My Journey as a First-Generation Student Being a first-generation student means more than being the first in my family to attend college—it means carrying the dreams of my parents and the hopes of my eight siblings. I was born and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya, where my family faced many challenges but never lost our faith in education and hard work. My mother raised all nine of us on her own after my father passed away last year, and her strength has been my greatest source of motivation. Watching her overcome so much has taught me that resilience can turn pain into purpose. When we came to the United States, I saw both opportunity and struggle. Adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and trying to fit in while helping my younger siblings do the same was not easy. As the oldest, I felt a responsibility to set an example—to show my family that it’s possible to dream big, even when the odds are against us. There were times I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself that I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it for all of us. I am now completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology and plan to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My passion for this field began when I worked with three autistic children over the summer. Each child had their own way of communicating and connecting, and seeing their progress inspired me deeply. I also spent a year working with a client who has Down syndrome, and another year as a Certified Nursing Assistant. These experiences showed me the power of compassion, patience, and structure in helping others grow and reach their potential. Mental health has always been a personal topic for me. In my culture, mental health is still considered a taboo subject, and that stigma makes it hard for people to seek help. Losing my father reminded me how important it is to break that silence and to support others through their pain. That’s why I want to make a difference in the mental health field, especially for immigrant and marginalized communities. I believe everyone deserves access to care, understanding, and hope—no matter their background. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to my goals. It would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus more on my studies and training. Most importantly, it would help me continue building a future that honors my father’s memory, my mother’s strength, and the dreams of my siblings. Being a first-generation student isn’t just about being the first—it’s about opening doors for those who come after me. My journey has been full of challenges, but also full of purpose. Every step I take forward is a reminder that with determination, love, and faith, anything is possible.

Making a Positive Impact Through Mental Health Services My story begins in a refugee camp in Kenya, where I was born and raised by my mother after my father’s passing. Growing up in a community where resources were limited and mental health was rarely discussed, I learned early on how silence around emotional pain can cause people to suffer alone. In my culture, mental health is often seen as a taboo subject—something to hide rather than heal. Losing my father made me realize how important it is to break that silence. That personal struggle became the foundation for my passion to create change and help others find understanding and support through mental health care. When my family came to the United States, I saw firsthand how many immigrant and marginalized communities still face barriers when it comes to mental health access. Many families don’t seek help because they fear judgment or don’t understand where to start. I want to change that narrative. I believe that mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and culturally sensitive for everyone—especially for those who come from backgrounds like mine. My work and studies have shaped my vision for how to do that. Over the past year, I’ve worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), supporting patients with both physical and emotional needs. That role taught me how much empathy and patience matter in caregiving. I also spent a year working one-on-one with a client who has Down syndrome, and a summer with three autistic children. Those experiences deepened my love for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and showed me the power of individualized, consistent support. Every small breakthrough—like helping a child communicate or complete a new task—reminded me that progress begins with compassion and understanding. Now, as I complete my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I’m preparing to continue my education and become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My goal is to provide behavioral and mental health services to children and families in underserved communities. I want to build programs that not only help individuals grow but also educate families about the importance of mental wellness. My dream is to one day open a center that focuses on early intervention and advocacy for children with developmental disabilities—especially in immigrant and refugee populations that often go overlooked. My experiences with loss, cultural stigma, and caregiving have shaped my belief that mental health is a universal right, not a privilege. They’ve made me an advocate for awareness, acceptance, and action. I plan to use my background, my education, and my heart to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. For me, making a positive impact means breaking barriers—both cultural and emotional—so that every person, no matter where they come from, can have the opportunity to heal and thrive.

Why I Chose a Career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) My journey toward a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is shaped by both personal experiences and my desire to make a difference. I grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya, where my mother raised us on her own after my father passed away last year. Losing him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, and it pushed me to think deeply about mental health—something that is often seen as a taboo topic in my culture. Through that struggle, I realized how important it is to help others heal, grow, and be understood, no matter their background or challenges. My passion for ABA started when I worked with three autistic children over the summer. Each child had their own way of communicating and connecting with the world. Watching them make progress through patience, structure, and positive reinforcement made me realize how powerful behavioral support can be. That experience showed me that change is possible when we meet people with understanding and compassion. In addition to that experience, I’ve spent a year working with a client who has Down syndrome. That time taught me how to adapt my approach to meet each person’s unique needs and how to celebrate small victories that lead to big progress. I also learned the importance of empathy and teamwork by communicating closely with families and caregivers to create consistent support. I have also worked for a year as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which strengthened my caregiving skills and deepened my compassion for others. As a CNA, I learned to stay calm under pressure, provide comfort to patients, and approach each person with dignity and respect. These experiences helped me see the deep connection between physical and mental health and reminded me how essential emotional support is in all forms of care. Now, as I near the completion of my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I feel ready to take the next step toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My goal is to work with children and families affected by autism and developmental disabilities, focusing on early intervention and culturally sensitive care. Eventually, I hope to open my own ABA practice that supports families like mine—those who may not have always had access to understanding or mental health resources. I chose this career because I want to be part of breaking the stigma around mental health and helping others find hope and progress. My life has taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of small steps—and through ABA, I want to use those lessons to change lives, just as this journey has changed mine.