If given the opportunity, I would strive to assist incarcerated youth with their mental health in order to promote rehabilitation. Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deeply rooted passion to support and uplift others, specifically within my community. As a young Black woman, I was exposed to the brutality of the world at a very early age. This awareness fuels my passion for extending assistance, particularly to young Black girls, who often grapple with these unique obstacles. Young Black children make up about 42% of the juvenile offenders population. I grew up in a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York where I’ve been exposed to crime and danger. However, I also had a family who was supportive and led positive examples for me to look up to. Many of my peers did not have this in their homes. This led to them searching for acceptance from outside sources. These sources are often negative for their advancement. I would like to create a safe environment for these children before it’s too late. Many simply need a haven and a person who they believe is genuinely in their corner. I want to help them begin the journey of navigating their emotions in healthy and helpful ways, while also assisting them in building resilience to better their circumstances. I have the goal of aiding them in their well-being. My motivation to become a psychologist stems from the stigma of mental health within the Black community. Growing up, I saw how mental health issues are often dismissed and misunderstood. The ignorance that surrounds those who struggle fuels my passion to pursue a career where I can extend a helping hand to those who need it. I aspire to be a psychologist for incarcerated juveniles. In my daily studies, I dissect the relationship between criminal behavior and mental processes. With the degree that I’m pursuing, I understand the nuances of mental health and societal factors. This knowledge is essential to my understanding and ability to address the challenges that youthful offenders face. There are a plethora of programs that can be implemented with the hopes of rehabilitating children. I believe that granting them access to art forms can be extremely beneficial to their mental health. Imploring kids to release pent-up emotions through their talent of choice can eventually lead to them developing coping mechanisms that can assist them while they’re in and out of the system. I’m a rising Junior at Howard University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminology. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science, I want to attend Law school to become more educated on the legal system and all of its intricacies. By using my knowledge in Psychology, Criminology, and Law, I will have the ability to give legal counsel whilst simultaneously supplying patients with psychological resources. Through empathy and advocacy, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those who need it.

“More than any other place, college can offer you a chance to know human thought, over human centuries, and thereby garner some preparation for your own life” - Maya Angelou For as long as I can remember, my family has stressed the importance of receiving an education. I grew up surrounded by college graduates and professionals who provided me with mentorship and guidance. I wanted to follow in their footsteps in every way. I've long had concerns about the dearth of psychiatric services offered to prisoners in American prisons. Upon release, many individuals who did not receive adequate support find themselves slipping back into their negative habits. Reentering society often means returning to environments where they've previously struggled. They're usually armed with little to no knowledge of how to alter their ways or pursue alternate paths in life. This instills a great amount of psychological trauma, while ultimately creating a repetitive cycle of crime. This is profound in adults, and I am particularly worried about its impact on the mental health of children. I am a rising junior at Howard University, majoring in Psychology and minor in Criminology. Following my undergraduate career, I plan to attend Law School. My life-long aspiration is to provide psychological resources to underprivileged communities. These communities often lack resources due to lower income, historical disadvantages, and stigmas that surround mental health, which can lead to bottled-up emotions and unresolved cognitive issues. My goal is to become a psychologist for imprisoned juveniles. I would like to use my knowledge in psychology, criminology, and law to assist the youth psychologically whilst simultaneously being able to provide them with legal counsel. The prison system puts very little funding into finding qualified people to treat those who are simply a person they know will be in their corner. The Jerzee Foundation Scholarship would be instrumental in alleviating the financial burdens I currently face. Growing up with a single mother who worked as a school safety officer while attending college at night to obtain her degree in education, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of balancing work, education, and familial responsibilities. As the youngest of four children, I've also observed the financial strain that is commonly experienced in the pursuit of higher education. My mother and I cannot afford to cover my tuition for my remaining years in college. Although I work part-time, my income is insufficient to bridge the gap. Additionally, working while attending school limits my take on leadership positions and joining campus organizations that could help me achieve my future career goals. Receiving The Jerzee Foundation Scholarship would significantly reduce my financial stress, allowing me to immerse myself more fully into my academic and professional pursuits. This award would provide the financial stability that I need to focus on my studies and engage more deeply in activities that align with my career aspirations. With this support, I could dedicate more time to internships, volunteer work, and research projects that are crucial in nurturing my passions of service and career aspirations in psychology and law. Ultimately, this award represents an opportunity for me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of underprivileged youth. Alleviating my financial burdens would enable me to concentrate on my education, bringing me further to my calling of being a juvenile psychologist. With the help of The Jerzee Foundation Scholarship, I can work towards creating a future where all young people have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.

My experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Through both personal and external experiences, I've borne witness to the negative stigma that is placed on mental health, especially within the Black community. This is the driving force towards my goal to become a mental health professional, catering to the needs of incarcerated juveniles. Growing up in an inner-city neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, I've seen how the mental health of young children of color is often ignored and misunderstood. This, coupled with a lack of mental health resources causes many individuals to suffer in silence. Seeing this destructive pattern happen to my peers and those that I've grown up with has caused me to be extremely observant of how outside influences and barriers can prevent people from receiving the help that they need. My personal and academic aspirations are shaped by an intense desire to dismantle these stigmas and barriers. I started attending therapy at 15 years old, following the death of my grandmother. This was the first time I’ve ever truly experienced and grasped death. I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into a depression. I was taught never to question God, however, I couldn’t help it. Every day, the thought of whether or not God was truly real and there for me plagued my psyche. My family who was once filled with love and laughter was now at a complete standstill. I knew I needed help before it was too late. I was too nervous to seek help within my family due to them experiencing the same level of depression and sadness I was going through. Finally, after months of internal protests, I decided to talk with my mother to seek professional help. Deciding to see a therapist was not easy, but it was necessary. After several successful sessions, I slowly began to feel like myself again. I decided to take the initiative to pick up the broken pieces and turn them into art. I have firsthand experience of how beneficial therapy is. As a rising junior at Howard University, where I major in Psychology and minor in Criminology, I set my sights on a career that would allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. With courses such as the Psychology of Media, statistics, and Foundations of Psychology, I've been shown exactly how mental processes interact with influences such as environment as well as media. My studies in criminology help me to understand the criminal justice system and juvenile delinquency. Knowledge in these areas is essential in my approach to addressing the issues that imprisoned youth experience, as well as helping them in their rehabilitation. Beyond academics, I spend my time volunteering with local organizations where I can provide mentorship to young Black girls growing up in urban areas. Volunteering with local youth programs has allowed me to mentor and support at-risk children and teens. This hands-on experience helps me to be able to start my mission of helping children change their negative habits whilst their minds are still tangible. In terms of relationships, my experiences have fostered empathy and connections with those around me. I understand that nothing is truly surface-level in terms of people and their reactions. I've learned how to provide insight by actively listening, offering support, and understanding the emotions of others. Understanding the complexities of mental health has broadened my perspective on the world. I recognize the systemic inequalities that contribute to mental health disparities and the importance of addressing these issues in the lives of juvenile delinquents. My goal is to contribute to a more just and compassionate society by supporting mental health and challenging the stigmas and systems that hinder access to care.

