As a high school senior with a passion for helping others, I have always been deeply committed to volunteering and serving my community. My experiences participating in street cleanups and volunteering at adoption events have not only allowed me to give back to those in need, but have also helped me discover my true calling in life. Growing up in a family that immigrated to the United States with very little to our name, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of community support and generosity. It was through the kindness of others that my family was able to build a new life for ourselves here, and this experience has instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to pay it forward. I have always known that I want to become a child psychologist with a Master's degree, as I believe that this profession will allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling. My dream is to use my education and skills to improve the well-being of children and families, and I am particularly interested in the intersection of psychology and education. I am excited to delve deeper into the field of child psychology and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and needs of this population. I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field, and I am eager to apply what I learn to my work with children and families. I believe that with the support of the Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship, I will be able to achieve my educational goals and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship, as it will not only provide me with the financial assistance I need to pursue my educational dreams, but will also allow me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others. My passion for volunteering and serving my community stems from the generosity and support that I have received, and I am committed to paying it forward and making a difference in the lives of those who are in need. I am confident that with the support of the Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship, I will be able to pursue my dream of becoming a child psychologist and make a lasting difference in the world, starting with my community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply, and I hope to be considered for this scholarship that aligns so closely with my values and goals. I know that with hard work and dedication, I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in need, and I am eager to get started on this journey.

Climate change is a devastating problem that disproportionately affects low-income communities. As a 16-year-old girl from one such community, I have seen the effects of climate change firsthand - from food and water shortages to worsening air and water pollution. This is my motivation to combat climate change and prevent these devastating effects from happening to my community and others like it. Reducing carbon emissions is the most effective way to combat climate change. This means cutting back on the use of fossil fuels and finding alternatives to them. In my own life, I take individual actions to reduce my carbon footprint, such as using public transportation, avoiding single-use plastics, and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. I also educate myself and others about the importance of combatting climate change and how we can all make a difference. Governments and businesses can also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and helping low-income communities combat climate change. This can be achieved through policies that promote renewable energy and discourage the use of fossil fuels. For example, the government can offer incentives for individuals and businesses that switch to renewable energy sources and impose taxes on activities that contribute to climate change. I am also helping my community combat climate change by volunteering with local organizations that work on these issues. For example, I might volunteer at a community garden that provides fresh produce to low-income families or with a group that promotes the use of renewable energy in our community. By getting involved and working together, we can make a real difference in addressing this urgent problem. In addition to taking individual actions to reduce my carbon footprint and volunteering with local organizations, I also try to find creative ways to combat climate change in my life. For example, I might participate in a beach clean-up to help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean. Additionally, I find ways to reuse and upcycle what others would consider trash in order to recycle as little as possible. I am also interested in using technology to combat climate change. For example, I might use a carbon footprint calculator to track my personal emissions and identify areas where I can reduce my impact. I might also use social media to raise awareness about climate change and encourage others to take action. Overall, I believe that there are many creative ways to combat climate change, and I am committed to finding and implementing solutions in my own life and in my community. In conclusion, the devastating effects of climate change on low-income communities like mine are my motivation to take action. The most impactful way to combat climate change is to reduce our carbon emissions through individual actions and larger efforts. By working together and using our creativity, we can make a real difference in addressing this urgent problem

