deeper connections and genuine support. I am more aware that people carry struggles that are not always visible. That understanding has made me more compassionate, but also more careful about who I allow close to me. I have learned to protect my peace. My time in the hospital did not define me, but it changed me. It became a turning point where I began to truly listen to God and trust the direction I was being given. My mental health journey has strengthened my faith, deepened my love for my children, and shaped the person I am still becoming.

My goal is to build and grow *Biblically Fit Learning* into a sustainable platform that creates faith-based educational content and leadership training for individuals, churches, and nonprofits. Within this, I am also developing a branch called *Biblically Corporate*, which focuses on training leaders to apply biblical principles such as servanthood, authority, and humility in professional settings. To reach this goal, I have created a clear and structured plan. In the next three months, I will develop at least one e-learning course with a facilitation guide focused on spiritual and leadership development. Within the first year, I will also mentor at least two individuals through structured coaching sessions to help them grow both spiritually and professionally. My plan also includes building consistent habits that support this work. I dedicate time daily to studying Scripture and documenting key takeaways that can be used in my learning materials. This keeps my content rooted in truth and aligned with my mission. I also plan to attend leadership trainings and Christian conferences to continue learning and improving what I create. The resources needed to execute this plan include both materials and people. I will need a learning platform to host courses, design tools for infographics and presentations, and basic workshop materials such as workbooks, printed guides, and digital content. For workshops, additional resources include a venue or virtual platform, presentation equipment, and supplies for interactive activities like group exercises. My budget will start small and grow over time. For the first year, I estimate: * $500–$1,000 for software and design tools * $300–$500 for course platform or website hosting * $500–$1,000 for workshop materials and supplies * $1,000–$2,000 for marketing, outreach, and basic operations To lower costs, I will continue using volunteer experience through my church and partnerships with nonprofits. This allows me to gain experience, build a portfolio, and test materials before scaling into paid opportunities. Timing is also important. My short-term focus is content creation and pilot workshops. Mid-term, I plan to establish consistent partnerships with nonprofits and begin charging for trainings. Long-term, I want to build a small team of 5–10 people to help expand the work and reach more communities. I have also considered different paths for success. If corporate partnerships grow faster, I can scale Biblically Corporate training. If nonprofit work grows more, I can focus on curriculum and resource development. Either path still supports my main goal of teaching and serving through biblical education. Overall, my plan is realistic, flexible, and purpose-driven. I am building something that not only supports my family financially, but also serves others by helping them grow in faith, leadership, and understanding.

I am working on addressing my current and future student loan debt by building income in a way that aligns with my life and purpose. One of the main ways I am doing this is through my business, Biblically Fit Learning. Through this, I create faith-based educational materials like trainings, online courses, and infographics. This gives me the ability to earn income while still being present at home as a homeschooling mom and continuing my education. I am also reaching out to faith-based nonprofits to work with them and provide educational resources. A lot of these organizations want to teach and support their communities but may not have the time or structure to create full learning materials. My goal is to step in and help in that area while also building income and experience at the same time. This allows me to grow my business in a way that is realistic and service based. Alongside that, I am volunteering at my church in a similar role. I am helping in areas that connect with Biblically Fit Learning so I can gain hands-on experience. I help with graphics, curriculum reviews, discipleship, and also how to be discipled as I too am under someone shadowing them/ This is helping me build confidence, improve what I create, and understand what people actually need when it comes to learning and teaching the Bible. It also gives me something solid to build on as I continue reaching out to nonprofits and expanding my business. I am also being more mindful financially. I am paying attention to the family spending, avoiding unnecessary debt, and making decisions that support where we are trying to go long term. I understand that loans may be a part of my journey, but I do not want to rely on them more than I have to because my family does not need the added burden. My plan is to grow something that can support me and my family while I finish school. I am not just thinking about paying off debt, but creating stability so I do not have to stay in debt long term. Biblically Fit Learning is a big part of that for me, and I am committed to building it in a way that is steady, purposeful, and sustainable. I am committed to staying consistent, trusting the process, and allowing this vision to grow at the pace that is right for me and my family.

