Mental health is of utmost importance as it affects every aspect of my life. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, playing a crucial role in how we think, feel, and behave. Just as physical health is vital for a fulfilling life, mental health is equally essential for overall well-being and quality of life. First and foremost, mental health allows me to cope with the stresses and challenges of daily life. It helps me manage my emotions, navigate relationships, and handle difficult situations effectively. When my mental health is in check, I am better equipped to deal with setbacks and bounce back from adversity. It enables me to maintain a positive mindset and approach life's ups and downs with resilience. Furthermore, mental health plays a significant role in the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships. Good mental health fosters healthy communication, empathy, and understanding, which are essential for building strong connections with others. It permits me to express my emotions, listen to others, and provide support when needed. Positive mental health also helps create a sense of belonging and promotes social integration, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Moreover, mental health is closely linked to our cognitive abilities. When our mental health is well-maintained, we can think clearly, make sound decisions, concentrate effectively, and solve problems efficiently. It enhances our creativity and innovation, enabling us to approach tasks with a fresh perspective and find unique solutions. Good mental health also promotes lifelong learning and personal growth, as it encourages curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and experiences. Maintaining mental wellness requires a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of our lives. Here are some strategies that I use to preserve and enhance mental health: 1. Self-care: Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation is crucial. This includes participating in spa days, journaling and reading, shopping sprees, etc. 2. Social support: Cultivating strong relationships with my family, friends, and supportive communities is essential. Regular social interactions such as attending family gatherings/events, open communication, seeking help when needed, and overall just surrounding myself with positivity provide a valuable support system for me. 3. Balanced lifestyle: Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, nutritious eating, and sufficient sleep contributes to mental well-being. Taking care of physical health positively impacts mental health. 4. Stress management: Effective stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, time management, staying ahead on school work, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help from a social worker when needed, minimize the negative impact of stress on my mental health. 6. Positive mindset: Practicing optimism, gratitude, and self-compassion makes a significant impact on my mental health. Focusing on positive aspects of life, practicing gratitude, and being kind to myself fosters a resilient and positive mindset. Remember, maintaining mental wellness is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and effort. It is a top priority of mine to seek professional help when experiencing prolonged periods of distress or if mental health concerns interfere with daily functioning. Taking care of our mental health allows us to lead fulfilling lives, build strong relationships, and navigate challenges with resilience and strength.

Caring for my sick grandfathers was a life-changing experience for me. My maternal grandfather had a stroke on the right side of his brain resulting in permanent paralysis on the left side of his body leaving him wheelchair-bound. I witnessed firsthand how the nurses cared for him with assiduity and delicacy. In those moments, I learned the importance and the impact that nurses who prioritize their patients’ health can have. Seeing how gentle and loving he was, even during his darkest days, was truly inspiring. He taught me the importance of caring for those in need and being there for them during their moments of suffering. His devotion to others was a major factor in my decision to pursue a career as a nurse, as I wanted to emulate his compassion and give back to my community in the same way he had. My name is Nyree’ McCollum and I am a twenty-one-year-old student pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Being that I was born and raised in the Austin Community on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, a very underprivileged neighborhood, I saw firsthand the struggles people faced due to their limited access to medical care and resources. This too inspired me to pursue a career in nursing so that I’d be able to provide quality care to those who might not otherwise have access to it. I believe in empowering people to take care of their own health and well-being, and nursing is a great way to do that. I have formulated a life-long plan to perpetually provide quality care to all of my patients, no matter their circumstances. I'm extremely dedicated to helping those in need and making sure they receive the care they deserve. I'm also committed to educating my peers and the public on the importance of healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyle changes. I believe that by taking a holistic approach to care, we can make a real difference in the lives of our patients. Nursing is important to me for several reasons. Nursing is a profession that constantly challenges me to learn and grow. The field of healthcare is ever-evolving, with new research, technologies, and treatments emerging regularly. As a nurse, I am committed to staying current with these advancements and continuously expanding my knowledge and skills. This aspect of nursing excites me because it means that I will always have the opportunity to improve and provide the best care possible to my patients. Additionally, nursing offers a wide range of specialties and opportunities for professional growth. Whether it's working in critical care, pediatrics, mental health, or community health, there are endless possibilities within the nursing field. This diversity allows me to explore different areas of interest, develop specialized skills, and continually challenge myself to excel in my chosen area. The versatility of nursing ensures that I will have a lifelong career that is both fulfilling and dynamic. Lastly, nursing is a profession that is rooted in compassion and empathy. Being able to provide care and support to individuals during their most vulnerable moments is a privilege that not many professions offer. Nursing allows me to connect with people on a deep level, understand their needs, and provide them with the care and comfort they deserve. The ability to make a positive impact on someone's life and be a source of hope and healing is truly meaningful to me.