"I tend to think of death as being like changing your clothes when they are old and worn out, rather than as some final end" - Sogyal Rinpoche Death doesn’t always mean “the end”. In fact, it can be an introductory course to new beginnings. Both life and death share common characteristics; they both bring pain. How you deal with that pain determines whether you succeed or succumb. The wave of COVID-19 brought devastation to the homes of millions of people, mine included. Not only did death plague families, but depression plagued the minds of youth worldwide. I never would’ve thought I’d experience its effects firsthand. Usually, by the time I woke up, I’d smell the breakfast my mother made, hearing her gospel music blasting along with my siblings conversing in the living room. However, this day it was eerily quiet, and the air felt thick. Once I exited my room and saw the sadness on my older brother's face, I already knew. My grandmother started to feel ill and had my mother drive her to the hospital. In my lifetime, I’ve never seen my grandma get sick, yet the time she does is when people are dying at high rates and hospital visits are closed. I immediately started to think the worst. Sadly, on April 1st, 2020 my worst nightmare became a reality. I had woken up to a complete shift in my house. Following the death of my grandmother, I experienced seven deaths in my family up until October of 2021. This was the first time I’ve ever truly experienced and grasped death. Family means the world to me, so I did not know how to cope with the extreme loss. I was not able to fully mourn one family member without losing another. I sank into an extreme depression and lost motivation in almost everything. I was too afraid to ask for help due to my knowing my parents were mourning the losses as well. The only thing I could do was sit in my room trapped with my thoughts. I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into a depression. I was taught to never question God, however, I couldn’t help it. Every day, the thought of whether or not God was truly real and there for me plagued my psyche. My family who was once filled with love and laughter was now at a complete standstill. I knew I needed help before it was too late. I was too nervous to seek help within my family due to them experiencing the same level of depression and sadness I was going through. Finally, after months of internal protests, I decided to talk with my mother to seek professional help. Deciding to see a therapist was not easy, but it was necessary. After several successful sessions, I slowly began to feel like myself again. I had to come to the tough reality that wallowing in sorrow would not bring my loved ones back. Although I miss them, I had to learn how to take the pain and channel it into something positive. Through this journey, I’ve curated my own business called Mikayla’s Aesthetic, started an acting career, finished my first half of college with a cumulative 3.57 GPA, and spent more time with my family. Starting with the death of my grandmother, I learned that death leads to rebirth. Going to therapy and finding healthy coping mechanisms for my emotions was key in my decision on what I want to do in my future. I aspire to be a psychologist for incarcerated juveniles. I want to give psychological resources to underprivileged communities. I now attend Howard University, majoring in psychology and minoring in Criminal Justice. After receiving my Bachelor of Science, I plan on furthering my education by attending Howard Law School. My goal in life is to provide my patients with both psychological resources and legal counsel to help halt the previously mentioned habits while they’re still tangible. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources is a product of low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions that will potentially put many people in danger. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. Each of my loved ones prayed for my success, and I refuse to let them down in any way, shape, or form. Whether they are here with me or watching over me from above, it’s my mission to make them proud. I’ve decided that I must take the initiative to pick up the broken pieces and turn them into art.

In 1962, Brother Malcolm X gave a speech dedicated to Black women. In this speech, he stated “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” Over 60 years later, his words still reign true. Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deeply rooted passion to support and uplift others, specifically within my community. As a young Black woman maneuvering through American society, I’ve been exposed to race, racism, and discrimination since a young age. The experience of living life daily as a young Black girl is an extremely unique one. We face obstacles that can truly only be understood by each other. With this in mind, I started volunteering at my former elementary school with an organization entitled A Rose is Still a Rose (A.R.I.S.A.R). A.R.I.S.A.R’s goal is to provide mentorship to Fourth and Fifth-Grade girls. This group is located in Crispus Attucks Elementary School (C.S.21). C.S.2.1 is in a lower-income neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. The students who live in these neighborhoods are often a product of their environment. Due to this, I see these young girls express feelings of anger, resentment, and depression. With this in mind, I intend always to lead sessions with love and care. I offer a listening ear to those who may not always have access to one. As a mentor, I prioritize teaching my mentees self-love and self-care. I open up each session by having them walk to a mirror and tell affirmations to themselves. Insecurities in young Black women are extremely prevalent as a result of the beauty standards that the world imposes on our entire race. I want each young lady to see their inner beauty in themselves first before they search for it from the outside world! Whatever activities give them joy, I employ them to take time out of each week to do said activity. Each week, I have them write a reflection on how they spent doing their versions of self-care. My time with organizations such as A Rose is Still a Rose helped foster my desire to help troubled Black youth. I am currently studying both Psychology and Criminology at Howard University. I have always wanted to give psychological resources to underprivileged communities. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources results from low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. My time and involvement with A Rose is Still a Rose has nurtured my commitment to supporting marginalized groups and communities.

