In a world where I was expected to fold under pressure, I learned to rise—on the court, in the classroom, and with myself. Being a black female athlete in a male-dominated world has taught me strength that cannot be measured by trophies or stats. I have been playing volleyball since the seventh grade, and the journey has not been easy (to say the least). From toxic teammates, to a devastating knee injury, my love for the game has been repeatedly tested-- but each challenge has only made me stronger. Early on, I faced difficult team dynamics that could have easily discouraged me. I had teammates who did not support each other, who thrived on drama instead of coming together as a team. But instead of walking away, I chose to put my heart and soul into not just volleyball, but each team I have been a part of. I found power in my patience and realized that true dedication means showing up each day, improving, and pushing through when the environment was not ideal. But then came the injury. During my junior year club season, I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus—a tripe blow that ended my club season and nearly broke my spirit to keep enduring. In a world that overlooks female athletes, especially Black female athletes, it felt like I had to fight and work even harder to be seen and supported. But I did not let it stop me. I chose to believe in my body’s ability to heal and in heart and mind’s refusals to quit. Rehab was not just about physica recovery—it was about proving to myself that my strength ran deeper than any setback I’ve had. I’ve also discovered the importance of leadership and using my voice. A I grew into an upperclassman and recovered from the injury, I made it a priority to mentor younger teammates, especially those who felt unheard or underestimated, just like I once did. I learned how to lead with compassion, not ego. Most importantly, I’ve learned what it means to fight; for my goals, for my passion, and for myself. It’s taught me that I am more than the limits people place on me. Volleyball became more than a sport to me; it was a safe space where I could grow my confidence in resilience which began to translate into my day-to-day life. I am powerful, driven, and confident young woman, ready to take on the world on and off the court.

I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

A cracked egg isn’t always scrambled I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

A cracked egg isn’t always scrambled I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