One of the most significant challenges I faced during my educational journey was navigating a severe mental health crisis while trying to meet the demands of school, work, and family life. As a first-generation college student, I already carried the weight of unfamiliar expectations and the pressure to succeed. However, during one of the most critical periods in my academic career, I found myself overwhelmed in ways I had never experienced before. At the time, I was balancing multiple responsibilities. I was a wife (married for only 6 months at the time), a mother to my seven-year-old daughter, and three months pregnant. Alongside my family responsibilities, I was also working and attempting to keep up with my academic coursework. The pressure quickly became overwhelming. I was struggling to meet deadlines, failing to perform at the level I expected of myself, and eventually found myself on academic probation. Instead of asking for help, I internalized everything and began to feel like I was failing in every area of my life. What made this challenge even more difficult was the lack of understanding and support surrounding mental health within my immediate environment. I often heard phrases like “just pray more” or “there is no reason for you to feel this way.” While those words may have been intended to help, they left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. As a result, I did not seek help right away. I tried to push through on my own, believing that I could overcome everything through sheer willpower and faith alone. Over time, my mental health declined significantly. I began to feel hopeless, disconnected, and emotionally drained. The stress from school compounded with personal struggles, and I reached a point where it felt like everything was coming to an end. I resented my circumstances, questioned my purpose, and began to believe that the only way to escape the pain was to give up entirely. In one of my lowest moments, I reached out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. That decision was a turning point. For the first time, I was able to express my thoughts honestly without fear of judgment. Although that conversation provided temporary relief, I realized that I needed more than just a single moment of support. I needed to take a serious step toward getting help. Shortly after, I made the difficult but life-saving decision to admit myself into a psychiatric hospital. That moment marked the beginning of my recovery. It was not an easy process. I had to confront my struggles, acknowledge that I needed help, and actively work toward healing. I began learning healthy coping mechanisms, understanding my triggers, and recognizing that my thoughts did not define who I was. Most importantly, I learned that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength. I seek help from my husband, family, and school, as I am no longer burdened by the idea of not receiving help if I do ask I know I did my part. As I worked on my mental health, I also began rebuilding my academic life. I developed better time management skills, set realistic expectations for myself, and reached out for support when needed. I learned how to balance my roles more effectively and gave myself grace during difficult moments. Slowly but surely, I regained my footing both academically and personally. This experience transformed my perspective on education and resilience. It taught me that success is not just about grades or achievements, but about perseverance, growth, and the ability to overcome adversity. It also deepened my faith, as I came to understand that strength does not come from within myself alone, but from trusting a greater purpose and leaning on the support that is available to me. Now I have went from a 2.4 GPA to a 2.8 GPA on my way out of academic probation and setting a course for my future self. Today, I use my experience to advocate for mental health awareness among students, friends, and family. I openly share my story to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek help without fear or shame. I remind others that it is okay to not be okay, and that there are resources and people who care and are willing to help. Overcoming this challenge has made me stronger, more self-aware, and more compassionate toward others. It has also shaped my future goals, reinforcing my desire to educate, support, and uplift individuals through both academic and faith-based initiatives. While the journey was difficult, it ultimately equipped me with the tools and perspective needed to succeed, not only in school but in life.

I want to build Biblically Fit Learning, a faith based educational platform designed to help individuals grow spiritually, mentally, and practically through accessible and engaging resources. This vision includes creating trainings, online courses, infographics, and study tools that make biblical knowledge easier to understand and apply to everyday life. My goal is not to replace scripture as the primary source, but to provide guidance, structure, and support so that people can engage with the Bible in a deeper and more meaningful way. As a first generation college student and someone who has faced both academic and personal challenges, I understand the importance of education that meets people where they are. Many individuals desire to learn about their faith but feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure where to begin. Biblically Fit Learning is designed to bridge that gap by offering clear, structured, and practical materials that simplify understanding without compromising truth. I also plan to extend this work to support faith based nonprofits. Many organizations have a mission to serve, teach, and uplift their communities, but may not have the resources or time to develop comprehensive educational content. Through Biblically Fit Learning, I aim to provide them with tools that strengthen their programs and expand their impact. Building this platform is deeply personal. My journey has taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of seeking help and wisdom beyond myself. There were moments in my life when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about my purpose. Through faith and perseverance, I began to understand that my experiences were not just obstacles, but preparation for something greater. Biblically Fit Learning is a reflection of that growth and a commitment to helping others navigate their own journeys. The impact of this work will reach both individuals and communities. For individuals, it will provide clarity, encouragement, and spiritual growth. For communities, especially those connected to churches and nonprofits, it will offer tools to educate, empower, and build stronger foundations of faith. It will also create spaces for honest learning and growth, where people feel supported rather than judged. As I build my future, I am committed to using my education, experiences, and faith to create something that serves others. Biblically Fit Learning is not just a project. It is a mission to educate, uplift, and inspire people to grow in knowledge, faith, and purpose.

