My pursuit of a nursing degree began as a practical decision to secure a stable income, but through some of the darkest moments of my life, it evolved into a calling. Life’s unexpected challenges, particularly becoming a single mother and facing my own mental health struggles, reshaped my perspective. It was through these trials that I discovered the deeper meaning behind nursing, especially mental health nursing, which has become my true passion. After my lived experiences, I realized that my calling is to help others overcome mental health barriers as a Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health. Becoming a single mother was a pivotal moment for me. After my husband left, I found myself in emotional and mental turmoil. Seeking help during that crisis made me realize the profound value of compassionate, empathetic care. I understood firsthand how essential mental health support is during dark times, particularly when it comes from caregivers who offer understanding, kindness, and a comprehensive knowledge of mental health and its influences. This experience shifted my view of nursing from a stable career to a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible difference in others' lives. During my own mental health crisis, I was prescribed the wrong medication. Instead of addressing the root cause of my struggles, this worsened my condition. The medication made me feel suicidal, and I almost didn’t make it. I believe this could have been prevented if the focus had been on my sobriety and the holistic care I needed. This experience has motivated me to take extra care when prescribing medication to patients, ensuring they receive the right support, not just a quick fix. Balancing motherhood, school, and work throughout the challenging period of adjusting to single motherhood deepened my understanding of the importance of support during tough times. These experiences fuel my desire to pursue mental health nursing, where I can provide both physical and emotional care to individuals in crisis. Overcoming these challenges has strengthened my commitment to becoming a mental health nurse practitioner, and the skills I’ve developed—managing stress, staying focused, and seeking support—will help me better relate to and care for patients facing similar struggles. Mental health nursing is where I feel I can truly make a difference. My experiences with both mental health challenges and substance abuse recovery have deepened my passion for this area of care. I’m particularly interested in supporting women and single mothers grappling with both mental health issues and substance abuse, as I’ve seen how challenging it can be to address both simultaneously, and how unequivocally intertwined the two are. I want to be the compassionate, understanding nurse I needed during my struggles, offering the right support to guide others through their darkest times. As a mother, I also want to set an example for my daughter, Zoraya, showing her that it’s okay to ask for help and that recovery is always possible. I want to show her what’s possible for people like me, and that I can provide for us through a compassionate career, caring for other members of our community. My journey toward nursing has transformed from seeking stability to pursuing a deep passion for mental health care. I am eternally grateful for the mental healthcare practitioners who took the time to get to know me, putting me on the right medication and helping me through the hardest period of my life. This scholarship would help me to pay it forward. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for your commitment to supporting those seeking to become nurses.

I was raised in a family with rampant undiagnosed mental health conditions. My mother has BPD, and my father was an addict. Unfortunately, they never sought help or admitted to the need for help, due to stigma and misinformation. I am grateful that I sought help so that I can change the course of things for my beautiful daughter. Through therapy I have realized that my story is the only thing within my control, and it goes a little something like this: On October 5, 2023, I reached a point so overwhelming that I called 911, not to report an emergency, but to admit that I feared I was a danger to myself. This call marked the culmination of a year of deep personal struggle, compounded by unaddressed trauma and the relentless demands of single motherhood. After my separation from my husband in November 2022, I faced mounting pressures to provide for my daughter, resorting to online entertainment to support her. The emotional toll of financial insecurity became unbearable. I found myself trapped in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and compounding trauma, slowly leading me into a mental health crisis. By October 2023, I reached a breaking point. Despite reaching out for support from those around me, I felt more alone than ever. I was a tough person to console, and I had driven away my support system. The isolation was unbearable, and I began experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Fearing for my safety, I called 911, leading to my hospitalization. While in the psychiatric ward, I encountered a system that often failed to understand or support my needs. In an episode of panic, I was tranquilized. The experience was dehumanizing, leaving me feeling both terrified and hopeless; but amidst the chaos, I found a glimmer of clarity: this was not the end of my story. I was determined to turn my pain into purpose. Driven by the immense pain and demoralization that I experienced, I was inspired to pursue a career in mental health, with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner who provides the compassionate care I believe is necessary for true healing. Since my hospitalization, I have committed myself to recovery. I’ve been sober for ten months, working full-time, and, most importantly, have been a present and loving mother to my daughter. Through therapy, psychiatric care, and support from my recovery community, I’ve learned to navigate my mental health challenges with grace and understanding. I am no longer trapped in a damaging job or consumed by despair. Instead, I am focused on my healing and helping others along the way. I’m showing my daughter that it’s okay to struggle, and that it’s also okay to ask for help. Pursuing higher education is the next step in my path. I aspire to become a mental health provider who not only addresses the needs of those in crisis but also works proactively to prevent such crises. I want to contribute to the growing field of mental health care. Education is my tool for making a tangible difference, and I am committed to using my knowledge to help others who are struggling. This scholarship would not only provide the financial support I need to pursue my education, but it would validate my journey and the strength I have gained. I am no longer the person I was in October 2023. I am here, alive, grateful; determined to help others find hope in their darkest moments, to be the change I wish to see in the mental health field, and to break the cycle of stigma for my daughter. Thank you.

