In my life, I have faced experiences that have tested not only my strength but also my sense of identity. Like Ella, I know what it means to fight through pain while still holding onto hope for the future. My mental health journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also shaped me into the resilient, determined woman I am today. My struggles began when I was younger, surrounded by environments where stress, instability, and high expectations were constant. I experienced depression and anxiety, feelings that often left me questioning my worth and whether I was capable of reaching the dreams I carried in my heart. At times, it felt easier to shut down, to put on a brave face for others while silently carrying a heavy burden inside. These emotions grew stronger during my teenage years, when academic pressure, family responsibilities, and personal loss combined into what felt like an unshakable weight. The turning point for me came in 2023 when I witnessed the death of my youngest brother. He was born but passed away shortly after due to Georgia’s abortion laws preventing my stepmother from receiving the care she needed. That trauma sent me spiraling into a darker place. I struggled to process what had happened, and for a while, I felt broken and powerless. Grief, sadness, and guilt consumed me, and I began coping in unhealthy ways. It was one of the lowest points of my life. But as painful as that experience was, it also became a wake-up call. I realized I could not allow my pain to destroy me. Instead, I needed to transform it into something meaningful. Slowly, I began to prioritize my mental health—seeking out therapy, finding healthier coping strategies, and leaning on supportive mentors and friends. It was not an overnight transformation, but step by step, I began to rebuild myself. Through this process, I discovered how strong I truly am. I learned that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but about choosing to rise again after being knocked down. My struggles with depression and grief helped me develop empathy for others who are fighting silent battles. I realized that vulnerability is not weakness—it is courage. This growth has inspired me to dedicate myself to uplifting others, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply by being open about my journey. Academically, my challenges could have derailed me, but instead, they motivated me to push forward with even greater determination. I graduated high school and am now pursuing a degree in marketing at Delaware State University. Education, for me, is more than a personal achievement—it is the foundation for the impact I want to make in the world. I envision building a career as a creative director and entrepreneur, using my skills in branding and storytelling to create platforms that highlight important social issues, from mental health awareness to community empowerment. My business idea, B.A.E. (Bosses and Entrepreneurs), reflects this mission by providing mentorship and resources to young women who want to pursue careers in business and creative industries. To continue managing my recovery, I have built a personal routine that prioritizes my mental health. I check in with myself daily, practice journaling, and create boundaries that protect my peace. I also stay connected to my community and mentors, understanding that isolation only deepens struggles. Most importantly, I remind myself that recovery is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Some days are harder than others, but I remain committed to moving forward, no matter how small the steps. Like Ella, I carry a fighting spirit. My experiences with depression, grief, and personal struggle have not negatively defined me; they have shaped me into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to succeed. I want to honor her memory by continuing to grow, by achieving my educational goals, and by using my story to inspire others who may feel like giving up. I believe that my resilience, my commitment to growth, and my passion for education align with the purpose of this scholarship. With this support, I will continue to pursue my degree, strengthen my recovery, and transform my challenges into opportunities to empower others.

When I was eight years old, I helped my mom organize a toy drive at our local community center. I didn’t fully understand what we were doing at the time—I just knew that some kids weren’t going to have presents unless someone showed up for them. That moment stuck with me. It taught me that service isn't about how much you have, but how much you're willing to give. Now, as I prepare to study marketing at Delaware State University, I want to use that same spirit of service—combined with creativity and strategy—to promote wellness in my community. I see marketing not just as a career, but as a tool to inspire change. In the next five years, I plan to lead and support wellness initiatives through campus clubs, social campaigns, and community projects that uplift mental, emotional, and financial health—especially for students of color. In college, I plan to join and help lead campus clubs focused on wellness, student success, and cultural empowerment. I want to create marketing campaigns that normalize asking for help, managing stress, and practicing self-care. Whether that’s through mental health awareness weeks, social media content, or peer-led workshops, I believe marketing has the power to shift culture—and I want to use it for good. Being from the Bronx, I’ve seen how stress, trauma, and lack of resources can affect young people’s ability to thrive. I was raised by a single mom, with a father who was mostly absent and incarcerated. Despite those challenges, I’ve been able to achieve things many wouldn’t expect—like taking AP classes, becoming president of my school’s Black Excellence Union, traveling to South Africa, and even ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. I know I carry the strength of my community, and I want to make sure others feel just as supported and empowered. Outside of school, I plan to use my marketing skills to create wellness campaigns that reach beyond campus. One goal is to partner with local nonprofits and brands to launch social media or community-based initiatives around financial literacy, emotional resilience, and healthy habits. As someone who has already done community service work—from reading to kids to helping with toy drives—I know how important grassroots outreach is. Marketing can turn ideas into impact when it's rooted in empathy and action. Globally, I hope to continue connecting with communities outside the U.S., like I did in South Africa, where I saw how culture and community are at the heart of wellness. I want to use storytelling and marketing to lift up those voices and build bridges between local action and global awareness. Studying marketing gives me the platform to build movements that matter—and wellness is where I want to begin.