When I read the description of this scholarship, I knew I had to apply. I've struggled with mental health since I was young, and now that I've grown, I see my struggles in a different light and have found coping mechanisms throughout my battle with depression and social anxiety that led me to find my passion and future career.     My journey with mental health began pretty early on. I was in middle school and had just lost my grandfather to Alzheimer's. But it was more than the grieving and usual middle school struggles, like not fitting in and feeling insecure, in which my mental health struggles were beginning. I overthought every social interaction I had and spent most time worrying. I couldn't go to parties, go through drive-throughs, or order at restaurants, and I brought a book with me everywhere I went because the idea of talking to people overwhelmed me. I think part of me hoped it was normal. That maybe it was just something every twelve-year-old dealt with, a phase of puberty that would be over soon. That once I was an adult, I would be all better. As you can imagine, I was wrong. I knew that I was dealing with something big, something unfamiliar, something that, as much as I tried, I would never entirely understand. I felt like I was walking around with a sign that said, "I have social anxiety, look at me!". For a twelve-year-old, it was a lot, and it didn't exactly help my depression.     As I got older, I learned how to cope with my mental illnesses and better manage my depression and anxiety to where they didn't consume my life. It was because of this that I slowly developed a healthier relationship with myself and the world around me. A lot of the ways I cope are the same as many others who also struggle with mental illnesses, like daily walks, self-reflection, and spending time with my dog. But interestingly enough, the best way I cope is also my passion: my podcast. Through this creative outlet, I get to help others while also talking through my feelings. By sharing my story, I get to help other people struggling to feel less alone while also raising awareness for mental health (my other passion). I believe everything happens for a reason, and if I hadn't been through my struggles, I wouldn't be able to make this positive difference in the world. It's because of my podcast that I realized what I want to do in the future: reporting! After conducting interviews, asking questions, and sharing stories on my show, I found that it's what I want to do for the rest of my life. It's always been important to me that I pursue a career that I am passionate about, and I find so much joy in using my voice to help others that I know I am making the right decision. That's why I plan on transferring to a university to get my bachelor's degree in Communications or Broadcast Journalism after I get my AA from the College of Central Florida. Getting this scholarship would help me afford to continue my education and gain more skills to be the best reporter I can be. I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my story. Thank you for your time and consideration.

When I read the description of this scholarship, I knew I had to apply. I've struggled with mental health since I was young, and now that I've grown, I see my struggles in a different light and am ready to share my battle with depression and anxiety. My journey with mental health began pretty early on. I was in middle school and had just lost my grandfather to Alzheimer's. But it was more than the grieving and usual middle school struggles, like not fitting in and feeling insecure, in which my mental health struggles were beginning. I overthought every social interaction I had and spent most of my time worrying. I couldn't go to parties, go through drive-throughs, or order at restaurants, and I brought a book with me everywhere I went because the idea of talking to people overwhelmed me. I think part of me hoped it was normal. That maybe it was just something every twelve-year-old dealt with, a phase of puberty that would be over soon. That once I was an adult, I would be all better. As you can imagine, I was wrong. My family was very supportive, but I knew that I was dealing with something big, something unfamiliar, something that, as much as they tried, they would never exactly understand. In fact, I didn't even entirely understand it. I felt like I was walking around with a sign that said, "I have social anxiety, look at me!". For a twelve-year-old, it was a lot, and it didn't help my depression. As I got older, I learned how to better manage my depression and anxiety to where it didn't consume my life. I slowly developed a healthier relationship with myself and the world around me. My sophomore year of high school is when everything changed for me. Suddenly, I was going to school dances, talking to more people, and enjoying life. And while I don't know what it was that triggered this change in me, I'm glad it did. I was discovering new hobbies, joining clubs, finding my sense of style, and more importantly, finding myself, all things I wouldn't have even imagined possible just a few years prior. I even started a podcast to share my story and help other people struggling with mental health. By my senior year, I had a great friend group, went to social events like prom and Gradbash, and graduated from the International Baccaleraute program. I'm now attending the College of Central Florida to get my AA and will be transferring to a university to get a bachelor's degree in Communications, with plans of pursuing a career as a reporter. I've come a long way, and I know twelve-year-old me would be so proud. Throughout all of this growth though, I still struggled. I cried, I overthought, and I worried, but I also learned so much. That life is full of challenges, but it's also full of so much beauty. That there wasn't anything wrong with me because I struggled with certain things that others didn't. That my journey with mental health won't be linear, and that's okay! Thank you for the opportunity to share my story, I am so grateful for your time and consideration.