When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a singer or an actress. But looking back, I realize it wasn’t the love of the craft that drew me in—it was the desire for fame. I imagined the glamour, the attention, and the sense of importance that would come with being in the spotlight. I spent hours pretending to perform, imagining myself adored by fans, but I never had a real passion for singing or acting. As I grew older, I realized that my childhood dream wasn’t grounded in a true love for the arts, but rather in a desire for validation and recognition. However, life didn’t unfold as I had expected. What I thought was a beautiful, once in a lifetime love story, devolved into single motherhood. I began struggling with my mental health and addiction, including a difficult period of psychosis. These challenges forced me to reevaluate my life and my goals. The fame I had once wanted no longer seemed important. What truly mattered was finding a way to help others who were facing similar struggles, as well as supporting my baby girl and setting a good example to her of how to care for and be of service to others. My personal battles with mental health and addiction became a defining part of my story, and they sparked a new passion: helping others through their own mental health challenges. Throughout my journey, I learned how critical it is to have a strong support system and compassionate care. The help I received from therapists, counselors, and support groups was life-changing. This experience made me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. Rather than pursuing fame, I wanted to focus on a career that allowed me to make a real difference in people’s lives—especially those struggling with mental health issues. I decided to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on mental health. Becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health feels like the perfect path for me. I want to be the kind of provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them, understands their struggles, and provides compassionate, empathetic care. My own experiences with mental health challenges give me a unique perspective, and I believe this will help me connect with patients on a deeper level. I understand how difficult it is to face mental health crises, and I want to offer the support and care that can make a real difference. The transition from the childhood aspiration of becoming a famous entertainer to wanting to become a mental health nurse practitioner has been transformative. My past struggles have shown me the importance of healing and recovery, and I now see how deeply rewarding it is to help others on their own journeys. I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes not from fame, but from making a meaningful impact on others' lives. As I continue on the path to becoming a nurse practitioner, I am excited to contribute to the mental health field and advocate for individuals who are struggling. My goal is to provide not only medical treatment but also the emotional support that can help people heal. In an unexpected turn of events, what started as a childhood dream of fame has evolved into a mission to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others.

On October 5, 2023, I reached a point so overwhelming that I called 911, not to report an emergency, but to admit that I feared I was a danger to myself. This call marked the culmination of a year of deep personal struggle, compounded by unaddressed trauma and the relentless demands of single motherhood. Despite the challenges, I emerged from this experience with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to pursue higher education and become a mental health provider who can offer others the help I so desperately needed. This journey of recovery and resilience has shaped me into someone uniquely deserving of this award. After my separation from my husband in November 2022, I faced mounting pressures to provide for my daughter. I turned to online entertainment work to make ends meet, but the emotional toll it took on me became unbearable. I found myself trapped in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and compounding trauma, all of which slowly led to a mental health crisis. By October 2023, I reached a breaking point. Despite reaching out for support from those around me, I felt more alone than ever. The isolation was unbearable, and I began experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Fearing for my own safety, I called 911, and this decision led to my hospitalization. While in the psychiatric ward, I encountered a system that often failed to understand or support my needs. The experience was dehumanizing, leaving me feeling both terrified and hopeless. However, amidst the chaos, I found a glimmer of clarity: this was not the end of my story. I was determined to turn my pain into purpose. I realized that mental health struggles should not define a person, and that recovery is possible. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in mental health, with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner who can provide the compassionate care I believe is necessary for true healing. Since my hospitalization, I have committed myself to recovery. I’ve been sober for nine months, working full-time, and, most importantly, being a present and loving mother to my daughter. Through therapy, psychiatric care, and support from my recovery community, I’ve learned to navigate my mental health challenges with grace and understanding. I am no longer trapped in a damaging job or consumed by despair. Instead, I am focused on my healing and helping others along the way. I’m showing my daughter that it’s okay to struggle, but it’s also okay to ask for help when needed. Pursuing higher education is the next step in my path. I aspire to become a mental health provider who not only addresses the needs of those in crisis but also works proactively to prevent such crises from occurring. My experiences have fueled my passion for understanding the connection between mental health and substance use, and I want to contribute to the growing field of mental health care. Education is my tool for making a tangible difference, and I am committed to using my knowledge to help others who are struggling. This scholarship would not only provide the financial support I need to pursue my education, but it would also validate my journey and the strength I have gained. I am no longer the person I was in October 2023. I am here, alive, grateful, and determined to help others find hope in their darkest moments. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

I enrolled in my current program with the primary goal of creating a stable career that would allow me to support my family and make ends meet. At the time, I was focused on securing a reliable source of income for the future. However, life threw unexpected challenges my way, and in the process, I became a single mom. This significant change, combined with a mental health crisis, shifted my perspective completely and made me realize that nursing, particularly mental health nursing, was my true calling. During this difficult time, I found a deeper meaning in nursing. My own experiences with mental health struggles, including a crisis that led me to seek care, made me see just how crucial compassionate, empathetic care is. It was through this personal journey that I realized nursing isn’t just a stable career for me—it’s a way to make a difference in others' lives. My struggles have inspired me to pursue mental health nursing, and now I am driven to help others who may be facing the same challenges I did. The knowledge I am gaining in my program will allow me to provide not only physical care but also emotional support for those struggling with mental health issues. By using my personal experience and education, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to my community and the healthcare field. Working while being a college student and managing life as a single mother has been incredibly challenging. Balancing work, school, and raising my child has tested my time management, resilience, and determination. It has been exhausting at times, but it has also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and prioritization. The experience of juggling multiple responsibilities has strengthened my ability to empathize with patients who are juggling their own personal struggles while navigating healthcare systems. I understand firsthand how overwhelming life can be when you have to balance so many priorities, and I will use this understanding to better relate to my future patients. This experience will make my eventual success even more meaningful because it reflects the hard work and sacrifices that have shaped me. While it has been difficult, it has reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse, and specifically a mental health nurse practitioner. I am learning to manage stress, remain focused under pressure, and ask for help when needed—all skills that will help me provide better care to those who need it most. In conclusion, my enrollment in this program has been a journey that started with the simple need for a stable career and evolved into a deep passion for mental health nursing. My personal challenges have given me the motivation to pursue this path, and I am committed to using my education to improve the lives of others facing mental health struggles. Though balancing school, work, and motherhood has been tough, it has made me more determined to succeed and more compassionate as a future healthcare provider.

