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null Mena

3,815

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Malachi Mena. I am a writer and want to be a special education teacher. I play guitar, shoot archery, and other things you'd expect of a person my age. I am Neurodivergent and have known most of my life, and not sure what else to say. I graduated High School May, 2023 and started at Western Governors University June, 2024

Education

Mortimer Jordan High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Special Education and Teaching
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      Special Needs Teacher

    • Para professional

      Burkett center
      2023 – 20241 year

    Research

    • Special Education and Teaching

      Western governors University — Article writer
      2024 – Present

    Arts

    • School

      Visual Arts
      2019 – 2020

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Advocating.Everyone on Instagram — Current runner and advocate
      2018 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Aiding at special needs school — volunteer musician, teacher aid
      2018 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Netflix and Scholarships!
    Warning, MAJOR Spoilers ahead. I've thought long and hard for an answer to this question. "What Netflix Show can I never get out of my head? My final answer would have to be the witty drama Suits. It follows a man named Mike Ross. He has a photographic memory, but no Law degree, has been kicked out of college for cheating, and has passed the New York Bar Exam. He gets hired on at Pearson-Hardman, later known as Pearson-Specter-Litt, and must prove himself as a fitting lawyer. He goes through many hardships with his boss, Harvey Specter who hired him, despite being a fraud. He has been through trauma and pain just like so many of us, yet tries his best to do the right thing. Though he's a fraud, he is probably the best New York Later in the quite popular drama. The reason I chose this over Stranger Things, "I am not Okay with This" or other shows that fit the scholarship better is because the show speaks to me; I don't have the discipline to be a lawyer, and refuse to throw away my chances of life being a fraud. Mike Ross, as I stated earlier, always tries to do the right thing no matter what the cost. As Harvey and Mike say to each other, "If someone is pointing a gun to your head; You take the gun, or you pull out a bigger one. Or, you call their bluff. Or, you do any one of a hundred and 56 other things." When you're a paraprofessional, you need to be able to do those 46 other things. There is not a "bigger gun" as we are not lawyers. We need to have solutions for our solutions, and Mike Ross taught the viewers that there's always bigger fish to fry. A little fact about the show is that despite all the sipping of bourbon and scotch, there's always an issue. If there isn't, there's going to be, whether it's legal or personal- Each character has a beautifully orchestrated background. Some went through divorcing parents, others had to do things they'll never in their lives forgive. Mike is not a lawyer technically, but he's the one character I know for a fact who will never give up on an important case, just like how I will never give up on my dreams. I relate to Mike Ross, and in a sense, I admire his enthusiasm for law, compassion for his firm, and the overall wittiness of his character.
    Share Your Poetry Scholarship
    I used my roots in the south to influence a poem. I'm not very into southern music, but this song speaks to me. Don't forget to wipe off your shoes on the mat, the door is unlocked so come on in. Liquor's in the freezer, dinner's on the stove. No matter what you do though, mama's in the living room, don't forget to say hello. I promise it won't be wasted time. Pops is on the porch smokin' go on and pop a squat next to him, ask how he's doing... and no matter what you do, don't forget from which you came. (The song is Meanwhile Back At Mama's)
    Thomas Tatum Memorial Scholarship
    Winner
    Mental illness has affected me in a lot of positive and negative ways. I was diagnosed with multiple mental disorders at age 13 and have since struggled with it. From my anxiety to depression, I have had some days simply getting out of bed, others trying to keep myself alive and well. So, I found a creative outlet through poetry. I've been a poet for as long as I can remember, and it has really helped me to process and get through tough times. However when I was 14 years old, I couldn't write. I was out of school due to chronic anxiety getting the best of me and my ex-girlfriend, who I have since made up with, breaking up with me. I am still trying to get over the pangs I feel every once in a while and guilt I feel daily. Often I find myself wanting to just give up, but have made a pact with myself that I cannot attempt to hurt myself as long as there is someone in the house with me. I am in a save environment thanks to my mother, therapists, and friends. In 2018, I had an altercation with my mom resulting in my hospitalization at Hillcrest Behavioral Hospital. My second hospitalization. I was in there for one month, and it caused a large amount of trauma due to homophobia, transphobia from where I was transgender at the time, and my claustrophobia. The rooms were very small, everyone was either bullying or being bullied including the staff, and I just could not wait to get out. Since that altercation, I have changed for the better. I've become active in my school community, where I'm an ex-ed teacher's aid but still struggle at times to simply keep myself at school. All thanks to my mental illness and the illness in my family, I can better understand what it's like to be different. I now wear my mistakes as badges of honor, humility, and acceptance. So, in conclusion; Mental illness has affected me in a sense that I now know where art comes from. It comes from pain, bruising, and lots of creativity. I know now; I am brave, bruised, who I'm meant to be. Mental illness has caused me a lot of grief that shall not be spoken, and a pain that goes on, But I will be okay, because I believe I will be.
    Bold Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    I think a practical solution would have to be simple music. I know what you're thinking, what is music going to do? Well, music helps release Oxytocin in your brain, a chemical that releases the feeling of love and protection. When we're feeling depressed, lonely, even heartbroken; We need to feel loved and protected. Trust me, I know. Along with sadness; It helps us stay focused. I'm listening to music right now, as I write this. ADHD, ADD, and PTSD are a few examples. All of which takes away focus, to a certain point. When in college, I believe focus is vital to passing classes. Am I wrong? My final point is one of the most important. Music helps anxiety and panic attacks. I've had friends, family, and partners have panic attacks. I've had them myself as well, they're painful. The best way to soothe them is, of course; Listening to calming music, or any music. The mental health community is a strong one. We've lost friends, family, stressed over nothing, and so much more. Songwriting, listening to music, and playing it helps out We can't cure our health issues; That's very true. but we can "put on our oxygen masks" and hope for the best. In conclusion, music is an effective way to help your mental health. Since the Paleolithic era, we've been creating music and it's one of the most effective therapies. Although I have a strong love for music; I believe it could be a tremendous help for people who struggle with their mental health. Thank you for your time.