I've always loved learning-and it was my family who instilled that passion in me. My mom is a teacher, so you could say I was practically born with a natural curiosity of the world around me. Unlike the other kids growing up, my nose was always in a book. Whether I was at a restaurant or a family gathering, I always had a book with me. Asking questions and finding answers became like second nature to me, for I was always exploring. Even though I may be nineteen now, I still hold the same love for learning that I did then, and it's this upbringing that led me to be so passionate about learning and created a firm belief in me that there is a beauty and power in knowledge. Learning became even more important to me when I learned about my culture and family history. I had been told the stories of the generations before me and just how many sacrifices they made for me to have access to a good education. My grandparents and father immigrated to the United States from Cuba, and because of them, I now have opportunities that they didn't. I don't take these opportunities for granted, and I am so grateful for them. With the power in my hands, I feel the pressure, but, it's a blessing to be able to create my own future in the way my family couldn't. After I graduated high school, I started taking classes at my local community college, where I am currently still studying. After I get my AA degree, I plan on transferring to the University of Florida or the University of Central Florida to major in Communications. I hope to learn the skills I need to pursue a career as a reporter, so I can spend the rest of my life doing what I love- learning. There is such a beauty in being able to listen and learn from others, and I can't wait to continue asking questions and finding answers, just as I had loved to do growing up. Unfortunately, even though I value my education so deeply, I am struggling to pay for it. I'm currently paying for school completely on my own and while I am doing the best I can, the financial struggles are still a major concern for me. Even with my job, I'm not sure how I'll be able to afford the rest of my schooling. But, I refuse to give up! My family taught me to overcome challenges and thanks to them, I won't ever stop learning. It's like my mom says: "We can never truly know enough."

I've always loved learning-and it was my family who instilled that passion in me. My mom is a teacher, so you could say I was practically born with a natural curiosity of the world around me. Unlike the other kids growing up, my nose was always in a book. Whether I was at a restaurant or a family gathering, I always had a book with me. Asking questions and finding answers became like second nature to me, for I was always exploring. Even though I'm nineteen now, I still love to learn, and it's my upbringing that led me to be so passionate about pursuing higher education and created a firm belief in me that there is a beauty and power in knowledge. Education became even more important to me when I learned about my culture and family history. I had been told the stories of the generations before me and just how many sacrifices they made for me to have access to higher education. My grandparents and father immigrated to the United States from Cuba, and because of them, I now have opportunities that they didn't. I don't take these opportunities for granted, nor do I take the responsibility to pursue higher education lightly. With the power in my hands, I feel the pressure, but, it's a blessing to be able to create my own future in the way my family couldn't. With an even deeper love for learning, I applied to multiple universities my senior year of high school. I worked incredibly hard as an IB student, was a member of multiple clubs, and had extracurriculars and volunteer experience. So, I was devastated to receive the emails that read the word every hopeful, soon-to-be college freshman dreads: "Waitlisted". I felt like a failure to myself and my family. What could I have done differently? How could I let them down after all they sacrificed for me? As disappointed and frustrated as I was, I decided to use the rejection as motivation. I was not about to give up on my dreams, or stop learning. So, after I graduated high school, I started taking classes at my local community college, where I am currently still studying. After I get my AA degree, I plan on transferring to the University of Florida or the University of Central Florida to major in Communications. I hope to learn the skills I need to pursue a career as a reporter and to continue asking questions and finding answers, just as I had loved to do growing up. Unfortunately, even though I value higher education so deeply, I am struggling to pay for it. I'm currently paying for school completely on my own and while I am doing the best I can, the financial struggles are still a major concern for me. Even with my job, I'm not sure how I'll be able to afford the rest of my schooling. But, I refuse to give up! My family taught me to overcome challenges and thanks to them, I won't ever stop learning. It's like my mom says: "We can never truly know enough."

Growing up, I was always a shy kid-until one day when I made a decision that led me to find my passion and change my life. During my sophomore year of high school, I realized I didn't want my shyness to hold me back anymore. I wanted to be able to help others but didn't know how. Then, it hit me: a podcast! I created my show "Moments with Maddie" and started recording episodes. In doing so, I finally had a creative outlet and could raise awareness for mental health while helping those who didn't feel heard, a feeling I had grown to know all too well. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, this was very important to me. Before I knew it, the show took off! Not only was I helping others by sharing advice, interviews, and stories, but I was finally overcoming my shyness and learning how to use my voice. People resonated with my content about school, life, and emotions, and soon enough listeners were tuning in from around the world in places like France, Greece, India, and so many more. Even kids from my very own school were approaching me to tell me they listen to the show. I realized how much I loved being able to positively impact people-all by using my voice, something younger me would have never thought possible. Quickly, it became so much more than just a podcast-it completely changed my life. This show brought a tremendous amount of people and happiness into my life, and without it, I wouldn't have the confidence to pursue my passions that I do now. "Moments with Maddie" helped me find my true passion and what I want to spend my life doing: using my voice to bring people together. I've always believed that when we truly take the time to listen to one another, we create more meaningful relationships built off respect, understanding, and kindness. Now, it's three years later, and I still have the podcast! Once I earn my A.A. degree in business, I plan on transferring to a university in order to earn my Bachelor's degree in Communication! After graduating, I hope to become a reporter or broadcast journalist, both careers that I would have never considered without my podcast. I'm excited to grow throughout college and I can't wait to spend my future pursuing my passions, asking questions, and bringing people together.