“More than any other place, college can offer you a chance to know human thought, over human centuries, and thereby garner some preparation for your own life” - Maya Angelou For as long as I can remember, my family has stressed the importance of receiving an education. I grew up surrounded by college graduates and professionals who provided me mentorship and guidance. I wanted to follow in their footsteps in every way. I've long had concerns about the dearth of psychiatric services offered to prisoners in American prisons. Upon release, many individuals who did not receive adequate support find themselves slipping back into their negative habits. Reentering society often means returning to environments where they've previously struggled. They're usually armed with little to no knowledge on how to alter their ways or to pursuit alternate paths in life. This instills a great amount of psychological trauma, while ultimately creates a repetitive cycle of crime. This is profound in adults, and I am particularly worried about its' impact on the mental health of children. I am a rising junior at Howard University, where I major in Psychology and minor in Criminology. Following my undergraduate career, I plan to attend Law School. My life-long aspiration is to provide psychological resources to underprivileged communities. These communities often lack resources due to lower income, historical disadvantages, and stigmas that surround mental health, which can lead to bottled-up emotions and unresolved cognitive issues. My goal is to become a psychologist for imprisoned juveniles. I would like to use my knowledge in psychology, criminology, and law to assist the youth psychologically whilst simultaneously being able to provide them with legal counsel. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat those who simply a person that they know will be in their corner. The Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship would be instrumental in alleviating the financial burdens I currently face. Growing up with a single mother who worked as a school safety officer while attending college at night to obtain her degree in education, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of balancing work, education, and familial responsibilities. As the youngest of four children, I've also observed the financial strain that is commonly experienced in the pursuit of higher education. My mother and I simply cannot afford to cover my tuition for my remaining years in college. Although I work part-time, my income is insufficient to bridge the gap. Additionally, working while attending school limits my take on leadership positions and join campus organizations that could help me achieve my future career goals. Receiving The Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship would significantly reduce my financial stress, allowing me to immerse myself more fully into my academic and professional pursuits. This scholarship would provide the financial stability that I need to focus on my studies and engage more deeply in activities that align with my career aspirations. With this support, I could dedicate more time into internships, volunteer work, and research projects that are crucial in nurturing my passions of service and career aspirations in psychology and law. Ultimately, this scholarship represents an opportunity for me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of underprivileged youth. By alleviating my financial burdens, it would enable me to concentrate on my education, bringing me further to my calling of being a juvenile psychologist. With the help of The Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship, I can work towards creating a future where all young people have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.

Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deeply rooted passion to support and uplift others, specifically within my community. As a young Black woman, I was exposed to the brutality of the world at a very early age. As a young Black woman living in a big city, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and injustices faced by Black youth. Taking the train to and from school, I had a plethora of instances where I was sexually and verbally harassed. Racism, sexism, and hypersexualization are all experiences that Black and other Youth of Color go through daily. This awareness fuels my passion for extending assistance, particularly to young Black girls, who often grapple with these unique obstacles. When I reflect on what community service experience has impacted me the most, I think about my time volunteering with the organization A Rose is Still a Rose (A.R.I.S.A.R). A.R.I.S.A.R’s goal is to provide mentorship to Fourth and Fifth-Grade girls. This group is located in Crispus Attucks Elementary School (C.S.21). C.S.2.1 is in a lower-income neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. The students who live in these neighborhoods are often a product of their environment. Due to this, I see these young girls express feelings of anger, resentment, and depression. With this in mind, I intend always to lead sessions with love and care. I offer a listening ear to those who may not always have access to one. As a mentor, I prioritize teaching my mentees self-love and self-care. I open up each session by having them walk to a mirror and tell affirmations to themselves. Insecurities in young Black women are extremely prevalent as a result of the beauty standards that the world imposes on our entire race. I want each young lady to see their inner beauty in themselves first before they search for it from the outside world! Whatever activities give them joy, I employ them to take time out of each week to do said activity. Each week, I have them write a reflection on how they spent doing their versions of self-care. My time with organizations such as A Rose is Still a Rose helped foster my desire to help troubled Black youth. I am currently studying both Psychology and Criminology at Howard University. After I complete my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend Law School. I have always wanted to give psychological resources to underprivileged communities. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources results from low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. I would also like to use my background in law to provide my patients with legal counsel alongside psychological resources. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. My time and involvement with A Rose is Still a Rose has nurtured my commitment to supporting marginalized groups and communities.

Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deeply rooted passion to support and uplift others, specifically within my community. As a young Black woman, I was exposed to the brutality of the world at a very early age. As a young Black woman living in a big city, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and injustices faced by Black youth. Taking the train to and from school, I had a plethora of instances where I was sexually and verbally harassed. Racism, sexism, and hypersexualization are all experiences that Black and other Youth of Color go through daily. This awareness fuels my passion for extending assistance, particularly to young Black girls, who often grapple with these unique obstacles. When I reflect on what community service experience has impacted me the most, I think about my time volunteering with the organization A Rose is Still a Rose (A.R.I.S.A.R). A.R.I.S.A.R’s goal is to provide mentorship to Fourth and Fifth-Grade girls. This group is located in Crispus Attucks Elementary School (C.S.21). C.S.2.1 is in a lower-income neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. The students who live in these neighborhoods are often a product of their environment. Due to this, I see these young girls express feelings of anger, resentment, and depression. With this in mind, I intend always to lead sessions with love and care. I offer a listening ear to those who may not always have access to one. As a mentor, I prioritize teaching my mentees self-love and self-care. I open up each session by having them walk to a mirror and tell affirmations to themselves. Insecurities in young Black women are extremely prevalent as a result of the beauty standards that the world imposes on our entire race. I want each young lady to see their inner beauty in themselves first before they search for it from the outside world! Whatever activities give them joy, I employ them to take time out of each week to do said activity. Each week, I have them write a reflection on how they spent doing their versions of self-care. My time with organizations such as A Rose is Still a Rose helped foster my desire to help troubled Black youth. I am currently studying both Psychology and Criminology. I have always wanted to give psychological resources to underprivileged communities. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources results from low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. My time and involvement with A Rose is Still a Rose has nurtured my commitment to supporting marginalized groups and communities.

The human brain is extremely complex and varies depending on environment, surroundings, relationships, and more. It mesmerizes me how every person is unique based on these underlying factors. Cognitive, Biological, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, and Humanistic Psychology provides a clear understanding of why a person may act or react in a certain way. Throughout the entirety of my life, I’ve been extremely passionate about the lack of psychological resources given to inmates in the United States Correctional Facilities. I’ve seen and been exposed to the damage that the prison system does to the mental state of people, more specifically black men. Due to them not receiving proper help at a young age, once they are released they slip right back into their bad habits. They reenter society more often to the same environments where they’ve previously struggled. They’re expected to proceed with little to no knowledge on how to change their ways of thinking or give them different avenues to take in life. I know the psychological trauma that prison instills in adults, so I’m extremely concerned about the harm that it can do to the mental health of children. Research says that adolescent brains cannot fully grasp certain concepts due to their immature cognitive development. They do not fully understand how their actions can result in long-lasting consequences. I have seen this first hand. Witnessing people that I’ve grown up with stray in the wrong direction has hurt me immensely. With their brains still developing, there is hope to help juveniles before it's too late. Many of them simply need a safe haven and to feel like someone is in their corner. Even if they’re too anxious to have a person in their corner, any healthy outlet can give them the motivation to do better. Throughout my entire life, I’ve studied performing arts. There is a lot of talent hidden behind cell walls. Music, dance, drama, creative writing, poetry, and more can be forms of expression that can potentially release bottled-up emotions. I would love to give these forms of expression to underprivileged youth. I have always wanted to give psychological resources to communities that are underprivileged. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources is a product of low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled up emotions that will potentially put many people in danger. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. I am a rising Junior at Howard University, where I major in Psychology and minor in Criminology. After receiving my Bachelors of Science, I plan on furthering my education by attending Howard Law School. My goal in life is to provide my patients with both psychological resources and legal counsel to help halt the previously mentioned habits while they’re still tangible.

