My interest in social work and psychology did not come from a single class or lesson, but from a realization about gratitude, memory, and responsibility. I used to think gratitude simply meant being thankful for what you have. Over time, I have come to understand that it also means remembering what others do not—and using that awareness to take action. This realization became clear to me while volunteering at Forgotten Harvest in Detroit. My friends and I had been given different community service options through school, and we chose Forgotten Harvest because it seemed the most meaningful. At the time, I did not fully understand how much the experience would affect me. Walking into the warehouse, surrounded by rows of donated food, I began to see how many families depended on these resources. People came to receive boxes of groceries that would only last a few days, knowing they would soon need to return. In that moment, something shifted for me. I realized how easy it is to become comfortable and disconnected from struggles that do not directly affect you. Before I was adopted, I lived in Uganda, where poverty was not an issue to solve, but a daily reality. At the orphanage, meals were simple and repetitive—usually beans and rice, served the same way every day. We relied entirely on donations, hoping for small changes like receiving corn instead of beans. The nuns and social workers who cared for me were the first people to show me that support could be consistent and unconditional. Their compassion was steady and reliable, and it gave me a sense of security during a time when I had very little control over my future. When I came to the United States, my life changed completely. Over time, I grew used to stability—full kitchens, safe environments, and a lifestyle where basic needs were never in question. Without realizing it, I became distanced from my early experiences. Volunteering at Forgotten Harvest forced me to confront that distance. As I sorted and packed food, I was reminded of the child I once was—the one who relied on donations and uncertainty. That connection made the experience deeply personal. I began to understand that service is not about feeling sorry for others, but about recognizing shared humanity and taking responsibility to help. This moment played a major role in shaping my decision to pursue social work, with the long-term goal of becoming a psychologist. I want to work with vulnerable communities, especially teenagers, who may feel overlooked or unsupported during critical stages of their lives. My education will allow me to better understand the psychological and social factors that impact mental health, and to provide meaningful support through both advocacy and direct care. In the future, I plan to use my education to connect individuals with resources, promote mental health awareness, and create spaces where people feel heard and understood. I am especially passionate about working with youth, because I know how important it is to have consistent support during uncertain times. Whether through counseling, community programs, or advocacy work, I want to be someone who helps others feel seen in the same way I once was. Ultimately, my experiences have taught me that real change begins with awareness, but it requires action to make a difference. I do not want to forget where I came from, and I do not want to ignore the struggles that others continue to face. Instead, I plan to use both my past and my education as tools to support others and create lasting impact.

Throughout my life, I have always been someone people come to when they need support. While I have not held a formal role in mental health, I have made a real effort to be there for others in everyday situations. I try to create a positive and comfortable space for the people around me, whether that means checking in on friends, listening without judgment, or simply making sure no one feels left out. I have learned that small actions can make a bigger difference than people realize. One experience that stands out to me was during a stressful time in the school year when one of my close friends was overwhelmed and constantly doubting herself. Instead of trying to immediately fix everything, I focused on just being there for her. I made time to listen, reminded her of her strengths when she couldn’t see them, and encouraged her to take breaks when she was pushing herself too hard. Over time, I saw her start to feel more confident and less alone. That experience showed me that helping someone’s mental health is not always about having the perfect answer, but about showing up consistently and making someone feel understood. Moments like this are a big part of why I am choosing to go into social work at Michigan State University. I have had people tell me that this path is not the most practical or financially rewarding, but that has not changed my mind. I am determined to choose a career that actually matters to me. I want to make a real impact on people’s lives, and mental health is an area where that impact is so important. In the future, I plan to build on what I have already been doing by gaining the education and experience needed to support people in a more professional and meaningful way. Through social work, I hope to learn how to better guide individuals, connect them to resources, and support them through difficult situations. My long-term goal is to become a psychologist, focusing specifically on teenagers and young adults. This age group is often overlooked, even though it is such an important time for mental health. I want to be someone that young people feel comfortable going to, especially when they feel misunderstood or alone. I also hope to help break the stigma around mental health by encouraging more open conversations and making support feel more accessible. Overall, I am motivated not just by what I have already done, but by what I know I can continue to do in the future. Improving mental health does not always require big actions. From my experience, it starts with being present, listening, and showing people that they matter. I am committed to continuing that in my everyday life and turning it into a career where I can make an even greater difference.