“I used to think something was wrong with me for feeling everything so deeply—until I realized my sensitivity was my superpower.” Growing up in a community where mental health was either misunderstood or brushed aside, I often felt invisible. I struggled with emotions I didn’t know how to name, and watched the people around me carry burdens in silence. After witnessing my stepfather get shot in 2021 while trying to stop a car theft, I became hyper-aware of how trauma doesn’t just break bodies—it shatters minds and changes lives forever. That moment changed me. I didn’t just want to survive what I had been through—I wanted to understand it, grow from it, and one day help others do the same. Now, as a psychology major at Illinois State University, I am committed to turning my pain into purpose. My ultimate career goal is to become a licensed therapist, specifically serving Black youth and young adults in underserved communities. Representation in mental health care matters—especially when trust has been historically broken and resources have been limited. I want to be the therapist that looks like the people I serve. I want to be someone who understands the cultural context behind “just being strong,” and helps others realize that strength also means knowing when to ask for help. In addition to my academics, I’m building a community of support through a student-led organization I founded called The HER Era. It’s a safe space for young women to talk about self-worth, healing, and growth without judgment. So many of us are silently struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma, and I wanted to create something that reminds us we don’t have to heal alone. The HER Era is about helping women reclaim their voices and see their value—especially when the world tries to minimize it. This past summer, I worked with the Chicago Housing Authority as an intern through the LevelUp program, where I focused on financial wellness and community development. I helped track outcomes for young adults in public housing and saw firsthand how much mental health intersects with economic stability, education, and opportunity. I spoke to residents who were trying to rebuild their lives while still healing from the trauma of violence, poverty, or loss. It reminded me that healing isn’t just individual—it’s also systemic. My goal is to advocate for better access to culturally competent therapy, school-based mental health resources, and emotional education for young people who feel forgotten. This scholarship would not just support my education—it would support a vision. A vision of inclusive mental health care where everyone, regardless of race or background, feels seen, heard, and supported. My story, like so many others, deserves to be more than survival. It deserves transformation. And I’m ready to be part of that change.

I was born into a world that expected me to stay quiet, shrink myself, and survive—but I chose to speak, grow, and thrive. My name is Mariah Dotson, and I’m a 19-year-old psychology major at Illinois State University with a story full of struggle, strength, and self-discovery. Growing up, I didn’t always feel seen. I come from a family full of deep-rooted trauma, unspoken pain, and emotional disconnect. As a child, I often felt invisible and misunderstood even when I tried my best to explain myself. But those experiences didn’t break me. They built the woman I’m becoming today: someone who wants to heal, help, and make an impact. Psychology became my passion because I want to be the person I needed when I was younger. I want to create safe spaces for people who were never given one, especially young women. That’s why I plan on founding “The HER Era” at my university—a student-led organization focused on empowerment, healing, and growth. We will talk about confidence, trauma, mental health, and how to truly become the best version of yourself—even when life never handed you a perfect script. I’m also launching my own business, ItGirlMinks & Co, a Y2K-themed lash brand with a purpose. To many, lashes are a beauty service. But to me, they’re a form of self-care, financial freedom, and empowerment. I’m learning the skills, building the brand, and using what I have to turn my dream into a reality. Every dollar I save, every class I take, and every hour I work is an investment in my future. What makes me different is my self-awareness. I’ve had to grow up fast. I’ve had to recognize patterns, break generational cycles, and stand up for myself—even when my voice shook. I’ve taught myself emotional intelligence in an environment that never modeled it for me. I’ve had to learn that boundaries aren’t disrespectful, and healing isn’t betrayal. Despite everything, I remain driven. I dream of earning my degree, opening a mental wellness center, and being a role model for young girls who feel unseen like I once did. I want to show them it’s possible to rewrite your story, even if you were handed the wrong script. Receiving this scholarship would not only support me financially—it would pour into someone who plans to pour into others. I am not just asking for help; I’m asking for a chance to create lasting change.

Growing up as a young Black woman on the South Side of Chicago, I’ve always had to find creativity and resilience in unlikely places. While some see obstacles, I see opportunities—and that mindset is what fuels my entrepreneurial spirit. I’m currently majoring in psychology at Illinois State University while working as an intern with the Chicago Housing Authority. I’ve also taken the leap into business, preparing to launch my own lash brand, ItGirlMinks & Co.,my lash extension business that merges beauty with self-worth. To me, entrepreneurship is about more than money—it’s about empowerment. I’ve seen firsthand how confidence can change a girl’s life, and I want to be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and beautiful. I took a lash extension class this summer not just to gain a skill, but to start a business I can run while in school. I’m not waiting until after graduation to build my future—I’m doing it now. My passion for innovation shows in how I’ve turned my personal experiences into something purposeful. After struggling with self-image and confidence for years, I’ve begun using social media and writing as tools for healing. I’m currently writing a book called To the Girl Who Felt Invisible, and I recently launched a student group called The HER Era, designed to create a safe space for young women to grow emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Innovation, to me, is about using what you’ve been through and creating something new from it. Scholarly engagement is also at the heart of what I do. Despite setbacks in my academic journey, I’m committed to growth. I’m working hard to raise my GPA because I want to prove to myself that I can maintain both my business and my academics. I study psychology not just because I enjoy it, but because I want to understand people and eventually give back through mental health work in underserved communities. What ties everything together is my curiosity—about people, systems, healing, and success. I’m constantly asking “why?” and “how can I make it better?” Whether it’s my business, my classes, or my personal life, I’m always thinking long-term and with intention. In everything I do, I aim for excellence—not perfection, but effort. I don’t have it all figured out, but I know I’m building something real. And that’s exactly what makes me a strong candidate for this scholarship: I’m not just dreaming big—I’m doing the work to bring it to life.