I am someone who has experienced firsthand how deeply mental health can shape a person’s life, identity, and relationships. During my early teen years, I went through a period of depression and isolation that changed the way I understand both myself and others. The transition to staying home full-time during 2020 made me feel disconnected from everything around me. I spent a lot of time alone, stuck in a routine that made every day feel the same. Over time, I began to struggle emotionally without fully understanding what I was feeling or how to express it. At that time, I didn’t talk about what I was going through. I kept everything inside, avoided opening up, and tried to push through it on my own. Looking back, I realize that silence made things worse. I became used to feeling low, and instead of seeking help, I withdrew even more. That experience affected my relationships, especially with my mom, who wanted to help but often felt shut out. I also began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, which made me realize how much my mental health was impacting my daily life. Over time, those experiences changed my perspective. I learned that mental health is not something you can ignore or expect to fix itself. It requires communication, support, and honesty. I also learned how important it is to feel understood. When I eventually began rebuilding stability in my life and connecting with new people, I saw how much of a difference supportive relationships can make in someone’s healing process. My passion for psychology comes directly from these experiences. I became interested in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, especially during emotional struggles. I want to understand what happens beneath the surface when someone is dealing with anxiety, depression, or life changes that feel overwhelming. More than anything, I want to be able to help others who may feel the same way I once did. Psychology, to me, is not just a subject in school—it is personal. It represents growth, awareness, and the possibility of helping someone feel less alone. I know what it feels like to be trapped in your own thoughts, unsure of how to move forward, and I want to be someone who can offer support and understanding in those moments. My goal is to pursue a career where I can work with people facing mental health challenges, whether through counseling, therapy, or another psychology-related field. My experiences have shaped my empathy, strengthened my desire to help others, and given me a clear sense of purpose for my future.

I’ve often wondered what defines a person: the struggles they face or how they grow from them. For me, it has always been both. My experience with mental health has shaped my beliefs, influenced my relationships, and guided the direction I want my future to take. In 2020, my life shifted in a way I was not prepared for. The transition from school to being home full-time took a toll on my mental health. As a preteen with limited social connections, isolation made everything heavier. I spent most days alone in my room, stuck in a cycle that made time feel like it stopped. Over time, I began to spiral into depression. I didn’t fully understand what I was experiencing, but I became comfortable in my sadness. I stopped opening up, stopped journaling, and stopped trying to change anything even when support was available. That silence affected my relationships, especially with my mom, who tried her best to help but often felt shut out. I carried unspoken frustration and anxiety that eventually turned into panic attacks. This experience shaped one of my core beliefs: mental health cannot be ignored. I learned that emotional struggles do not disappear when hidden—they grow. I also learned that healing requires honesty, communication, and accepting help even when it feels uncomfortable. During this time, my home life became unstable. I moved between relatives’ houses and later lived with my dad while my mom worked to regain stability. These changes made me feel uncertain about myself and my place in the world. It also affected my relationships because I didn’t feel grounded enough to fully open up. I kept many emotions inside, which made connections feel distant. However, things began to shift in 8th grade. There was not one single moment that changed me—it was new environments, new people, and slowly rebuilding stability. My mom eventually found a stable home, and I began to feel more secure. I also met friends who encouraged me to open up. For the first time in a long time, I felt supported instead of isolated. That showed me how important relationships are in mental health recovery. The people around you can influence whether you stay stuck or start healing. Because of what I went through, I now value openness in relationships. I try to communicate more instead of shutting down, and I’ve learned to be more patient because everyone carries struggles you cannot always see. My mental health journey has also influenced my career aspirations. Going through depression and anxiety made me interested in understanding how people think and feel. I want a future where I can help others who feel the way I once did—possibly through psychology or counseling. I know what it feels like to be trapped in your own mind, and I want to be part of helping someone find their way out. My story is not just about struggle, but about growth. Mental health shaped my beliefs, changed how I connect with others, and gave me purpose for my future. I am still growing, but I no longer see my experiences as something that broke me. I see them as something that built my strength and resilience.