If it were not for 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, I am unsure if I would still be here today. During one of the darkest periods of my life, I felt completely alone. I did not reach out to my family because I did not want to burden them, especially knowing they had little understanding of mental health struggles. I often heard, “Just pray more,” or “There is no reason for you to feel anxious.” While those words may have been well intentioned, they left me feeling unseen and unsupported. As time went on without real help, the weight of my emotions became harder to carry. I felt like I was failing in every area of my life. I was struggling in school, under pressure at work, and disconnected in my marriage. I resented my circumstances and began to believe that the only way out was to end my life. Yet even in that darkness, I knew I had to keep going for my seven year old daughter and for the child I was carrying at the time. Calling the suicide prevention hotline was a turning point. For the first time, I was able to speak honestly about how I felt without judgment. However, the feelings did not immediately disappear. Just hours later, I again felt overwhelmed by the desire to give up. In that moment, I made a difficult but life saving decision. I told my husband to take our daughter to school, and without fully explaining, I admitted myself into a psychiatric hospital. That decision marked the beginning of choosing my life, even when it felt impossible. Mental health is deeply important to me, especially as a student. Academic life brings immense pressure such as deadlines, expectations to perform, financial strain, and the fear of failure. These stressors can intensify existing struggles, particularly for students who are already navigating personal and family responsibilities. I experienced this firsthand while balancing school, work, and motherhood, all while being on academic probation. It was overwhelming and contributed significantly to my mental health crisis. Through my journey, I have learned that thoughts do not define who we are. Our minds can be deceptive, especially in moments of distress. It is crucial to remember that difficult seasons do pass, even when it feels like they never will. Seeking help is not a weakness. It is an act of courage. Today, I advocate for mental health awareness within my family and community by sharing my story openly. I challenge the misconceptions that mental health struggles are attention seeking or something to dismiss. I remind others that these experiences are real and that seeking help is essential, no matter how others may perceive it. I would rather someone be misunderstood and alive than silent and gone. My story is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. By continuing to speak openly about mental health, I hope to encourage others to seek support, break stigma, and choose life, even when it is hard.

You become the teacher when you are the first to achieve something in your family. As a first-generation college student, you are the aspiration, the resource, the encourager, and the educator for those who come behind you. Being the first in anything comes with challenges. You are navigating unmarked territory, and at times, no one in your family can guide you. It becomes your responsibility to develop tenacity, seek outside help, build resilience, and give your very best despite the obstacles ahead. This journey is deeply character-building. It has also strengthened my faith, because I have realized that the courage required does not come from within myself alone, but from a divine source, one who has the power to make all things work together for good. That faith has sustained me through uncertainty and has shaped my purpose. I am proud to be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree, earn certifications, and pursue graduate studies. However, my journey is not rooted in accolades, but in purpose. I strive to encourage others not only to explore college, but also vocational training, trades, and military pathways. I understand firsthand the pressure of believing that college is the only route to success, and I want to broaden that perspective for others who may feel the same way I once did. My passion is to educate and empower. I aspire to create trainings, online courses, infographics, and other educational resources that help individuals deepen their understanding of the Bible. My goal is for these materials to serve as a supplement, guiding learners while encouraging them to seek truth for themselves. I also hope to collaborate with faith-based nonprofits to expand access to these resources and support communities in meaningful ways. This scholarship would allow me to focus more intentionally on my family and my calling. As a wife and mother, it would provide relief from financial strain, allowing me to dedicate my time to my studies, my responsibilities as a homemaker, and my role as a homeschool educator. With this support, I will be better equipped to continue my journey, fulfill my purpose, and uplift others along the way.