As a 16 year old immigrant high school senior, the past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and growth. One major way in which I have grown is in my understanding of responsibility and independence. I arrived in this country when I was 10 years old, and struggled to adjust to my new surroundings. But as I grew older, I learned the language and culture, and eventually joined the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program at my high school. I was excited for the opportunities the program would provide, and worked hard to keep up with the rigorous coursework. However, as time went on, I noticed that my single mother was struggling financially. She had immigrated to this country with the hope of providing a better life for me and my 3 siblings, but was working long hours at 3 low-paying jobs. Despite wanting to help, I didn't see a way to do so amidst my busy schedule. That's when I made the difficult decision to drop out of the IB program and get a job to support my family. This decision was not easy. I was leaving behind the academic program that I had worked hard to be a part of, and was worried about how it would affect my future. But I knew it was the right thing to do for my family, and was determined to make it work. Over the past year, I have taken on more responsibility at work and at home. I have learned to balance my job and my schoolwork, and have become more independent and self-sufficient. I have also learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Despite the challenges I have faced, I have remained determined to succeed. In terms of personal growth, I have also learned to be more adaptable and resilient. When I first dropped out of the IB program, I was unsure of what the future would hold. But I quickly adapted to my new situation and worked hard to make the most of it. I have learned that even when life throws unexpected challenges my way, I can overcome them and continue to grow and learn. Although I have grown and changed in many ways over the past year, some things about me have remained the same. I am still the same person who loves learning and strives to do my best in everything that I do. I am still determined to succeed and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. As I look back on my journey over the past year, I am filled with emotions. I am grateful for the challenges that I have faced, as they have helped me to grow and become the person I am today. I am also proud of myself for my determination and hard work. I know that I have what it takes to succeed, and I am excited for what the future holds.

As a LGBTQIA+ student, I have often felt like an outsider, struggling with feelings of isolation and exclusion. Being a part of marginalized communities - both as a queer person and as a black and immigrant individual - has made it difficult for me to feel like I belong or am understood. This has been particularly challenging within my own family, where my queerness has not always been accepted or supported. Society at large often fails to recognize or address the unique challenges and struggles faced by people like me. One of the most difficult experiences I have had was growing up in Cameroon, where being LGBTQIA+ is not accepted. In order to fit in and be accepted, I had to hide who I was, which was incredibly lonely and isolating. But through this experience, I learned the importance of standing up for myself and my beliefs, and developed a sense of self-acceptance and pride. I have learned that I will not hide my identity or compromise who I am to make others comfortable or to fit in. In the future, I hope to use my experiences as a LGBTQIA+ student to make a positive impact in the world. I am particularly interested in starting a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) at my college to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students on campus. I also plan to get involved in local and global organizations that work towards LGBTQIA+ rights. I believe that it is important for me to use my voice and experiences to help others facing similar struggles. I am committed to using my experiences to make a positive difference and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Despite the challenges and struggles I have faced, I remain hopeful and optimistic about my future. I am proud of who I am and am determined to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals and aspirations. I am grateful for the support of my friends, family, and allies, and am committed to using my experiences to make a positive impact in the world. I will continue to speak out and advocate for myself and others, and will not hide my identity in order to please or make anyone else comfortable. I am determined to be true to myself and to make a positive difference in the world.

One issue that is affecting my community is the lack of civility and sense of division among its members. It seems that people are often more focused on their own interests and beliefs, rather than working together for the greater good of the community. This lack of civility and cooperation can lead to a number of problems, such as increased conflict and decreased trust among community members. To address this issue, I would work to promote a sense of unity and civility among members of my community. This could include organizing community events and activities that bring people together and encourage them to work together for the common good. For example, we could hold community clean-up days, fundraisers for local charities, or other events that bring people together and foster a sense of community spirit. Additionally, I would work to educate people about the importance of civility and cooperation in building a strong and healthy community. This could involve organizing workshops or seminars on the topic, or simply having open and honest conversations with people in the community about the benefits of working together. By raising awareness about the importance of civility and cooperation, we can help to foster a sense of unity and togetherness among members of the community. Furthermore, I would work to promote positive interactions and relationships among community members. This could include organizing events or activities that encourage people to get to know each other better, such as community potlucks or block parties. By fostering positive relationships and interactions among community members, we can help to build trust and cooperation, and ultimately create a more united and cohesive community. In addition to organizing events and activities, I would also work to encourage open and honest communication among community members. This could involve facilitating group discussions or forums where people can share their thoughts and ideas, and listen to the perspectives of others. By fostering open and honest communication, we can help to break down barriers and promote understanding and cooperation among members of the community. Ultimately, my goal would be to create a comprehensive plan for promoting unity and civility in my community. This plan would include specific goals and strategies for fostering a sense of community and cooperation, as well as measurable targets to track our progress. By working together with other community members and organizations, I believe that we can create positive change and make our community a better place for everyone.

