My name is Magdeline Harmon, and I’m a senior at Avon High School in Avon, New York—a small town about 30 minutes south of Rochester. I come from a single mother household, but I was also raised with love, strength, and a deep sense of empathy. These values, combined with my personal experiences, have inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to public service through the field of medicine, more specifically, psychiatry. My motivation to become a psychiatrist stems from my family’s journey. Both my grandfather and mother served in the military and battled PTSD. My grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, tragically lost his life to the illness, and my mother continues to live with its effects today. Growing up, I saw firsthand how mental health challenges impact not just individuals, but entire families, and how difficult it can be to find care that is accessible, compassionate, and culturally sensitive. These experiences ignited a passion within me to understand the human mind and be a source of healing for others, especially in communities where mental health remains stigmatized or ignored. I’ve been accepted to High Point University in North Carolina, where I will major in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I was drawn to the school because of its strong Natural Sciences Fellowship and comprehensive pre-med advising program, both of which will help me prepare for medical school. My ultimate goal is to specialize in psychiatry and focus on serving veterans and the Black community, which are two populations that are often underserved and overlooked when it comes to mental health support. To me, public service means cognizing unmet needs and stepping forward to meet them, not for recognition, but out of genuine care for others. That’s something I try to embody in all areas of my life. Outside of academics, I’ve been heavily involved in cheerleading since seventh grade and was honored to serve as team captain during my senior year. I also volunteered as an assistant coach for my district’s modified cheer team, where I mentored seventh and eighth graders. Being a positive role model for them and sharing my passion for cheer was a way to give back and help young girls believe in themselves. In addition to cheer, I’m passionate about politics and reading, especially nonfiction and memoirs that broaden my understanding of social issues and inspire me to advocate for change. I believe that healing our communities doesn’t stop at the doctor’s office; it extends into education, policy, and the fight for equity. That’s why I’m committed to addressing mental health not just on an individual level, but also by working to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing care. I see my future as one dedicated to healing, advocacy, and equity. Becoming a psychiatrist isn’t just a career choice but a calling. It’s a way for me to turn my family’s pain into purpose and create a world where fewer people suffer in silence. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that vision a reality.

My name is Magdeline Harmon, and I’m a senior at Avon High School in Avon, New York—a small town about 30 minutes south of Rochester. I come from a single mother household, but I was also raised with love, strength, and a deep sense of empathy. These values, combined with my personal experiences, have inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to public service through the field of medicine, more specifically, psychiatry. My motivation to become a psychiatrist stems from my family’s journey. Both my grandfather and mother served in the military and battled PTSD. My grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, tragically lost his life to the illness, and my mother continues to live with its effects today. Growing up, I saw firsthand how mental health challenges impact not just individuals, but entire families, and how difficult it can be to find care that is accessible, compassionate, and culturally sensitive. These experiences ignited a passion within me to understand the human mind and be a source of healing for others, especially in communities where mental health remains stigmatized or ignored. I’ve been accepted to High Point University in North Carolina, where I will major in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I was drawn to the school because of its strong Natural Sciences Fellowship and comprehensive pre-med advising program, both of which will help me prepare for medical school. My ultimate goal is to specialize in psychiatry and focus on serving veterans and the Black community, which are two populations that are often underserved and overlooked when it comes to mental health support. To me, public service means cognizing unmet needs and stepping forward to meet them, not for recognition, but out of genuine care for others. That’s something I try to embody in all areas of my life. Outside of academics, I’ve been heavily involved in cheerleading since seventh grade and was honored to serve as team captain during my senior year. I also volunteered as an assistant coach for my district’s modified cheer team, where I mentored seventh and eighth graders. Being a positive role model for them and sharing my passion for cheer was a way to give back and help young girls believe in themselves. In addition to cheer, I’m passionate about politics and reading, especially nonfiction and memoirs that broaden my understanding of social issues and inspire me to advocate for change. I believe that healing our communities doesn’t stop at the doctor’s office; it extends into education, policy, and the fight for equity. That’s why I’m committed to addressing mental health not just on an individual level, but also by working to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing care. I see my future as one dedicated to healing, advocacy, and equity. Becoming a psychiatrist isn’t just a career choice but a calling. It’s a way for me to turn my family’s pain into purpose and create a world where fewer people suffer in silence. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that vision a reality.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income household, I’ve always understood that education would be my path to a better future. My mother, a veteran, raised me while also dealing with the ongoing mental and emotional toll of PTSD. My grandfather, who served in Vietnam, tragically lost his life to the same condition. Watching my mother’s strength and learning about my grandfather’s pain shaped my perspective on mental health, resilience, and the importance of accessible care. These experiences are what first sparked my passion for psychiatry. Growing up, financial struggles were a constant reality. My family often had to prioritize bills over basic needs, and the idea of paying for college seemed nearly impossible. I’ve worked hard in school to earn scholarships and grants, but even with aid, there is still a large financial gap between me and my dream of becoming a doctor. That’s why scholarships like this one are so impactful, they help bridge that gap and allow students like me to pursue education without being held back by circumstances we were born into. I’ve been accepted to High Point University in North Carolina, where I plan to major in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I hope to become a psychiatrist who specializes in helping veterans and members of the Black community, populations that are often underserved when it comes to mental health care. With this education, I aim not only to heal individuals, but to advocate for change in systems that have long ignored them.