When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a singer or an actress. But looking back, I realize it wasn’t the love of the craft that drew me in—it was the desire for fame. I imagined the glamour, the attention, and the sense of importance that would come with being in the spotlight. I spent hours pretending to perform, imagining myself adored by fans, but I never had a real passion for singing or acting. As I grew older, I realized that my childhood dream wasn’t grounded in a true love for the arts, but rather in a desire for validation and recognition. However, life didn’t unfold as I had expected. I began struggling with my mental health and addiction, including a difficult period of psychosis. These challenges forced me to reevaluate my life and my goals. The fame I had once wanted no longer seemed important. What truly mattered was finding a way to help others who were facing similar struggles. My personal battles with mental health and addiction became a defining part of my story, and they sparked a new passion: helping others through their own mental health challenges. Throughout my journey, I learned how critical it is to have a strong support system and compassionate care. The help I received from therapists, counselors, and support groups was life-changing. This experience made me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. Rather than pursuing fame, I wanted to focus on a career that allowed me to make a real difference in people’s lives—especially those struggling with mental health issues. I decided to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on mental health. Becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health feels like the perfect path for me. I want to be the kind of provider who not only treats patients but also listens to them, understands their struggles, and provides compassionate, empathetic care. My own experiences with mental health challenges give me a unique perspective, and I believe this will help me connect with patients on a deeper level. I understand how difficult it is to face mental health crises, and I want to offer the support and care that can make a real difference. The transition from aspiring to be a famous entertainer to wanting to become a mental health nurse practitioner has been transformative. My past struggles have shown me the importance of healing and recovery, and I now see how deeply rewarding it is to help others on their own journeys. I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes not from fame, but from making a meaningful impact on others' lives. As I continue on the path to becoming a nurse practitioner, I am excited to contribute to the mental health field and advocate for individuals who are struggling. My goal is to provide not only medical treatment but also the emotional support that can help people heal. In an unexpected turn of events, what started as a childhood dream of fame has evolved into a mission to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others.

"And if they have received the light of the truth, they will be ridiculed and resisted; they will not be believed, for they will be seen as madmen. The philosophers, in particular, must understand that their duty is not merely to seek the truth, but to make it known to others, even if they must do so at great personal cost. They will be met with hostility, and their attempts to enlighten the ignorant will be rejected. The world is not ready for the truth, but this should not stop the philosopher. He must seek the light, share it, and endure the pain of opposition, for in the end, the truth alone has the power to liberate the soul." -Plato's "The Republic," Book 7, the Allegory of the Cave In this passage from Plato’s “The Republic”, Socrates outlines a profound reflection on the philosopher’s relationship to truth and society. The passage is situated within the Allegory of the Cave, a vivid metaphor that represents human ignorance and the arduous journey toward enlightenment. The central thesis here concerns the inherent tension between truth and the social order, and the philosopher's duty to seek and promulgate the truth, even in the face of widespread resistance and misunderstanding. At the heart of the passage lies a commentary on the philosopher’s role in society. Plato, through the voice of Socrates, suggests that those who genuinely seek knowledge—the philosophers—will often be misunderstood and ridiculed. This is not because their insights are inherently flawed, but because the masses are trapped within a world of illusion and do not yet possess the cognitive or spiritual capacity to comprehend higher truths. The image of the philosopher emerging from the cave of ignorance into the light of the sun, only to return to the cave to enlighten others, is emblematic of the philosopher’s perennial struggle. The light of truth is often too overwhelming for those accustomed to the dim shadows of ignorance. The philosopher's commitment to truth is portrayed as a moral and intellectual calling that transcends the immediate rewards of popularity or comfort. In fact, Plato suggests that the philosopher's pursuit of truth is intrinsically linked to suffering. The philosopher is a person who not only faces the difficulty of comprehending truth but also the difficulty of communicating it to others. This dual burden—intellectual and social—implies that the philosopher is often isolated, misunderstood, and even persecuted for his enlightenment. The metaphor of the philosopher enduring personal pain and societal opposition while attempting to share the truth with others is a deeply poignant commentary on the nature of intellectual courage. Further, Plato argues that the truth—embodied in the Form of the Good, the ultimate truth of existence—is inherently transformative. Those who can glimpse it, like the freed prisoner in the Allegory of the Cave, can never return to their former state of ignorance. However, this transformation is not an easy process, for those who remain in the cave of ignorance are threatened by the very notion of change. The ignorant fear the disillusionment that comes with the recognition of their own false beliefs and will resist attempts to disrupt the status quo. In this sense, the philosopher’s struggle is both a quest for personal enlightenment and a deeply social endeavor, as the true philosopher must make the painful and often dangerous decision to challenge the conventional wisdom of the society in which he lives. The passage also touches on the idea of philosophical elitism, where those who know the truth are burdened with the responsibility of guiding others, even if those others are not receptive. In some ways, this elitism is justified: the philosopher, having glimpsed the truth, has a duty to guide the ignorant toward enlightenment, despite the personal cost. However, Plato also suggests that this responsibility comes with great isolation, as society, often