Have you ever experienced the challenge of taking a cold shower, or felt the weight of uncertainty about where your next meal will come from? I have, and those experiences have shaped my passion for helping others. As someone currently pursuing a psychology degree, I believe that addressing fundamental human needs is essential for overall well-being. This idea aligns with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which suggests that a person cannot reach higher levels of happiness or fulfillment until their basic needs—such as food, shelter, and safety—are met. With this in mind, I actively engage in several humanitarian efforts to support those in need. One of my most meaningful acts of service is volunteering to feed the homeless. I make care packages filled with essential items like toiletries, snacks, and blankets, which I distribute to individuals in my community who are experiencing homelessness. This effort not only addresses immediate needs but also provides a sense of dignity and support. In addition, I am dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness move beyond their current circumstances. My ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit organization that focuses on financial literacy, job placement, and even a halfway house to offer a comprehensive approach to helping individuals rebuild their lives. By providing these resources, I hope to empower people to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty. My education in psychology plays a vital role in equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact in my community. By understanding the psychological factors that contribute to poverty and homelessness, I can create more effective interventions and solutions. My studies also teach me how to communicate effectively, write persuasive proposals, and engage with key stakeholders, which will be crucial in securing funding and support for my nonprofit. Additionally, the research skills I’m developing will enable me to analyze data and make informed decisions about the programs I create, ensuring they are evidence-based and impactful. Through my coursework, I am also learning the importance of social psychology and how group behaviors and community dynamics can shape the success of outreach programs. In my current role as President of the Psychology Club, I lead efforts to support our community in a variety of ways. We assist local food banks by packing food for those facing food insecurity, and we also volunteer at an animal shelter, walking dogs and helping to care for animals in need. These experiences allow me to put my knowledge into action while fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy in others. Through these activities, I am learning how to inspire others to engage in service, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond my own efforts. Ultimately, my educational goals in psychology are directly aligned with my commitment to humanitarian service. By combining my academic training with my passion for helping others, I aspire to make meaningful and lasting changes in my community. Through my nonprofit and other efforts, I aim to empower individuals to become self-sufficient and to foster a culture of compassion and support. My hope is that, in the future, I can be a resource not only for those facing hardship but also for those who want to help others but may not know where to start.

The decision to pursue a degree in psychology feels like something that chose me, rather than something I consciously chose. For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply interested in mental health and psychology, but I often felt like I was too "messed up" to help others. Initially, I thought that my path might lie in a nursing program. I wanted to help people, but deep down, I knew my motivations were driven more by financial stability than a true passion for the field. After securing a decent-paying job, I let my educational ambitions slip to the background, feeling somewhat unfulfilled by my work. Eventually, the urge to go back to school became undeniable. It wasn’t until I returned to education and began studying psychology that I found the spark I had been missing. I realized that my previous job, where I worked as a "people specialist," had ignited a passion for helping others. The joy I found in listening to people, offering advice, and seeing them grow was fulfilling in a way that nothing else had been. It was then that I decided to pursue psychology seriously. Friends and colleagues had always told me that I would make a great counselor or therapist, but I dismissed their compliments, believing they were simply flattering me. Now, however, I understand that my ability to connect with others and offer guidance is a strength, and I am finally pursuing a path that excites and inspires me. As a BIPOC individual, I am acutely aware of how mental health is often overlooked in our communities. The stigma surrounding mental health is a significant barrier, and many people, including myself, grew up not even recognizing that we had experienced trauma. It is not uncommon in BIPOC communities to downplay or ignore the psychological effects of generational trauma, which is passed down through cycles of poverty, abuse, and neglect. I strongly believe that access to mental health services can be a transformative tool in breaking these cycles and preventing further harm. For instance, the cycle of teen pregnancy is prevalent in many communities, with young people becoming parents because that’s all they’ve known. There is often no one to tell them that it isn’t “normal” or “okay” to raise children without the proper emotional or financial support. Education, counseling, and therapy can help individuals recognize these patterns, allowing them to make different choices for their lives and for their future families. Breaking the silence around abuse is another critical area where mental health services can make a difference. In many BIPOC households, abuse may be normalized or never discussed due to cultural pressures or a lack of awareness. By providing mental health education and services, we can help individuals understand that the cycle of abuse is not acceptable and is not something they have to continue. Ultimately, if we do not address the mental health needs within BIPOC communities, we risk perpetuating a system where people continue to pass on the same trauma, dysfunction, and unhealthy behaviors. Mental health services can empower individuals to recognize and heal from past wounds, creating healthier future generations. I am passionate about being part of this change, not only to help individuals heal but also to ensure that others in my community get the support they need to break free from the patterns that have held them back for so long.