As a high school senior, my future plans for education involve pursuing a Master's Degree in psychology with a focus on becoming a child psychologist. My ultimate career goal is to work as a licensed child psychologist, helping young individuals overcome their mental health challenges and lead happier, healthier lives. To achieve this goal, I plan on first completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, with a focus on gaining a strong foundation in the theories, principles, and techniques of the field. I will also strive to gain as much real-world experience as possible through internships and research assistantships that will allow me to apply my knowledge and skills in a professional setting and work with children. Once I have completed my undergraduate degree, I will begin working towards my Master's Degree in psychology. I plan on applying to highly respected graduate programs that will provide me with the advanced training and education I need to become a licensed child psychologist. During my Master's program, I will focus on gaining a deep understanding of the latest theories and research in the field, as well as practical skills such as conducting therapy sessions with children and developing treatment plans. Once I have completed my Master's Degree and obtained my license, I plan on finding a job as a child psychologist in a clinic or other professional setting. I will work hard to build a successful practice, where I can help my young clients overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. I am confident that with dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping children, I can achieve my goal of becoming a successful child psychologist

I am a black immigrant who came to the United States from Nigeria when I was 10 years old. Growing up in Cameroon, I always had a passion for learning and excelled in school. I knew that education was the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving my dreams, so I was determined to continue pursuing my studies even after immigrating to the United States. One of the biggest obstacles I faced as a black immigrant was dealing with discrimination and racism. When I first arrived in the United States, I was shocked by the amount of prejudice and bias that I encountered on a daily basis. People would make derogatory comments about my dark skin and my accent, and I often felt like I didn't belong. However, instead of letting these experiences defeat me, I used them as motivation to work even harder in school. I knew that the only way to overcome the prejudice and stereotypes that I faced was to excel academically and prove my worth. So, I poured myself into my studies and enrolled in challenging AP and IB classes in high school. Through hard work and determination, I was able to earn high grades in these classes and got a 3.6 GPA. In doing so, I proved to myself and to others that I was just as capable and deserving of success as anyone else, regardless of my race or where I came from. In addition to dealing with discrimination, another obstacle I faced as a black immigrant was adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Coming from Cameroon, I was used to a certain way of doing things and had to learn to adapt to the customs and norms of American society. This was especially challenging at first, but over time, I was able to assimilate and become a part of my new community. Through this experience, I learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. I learned that no matter how difficult the obstacles I faced may seem, I could overcome them with hard work and determination. I also learned that it is important to embrace new experiences and cultures, as they can enrich and broaden our perspectives in ways that we never thought possible. In conclusion, my experiences as a black immigrant have taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and adaptability. These lessons have not only helped me succeed in my education, but have also prepared me to navigate the challenges of life and achieve my goals. I am grateful for the opportunities that education has provided me and I am determined to continue working hard to achieve my dreams of becoming a psychologist.

As a black queer woman, I have often experienced the phenomenon described in the quote firsthand. In online gaming forums, I have seen people discard the common accepted social norms of civil discourse and engage in behavior that is aggressive, inflammatory, or even downright hateful. This can manifest in various ways, such as the use of racial or homophobic slurs, the making of threats, or the engaging in trolling or other forms of disruptive behavior. In my own experience, I have found that this lack of social norms can be particularly harmful to marginalized groups like myself. When people feel free to engage in uncivil behavior without facing any consequences, they may be more likely to target marginalized groups with their words and actions. This can lead to a breakdown in civil discourse and a lack of empathy and respect for the experiences and perspectives of marginalized individuals. I have also found that the anonymity of online forums can make it easier for people to engage in behavior that they would not normally engage in if their real-life identities were known. This can create a false sense of safety for people who may be inclined to engage in uncivil or even outright hateful behavior, as they can do so without fear of being held accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability can further erode the social norms that are essential for civil discourse and healthy social interactions. In my own experience, I have had to navigate these challenges in online gaming forums as a black queer woman. I have had to deal with the microaggressions, the insults, and the outright discrimination that are all too common in these spaces. I have had to find ways to assert my own identity and experiences while also trying to engage in civil discourse with others. To mitigate these negative effects, I try to be mindful of the words and actions I use in online forums. I try to be respectful of others and to engage in civil discourse, even when others are not doing the same. I also try to avoid participating in forums that are known for their lack of social norms, and to report any instances of uncivil behavior that I come across. In conclusion, the phenomenon of people discarding the common accepted social norms of civil discourse and actions in online gaming forums is a serious problem that can have negative effects on real-life social interactions, particularly for marginalized groups like myself. By being mindful of our own words and actions and holding ourselves and others accountable, we can help to create a more positive and respectful online environment.