One challenge I faced recently was going through surgery and the recovery process afterward. The surgery itself went fine, but the days after were harder than I expected. I had a lot of discomfort, like burning and tightness around the incision area, and even simple things like moving around or getting comfortable were difficult. It was frustrating because I’m used to being independent, so suddenly having to slow down and rely on other people was not easy for me. One moment that really stuck with me was when it was time to remove my surgical wrap. I felt nervous about doing it myself and didn’t want to mess anything up, so I decided to wait for my mom to help me. That moment made me realize that being strong doesn’t always mean handling everything on your own. Sometimes it means knowing when to ask for help and being patient with yourself. At first, the recovery process made me feel discouraged because I couldn’t do my normal routine or move around the way I usually do. I like being active and doing things on my own, so having to slow down was annoying. But over time, I realized that healing isn’t something you can rush. I had to learn to listen to my body and give myself the time I needed to recover. This experience also showed me how important support from family can be. Having my mom there to help me through the recovery process reminded me that challenges are easier to get through when you have people who care about you. Looking back, this experience taught me a lot about patience and resilience. Even though it was uncomfortable and frustrating at times, it helped me learn that setbacks are a part of life. What really matters is how you handle them and what you learn from the experience.

Going to college means a lot more to me than just getting a degree. For me, it represents changing the direction of my life and creating better opportunities for the generations that come after me. I grew up in a single-parent household where money was sometimes tight, so I learned early on that success usually comes from hard work and determination. Watching my mom work hard to support our family showed me how important it is to keep pushing for a better future. Because of that, earning a college degree feels like a major step toward building a more stable life for myself and eventually being able to help my family in ways that weren’t always possible before. A college degree would also mean breaking patterns and opening new doors. Mental health struggles run deeply in my family, and growing up around that made me realize how important understanding psychology and emotional well-being really is. Instead of ignoring those challenges, I want to learn more about them and use that knowledge to help other people who may be going through similar situations. Studying psychology will give me the chance to better understand human behavior, trauma, and how people deal with difficult experiences. My goal is to use what I learn to make a positive difference, especially for people who feel misunderstood or unsupported like I was once. Personally, getting a college degree would give me a strong sense of pride and independence. It would mean proving to myself that I can accomplish something big even when things haven’t always been easy. It would also show my little brother and my nephew that college is possible for them too. Sometimes all it takes is one person to go first and show others that there are more opportunities out there. I want to be that example. One of the things I am most passionate about is understanding people and how their experiences shape who they become. Psychology interests me because it connects to real life in so many ways, from mental health to relationships and personal growth. I’ve already started exploring this passion through my classes and research projects in school. For example, I researched the background and behavior of serial killer Richard Ramirez. While the topic itself is disturbing, learning about it helped me better understand how childhood experiences, trauma, and personality traits can influence behavior later in life. In addition to schoolwork, I often notice psychology in everyday life—how people react to stress, how experiences affect emotions, and how someone’s environment can shape their choices. These things make me even more interested in continuing to study psychology and eventually working in a field where I can support people who may be struggling with mental health challenges. Overall, earning a college degree would mean growth, opportunity, and the chance to create a better future. It would allow me to pursue my passion for psychology while also changing the path for myself and my family. Most importantly, it would give me the knowledge and tools to help others, which is something that truly matters to me.

Growing up with my mom, my sister, and my little brother, I often wondered how she found the strength to keep going while raising us on her own. Life was not easy, and there were times when we didn’t know where we’d sleep or how we’d make it through the month. Despite these challenges, my mom made sure we had food, clothes, and the chance to succeed in school. She taught me that resilience isn’t about having an easy life, it’s about refusing to let hardships define you. During a period of homelessness in high school, I had to step up for my little brother and myself. I helped him get ready for school, organized what little we had, and found ways to complete homework without a quiet place to study. These experiences taught me independence, patience, and determination. I learned that even when circumstances are hard, showing up and giving your best effort matters most. Watching my mom work tirelessly and care for us even when she was exhausted showed me the importance of empathy, sacrifice, and commitment. Those lessons shaped the way I approach my goals today. I am determined to pursue a career in psychology to help others who face challenges similar to the ones I experienced. I want to be someone who listens, understands, and empowers people to overcome obstacles in their lives. My upbringing has given me the confidence to face adversity and the drive to make a difference. I carry the lessons my mom taught me resilience, compassion, and dedication into everything I do. By using my experiences to guide and support others, I hope to create a positive impact in my community and help others realize that their circumstances do not define their potential.

