My aspiration to pursue a psychology degree at Howard University stems from a long past of unfulfilled dreams. For more than five generations, the mothers in my family have parented alone. Like the female relatives before me, witnessing the challenges that accompanied lone motherhood was not enough to deter me from that path. It was not until my 16-year-old sister revealed her pregnancy that I decided I would not share her fate. Like our foremothers, she sacrificed her dreams and committed fully to her newfound responsibilities. The thought that my niece might one day succumb to the same affliction frightened me. From the day she was born, maintaining an influence in her life has been my top priority. It never occurred to me that the relationship I have with my niece would motivate me so profoundly. To play such an influential role in a young child's life is to struggle frequently with embracing adversity and renouncing stagnancy. Wrestling between comfort and discipline is not pleasant, but, as Lycidas once wrote, "Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise." Like Lycidas, I understand that if admiration (specifically, that of my niece) is what I desire, then I must earn it. The longing to become a woman my niece admires and to combat the mental health pandemic most impels me to undertake such a challenging field of study. An apt summary of my perspective is captured by James Baldwin's spin on the Lycidas quote I previously mentioned. "Fame is the spur and- Ouch!" The rhetorical choice to add "Ouch!" insinuates that being an innovator of change is demanding. It is true; holding influence comes with its obligations. Yet, that is a responsibility I am prepared to accept. As someone with the potential to inspire, I want my character to induce a sense of ambition in others. As a psychologist, I aspire to eradicate the stigmas associated with psychological illness, spread awareness, and combat the ongoing mental health pandemic. Being afforded the chance to showcase my dedication to psychology through this scholarship would assure my efforts to improve were not in vain. I understand that anything worth having does not come easy, but the confidence I possess in my ability to overcome galvanizes me to persevere. The opportunity to work amongst other unrelenting scholars and create new methods of treating mental illness excites me. Realizing how my actions impact my niece has sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of myself. I have already shown her something different by not having a child. Now I will continue proving to her that nothing is insurmountable by pursuing my degree and properly educating myself on how to be of service to others. Imagining her, 30 years from now, telling her children, "My aunt’s tenacity is what inspired me to chase my dreams," is my spur and- Ouch!