I believe that the change I want to see in my community, the country, and the world is a greater emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation. In my community, I want to see more people recycling and reducing their carbon footprint. On a larger scale, I want to see the government implement policies that promote clean energy and protect natural resources. And on a global level, I want to see international cooperation in addressing climate change and preserving our planet for future generations. To help make a difference in my community, I act locally by participating in neighborhood clean-up events and supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability. I also educate others about the importance of recycling and reducing their carbon footprint. For example, I share information about composting and encourage others to use reusable bags and water bottles. In addition to these individual actions, I also try to make a difference on a larger scale by supporting organizations and policies that promote sustainability. For example, I donate to organizations that work to protect natural habitats and wildlife, and I advocate for clean energy policies at the local and national level. One specific way that I act locally to help make a difference is by participating in community gardening initiatives. I believe that growing our own food is not only a way to reduce our carbon footprint, but it can also bring people together and foster a sense of community. By working together to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, we can not only produce healthy, locally-sourced food, but we can also learn from each other and build connections with our neighbors. In addition to community gardening, I also try to reduce my own personal carbon footprint by using public transportation or carpooling when possible, and by making conscious choices about the products I buy and the energy I use in my daily life. I also try to support local businesses that prioritize sustainability, as this not only helps to reduce my own environmental impact, but it also helps to boost the local economy. Overall, I believe that by taking action at the local level, we can make a difference and help to create a more sustainable future. By working together and supporting organizations and policies that promote environmental conservation, we can help to protect our planet and ensure that future generations have access to clean air, water, and natural resources. It is up to each and every one of us to take action and do our part to create a better, more sustainable world

As a future psychologist, I believe it is important for us to work to better understand the nature of our universe because doing so can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world. By gaining a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws and principles that govern the universe, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying forces that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. This knowledge can help us better understand the reasons behind the things that happen in the world around us and in our own lives, and it can also help us make more informed decisions and choices. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the nature of the universe can help us better appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and it can inspire awe and wonder at the mysteries of the cosmos. One of the key concepts that I hope to employ as a future psychologist in my efforts to better understand the nature of the universe is the idea of causality. Causality is the principle that events and phenomena are the result of specific causes and conditions. In other words, it is the idea that everything that happens has a reason or explanation for why it happens. By understanding causality, we can better understand the reasons behind the things that happen in the world around us and in our own lives. Another important concept that I hope to employ in my efforts to better understand the nature of the universe is the idea of determinism. Determinism is the belief that all events and phenomena are the result of prior causes and conditions, and that nothing happens by chance or randomness. This means that, in principle, if we had a complete understanding of the causes and conditions that led up to a particular event, we could predict that event with absolute certainty. By understanding determinism, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying predictability of the universe and how this can be applied to psychological phenomena. Finally, I hope to employ the concept of emergence in my efforts to better understand the nature of the universe. Emergence is the idea that complex phenomena can arise from the interactions of simpler components. This means that, even though the individual components of a system may be relatively simple and well-understood, the behavior of the system as a whole can be highly complex and difficult to predict. By understanding emergence, we can gain a better understanding of how complex psychological phenomena can arise from the interactions of simpler psychological processes. In conclusion, I believe it is important for us to work to better understand the nature of our universe because doing so can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world. By employing key concepts like causality, determinism, and emergence, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the universe and apply this knowledge to my work as a psychologist.