obsessed with illusion and comfort, can reject or even persecute those who would challenge its foundations. Thus, the philosopher becomes both a hero and a martyr in the quest for truth, facing the paradox that the most enlightened individuals may be the ones most misunderstood and alienated. Ultimately, the Allegory of the Cave is a meditation on the nature of knowledge and the profound difficulties involved in understanding and disseminating truth. It speaks to the existential challenge faced by any seeker of truth: that to know the deeper realities of existence, one must be willing to step outside of the collective assumptions of the crowd, endure personal sacrifice, and endure the hostility of the status quo. In the end, Plato offers a vision of the philosopher not as a detached intellectual, but as an active agent of change who must confront the darkest corners of human ignorance and, through perseverance, bring light to them, despite the inevitable resistance. The philosopher’s pursuit of truth, therefore, is not only an intellectual endeavor but also a moral obligation to the broader society, a path that requires both courage and compassion.

On October 5, 2023, I was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital’s psychiatric ward for a five-day stay after telling a 911 dispatcher that I thought I was going to hurt myself. Throughout the day before, I had reached out to my small circle, expressing that I didn’t feel safe to care for my daughter, but no one was available. After my husband left in November 2022, I struggled to make ends meet for my daughter, resorting to online entertainment to pay our bills, which I found traumatizing. This started a slow descent into a mental health crisis, but it all came to a head in October of 2023. Despite my efforts to reach out for help, I felt increasingly overwhelmed and began experiencing symptoms of psychosis. When I called 911, I was asked if I intended to harm myself, and I said, "YES". At the time, I was not suicidal, but desperate. I just wanted someone to come and help me, and I was terrified. I ran to my neighbor's house with my daughter, paranoid and afraid. The details of the following days are a blur, but after being taken to the hospital, my daughter’s father finally came to pick her up. At the emergency room, I was told I would need to be transferred to a mental health ward and that my daughter could visit me, which I agreed to. However, when I learned that visitors were not allowed in that ward, I panicked and tried to leave. I did not realize that I was being physically detained, until I was restrained and given medication that caused me to lose consciousness. It was terrifying. During my stay, my sleep medication and antidepressants were taken away and replaced with antipsychotic medication, which didn’t seem to help and did not address my longstanding issue of insomnia, further contributing to my struggle trying to overcome the crisis I was in. The thought of my daughter being placed back in my care soon after is unsettling. I was not well. At the time of my hospitalization, I was sober from alcohol, but I was still using marijuana. Additionally, the entertainment work I was doing to support my daughter was exacerbating my emotional pain. As a nursing assistant, I couldn’t find a job with hours that aligned with my daycare schedule, which made me feel trapped in this damaging line of work and added to the mounting stress. After establishing care with a psychiatrist post-hospitalization, it became clear that my mental health crisis and psychosis were influenced by compounding trauma and substance use. The medications I was prescribed were not helping and instead began inducing suicidal ideation for the first time in my life. Though I had struggled with depression and anxiety before, I had never experienced such intense despair. The depression lingered for almost five months, during which I continued working full-time as a single mother, often having to take breaks to try and stop weeping. I am grateful to the church for providing financial assistance during that time. After consulting them, they provided two months rental assistance, allowing me to transition out of a harmful job while focusing on my sobriety and mental health. I eventually found a job that aligned with my daycare hours, which helped cover my expenses, allowing greater capacity to prioritize my recovery. I’m deeply thankful that my psychiatrist took the time to recognize that my mental health challenges were rooted in trauma and substance use, helping me return to the medication that had previously worked for me. I also completed an intensive outpatient program for sobriety and reconnected with my recovery community through AA. It has not been an entirely straightforward path, but today, I am proud to say that I have been sober for nine months, and my mental health is completely in-tact—most days I even experience immense gratitude. I believe my recovery is due to a combination of faith in a higher power, support from psychiatric professionals who took the time to understand my situation, support of my community in AA, and my own commitment to and love of my daughter. I will never forget how I was treated during my hospitalization, but I now use that experience as motivation to become the best mental health provider I can be. This journey has fueled my determination to become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health. I am currently finishing my steps with my sponsor and will soon begin sponsoring others. I also plan to volunteer in hospitals and institutions to share my message of recovery, as I know how terrifying that experience can truly be. My experience has particularly sparked my interest in the ways substance use affects mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to recover, and they deserve compassionate support throughout that process… it’s hard! In October of 2023, I was alone. Today, I am part of a supportive recovery community beyond what I ever imagined. I am showing my daughter that not only is it okay to struggle, but it’s okay to ask for help. I’m showing her that we are supported, and that my journey in recovery is also about giving back to our community. Though this experience was incredibly challenging, I am so grateful, because it has positioned me to help others who may face similar struggles. I think that single mothers deserve more support than they are afforded. Why do we have to be in crisis to get help when it’s needed? How can we be more supportive prior to this point? I am hopeful to find and execute the answers to these queries throughout my career, as well as in my recovery journey. Thank you for offering resources to those facing mental health challenges. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to reflect, to share my experience with you, and for the blessing of still being here to tell my story. I know not everyone is quite so lucky.

