Navigating through the complexities of mental health while striving for academic success has been a journey marked by both challenges and growth. In 2020, I found myself confronting the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with the lingering effects of PTSD from past abuse. Amidst these struggles, my mental health became a critical factor impacting both my academic performance and personal life. During college, I experienced a severe depressive episode that significantly impacted my ability to cope with the demands of school. The weight of financial difficulties, household dysfunction, and undiagnosed ADHD compounded the stress, pushing me to the brink. It all culminated in a panic attack after missing an exam—an overwhelming moment that forced me to confront the severity of my mental health struggles. In the face of adversity, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Recognizing the importance of prioritizing my mental health, I sought out therapy to address the overwhelming feelings of shame, anxiety, and despair that had plagued me for far too long. Through therapy, I learned to confront my emotions head-on, advocate for myself in challenging situations, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate through life's ups and downs. This journey taught me the power of self-care, community, and mental health support. I realized that caring for myself was not a luxury but a necessity—a form of self-preservation in the face of adversity. As Audre Lorde eloquently stated, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." By prioritizing my mental health, I was reclaiming control over my life and refusing to let my struggles define me. Through perseverance and resilience, I was able to gradually improve my academic performance and reclaim a sense of stability in my personal life. I learned to set boundaries, ask for help when needed, and seek out resources to support my well-being. Moreover, I cultivated a supportive network of friends, family, and mental health professionals who stood by me every step of the way. Today, I am proud to say that I am thriving despite the challenges I have faced. By taking proactive steps to prioritize my mental health, I have been able to overcome obstacles, advocate for myself, and pursue my academic and personal goals with renewed vigor and determination. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing my journey of self-discovery and growth, while also advocating for greater awareness and support for mental health issues within educational institutions and society at large. By sharing my story and championing the importance of mental health, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed. In conclusion, my mental health journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, self-care, and community support. By confronting my struggles head-on and prioritizing my well-being, I have been able to overcome obstacles and pursue my academic and personal aspirations with renewed confidence and determination.

Choosing to pursue a degree in STEM was a decision rooted in my passion for both science and holistic wellness. As a person of color, I recognized the importance of representation and diversity in the STEM field and saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by bridging the gap between science and natural medicine. My journey into STEM began with a deep-seated curiosity about the human body and its intricate workings. I was fascinated by how nutrition, biology, and chemistry intersected to shape our health and well-being. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Nutritional Science, where I gained a solid foundation in the principles of biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition. However, it wasn't until I embarked on my integrative nutrition master's program that I truly found my calling. Integrative nutrition opened my eyes to the profound connection between food, health, and beauty. I became passionate about using science-driven approaches to skincare that were inspired by nature's medicine—incorporating food, herbs, and botanicals into innovative and personalized skincare solutions. As a holistic esthetician, I am committed to leveraging my STEM background to provide cutting-edge skincare treatments that address a wide range of dermatological issues. But beyond that, I hope to have a broader impact on the STEM field as a person of color. One of the most pressing issues in skincare and healthcare is the lack of inclusivity in research and product development. Many skincare concerns, such as PCOS, hyperpigmentation, cystic acne, eczema, and stress-related skin conditions, disproportionately affect underserved communities, including people of color. However, the research and development of skincare products often fail to adequately address the unique needs of these populations. My goal is to change that. By integrating principles of integrative nutrition and holistic wellness into my skincare practice, I aim to advocate for more inclusive research that considers the diverse needs of all skin types and tones. I believe that by emphasizing the importance of inclusive research, we can develop more effective skincare solutions that address the specific concerns of underserved communities.Furthermore, I hope to inspire other people of color to pursue careers in STEM and advocate for greater representation and diversity within the field. By sharing my journey and experiences, I aim to empower others to break down barriers and pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in STEM was driven by a passion for science and a commitment to holistic wellness. As a person of color, I hope to use my background and expertise to advocate for more inclusive research in skincare and healthcare and inspire others to pursue careers in STEM. Through my practice as a holistic esthetician, I aim to provide innovative and personalized skincare solutions that empower individuals to look and feel their best, regardless of their skin type or tone.

From a young age, beauty became more than just a hobby for me—it became my form of self-care and creative expression. Growing up, I often found myself navigating through feelings of isolation and a lack of affirmation from friends, family, and the mainstream media. In the midst of this, beauty became my sanctuary—a space where I could affirm myself and celebrate my unique identity. One of my most formative experiences was watching my mother and grandmother run a natural hair salon that infused professional hair services with uplifting the client and celebrating natural hair—a symbol of empowerment, self-love, and determination. Seeing them create a space where women could come to embrace their natural beauty and connect with others on a deeper level inspired me profoundly. In that salon, I witnessed women from all walks of life come together to share their personal stories and experiences. Through laughter, excellent customer service, and true hair care, these women were transformed—not just in their appearance, but in their confidence and self-esteem. It was in those moments that I truly understood the transformative power of beauty—the ability to uplift spirits and empower individuals to embrace their true selves. As I grew older, my passion for beauty only deepened. I found myself drawn to the world of beauty influencers on YouTube, where I discovered new techniques and products to express myself creatively. These videos became more than just tutorials—they were a source of inspiration and empowerment, reaffirming my belief in the transformative power of beauty. My journey into the beauty industry is driven by a desire to create spaces where everyone feels affirmed and empowered. I believe that beauty should be inclusive, uplifting, and celebratory of all identities. As a holistic esthetician and nutritionist, my short-term plans involve becoming licensed in both fields, standing out from the competition by offering unique beauty services tailored to skincare and nutrition goals. Whether it's through personalized skincare consultations, nutritional advice, or holistic beauty treatments, my goal is to help clients achieve their beauty and wellness objectives from the inside out. In the long term, I envision opening up a holistic spa + wellness center—a sanctuary where clients can be serviced by estheticians, massage therapists, and beauty professionals to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate themselves. This center will not only provide top-notch beauty and wellness services but also serve as a community hub for empowerment, education, and self-discovery. Moreover, I am passionate about using my platform to advocate for greater representation and inclusivity within the beauty industry. By amplifying marginalized voices and challenging harmful beauty standards, I hope to foster a more inclusive and affirming beauty culture for future generations of estheticians and our clients. However, to fully realize my vision, I require financial assistance to complete esthetician school by September 2024. With your support, I am confident that I can not only achieve my goals but also create meaningful change within the beauty industry. Thank you for considering my application. Together, let's redefine beauty and cultivate spaces where everyone feels affirmed and empowered to shine their brightest.