"I find, in being Black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness" - Ossie Davis Being Black is a fundamental piece of my identity. With its' multitude of diasporas, the Black race hosts a common culture that consists of resilience and strength. At its core, to be Black is to understand that there is a triumph in our struggle. This is what motivated me to attend Howard University. For my undergraduate career, I wanted to be surrounded by those who look like me, and be able to connect with Black like-minded individuals At Howard University, I am a Psychology major and Criminology minor. My primary goal in life is to be of service to others. Throughout the entirety of my life, I’ve been extremely passionate about the lack of psychological resources given to inmates in the United States Correctional Facilities. I’ve seen and been exposed to the damage that the prison system does to the mental state of people, more specifically black men. Due to them not receiving proper help at a young age, once they are released they slip right back into their bad habits. I have been exposed to the psychological trauma that prison instills in adults, so I’m extremely concerned about the harm that it can do to the mental health of children. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat juveniles. Due to this, I aspire to be a psychologist for incarcerated juveniles.

The word “innocence” has always been synonymous with “childhood”. Young children can be seen on playdates, taking trips to the park, and playing games with one another. It's all innocent fun. What happens when children view themselves as inferior or gain habits associated with low self-esteem due to societal standards that surround them? Why is black skin looked at in negative aspects and when does this mindset start? Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a deeply rooted passion to support and uplift others, specifically within my community. As a young Black woman, I was exposed to the brutality of the world at a very early age. As a young Black woman living in a big city, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and injustices faced by Black youth. Taking the train to and from school, I had a plethora of instances where I was sexually and verbally harassed. Racism, sexism, and hypersexualization are all experiences that Black and other Youth of Color go through daily. This awareness fuels my passion for extending assistance, particularly to young Black girls, who often grapple with these unique obstacles. Research says that adolescent brains cannot fully grasp certain concepts due to their immature cognitive development. They do not fully understand how their actions can result in long-lasting consequences. I have seen this firsthand. Witnessing people that I’ve grown up with stray in the wrong direction has hurt me immensely. With their brains still developing, there is hope to help juveniles before it's too late. Many of them simply need a safe haven and to feel like someone is in their corner. Even if they’re too anxious to have a person in their corner, any healthy source of release can give them the motivation to do better. Throughout my entire life, I’ve studied performing arts. There is a lot of talent hidden behind cell walls. Music, dance, drama, creative writing, poetry, and more can be forms of expression that can potentially release bottled-up emotions. I would love to give these forms of expression to underprivileged youth. I am currently studying both Psychology and Criminology. I have always wanted to give psychological resources to underprivileged communities. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources results from low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless of them need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. I want to give psychological resources to communities that are underprivileged. Therapy is an extremely taboo topic in the Black community. The lack of resources is a product of low income, pride, and fear of judgment. This can eventually lead to bottled-up emotions that will potentially put many people in danger. I aspire to be a psychologist for juveniles in Detention Centers. My post-undergraduate plans are to attend Law School with the aspiration to be able to provide legal counsel to my clients alongside healthy coping mechanisms to ensure that they do not repeat bad habits. The prison system puts very little funding into finding people who are qualified to treat these kids. Countless people simply need an outlet that they can come to, or a person they know will be in their corner. With a deep passion brought on by both direct and indirect experiences, I truly feel that the plans I’ve set forth will help those who need it.