My name is Perri, and I’m a 34-year-old single mother to my beautiful daughter, Zoraya. My journey toward higher education has been challenging and deeply transformative. When I began my nursing prerequisites, I was in a relationship with someone who promised to support my education. He assured me he would travel with me to any school offering a scholarship. Nursing school is competitive where I live, and I relied on his promise to make my degree attainable. However, after Zoraya was born, he changed his mind. Determined to provide for my family, I enrolled in a private school to speed up my graduation and keep my family together. But halfway through my first semester, he left. I was devastated. I had relied on his support, and now I was a single mom, unsure of how to even feed my daughter, let alone finish my degree. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I made it through my first year. But when I applied for the loans, I needed to finish my last year of school, I found out that I no longer qualified due to my changed financial situation because of the divorce. I was forced to take a leave of absence while I tried to figure out what to do next. The pressure of handling everything on my own, along with the burden of paying back private loans without my nursing degree, pushed me to a breaking point. I relapsed in my sobriety and ended up hospitalized for a mental health crisis. It was the hardest time of my life, especially since I was unable to care for Zoraya during that period. However, that hospitalization became a turning point. It made me realize the importance of compassionate care for those in crisis—care that I had not always received. I committed myself to sobriety, sought continuing mental health care, and put my final year of nursing school on hold to ensure I could be the stable mother my daughter needed. Now, I’m nine months sober and have built a strong, supportive relationship with my care team, which has been key to my progress. I am determined to find a way to get the money I need for my last year of school. This experience has reshaped my pursuit of higher education. I am more determined than ever to finish my nursing program so I can support Zoraya independently. I’ve also discovered a passion for mental health care. I want to be the person I needed when I was struggling, especially during my darkest moments. I was prescribed medications that worsened my struggles, and once I got sober, I understood that sobriety was the key to my mental health stability. Because of this, I am particularly interested in working with individuals who face both mental health challenges and substance abuse. It’s often difficult to differentiate between the two during a crisis, and I want to provide compassionate support through that process. I want to show Zoraya that it’s okay to ask for help and that change is always possible, no matter how hard things get. By pursuing this career, I aim to make a meaningful difference in my daughter’s life and in the lives of others facing struggles like mine. I am also deeply committed to sponsoring women in sobriety within my community of Alcoholics Anonymous, paying forward the support I’ve received. I want to help others understand the transformative power of mental health care and recovery, showing them that no matter how deep the darkness, they too have the strength to overcome and rebuild their lives.

My experiences with mental health challenges have greatly influenced how I approach both my studies and my relationships with others. Having gone through a period where my mental health spiraled out of control, I now understand how difficult it can be to juggle the pressures of school, personal life, and emotional well-being. It became clear to me that mental health is essential for functioning in all areas of life, especially as a student. In October 2023, I faced a mental health crisis that led to my hospitalization. The responsibilities of being a single mother while working toward my degree became overwhelming, and the sense of isolation and fear I felt was paralyzing. At the time, I was not well connected to my support system. Despite reaching out to friends and family, I felt unheard and unsupported, which only made my condition worse. When I eventually called 911, I was in desperate need of help. That experience made me realize just how critical it is to have a strong support system and access to resources, especially when dealing with mental health struggles. As both a student and a single mother, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that mental health should take a backseat to academic success or the needs of others. It's so tempting to prioritize grades, deadlines, and obligations over self-care. However, my personal experience taught me that mental health must be treated with equal importance. Without it, everything else becomes harder to manage. Mental health struggles can hinder concentration, increase anxiety, create isolation, and even put lives at risk. When you're struggling emotionally, it becomes nearly impossible to care for yourself, let alone focus on schoolwork or provide for your family. Since my hospitalization, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in my recovery journey, particularly in my goal to become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health. I want to help others who have faced similar challenges, especially those who may not have the resources they need. I believe everyone deserves compassionate care and support, and I want to be part of a system that provides that. Additionally, I’m involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, where I support others recovering from alcoholism. The connection between addiction and mental health is strong, and by modeling my own sobriety and reaching out to newcomers, I hope to help others begin their journey toward stability and healing. Through these efforts, I aim to continue spreading the message that mental health is just as important as physical health and that everyone deserves access to care. Ultimately, mental health is crucial to me as a student because it directly impacts my ability to thrive both academically and personally. After experiencing a mental health crisis, I’ve become passionate about advocating for better understanding and support for mental health in my community. Whether through sharing my story, volunteering, sponsoring women in recovery, or pursuing a career in mental health, my goal is to ensure that others don’t feel as alone as I once did. Additionally, I strive to model mental health recovery for my daughter, showing her that it's okay to face struggles and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The more we talk openly about mental health, the more we can help those who are struggling and create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story and for supporting and advocating for mental health.