Growing up in a low-income household has shaped much of who I am today. Financial instability meant that my family often had to make sacrifices. Whether it was stretching groceries to last the week or putting off medical care, I witnessed the daily challenges of living with limited resources. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for opportunity, and a determination to create a better life, not just for myself, but for those I hope to help in the future. Mental health challenges have also played a significant role in my life. Both my mother and grandfather served in the military and struggled with PTSD. My grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, tragically lost his life to it, and my mother continues to fight through her own battles. These personal hardships have inspired me to pursue a career in psychiatry, where I can support veterans and underserved communities who face similar challenges and often lack access to proper care. I've been accepted to High Point University in North Carolina as a Neuroscience major on a pre-med track. However, even after receiving federal aid and university scholarships, my remaining tuition is still more than my family can afford. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden but also bring me one step closer to my dream of becoming a doctor. I’m committed to breaking generational cycles and creating change, and this support would mean the world to me on that journey.

One of my biggest academic and professional goals is to become a psychiatrist with a focus on helping veterans and members of the Black community who struggle with mental health challenges. My passion for psychiatry is deeply rooted in personal experiences. Both my grandfather and my mother served in the military and battled PTSD. My grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, ultimately lost his life to the trauma he carried, and my mother continues to work through her own journey with PTSD. Watching my mother’s ongoing struggles and learning about my grandfather’s pain sparked something in me, a desire to better understand the human mind and dedicate my life to supporting others through mental health care. These experiences have shown me how life-changing compassionate, accessible treatment can be, and they’ve driven me to pursue psychiatry with purpose and empathy. Beyond personal passion, growing up in a low-income household has made me value financial stability and job security. Choosing a career in medicine not only fulfills my dream of helping others but also offers the opportunity to create a more secure future for myself and my family. It’s a balance of purpose and practicality that keeps me motivated to work hard and stay committed to my academic goals. Outside of the classroom, I’ve always found meaning in giving back to my community. One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was volunteering as an assistant coach for my school district’s modified cheerleading team, working with 7th and 8th grade girls. As someone who has been involved in cheer since 7th grade and served as team captain my senior year, it was incredibly fulfilling to share that passion and be a positive role model. I loved encouraging the girls to believe in themselves, grow their confidence, and develop strong teamwork skills. It reminded me how important it is for young people to have supportive mentors, especially during such formative years. That experience, along with my passion for politics and healthcare, has inspired me to pursue a life of service. Whether it’s through treating patients, advocating for better mental health policies, or mentoring future students, I want to leave a positive and lasting impact on the world around me. Through medicine, I hope to create change, not only on an individual level through patient care, but also by challenging the stigma around mental health in communities like mine and helping others feel seen, heard, and supported.

If selected, I would use the scholarship funds to help cover my college tuition. I’ve been accepted to High Point University in North Carolina, where I plan to major in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. After federal aid and university scholarships, my remaining tuition cost is still $41,000—an amount that poses a significant financial challenge for my family. Despite this, I’m determined to attend High Point because of the incredible opportunities it offers, including the Natural Sciences Fellowship and strong Pre-Med advising program, both of which are deeply aligned with my goal of becoming a doctor. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education, but it would also be a powerful affirmation of my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. It would show my parents, and myself, that others believe in my potential and my dream.