Growing up, I often wondered how my mother found the strength to keep pushing forward every day while doing her very best to provide for me, my sister, and my little brother. Life was not always easy for her as a single mother raising children with limited support from family, but she found ways to make it work. I remember the trips she would take us on during spring break, even when I later realized she barely had enough money for rent the following month. Despite the challenges she faced, she made sure my siblings and I never went without anything we needed. Anything we asked for, she did her best to provide. There were times when our circumstances were even more uncertain. During a period of homelessness in high school, I had to face the reality of not having a safe place to sleep or a stable routine. Simple things like focusing on homework or preparing for a test became much harder. Even in those moments, I watched my mother carry on, keeping her focus on making sure we had food, clean clothes, and the chance to keep going to school. I also learned to step up in ways I never had to before. I would help my little brother get ready for school, organize what little we had, and figure out how to complete homework without a quiet place to study. Taking on these responsibilities taught me to stay organized, disciplined, and resilient, even when the odds were against me. Seeing my mother’s strength in the face of that struggle showed me that resilience isn’t about having an easy life, it’s about refusing to let hardships define you. I can’t count the number of times I saw my mom cry about things I didn’t fully understand. She carried so much on her own, often keeping her struggles to herself. Yet somehow, the next day, she would wake up stronger, ready to face whatever came her way. She always wanted the best for us, especially when it came to our education. She made sure we had every opportunity to succeed and fully supported any extracurricular activities we wanted to pursue. I remember one night, staying up late to finish a school project, and she stayed with me, helping me brainstorm ideas even after a long shift. That small act of selflessness taught me what it truly means to care for someone. Watching my mother navigate these challenges with resilience and determination has had a profound impact on who I am today. It’s because of her that I approach obstacles with patience and persistence, refusing to give up even when things get tough. She has shown me the importance of independence, empathy, and hard work but also that it’s okay to lean on others when you need support. Her sacrifices and dedication inspire me every day to not just dream, but to take action, to advocate for myself and others, and to carry myself with both confidence and humility. Even now, I catch myself thinking about the lessons she quietly taught me the power of resilience, the strength of love, and the importance of showing up for the people who matter most. These lessons are the foundation of who I am, and they guide the choices I make and the person I strive to be. Whether it’s working hard in school, supporting friends, or finding creative ways to overcome obstacles, I see pieces of her strength in me every day. I love you, Mom.

My name is Layla Wilson, I am a senior that attends Lucy C Laney High School in Augusta GA. I’ve taken several AP classes, apart of the student advisory. I am apart of Upward Bound Trio with Paine College, where I tour colleges, volunteer work, and learning and expanding my academic skills. I’ve worked with numerous organizations for volunteer work throughout my high school years. My plan after high school is to major in Psychology and work my way to becoming a sport therapist or behavioral counselor. Hoping to also be a advocate for kids and teens that are suffering from mental health issues and helping the homeless at the same time. If I would ever start a charity, it would be solely based on mental health. The main focus would be increasing mental health awareness, improve services, and provide emotional support. Our mission would be to support the recovery of people dealing with mental health. As a person who struggles with mental health and have mentally diagnosed family, I strive to make a difference in the amount of resources provided for us. For the charity, I would have free counseling along with free items and foods for anyone to pick up. Everyone would be welcomed to receive what we provide. My volunteers would be passing out resources and providing professional counseling to those who are in need. I’ve always felt there wasn’t enough resources or places for lower income families. So my charity would give back and donate. My goal is to make sure everyone is able to get the help they need without them having to go through so much just to get the care they seek. Aside from our main mission I want the focus to also be on the homeless, providing shelter, food and any other resource they may need. It would be our duty to help them get their feet and into a better place in life. One thing that helped me develop strong leadership skills is being in Upward Bound. Being in the program not only taught me the basic things in life but also how to be a leader. There had been many times where Upward Bound had us volunteer with helping the homeless and from there it opened my eyes. Lacking a place to sleep isn't just the problem u also losing access to healthcare, safety, and education. Homelessness means so much to me because of the hardship my mom has been experiencing in the last couple of years. Seeing my mom struggle to find a stable living has changed the way i look at so many things. Seeing a person sleeping on the sidewalk or a park bench shouldn't be a “normal” part of commute instead it should be a call to action. Helping the homeless should mean more than just volunteering at a shelter; it means changing the narrative. My charity would be to build a world where “home” is a guaranteed staring point for everyone, not a luxury reserved for the lucky.