I have always been attuned to the impact of mental illness throughout my existence. Raised with family and friends battling mental illness, I was naturally intrigued by psychology—why individuals think, feel, and behave as they do. This drive made me study for tough courses even when the teachers instructed me to do something less challenging. Instead of catering to constraints placed on me, I allowed their negativity to fuel me and show myself that I am capable of doing more than others expected. My journey has not been without roadblocks. I have struggled in school, not only through difficult classes but also through breaking down other peoples' disbelief that I should not be challenging myself further. Despite this, I decided to attempt AP math during senior year, pushing past my comfort zone and proving to myself that I was capable of succeeding through challenging classes. I also had great success in my Disease and Health class, which reassured me that I am interested in pursuing pre-med and eventually being a psychiatrist. I am interested in mental health academically and on a personal level. I have been a consistent leader and advocate at my school, serving as the president of our Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) since I was a sophomore. We expanded from just six members to over 18 during my tenure, and we made our school safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ students and allies. We also donated $100 to The Trevor Project, assisted my school's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and participated in Diversity Day events through my intersectionality class. Through these experiences, I have tried to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and accommodation for the identity and mental health challenge. To be granted the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would be more than a grant of financial assistance—it would be a confirmation of the endurance and resolve that I have exhibited during my time. Coming from a disadvantaged background, I am aware of the significance of education as an instrument of change. This scholarship would give me the chance to study psychology and psychiatry without the crippling financial stress, enabling me to devote myself to my studies and continue advocating for mental health awareness. My long-term goal is to become an LGBTQ+ mental health psychiatrist, offering marginalized communities the affirming and compassionate care they so desperately require. Like Mark Green, I am equally certain of the life-changing power of education—not just for myself, but for those whom I will ultimately serve. This scholarship would place me one step closer to making that dream a reality.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental illness can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. In middle school, my best friend struggled with various mental issues. She struggled with various mental illnesses; she relied on me to be there for her. Only being about 11 years old, I did not understand the complexity of her mental health which left me torn. I felt the need to be “a good friend” and keep her secret about her mental health, but there was this urge to seek help so she could genuinely get the help she needed. One day, I woke up with a paragraph of how much she will love and miss me. I texted her multiple times just to receive no reply. I went to school for multiple weeks with no sign of my best friend being there. A teacher came and spoke to me about her, claiming that her mental health was in jeopardy and she had been staying at a mental institution. From this experience, it not only gave me a reality check to how serious mental health is but it also intrigued me to research more in better ways I can help others around me. In high school, I have participated in Mind Matters for four years. Mind Matters focuses on the mental health of students at my school and how to improve it. Being a part of mind matters gives me the opportunity to see different methods of how to help those around me mentally. While being a part of this club, it gave me the power to lead my school’s gay-straight affinity—Spectrum Alliance, by example. Every meeting, we have discussions about how we can better each other’s mental health and love the skin that we are in. Whether it was friends or family members. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, inspiring me to want to learn more about our mind and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With the proper help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the correct attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the passion in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental illness can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. In middle school, my best friend struggled with various mental issues. She struggled with various mental illnesses; she relied on me to be there for her. Only being about 11 years old, I did not understand the complexity of her mental health which left me torn. I felt the need to be “a good friend” and keep her secret about her mental health, but there was this urge to seek help so she could genuinely get the help she needed. One day, I woke up with a paragraph of how much she will love and miss me. I texted her multiple times just to receive no reply. I went to school for multiple weeks with no sign of my best friend being there. A teacher came and spoke to me about her, claiming that her mental health was in jeopardy and she had been staying at a mental institution. From this experience, it not only gave me a reality check to how serious mental health is but it also intrigued me to research more in better ways I can help others around me. In high school, I have participated in Mind Matters for four years. Mind Matters focuses on the mental health of students at my school and how to improve it. Being a part of mind matters gives me the opportunity to see different methods of how to help those around me mentally. While being a part of this club, it gave me the power to lead my school’s gay-straight affinity—Spectrum Alliance, by example. Every meeting, we have discussions about how we can better each other’s mental health and love the skin that we are in. Whether it was friends or family members. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, inspiring me to want to learn more about our mind and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With the proper help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the correct attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the passion in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental illness can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. In middle school, my best friend struggled with various mental issues. She struggled with various mental illnesses; she relied on me to be there for her. Only being about 11 years old, I did not understand the complexity of her mental health which left me torn. I felt the need to be “a good friend” and keep her secret about her mental health, but there was this urge to seek help so she could genuinely get the help she needed. One day, I woke up with a paragraph of how much she will love and miss me. I texted her multiple times just to receive no reply. I went to school for multiple weeks with no sign of my best friend being there. A teacher came and spoke to me about her, claiming that her mental health was in jeopardy and she had been staying at a mental institution. From this experience, it not only gave me a reality check to how serious mental health is but it also intrigued me to research more in better ways I can help others around me. In high school, I have participated in Mind Matters for four years. Mind Matters focuses on the mental health of students at my school and how to improve it. Being a part of mind matters gives me the opportunity to see different methods of how to help those around me mentally. While being a part of this club, it gave me the power to lead my school’s gay-straight affinity—Spectrum Alliance, by example. Every meeting, we have discussions about how we can better each other’s mental health and love the skin that we are in. Whether it was friends or family members. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, inspiring me to want to learn more about our mind and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With the proper help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the correct attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the passion in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.

I've always felt that understanding the human mind is one of the most essential things we can do. Over the years, my personal experiences have shown me just how deeply mental health affects people, often in ways that aren't immediately visible. That's why I'm so determined to go to college and pursue a career in psychiatry. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about following a genuine passion to help others and make a lasting impact in their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can challenge a person’s life and the people that love them. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. These moments sparked my curiosity and interest in psychology and mental health, driving me to want to learn more about our minds and how it functions. Whether it was friends or family members, I’ve seen how important it is for people to receive the support they need when going through tough times. With help and resources accessibly ready, a cracked egg doesn’t always have to be scrambled. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health. Yet it often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves. This is what fuels the fire and drives in me to pursue a career in becoming a psychiatrist- I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This is what fuels my drive to become a psychiatrist—I want to be part of the solution and help those who need it most. Psychology is all around us, often in ways we don’t even notice. From how we cope with stress to how we build relationships, understanding the mind plays a huge role in how we live healthier, happier lives. In college, I’m excited to dive deeper into studying psychology, exploring the science behind our emotions and behavior. I’m eager to learn about mental illnesses, how they develop, how they can be treated, and, most importantly, how I can help people overcome them. A career in psychiatry will give me the tools to provide that kind of help. Going to college is the first step in this journey. It’s where I’ll gain the education I need to turn my passion into a career. I’m excited about the opportunity to take classes that will push me and prepare me for the field of psychiatry. With the right training, I’m confident I can make a real difference in people’s lives, offering them hope and healing when they need it most.