My name is Magdeline Harmon, and I’m currently a senior at Avon High School in Avon, New York—a small town about 30 minutes outside of Rochester. I aspire to become a psychiatrist with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the mental health of veterans and the Black community, which has historically faced significant stigma around seeking help for mental health struggles. My passion for this field is deeply personal. Both my grandfather and my mother served in the military and battled PTSD. While my mother continues to work through her illness, my grandfather tragically lost his life to the trauma he carried from the Vietnam War. Watching my mother’s ongoing struggle and learning about my grandfather’s pain sparked a deep desire in me to better understand the human mind and become a source of healing for others. These experiences have taught me the profound importance of empathy, resilience, and the critical need for accessible, compassionate mental healthcare. Growing up in a low-income household, job stability and the ability to earn a comfortable living have always played a major role in shaping my career goals. Pursuing a career as a doctor not only aligns with my passion for helping others, but also offers a path to financial security, something my family struggled with at times throughout my childhood. This combination of purpose and practicality is what drives my commitment to the medical field. Outside of academics, I have a wide range of interests that help me stay balanced and grounded. I’m especially passionate about politics, as I believe that staying informed and engaged is essential to understanding the needs of our communities, and that meaningful, systemic change is key to addressing health disparities. I also enjoy reading, particularly nonfiction and memoirs, which allow me to expand my perspective and deepen my understanding of the world around me. Fitness and cheerleading have also played a big role in my life. I've been involved in cheerleading since 7th grade and had the honor of serving as team captain during my senior year, a role that strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my love for the sport. One of my favorite volunteer experiences was serving as an assistant coach for my school district’s modified cheer team, working with 7th and 8th grade girls. It was incredibly rewarding to be a positive role model and to help instill in them the same love for cheer that I’ve always had. Watching their confidence grow and seeing the bonds they formed reminded me how important mentorship and encouragement can be, especially during such formative years. Through psychiatry, I hope to become a steady source of support for others, advocate for better mental health resources, and use my life experiences to relate to and uplift my patients and community.

During my sophomore year of high school, I faced a significant academic challenge when I struggled to adapt to California’s math curriculum. Having transferred from New York, where math courses were more specialized, I was placed in a class that was beyond my current level of understanding. I found myself overwhelmed and falling behind, especially when I was moved from Math 3 to Math 2+ after the first semester. Despite my efforts, I failed the first semester and felt like I had hit a wall. However, I refused to let this setback define me. I understood that I could either give in to frustration or rise above my difficulties. I chose to take proactive steps to improve, determined to turn my situation around. I began attending after-school tutoring sessions, where I received one-on-one support from teachers and peers. This time allowed me to ask questions in a low-pressure environment and go over the material I was struggling with. I also turned to online resources, such as Khan Academy, which provided step-by-step explanations and practice problems that helped me strengthen my foundation. Rather than viewing my challenges as failures, I began to see them as opportunities to grow. I learned to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts and spent extra time each day reviewing my notes and doing practice problems. I asked questions in class without hesitation and made a habit of seeking clarification whenever I didn’t understand a concept. Over time, I began to see significant improvement. My math skills sharpened, and by the second semester, I had moved into a regular Math 2 class, where I excelled. This experience taught me that success doesn’t always come quickly, it’s the result of persistence, self-advocacy, and resilience. I learned that when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to seek out resources, adjust your approach, and keep pushing forward. These strategies not only helped me in math but also in other areas of my academic and personal life. Beyond academics, this journey taught me valuable lessons about self-discipline and confidence. I learned how to manage my time effectively and how to advocate for myself when I needed help. It wasn’t just about passing a class, it was about developing the skills and mindset to tackle any challenge that comes my way. As I continue my academic journey, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned through this experience. I now approach difficulties with a sense of confidence and a problem-solving mindset, knowing that with the right strategies, I can overcome any obstacle. The hard work and determination I invested in improving my grades in math have made me a stronger and more resilient person, and I’m ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with the same dedication.