Being an active leader in my community is extremely important to me. As someone who struggles with social anxiety and depression, being an active leader in my community has allowed me to not only help others-but to help myself throughout the process too. During my high school years, I fulfilled the role of a Link Crew Leader, which meant I was in charge of leading new students in an orientation, school tour, and group activities. I also had to answer questions and contact parents. Getting to help new students with their transition to high school was a very rewarding experience that really began my love of being a leader. As someone who struggled a lot with my change from middle school to high school, it meant a lot that I could provide them with the guidance I needed when I was their age. Beyond that, I also have a podcast called "Moments with Maddie" that allows me to be a leader to my listeners across the globe. In my episodes, I give advice, mentor, conduct interviews, and bring awareness to mental health. My hope through my show is to help others who are struggling with their mental health battles. I have personally struggled with mental illness ever since I lost my grandfather to Alzheimer's when I was young. Due to my social anxiety and depression, normal activities, such as going through a drive thru, or ordering at a restaurant are more difficult for me than most. When I was younger, I never thought I'd be able to be a leader. Now, I know that it is actually one of my strengths. I have learned to not let social anxiety and depression define me or hold me back. I know that they are a part of me but I also know that I don't have to miss out on life because of them either. I find that I am a better listener and observer because of my social anxiety and depression, a skill that assists me in being a better leader in my community by allowing me to connect with more people. As a current college freshman, I am grateful to have a job that allows me to be an active leader in my community. As a Youth Specialist for my local YMCA, I care for school-age children and lead them in activities in before and after school care, in addition to summer camps. It is a joy for me to be able to bring light to the lives of these students. I take my role as a leader seriously in order to make sure they are safe and comfortable while in YMCA care. My favorite part is getting to directly make a positive impact in their lives, along with the rest of the community. Overall, being an active leader in my community through all of these positions has truly changed my life. These experiences helped me find my voice while struggling with social anxiety and depression, and truly have made me into the person I am today. Being a leader in my community has allowed me to find my passions and overcome my mental illnesses, all while helping others.

As I've gotten older, a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly more important to me. With diabetes and mental illness running in my family, I started making both my physical and mental health my priority. Ever since losing my grandfather to Alzheimer's at a young age, I've struggled with both depression and social anxiety. Simple tasks, like going through a drive through or ordering at a restaurant are harder for me than most. Within the past year, however, I've made it my mission to not let my struggles define me, and instead, I've been devoted to creating a healthy lifestyle for myself. I started going for walks, spent more time outdoors instead of on social media, and even began journaling. Watching my family with their struggles, gave me motivation to create a better life for not just myself, but my younger sister as well. It is important to me that I be a good role model for her and encourage her to live life to the fullest as well. Due to these personal experiences, it has also became my passion to bring awareness to mental health on my podcast, "Moments with Maddie". By normalizing mental health, we can help those who are struggling. In order to live our longest and best lives, we must prioritize mental health. Overall, based on my family history and personal experiences, living a healthy lifestyle has become extremely important to me and has changed me for the better.

Whenever I get asked why I want a career in the Communication field, the answer has never changed: to help people by using my voice. Growing up, I was always a shy kid, but starting a podcast during my sophomore year of high school changed everything for me. Not only did I discover that I wanted to pursue a career as a reporter or journalist for a media outlet one day, but I was also able to make a positive impact on my listeners-just by using my voice and sharing my thoughts. In episodes of my show, "Moments with Maddie", I discuss a variety of topics such as mental health, pop culture, growing up, and more. I also give advice and conduct interviews. The main goal of my show is to help my audience. I recognize that not everyone has access to a therapist or have family members to talk to, so I hope through my show that they feel as though they have someone to talk to. Ultimately, I act as an older sister and mentor to those who just want to feel heard, a feeling I had grown to know all too well when I was younger. As of now, I have listeners all across the world, in places like the Philippines, Ireland, Greece, Austria, France, India, Colombia, and so much more. Though I had started this show just to have a creative outlet, it ended up being so much more than that. I feel so grateful to have this platform to leave a positive impact on society (and the world) just by using my voice. Getting to reach and positively impact so many lives has completely changed mine. I learned that I'm actually a great listener, ask important questions, and have the ability to use these talents in my future career. By furthering my education, receiving my AA degree in business and my bachelors with a major in Communication, I hope to grow my skills and gain the knowledge I need in order to pursue a career as a reporter or journalist, so I can continue to bring people together and share their stories through integrity and honesty. I find that when we take the time to truly listen to one another, we are able to create better relationships built on understanding and kindness, bringing more positivity to the world-and I am excited to spend my future doing just that.