I aspire to pursue pediatric psychiatry due to my deep interest in understanding the intricacies of the human mind. I watched documentaries and YouTube videos exploring the human brain and psyche. When my friends experienced difficulties in middle school, I would mediate and help them through their problems. One of them told me that I would make a great psychologist. I realized I could have a career in an area that interested me. My fascination with psychology deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic in high school, where my struggles with isolation and depression highlighted the lack of accessible mental health resources for young individuals. Witnessing the widespread challenges my peers and others faced on social media further ignited my passion to address the lack of equitable access to care for youth. I then decided I wanted to help young people through pediatric psychiatry. I want to combat what so many other young people and I experience with depression and other mental health challenges. My journey of overcoming my mental health challenges led me to advocate for improved mental health support as a youth mental health educator at the Young Women's Project, where I testified before the City Council for a budget increase in mental health resources. I worked with an organization (MindRight Health) using technology to expand teens' access to mental health services. I recognized the crucial link between mental and overall well-being, which furthered my commitment to ensuring equitable access to treatments. Moreover, I want to address the underrepresentation of black people, especially black women, in medicine. Black people need to see healthcare professionals who look like them because historically, there has been distrust of the healthcare system, leading to many black people not seeking the mental health support they need. I want to provide inclusive care for all young people and uplift communities typically underrepresented in medicine. As I continue my education and career, I am committed to upholding the principles that have guided my advocacy work thus far and aim to amplify the voices of those in need. In college, I plan to study psychology and sociology. I will ensure that I continue to prioritize the needs and perspectives of others and seek out opportunities, such as community service and social justice work, where I can apply my knowledge and address systemic issues within my community. In the future, I want to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry because I greatly value selflessness and giving to others. I aim to provide equitable access to care for all young people and uplift communities typically underrepresented in medicine. My vision to empower individuals and advocate for change will allow me to cultivate deeper connections with my community and peers. These connections will create a sense of belonging and foster an environment where everyone’s voices are heard and elevated.

In 2013, my parents had separated and filed for divorce. My siblings and mom moved out of our house and away from my father. Being at a transitional stage in my life, this divorce had a significant impact on​ how I navigated my emotions and led to anxiety/stress. I struggled to cope with not having a constant father figure in my life which reflected in my performance in school at the time. I could not properly express my emotions and struggled to be vulnerable because the divorce process never allowed me the time to do so. As I grew older, I began developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as affirmations and breathing techniques for difficult times. I am learning how to be more open with my family and others around me, which helped me cultivate stronger emotional intelligence and connections with the people in my life. This event has led me to become a more empathetic and resilient person. In college, I plan on studying psychology as part of the pre-med track. I'm intrigued by human behavior and want to use that knowledge to help others. Specifically, I'm drawn to pediatric psychiatry because I believe every child deserves support for their mental well-being, particularly those who may face barriers to care. I see myself as part of bridging that gap between understanding and assistance. So, my studies aren't just academic; they're preparing me to be a compassionate resource for those who need it most. Receiving this scholarship will be instrumental in alleviating my financial burdens and supporting my journey toward​ medical school. Coming from a single-parent household with limited income, the financial strain is significant. My father's wrongful termination in 2018 led to ongoing legal battles, leaving him unable to provide child support. My mother, the sole breadwinner, works tirelessly to support our family, including my two siblings who are already in college,​ and a younger sister. The scholarship would ease this burden, providing stability and allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and extracurricular activities. With the support of this scholarship, I can dedicate myself fully to my academic pursuits and actively engage in research, volunteer work, and internships that will prepare me for medical school and beyond. This assistance is invaluable, not only in terms of financial relief but also in providing the resources and support necessary to achieve my goals in medicine and make a meaningful impact in my community.

My name is Nyla Thomas and I am a Washington D.C native. I​ recently graduated from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and will be attending Spelman College in the fall. Since September 2022, I have volunteered at my local library, Lamond Riggs/Lillian J Library. Having been born and raised in the Riggs neighborhood, this library holds a special place in my heart. As a child, it was a family tradition to visit the library on weekends, borrow new picture books, or connect with other kids in the neighborhood and play ROBLOX on the computers. Following its renovation, I wanted to give back to a place that has played a significant role in my upbringing. In my role at the library, I take pride in organizing the kids' section, maintaining cleanliness, and preparing for events. Maintaining the library has created an open and welcoming space for the community. Although it may seem minimal, my role at the library has taught me to be disciplined and has helped me realize that keeping things tidy is not just about appearances; it's about keeping your spirits up and providing a source of joy. Volunteering at the library has been unlike any other experience I've had. Engaging with the community during my weekly visits has allowed me to establish deeper connections with others. Furthermore, I've found immense fulfillment in being a positive role model for the neighborhood kids, teaching them the importance of keeping their space clean and tidy. Volunteering at Lamond Riggs Library has allowed me to give back to a place that means so much to me and has taught me lessons about discipline, community, and the true joy of maintaining a welcoming environment. In addition, Since I was young, my mother has instilled in me the desire to empower my voice and advocate for change. This sentiment has remained a part of me as I navigated throughout my current years as a teenager in high school. After the COVID lockdown, I and many of my peers battled with depression and other mental health issues; yet there were no accessible resources for help within our schools at the time. Recognizing this prevalent issue, I became an advocate for mental health in youth as I testified before the City Council for a budget increase in mental health resources in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and became a mental health ambassador in my school to expand and provide support, as well as additional resources for my peers. As I continue my education and career, I am committed to upholding the principles that have guided my advocacy work thus far and aim to amplify the voices of those in need. In college, I plan to study psychology and sociology. I will ensure that I continue to prioritize the needs and perspectives of others and seek out opportunities, such as community service and social justice work, where I can apply my knowledge and address systemic issues within my community.