During my sophomore year of high school, I faced a significant academic challenge when I struggled to adapt to California’s math curriculum. Having transferred from New York, where math courses were more specialized, I was placed in a class that was beyond my current level of understanding. I found myself overwhelmed and falling behind, especially when I was moved from Math 3 to Math 2+ after the first semester. Despite my efforts, I failed the first semester and felt like I had hit a wall. However, I refused to let this setback define me. I understood that I could either give in to frustration or rise above my difficulties. I chose to take proactive steps to improve, determined to turn my situation around. I began attending after-school tutoring sessions, where I received one-on-one support from teachers and peers. This time allowed me to ask questions in a low-pressure environment and go over the material I was struggling with. I also turned to online resources, such as Khan Academy, which provided step-by-step explanations and practice problems that helped me strengthen my foundation. Rather than viewing my challenges as failures, I began to see them as opportunities to grow. I learned to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts and spent extra time each day reviewing my notes and doing practice problems. I asked questions in class without hesitation and made a habit of seeking clarification whenever I didn’t understand a concept. Over time, I began to see significant improvement. My math skills sharpened, and by the second semester, I had moved into a regular Math 2 class, where I excelled. This experience taught me that success doesn’t always come quickly, it’s the result of persistence, self-advocacy, and resilience. I learned that when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to seek out resources, adjust your approach, and keep pushing forward. These strategies not only helped me in math but also in other areas of my academic and personal life. Beyond academics, this journey taught me valuable lessons about self-discipline and confidence. I learned how to manage my time effectively and how to advocate for myself when I needed help. It wasn’t just about passing a class, it was about developing the skills and mindset to tackle any challenge that comes my way. As I continue my academic journey, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned through this experience. I now approach difficulties with a sense of confidence and a problem-solving mindset, knowing that with the right strategies, I can overcome any obstacle. The hard work and determination I invested in improving my grades in math have made me a stronger and more resilient person, and I’m ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with the same dedication.

Every family has its secrets. In mine, the biggest and most well-kept is my grandfather, especially in regard to his death. Growing up, my dad rarely spoke about him. Occasionally, he would share bits of advice my grandfather had given him, but the only thing I knew for certain was that his death was the result of an “accidental” gunshot when my dad was in his early twenties. The silence surrounding my grandfather intrigued me for years, but it wasn’t until junior year that I finally had the courage to ask my brother if he knew more about the man whose existence felt like a mystery. That was when I learned the truth. My grandfather, Leon, was raised in rural Mississippi in a family of sharecroppers. Like many young men of his generation, he joined the army at eighteen and was sent to Vietnam. When he returned home, he was a changed man, haunted by the experiences he endured during the war. He suffered from severe PTSD and depression, yet he never sought help. After years of struggling in silence, he took his own life. His story, one of suffering and unspoken pain, rattled me. This man—my grandfather—had battled his demons alone, trapped in a cycle of silence that so many Black men before and after him have also endured. Even though Black adults are 20% more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety than white adults, mental health struggles in the Black community are often dismissed as personal weaknesses rather than legitimate conditions. This stigma has caused many to avoid seeking diagnoses and treatment, including my own father, who refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of mental health despite losing his own father to it. I have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, but my depression emerged after the pandemic. In eighth grade, my school counselor suggested to my mother that I try therapy, but I hesitated. The stigma surrounding mental health made me feel like speaking up about my struggles was impossible, and I was ashamed to even consider treatment. My father, an important figure in my life, dismissed my emotions, attributing them to stress or hormones. His response only reinforced the idea that seeking help was a sign of weakness. It took time, but I have come a long way since eighth grade. I now see mental health care as just as essential as physical health, and I no longer feel ashamed to talk about therapy. My father has even begun to open his mind to the idea, a small but significant step in breaking the cycle of silence that has weighed on my family for generations. My grandfather’s story has shaped me in ways I never expected. His struggles, though painful, have given me a purpose. I want to become a psychiatrist to ensure that no one, especially those in my community, feels as alone as he must have. I am determined to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and to advocate for those who, like my grandfather, have suffered in silence for far too long.