As a low-income immigrant, I have faced many challenges and struggles throughout my life. However, my mother has been there to support me and help me reach my educational goals. She has done an incredible job as a single parent, taking on the responsibilities and challenges of raising four children on her own while also working hard to provide for our family. One of the ways in which my mother has supported me is by encouraging me to join the IB program at my school. She recognized the value of the program and its ability to provide me with a well-rounded and rigorous education. She encouraged me to take on the challenges of the program and supported me every step of the way. As a result, I was able to excel in the program and gain the skills and knowledge that I needed to pursue my dreams. In addition to supporting me academically, my mother has also been a constant source of emotional support for me. She has always been there to listen to my concerns and offer me guidance, and she has encouraged me to pursue my passions and follow my dreams. She has taught me the importance of hard work and determination, and she has instilled in me a strong work ethic that has helped me throughout my life. Furthermore, she has helped me to access therapy when I needed it. Through therapy, I was able to work through my emotions and find the support and guidance that I needed. It was during this time that I became inspired to pursue a career as a psychologist, and I am now working towards that goal thanks to my mother's support and encouragement. Additionally, she taught me how to create a healthy balance between my studies and my personal life. She has helped me to understand the importance of taking care of myself and avoiding burnout, and she has encouraged me to prioritize my mental and emotional health. As a result, I have been able to avoid the negative effects of burnout and maintain a healthy balance between my studies and my personal life. As a single mother, my mother has also had to face many challenges and struggles. On top of having to escape the Anglophone Crisis, she has had to work hard to provide for me and my siblings, and she has done an incredible job. She has always put our needs first, and she has sacrificed a lot to make sure that we have the support and guidance that we need. In conclusion, my mother has been an incredible source of support for me as I work towards my educational and career goals. She has been there for me through the good times and the bad, and she has always been a constant source of love, comfort, and guidance. I am incredibly grateful to have her in my life, and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today

"Did all your friends die from Ebola?" Xenophobic comments like these slowly transformed me from a confident, hopeful kid, into an insecure mess who truly started to believe that maybe she was inferior to the white Americans that treated her this way. Unfortunately, my story is one out of billions of children of color who feel isolated and inferior due to the utter ignorance we've long allowed to persist. In a world where we're taught young to "suck it up" when we're hurt, children feel isolated, alone, and aren't taught how to properly process their negative experiences. As a result, they use distorted perceptions of the world around them to come to detrimental conclusions such as internalized racism, misogyny, homophobia, and so much more. These harmful ideas being passed on throughout generations festers hate that is unfortunately taken out on vulnerable, undeserving groups of people. What people don't realize is that by crushing someone's spirit so young, the cure to cancer, a world changing technological innovation, or even simply a future kind act could be going down with them. Most importantly, that person's humanity, regardless of their accomplishments or lack thereof, is the most valuable thing in the world that should never be ignored. I happen to belong to multiple of those ignored groups where I witness our humanity being spat on from situations as big as job discrimination, to as "small" as defeminization of people that look like me. I've come to realize that black women face an unfair disadvantage due to the exhaustion of constantly having to defend ourselves. We live in a world where standing up for ourselves is perceived as aggression. Our strength is not allowed to emasculate the man. Speaking up means we're much too loud and angry. Unfortunately, even in our own community we're mistreated by people who deem us "too white" due to our mannerisms and behavioral traits. The reinforced negative perception of black women has a detrimental effect on how we see ourselves and is very often internalized. Ultimately, I strive for our nation to work together in order to actually become more accepting of all kinds of people. I hope to create a world with leaders that have a diversity of cultures and perspectives that combine to meet everyone's needs. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go as we still live in a world where black girls grow to hate themselves as they watch a minority actor be unjustly harassed for being "the diversity hire." As someone who's been through, processed, and overcome internalized racism, all I want is to be what my therapist was for me. A strong, queer, woman of color that allows developing minds to deconstruct their warped view of the world in order to form a clearer, more loving image of themselves and others. While human evil makes it impossible to stop the problem from the root, I strive to help victims that were made to feel inferior for reasons they simply can't control. By obtaining a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Child Psychology, I can guide hurt people through their healing processes, and if possible, break the cycle that causes irreparable damage well into adulthood.