I’ve chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because of my experience as a single mother navigating immense challenges with mental health and substance abuse. My journey has given me a unique perspective on the difficulties that many families, particularly single mothers, face when it comes to both physical and mental health. I want to become a healthcare provider to offer the support, empathy, and understanding that I needed during some of my toughest moments. After my divorce in 2022, I was left to care for my young daughter on my own, struggling to make ends meet. I worked in online entertainment to pay our bills, but this work was emotionally traumatizing and compounded with the stress I was already facing. In October 2023, my mental health deteriorated to a crisis point, and I was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. This experience, though traumatic, was transformative. It opened my eyes to the critical need for compassionate care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, particularly women and single mothers who often face additional barriers. During my hospitalization, I struggled with feelings of isolation, especially when I was informed that my daughter couldn’t visit. As a mother, the fear of being separated from her during such a vulnerable time added to my distress. Despite this, I realized that my recovery was not only about healing myself but also about ensuring that I could continue to be a strong, stable presence for my daughter. It was through this process that I decided to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in mental health, to better understand the needs of individuals going through similar struggles. As a single mom, I know how challenging it can be to balance caregiving with personal well-being, and how often mental health issues can go unaddressed until they become overwhelming. I’ve experienced the stigma around seeking help and the difficulties of navigating a healthcare system that doesn’t always accommodate the unique needs of single parents. I want to be the kind of healthcare provider who understands these challenges and provides compassionate, nonjudgmental care. My experience as a mother and my journey through mental health recovery have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. I want to ensure that other single mothers and families who are struggling feel heard and supported in their health journey. Whether it’s through mental health services, advocacy for better resources, or simply offering a listening ear, I hope to make a difference. I’m particularly interested in how substance use and mental health intersect, and how women, especially single mothers, often face compounded challenges in both areas. Becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health will allow me to use my experiences to help others navigate their own struggles. I want to be a role model for my daughter, showing her that it’s okay to ask for help, to take care of yourself, and to rise above life’s challenges. Most of all, I want to ensure that other single mothers know they are not alone in their journey, and that there are resources and people who truly care about their well-being. Through this journey, I aspire to make a positive impact in healthcare by advocating for the support and understanding that single mothers and families need. While the presence of men in nursing is important, I do believe my perspective as a woman, shaped by personal experience, is crucial in my approach to care. Women's voices and experiences should be valued all types of healthcare, as they bring unique insights and empathy that are essential. Thank you for your time and consideration.

On October 5, 2023, I was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital’s psychiatric ward for a five-day stay after telling a 911 dispatcher that I thought I was going to hurt myself. Throughout the day before, I had reached out to my small circle, expressing that I didn’t feel safe to care for my daughter, but no one was available. After my husband left in November 2022, I struggled to make ends meet for my daughter, resorting to online entertainment to pay our bills, which I found traumatizing. This started a slow descent into a mental health crisis, but it all came to a head in October of 2023. Despite my efforts to reach out for help, I felt increasingly overwhelmed and began experiencing symptoms of psychosis. When I called 911, I was asked if I intended to harm myself, and I said, "YES". At the time, I was not suicidal, but desperate. I just wanted someone to come and help me, and I was terrified. I ran to my neighbor's house with my daughter, paranoid and afraid. The details of the following days are a blur, but after being taken to the hospital, my daughter’s father finally came to pick her up. At the emergency room, I was told I would need to be transferred to a mental health ward and that my daughter could visit me, which I agreed to. However, when I learned that visitors were not allowed in that ward, I panicked and tried to leave. I did not realize that I was being physically detained, until I was restrained and given medication that caused me to lose consciousness. It was terrifying. During my stay, my sleep medication and antidepressants were taken away and replaced with antipsychotic medication, which didn’t seem to help and did not address my longstanding issue of insomnia, further contributing to my struggle trying to overcome the crisis I was in. The thought of my daughter being placed back in my care soon after is unsettling. I was not well. At the time of my hospitalization, I was sober from alcohol, but I was still using marijuana. Additionally, the entertainment work I was doing to support my daughter was exacerbating my emotional pain. As a nursing assistant, I couldn’t find a job with hours that aligned with my daycare schedule, which made me feel trapped in this damaging line of work and added to the mounting stress. After establishing care with a psychiatrist post-hospitalization, it became clear that my mental health crisis and psychosis were influenced by compounding trauma and substance use. The medications I was prescribed were not helping and instead began inducing suicidal ideation for the first time in my life. Though I had struggled with depression and anxiety before, I had never experienced such intense despair. The depression lingered for almost five months, during which I continued working full-time as a single mother, often having to take breaks to try and stop weeping. I am grateful to the church for providing financial assistance during