Growing up, I always felt different. I struggled to engage with others because I got so nervous. I started going to counseling at a young age. People thought my anxiety was situational, related to the challenges I was facing, but as I got older, I not only battled anxiety but also developed depression and an eating disorder by eighth grade. I went from 115 pounds to 95 in just over a month. I ended up attending two inpatient treatment programs—one for my depression that lasted a week, and a four-week program in Illinois for my eating disorder. During my time there, I admired some of the staff for how much they listened and cared for me. However, there were others who didn't try to understand what I was going through and often dismissed my feelings. This experience made me realize that I wanted to become someone who could provide the support I needed during treatment. I started paying attention to the different specialists I encountered and discovered my passion for studying psychology. Eventually, I decided I wanted to become a psychiatrist. Since I still struggle with mental illness, I believe that specializing in psychology will not only help me understand others but also aid in my self-understanding. Mental health is not a one-time battle; I wake up every day knowing I need to push myself to avoid falling back into the dark place I once escaped. I continue to deal with my eating disorder, which is a persistent challenge. Every day, I strive to refrain from the unhealthy habits I developed in eighth grade. I've realized that if I can push myself to improve, I can also help others who are struggling with various mental health issues, giving them a reason to hold on to life. I want to raise awareness about mental health, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of age, can face these challenges and that it’s okay to seek help there's nothing to be ashamed of. I want people to know they are never alone, and I hope to assist them in finding ways to recover, whether through coping strategies for when they feel down or through medications that may help. I've often been told that medication is merely a tool to cope with my problems and that I’m not truly fighting them myself. However, I believe medication can be a valuable resource for those in need. It helps reduce my panic attacks and allows me to get through the day without shutting down or withdrawing from others. I have also experienced medications that made me feel tired or unwell, which is why I believe I would make a compassionate psychiatrist. I will listen to my patient’s needs and help them find the support necessary for their healing. I know that one day, I will be the person I admired during my treatments. Even as I navigate my own mental health struggles, I will have a purpose in knowing that I am helping others. This scholarship will greatly assist my studies since I have to pay for college myself. I want to pursue a master's degree in psychology and then attend medical school to earn my doctorate and become a psychiatrist.

Success can be defined in many different ways by different people. Some might say that success means becoming a millionaire, while others may view it as obtaining a prestigious position, such as being a CEO. For me, success is about achieving the goals I have set in my life. One of my goals is to attend college and become a psychologist, and I recently achieved a significant milestone by getting accepted into Northwest. This accomplishment represents success in reaching my goals. Additionally, I consider overcoming challenges in my life to be a form of success. I have always struggled with mental health, but each day I choose to push forward, and I see that determination as a success in itself. I believe that achieving success through smaller goals is better than having one main goal in life, which makes my mindset different from others. I believe embracing this mindset will guide me through life and help me become a better version of myself.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in psychology because I am fascinated by how the brain works and I want to help others with their mental health. Growing up, I struggled with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. I never understood why I could not control the things I was feeling, and I could not figure out why medicine seemed like the only way to solve these problems. My personal experiences have driven me to want to understand mental health better and find ways to help people beyond just medication. I want to go into psychology to help other girls understand that they are never alone. I want to find ways to support them that do not only rely on medicine. I hope that one day I can have a little girl look up to me the way I look up to my counselor and other women who have helped me throughout my life. These women have been my role models, and they have shown me the importance of having someone to talk to and lean on during tough times. They have inspired me to be that person for someone else. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate and understanding care to those who are struggling with mental health issues. I believe that my experiences give me a unique perspective and empathy that will help me connect with my future patients. I want to create a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and working through them together. I also hope to advocate for more comprehensive mental health care that includes therapy and other non-medication-based treatments. I believe that there are many ways to support mental health, and I want to explore and promote these options in my career. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with mental health issues, especially young girls who may feel alone and misunderstood. I want to be a source of support and guidance for them, just as others have been for me. In conclusion, my passion for understanding the brain and helping others with mental health drives me to pursue a degree in psychology. I hope to make a positive impact as a woman in the healthcare field by providing compassionate care, advocating for comprehensive mental health treatment, and being a role model for young girls. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