Receiving this scholarship would make a tremendous impact on my educational journey and nursing career. Not only would it provide financial assistance, but it would also serve as a powerful endorsement of my abilities and dedication to the field. Here's how this scholarship would help me pursue my educational goals and propel my nursing career forward: First and foremost, the financial support from this scholarship would alleviate the burden of educational expenses. Pursuing a nursing degree requires a significant investment in terms of tuition fees, textbooks, clinical supplies, and other related costs. With this scholarship, I would be able to focus more on my studies and practical experiences, rather than worrying about the financial constraints. It would provide me with the freedom to fully immerse myself in my education, ensuring that I can excel academically and gain the most from my nursing program. Moreover, this scholarship would enable me to access additional resources that would enhance my educational experience. It would allow me to attend conferences, workshops, and professional development activities that are crucial for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the nursing field. These opportunities would broaden my knowledge, expose me to diverse perspectives, and help me develop critical skills that are essential for success in nursing. The financial support would also enable me to invest in educational materials and technology that can further enhance my learning experience, such as simulation equipment and software. Furthermore, this scholarship would provide me with the means to engage in volunteer work and community service initiatives that align with my nursing career goals. Nursing is a profession deeply rooted in compassion and the desire to make a positive impact on others' lives. With the financial assistance, I would have the opportunity to participate in medical missions, outreach programs, and community health initiatives. These experiences would not only allow me to give back to those in need but also provide me with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing me to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired in a real-world setting. Additionally, this scholarship would open doors to networking opportunities and mentorship programs that can play a vital role in shaping my nursing career. Through attending conferences or being part of professional organizations, I would have the chance to connect with experienced nurses, educators, and leaders in the field. These connections could provide guidance, mentorship, and even potential employment opportunities in the future. Building a strong professional network would be instrumental in my growth as a nurse and would provide a solid foundation for my career advancement. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would not only provide financial support but would also empower me to pursue my educational goals and excel in my nursing career. It would enable me to focus on my studies, access additional resources, engage in meaningful community service, and establish valuable connections. Ultimately, this scholarship would be a catalyst for my success, enabling me to become a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated nurse who positively impacts the lives of patients and contributes to the advancement of healthcare.

If everyone in the world had to read just one book, "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas should be the one. This thought-provoking novel offers a powerful commentary on race relations in America, and it has the potential to inspire a global conversation about systemic inequality and police brutality. The story follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old black girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a white police officer. The aftermath of this event forces Starr to confront the racism and injustice that exists in her community, her school, and her own family. Through Starr's eyes, readers are given a glimpse into the complexities of modern-day race relations and the devastating consequences of unchecked prejudice. One of the reasons why "The Hate U Give" is such an important book is because it offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the black experience. It challenges readers to consider their own biases and to recognize how they may be complicit in perpetuating systemic inequality. By promoting empathy and understanding, this book has the potential to spark important conversations about race and social justice. Moreover, "The Hate U Give" is a captivating and beautifully written novel that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. By reading this book, people from all over the world can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities in America and beyond. In conclusion, if everyone in the world read just one book, "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas should be that book. Its powerful message and beautiful prose have the potential to inspire positive change and promote empathy on a global scale.