My name is Layla Wilson, and I’m an AP student who participates in the student council at my school and is an Upward Bound participant. I want to major in psychology and hope to develop a better understanding of human minds and strengthen my relationships with others. I plan to work my way to becoming a behavioral therapist for children and work as a social worker for mental health and substance abuse. I want to be able to help all kinds of people at the same time. Like a behavoiral therapist would help a lot of misunderstood kids who struggle with behavioral issues, also helping the parents better understand their kids. Growing up, there was this one kid in my class who got angry a lot and turnt that anger into violence with teachers or anyone around him. I never fully understood why he was that way, and it made me wonder what was going on at home because he was such a smart kid with a bright future in front of him, but his anger got in the way of a lot of opportunities. Still to this day, I hope he got the help and care that he needed because he was just a kid. Growing up in my family, there were all types of stories of substance abuse, and as I got older, I realized the stories were being shown right in front of me, and I never noticed until I got older and saw the change in the ones I loved the most. My uncle, for instance, who I could say was my sister's and i friend growing up. He was such a funny person, always laughing and joking and doing fun things with us. I never noticed the amount of drugs he would consume in a day. Until the drug use got worse and noticeable. I started seeing the way he treated my nanna, and at first, I just thought it was him joking. One day, his actions got completely out of control and caused a deep tear in our relationship. That's a reason I want mental health to be more looked at because mental health and substance abuse strained my relationship with a loved one. He couldn't control his emotions and thoughts, so he used substances to escape his thoughts, and he took it out on his family. Mental health runs so deeply in my family, and it has affected me and my mom badly. Watching my mom cry about things I couldn't even begin to understand was so painful to watch. That affected me in so many ways and caused me to have issues with socializing and creating new relationships. Thats why it's so important for me to advocate for mental health and work on building more resources. I plan to help anyone who wants and needs help. I plan to make free health clinics and start a charity that focuses on helping the community be better in any way. I want to see my community strive and be the best versions of their selves without them having so many obstacles to face. I will give back to anyone in need and try to make everyone feel heard.

Growing up, I noticed how many people hide behind their smiles. I’ve seen people I care about struggle with things like anxiety, depression, or feeling alone, but they didn’t know how to talk about it. Seeing that made me realize how much I want to help others feel understood and supported. That’s one of the main reasons I want to major in psychology, to learn more how the mind works and use that knowledge to help people heal and help understand their selves. Right now, I try to make my community better in small but real ways. I’m the person my friends come to when they need someone to talk to, and I always try to listen without judging them. I speak openly about mental health because I personally struggle with it everyday. I enjoy talking to others about mental health to help people get a better understanding of how they are feeling. After college, I want to take what I learn and turn it into action. My dream is to open a few businesses that give back to the community. A place where people can find free resources, mentorship, and programs to help them grow and take care of their mental health. I also want to open a free counseling center for anyone of any age who can’t afford therapy and a free health clinic that helps people take care of both their physical and mental health. Another place for the homeless, where I would go to any street or park and offer them shelter and food for as long as needed. I believe those sort of things should be more available and free. My goal isn’t just to help my own community but to make an impact everywhere I can. I want to travel, talk at schools, and work with others who care about mental health the way I do. I want to help change how people view therapy and show that getting help is a brave thing, not something to be ashamed of. I want to be an advocate and be the voice for the anyone who needs a helping hand. I want to make people feel seen and cared for. I plan to use psychology to create real change and build spaces that bring people together. Helping others, spreading kindness, and making mental health support easy to reach are the ways I plan to make the world a little better—one person at a time.