that time. After consulting them, they provided two months rental assistance, allowing me to transition out of a harmful job while focusing on my sobriety and mental health. I eventually found a job that aligned with my daycare hours, which helped cover my expenses, allowing greater capacity to prioritize my recovery. I’m deeply thankful that my psychiatrist took the time to recognize that my mental health challenges were rooted in trauma and substance use, helping me return to the medication that had previously worked for me. I also completed an intensive outpatient program for sobriety and reconnected with my recovery community through AA. It has not been an entirely straightforward path, but today, I am proud to say that I have been sober for eight months, and, today, my mental health is completely in-tact—most days I even experience immense gratitude. I believe my recovery is due to a combination of faith in a higher power, support from psychiatric professionals who took the time to understand my situation, support of my community in AA, and my own commitment to and love of my daughter. I will never forget how I was treated during my hospitalization, but I now use that experience as motivation to become the best mental health provider I can be. This journey has fueled my determination to become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health. I am currently finishing my steps with my sponsor and will soon begin sponsoring others. I also plan to volunteer in hospitals and institutions to share my message of recovery, as I know how terrifying that experience can truly be. My experience has particularly sparked my interest in the ways substance use affects mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to recover, and they deserve compassionate support throughout that process… it’s hard! In October of 2023, I was alone. Today, I am part of a supportive recovery community beyond what I ever imagined. I am showing my daughter that not only is it okay to struggle, but it’s okay to ask for help. I’m showing her that we are supported, and that my journey in recovery is also about giving back to our community. Though this experience was incredibly challenging, I am so grateful, because it has positioned me to help others who may face similar struggles. I think that single mothers deserve more support than they are afforded. Why do we have to be in crisis to get help when it’s needed? How can we be more supportive prior to this point? I am hopeful to find and execute the answers to these queries throughout my career, as well as in my recovery journey. Thank you for offering resources to those facing mental health challenges. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to reflect, to share my experience with you, and for the blessing of still being here to tell my story. I know not everyone is so lucky. I am grateful for your time and consideration.

My name is Perri, and my personal struggles with mental health and addiction have profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up in a family where undiagnosed mental illness and addiction were prevalent, I was exposed to emotional turmoil from a young age. With limited support and understanding, I struggled to regulate my emotions, which led to my own battles with substance abuse and mental health issues. In my family, mental illness and addiction were considered taboo, and I was taught that these struggles were something “other people” experienced, not people like us. This belief prevented me from seeking the help I needed for years, but it ultimately fueled my desire to pursue a career in mental health to help others facing similar challenges. As a teenager, I began drinking and partying, like many of my peers. What seemed like harmless fun and an escape from overwhelming emotions quickly escalated into a pattern of substance abuse. While my friends moved forward with their lives, I found myself trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, struggling to maintain relationships and regulate my emotions. At 21, I attempted to get sober, but I wasn’t ready to confront the reality of my situation. I convinced myself that, just as my family was different from those who struggled with visible mental illness and debilitating addiction, so was I. After years of battling addiction and depression, I finally got sober for a time. In 2016, I achieved three years of sobriety, during which I gained some stability and began to rebuild my life. Unfortunately, I grew complacent and stopped attending support meetings. Without that structure, I relapsed. This time, the challenges were even more intense. I went through a divorce while attending nursing school, leading to a terrifying relapse, deep depression, and even psychosis. When my depression medication was changed and antipsychotics were prescribed, my condition worsened, and I experienced suicidal ideation—a place I never thought my mind would take me. During my hospitalization, I realized that the care I received wasn’t the support I truly needed. My psychiatrist, who continued my care after my stay, reintroduced the medications that had worked for me previously, informing me that my psychosis was substance abuse-related, and I needed to return to recovery to address the root of my struggles. I wished my providers had taken more time to understand the complexities of my mental health. This experience ignited my desire to become a mental health professional who provides compassionate care to individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges. My lived experience equips me with a unique perspective to connect with others in similar situations. Now, sober and stable for eight months, I am committed to helping other women navigate their mental health struggles and sobriety. My lived experience has shaped my relationship with my daughter, as well as my parenting style. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of mental health care, especially for those struggling with addiction, and showed me that it’s okay not to be okay. I want to use my experiences to offer support, healing, and hope to those suffering in silence, as I once did. Ultimately, my goal is to become a mental health nurse practitioner, where I can make a positive impact on the lives of others. I hope to help people understand that recovery is possible, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. I am dedicated to continuing my recovery, supporting others, and using my career to contribute meaningfully to the mental health field, particularly for those struggling with mental health as it relates to substance abuse.