In my utopian vision for optimal mental health for the Black community, mental health care is accessible, culturally competent, and destigmatized. Mental health care providers are diverse and represent the communities they serve. They recognize the unique experiences of Black individuals and tailor their care accordingly. Mental health care is integrated into primary care and community-based services, making it easier for individuals to access care. In addition to access, mental health care for the Black community prioritizes healing from historical traumas and systemic oppression. Providers understand the impact of racism, discrimination, and poverty on mental health and work to address these social determinants. Mental health care is not just about individual therapy, but also about community healing and empowerment. To achieve social justice for communities of color, mental health care and advocacy are critical. Mental health care is a human right and should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. Advocacy efforts should focus on increasing access to mental health care for marginalized communities. This includes advocating for policies that increase funding for mental health services and address the social determinants of mental health. Advocacy efforts should also focus on destigmatizing mental health care in the Black community. This includes educating the community about mental health and challenging the idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Black mental health professionals should be elevated and celebrated as role models in the community, especially in schools. These professionals can help to create safe and supportive environments where students feel comfortable discussing mental health issues and seeking help when needed. They can also work to educate students and families about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Moreover, having culturally competent professionals means that they can provide care that is tailored to the specific needs of the Black community. This includes taking into account cultural beliefs and practices, which can impact how mental illness is perceived and treated. By providing care that is sensitive to these cultural differences, schools can help to build trust and ensure that students receive the care that they need. Finally, mental health care and advocacy should be integrated into broader social justice movements. Mental health should be seen as a critical component of racial justice, and efforts to address systemic racism should include a focus on mental health. This includes advocating for policies that address the root causes of mental health disparities, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to quality education. In conclusion, my utopian vision for optimal mental health for the Black community includes accessible, culturally competent, and destigmatized mental health care that prioritizes healing from historical traumas and systemic oppression. Mental health care and advocacy are critical to achieving social justice for communities of color, and efforts should focus on increasing access to care, destigmatizing mental health care, elevating Black mental health professionals, and integrating mental health into broader social justice movements.

Being that I was born and raised in the Austin Community on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, a very underprivileged neighborhood, I saw firsthand the struggles people faced due to their limited access to medical care and resources. This too inspired me to pursue a career in nursing to be able to provide quality care to those who might not otherwise have access to it. I believe in empowering people to take care of their health and well-being, and nursing is a great way to do that. I have formulated a life-long plan to perpetually provide quality care to all of my patients, no matter their circumstances. I'm extremely dedicated to helping those in need and making sure they receive the care they deserve. Adding resources such as quality and affordable healthcare in poverty-stricken communities is one of my top priorities as it addresses the lack of high-grade healthcare in black and brown neighborhoods. I'm also committed to educating my peers and the public on the importance of healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyle changes. I believe that by taking a holistic approach to care, we can make a real difference in the lives of our patients. To add on, I’d also like to pivot from the nursing profession and lean into my passion for philanthropy by opening up various recreational centers across the City of Chicago targeting marginalized youth. My recreational centers will implement programs that teach corporate America etiquette, resume building, space for social workers and psychologists to assist youth with social-emotional functioning, and I also will encourage participation in extracurricular activities that allow the exploration of the arts, wellness, athleticism and so on. Access to resources and opportunities like the ones listed above will make a monumental difference in my community, as there is currently a severe deficit of intentional, healthy, and safe spaces for young adults across the Chicagoland area. So, it is with purpose and on purpose that I diligently work towards the advancement of marginalized youth because I know that eliminating barriers to opportunity and resources leads to eliminating barriers to success. Doing this will bridge the gap between unemployment, economic inequality, crime, poverty and black and brown people. As Steve Marobali stated, “You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously.” That is how I plan to not only make a difference but be that difference, and the legacy I pray will be carried on.

The dream version of my future self is someone who is constantly growing, learning, and making a positive contribution to the world.