My name is Lily Cochran, and I am a rising college freshman. I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I have tried all sorts of medicine to help calm my anxiety, but none of them work very well. Anxiety affects my whole life, including sleeping, hanging out with friends, doing school work, and going out in public. I tend to get really bad panic attacks during the day and sometimes have to leave class or whatever I may be doing. Living with anxiety has been a constant challenge. It has made everyday tasks seem like mountains to climb. Simple things like sleeping or spending time with friends can become overwhelming. School work often feels like a huge burden, and going out in public can be terrifying. There have been many times when my anxiety has caused me to leave class or other activities because the panic attacks were just too much to handle. Despite these challenges, I am determined to pursue a college degree in psychology. I want to help others who are struggling with mental health issues. I want to understand the different aspects of mental health and find ways to support those in need. My own experiences with anxiety have given me a deep empathy for others who are going through similar struggles. I hope one day to be as good as the psychologists who have helped me. Going to college is important to me because it will give me the knowledge and skills I need to make a difference in the world of mental health. I want to study at the University of Missouri, Northwest Missouri State University, or Missouri Western State University. These schools have strong psychology programs that will help me reach my goals. With a degree in psychology, I can work towards becoming a psychologist and provide the support and understanding that people with mental health issues need. My high school GPA is 3.4, and I have worked hard to maintain good grades despite my anxiety. I know that college will be challenging, but I am ready to face those challenges head-on. I believe that my experiences with anxiety have made me stronger and more resilient. They have taught me the importance of seeking help and supporting others. In conclusion, my experience with anxiety has shaped who I am today. It has been a difficult journey, but it has also given me a sense of purpose. I want to use my experiences to help others and make a positive impact in the field of mental health. Pursuing a college degree in psychology is the first step towards achieving that goal. Thank you for considering my application for the Social Anxiety Step Forward Scholarship.

My experience with mental health has made me kinder to the world. I believe that mental health is often overlooked, and many people do not realize how much it can affect someone on a daily basis. That is why I always try to compliment or say hi to someone who might be struggling. I believe these small gestures can make a big difference. Mental health has influenced my beliefs about relationships by showing me how hard it can be to maintain them while dealing with issues like eating disorders and anxiety. Lacking confidence makes it extremely hard to feel like you are enough in any relationship. Personally, I struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. These challenges make it difficult for me to do simple things like see friends or run errands. Because of my experiences, I want to study psychology. I have always been passionate about understanding the mind and finding ways to help others. I want to support people not just with medicine, but with other coping skills as well. Throughout my life, I have had amazing psychologists who have made a big difference for me. I hope to one day be as great as they are. I am excited to pursue my major in psychology. I chose this field because I want to make a positive impact on the world by helping others manage their mental health. I believe that by understanding the mind, we can develop better strategies for coping with mental health issues. My high school GPA is currently a 3.4, and I worked hard to balance my studies with my mental health challenges. I know that college will bring new challenges, but I am ready to face them. I plan to use my experiences to help others who are struggling. I hope to be a source of support and encouragement for my peers. In the future, I want to become a psychologist who offers a safe space for people to talk about their struggles. I want to help them find ways to cope and thrive. I believe that everyone deserves to feel understood and supported. By studying psychology, I hope to make a difference in the lives of others. In summary, my experience with mental health has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has made me more compassionate and driven to help others. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world through my career in psychology. Thank you for considering my application for the Autumn Davis Memorial Scholarship.

My name is Lily Cochran, and I am a rising college freshman with a high school GPA of 3.4. I'm in FFA, FCCLA, and Yearbook, and cheerleading. I plan to study psychology at either the University of Missouri, Northwest Missouri State University, or Missouri Western State University. My goal is to earn a master's degree in psychology. I want to help others who struggle with mental health, just like the psychologists who have helped me. I believe mental health is a big issue and I want to find ways to help others. Mental health is an important issue, and I have seen firsthand how it can affect someone's life. My own experiences with mental health challenges have inspired me to pursue this field. I want to make a difference in the lives of others by providing the support and guidance that can help them overcome their struggles. I believe that with the right education and training, I can be a positive force in the field of psychology. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me. My parents are split, and my family faces financial challenges. One of my parents is on disability, and the other does not have a high-paying job. The financial burden of college is significant, and this scholarship would help me cover some of the costs. It would also mean a lot to me to be the first person in my family to attend college. This opportunity would allow me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how to pay for my education. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I understand the value of hard work and dedication, and I am ready to put in the effort required to succeed in college. I am passionate about psychology and eager to learn everything I can to help others. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me achieve my dream of becoming a psychologist. In conclusion, my plans for the future are to study psychology and earn my master's degree. I want to help others with their mental health struggles, just as psychologists have helped me. This scholarship would provide much-needed financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies and become the first person in my family to attend college. I would be incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would use it to make a positive impact in the field of psychology. Thank you for considering my application.