My name is Nyla Thomas and I am a Washington D.C native. I​ recently graduated from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and will be attending Spelman College in the fall. Since September 2022, I have volunteered at my local library, Lamond Riggs/Lillian J Library. Having been born and raised in the Riggs neighborhood, this library holds a special place in my heart. As a child, it was a family tradition to visit the library on weekends, borrow new picture books, or connect with other kids in the neighborhood and play ROBLOX on the computers. Following its renovation, I wanted to give back to a place that has played a significant role in my upbringing. In my role at the library, I take pride in organizing the kids' section, maintaining cleanliness, and preparing for events. Maintaining the library has created an open and welcoming space for the community. Although it may seem minimal, my role at the library has taught me to be disciplined and has helped me realize that keeping things tidy is not just about appearances; it's about keeping your spirits up and providing a source of joy. Volunteering at the library has been unlike any other experience I've had. Engaging with the community during my weekly visits has allowed me to establish deeper connections with others. Furthermore, I've found immense fulfillment in being a positive role model for the neighborhood kids, teaching them the importance of keeping their space clean and tidy. Volunteering at Lamond Riggs Library has allowed me to give back to a place that means so much to me and has taught me lessons about discipline, community, and the true joy of maintaining a welcoming environment. In addition, Since I was young, my mother has instilled in me the desire to empower my voice and advocate for change. This sentiment has remained a part of me as I navigated throughout my current years as a teenager in high school. After the COVID lockdown, I and many of my peers battled with depression and other mental health issues; yet there were no accessible resources for help within our schools at the time. Recognizing this prevalent issue, I became an advocate for mental health in youth as I testified before the City Council for a budget increase in mental health resources in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and became a mental health ambassador in my school to expand and provide support, as well as additional resources for my peers. As I continue my education and career, I am committed to upholding the principles that have guided my advocacy work thus far and aim to amplify the voices of those in need. In college, I plan to study psychology and sociology. I will ensure that I continue to prioritize the needs and perspectives of others and seek out opportunities, such as community service and social justice work, where I can apply my knowledge and address systemic issues within my community. In the future, I want to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry because I greatly value selflessness and giving to others. I aim to provide equitable access to care for all young people and uplift communities typically underrepresented in medicine. My vision to empower individuals and advocate for change will allow me to cultivate deeper connections with my community and peers. These connections will create a sense of belonging and foster an environment where everyone’s voices are heard and elevated.

I received a suicide text from a friend. A friend whom I thought on the exterior had it all together, from her steamed outfits to her beautifully highlighted planner to the plastered smile she always wore. It never dawned on me that she was dealing with a constant battle with herself until that night. Fortunately, I consoled her and talked her out of it. But, there was one thing that she told me that stood out to me: she could not turn to her parents because they would not believe her. They would not believe that every day, she was battling with depression and wanted to end her life. I realized that this is a common trend in many black households, in which mental health is overlooked and viewed as an excuse or weakness. The stigmatization of mental health is passed down from generation to generation. I want to dismantle the misconceptions and barriers surrounding it, educate marginalized youth, and foster an environment where open conversations about mental health are accepted and encouraged. In attempt to alleviate this issue, I first became a mental health ambassador. I promoted mental wellness by creating mindfulness posters around the school and sharing mental health resources and support available my school and community. I led support group sessions where I encouraged and exposed my peers to meditative and affirmative practices. I worked with MindRight Health, aiding in their technology development to expand teens' access to mental health services through message-based therapy. I helped refer students to the app and shared mental health infographics. I became a Youth Mental Health Educator at the Young Women's Project where I testified before the City Council for a budget increase in mental health resources for DC Public and Charter Schools. As I continue my education and career, I am committed to upholding the principles that have guided my advocacy work thus far and aim to amplify the voices of those in need. I will ensure that I continue to prioritize the needs and perspectives of others and seek out opportunities, such as community service and social justice work, where I can apply my knowledge and address systemic issues within my community surrounding health. In the future, I want to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry because I greatly value selflessness and giving to others. I aim to provide equitable access to care for all young people and uplift communities typically underrepresented in medicine. My vision to empower individuals and advocate for change will allow me to cultivate deeper connections with my community and peers. These connections will create a sense of belonging and foster an environment where everyone’s voices are heard and elevated.