My name is Perri, and I grew up in a family where addiction was never openly acknowledged and was considered taboo. Because of this, I struggled for many years to accept treatment for my own alcoholism. In high school, I partied like many of my peers. I thought it was harmless—until I couldn’t stop. While others graduated and moved forward with their lives, I stayed stuck in this lifestyle. At 21, I tried to get sober, but I didn’t think I was an alcoholic, so I didn’t stick with my A.A. meetings. I couldn’t believe that someone like me—young and full of potential—could fall into the same cycle I had witnessed in others who seemed far worse off. The next few years were rough. I struggled to manage my life and often couldn’t remember the night before. I distanced myself from friends out of shame, suffered injuries, got a DUI, and experienced sexual assault. One morning, I woke up realizing I was stuck in a horrifying cycle—waking up sick, day after day. I felt utterly alone. In 2016, I got sober for three whole years. My life improved, and I was happy. But once things got better, I stopped attending meetings. I didn’t give back what had been freely given to me. Eventually, I convinced myself I didn’t have a real problem… so I relapsed, and it was worse than before. The last six years have been a mix of sobriety and struggles, without great recovery supports in place. I got married, had a baby, started nursing school, and went through a divorce. After my husband left during my first semester of nursing school, I fell into a deep depression and was hospitalized for my mental health. I couldn’t care for my daughter for a while, and I struggled for nearly a year, including a terrifying relapse. I’m extremely grateful to be alive today, and even more thankful for this tough chapter, which brought me back to my recovery program. This time around, I have connected with a sponsor who has been an invaluable resource. I’ve committed to my recovery—for both my daughter and for me. Instead of just taking what helps me and moving on, I’m giving back by helping other women who’ve faced similar struggles. It’s made all the difference. I currently have eight months of sobriety, and it’s the proudest I’ve ever been of my recovery. Today, I’m committed to my recovery and my future. I work at the front desk of a hematology/oncology clinic. We recently lost a patient to end-stage cirrhosis from alcoholism, a mother, far too young. This loss hit close to home, and I want to honor her and others like her by excelling in school and my sobriety. Looking forward, I aspire to become a mental health nurse practitioner so that I can show compassion to those struggling. During my hospitalization, I realized what kind of nurse I needed, and it wasn’t available to me. I want to finish my nursing degree so that I can pay it forward. I aim to set a positive example for my daughter and to raise her in sobriety, showing her that it’s okay to seek help. I will continue attending meetings, working with my sponsor and therapist, progressing through my steps, and sponsoring other women. One day, I hope to have over 30 years of sobriety, like my sponsor. In recovery, I know I will raise a confident, capable daughter, all while helping others as a nurse. This sponsorship is what will help me get there. Thank you kindly for your time and consideration.

When I decided to start a family, I envisioned a loving partnership where my husband and I would raise our children together. I married a Kenyan man from a village called Kisumu, and we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Zoraya, into the world. I expected to raise her together, instilling in her both of our cultural values and experiences. However, reality took a different turn, and now I find myself navigating the complexities of single motherhood alone. Raising Zoraya as a single mother has been both a privilege and a challenge. I have her 100% of the time and work full-time to support us, balancing the demands of motherhood, employment, and my dream of becoming a nurse. Every morning, I wake up and push forward because I have no other choice—my daughter depends on me for everything. One of the greatest challenges I face raising Zo is ensuring that she develops a strong sense of identity. She is both Black American and Kenyan. As a white woman, I question how to teach her about her father’s culture without knowing his family, or how to prepare her for the realities of being a Black girl in America when I haven’t lived that experience. One of the first lessons I learned was how to care for her hair—a simple yet significant aspect of her identity. Styling and maintaining her curls was new to me. So, I researched and listened, committed to making sure she would never feel neglected in this part of her identity. We also experience financial struggles. I live in the frustrating gap between making too much to qualify for assistance and not enough to afford tuition. Every dollar spent is calculated. The cost of childcare is overwhelming, but without it, I cannot work or attend school. I know that securing a stable career in healthcare is a reliable way to provide for Zoraya, but nursing is not just a profession—it is a calling that embodies compassion, resilience, and stability. It is a career that will allow me to build a life where my daughter can thrive, and where she will have a soft place to land no matter what challenges she faces. After the separation, Zoraya watched me struggle with my mental health, and I had to go to the hospital for a time. My own mental health struggles have shaped my decision to go into this field. I know what it’s like to need support but not always receive compassionate care. This experience has driven me to pursue a career where I can provide the same empathy and understanding that I needed. I want to help those facing mental health challenges feel heard, seen, and supported. Pursuing a career in nursing will help me show Zoraya that perseverance, education, and hard work can change one's trajectory. I want her to see that despite the obstacles, I never gave up. I want her to grow up knowing that when life presents difficulties, we adapt, we learn, and we keep moving forward. I want her to know that mom has got her, and she can do it too. My journey as a single mother has been anything but easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. Working full-time while being Zoraya’s sole provider is exhausting, but I refuse to let our challenges define us. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a nurse—a career that will not only transform my life but also provide Zoraya with the security and inspiration she deserves.