In fourth grade, I moved to a new town, a predominantly white community where I quickly realized I was different. At first, I thought the feeling would pass, that I just needed time to adjust, but it wasn’t just in my head. The stares, the whispers, and the uncomfortable silences when I walked into a room all told me that I wasn’t just imagining things. It was in this town, at this age, that I first experienced racism in a way that I couldn’t ignore. I, a biracial woman, became the target of racial bullying. Sometimes, it was direct, cruel words thrown at me without hesitation. Other times, it was more subtle—the way kids excluded me from games, never asked me to go to the school dances, or looked over at me when we discussed racism in school. It made me feel isolated, like no matter how hard I tried to fit in, I would never fully belong. I carried that weight with me, letting it seep into my self-worth. The bullying fueled my anxiety and depression. I began doubting myself, not just in social situations but in every aspect of my life. I was hesitant to raise my hand in class, afraid of drawing attention to myself. I avoided social situations where I might be the odd one out. I convinced myself that it was easier to stay quiet, easier to blend in, easier to not try at all than to risk failing in front of people who already saw me as different. For years, I let those experiences define me. I believed that if others saw me as less than, maybe I was. I convinced myself that I wasn’t smart enough to take challenging classes, not outgoing enough to make friends easily, not strong enough to push past the weight of my own insecurities. But at some point, something changed. I realized that empowerment isn’t about waiting for others to see your worth—it’s about seeing it in yourself. I had spent so much time believing in the negativity that had been thrown at me that I never stopped to recognize my own strength. Slowly, I started to push back against the voice in my head telling me I wasn’t enough. I reminded myself that the people who tried to tear me down didn’t define me and that I had the power to take control of my own story. When I embraced that mindset, everything began to change. I started challenging myself academically, signing up for harder classes despite my fears. I put myself out there socially, making connections with people who valued me for who I was. I found my voice, speaking up instead of shrinking back. The anxiety and depression didn’t magically disappear, but I refused to let them dictate my choices anymore. I refused to let fear keep me from becoming the person I knew I could be. Empowerment, for me, means rising above the limitations others try to place on me. It means recognizing that my identity, my voice, and my experiences are valid and important. It means knowing that I deserve to take up space in any room I walk into, without apology or hesitation. Now, when I look back at the girl who was too afraid to stand tall, I want to tell her that she is enough. She is powerful. And no one—no words, no stares, and no hate—can take that away from her. Because I am still that girl, but now, I stand tall.

Every family has its secrets. In mine, the biggest and most well kept is my grandfather, especially in regards to his death. Growing up, my dad rarely spoke about him. Occasionally, he would share some advice he received from grandpa, but all I knew was his death was the result of an “accidental” gunshot when my dad was in his early 20’s. The silence surrounding my grandfather intrigued me for years. However, it wasn't until junior year that I had the courage to ask my brother if he knew any more details about the man whose existence was a mystery. My grandfather, Leon, was raised in rural Mississippi. He came from a family of sharecroppers, and like many other young men in his generation, he joined the army and was sent to Vietnam at the age of 18. The experiences he endured during the war left him a changed man with severe PTSD and depression. After years of suffering, he took his own life. His story, one of suffering and pain, rattled me. This man had struggled for years yet never sought help. This is a common occurrence in the black community. Even though black adults are 20% more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety than white adults, many African Americans view these disorders as personal weaknesses. This common belief has led to victims avoiding diagnoses and treatment, and has had a negative effect on my own personal experiences with mental health. I've struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember; however, my depression emerged after the pandemic. In eighth grade, my school counselor suggested to my mother that I try therapy. However, the stigma surrounding these struggles made me feel like it was impossible for me to speak up about how I was feeling, and I was left feeling ashamed about seeking treatment. My father has always been an important figure in my life, however he has detached himself from any idea that I might be struggling. Even after I received a diagnosis of depression, my father wrote off my struggles as stress or hormones. Despite losing his father to PTSD, he refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of mental health. Further highlighting how deeply ingrained the stigma is within our community. I have come a long way since eighth grade and now view caring for mental health as being just as important as my physical health. My father has finally begun to come around to the idea of me seeking treatment, and I no longer feel shame when talking about being in therapy. I even advocate to my family and friends about the benefits of it. The desire to better understand my grandfather's struggles has inspired me to pursue being a psychiatrist, and I am determined to break the cycle of silence and stigma that surrounds mental health in my community