1. I found TXT during a really stressful period in my life when I was looking for comfort music. It was actually my niece who introduced me to their music. Their songs stood out because they felt honest, emotional, and healing rather than just entertaining. I became more deeply involved as I stared learning their personalities and the meaning behind their music. 2. One of the most important characteristics of a MOA is genuine support and empathy. Being a TXT fan is not just about enjoying music, but also about understanding the messages of growth, struggle, and healing that they share. A good MOA uplifts others, respects differences, and creates a positive, supportive space for the fandom. 3. Yes, I do have a TXT bias, and I chose them because their personality and artistry resonate with me the most. Each member brings something unique, but my bias stands out to me because of their sincerity, stage presence, and the way they express emotion through performance and music. 4. My ult bias overall (across any group) also comes from artists who are emotionally expressive and genuine. I tend to gravitate toward idols who show vulnerability and authenticity, because that aligns with my own values and experiences. 5. My favorite TXT song is “Run Away” for sure! I love anything about self-discovery and growth! Their music often captures feelings of confusion, pain, and healing in a way that feels very relatable and comforting. 6. I have not had the chance to see TXT live in concert yet, but it is something I would truly love to experience one day. But as a single parent, I had to spend my money wisely. 7. My favorite album concept is The Dream Chapter: MAGIC. But really its any of their songs that make you feel less alone and talk about being youth, growth, and emotional struggle, especially their earlier storytelling eras. I love how they use storytelling to reflect real emotional experiences in a creative and artistic way. I'm a counseling major so anything that is about emotion moves me! 8. I am currently paying for school through a combination of personal income, financial aid, and careful budgeting as a single mother. Balancing education, parenting, and financial responsibilities has required a lot of planning and sacrifice. 9. A scholarship would significantly help me by easing financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my studies and my child rather than constantly worrying about expenses. It would help cover tuition, books, and basic living costs, reducing the need to work long hours while in school. 10. TXT has influenced me in a positive way by encouraging emotional honesty, self-reflection, and perseverance. Their music often focuses on growth through pain, which has helped me feel understood during difficult moments in my own life. 11. I plan to use my education to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to support individuals, couples, families, and especially youth by helping them navigate mental health challenges, strengthen relationships, and build healthier emotional foundations. I want to use my lived experience and professional training to create safer, more supportive communities where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to heal.

One national and global health issue I feel deeply passionate about is mental health, particularly the growing crisis surrounding depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicide. Mental health is often discussed as separate from physical health, but in reality, it affects every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical well-being, relationships, ability to function, and overall quality of life. I believe mental health is one of the most urgent public health issues today because it is both widely experienced and often under-addressed, especially in underserved communities. My passion for this issue comes from both personal experience and lived observation. I have witnessed how mental health struggles can deeply impact individuals and entire families. One of the most painful experiences in my life was the loss of my best friend, a veteran who served three tours in Iraq. After returning home, he struggled with the emotional and psychological effects of his service, and ultimately died by suicide. That loss changed the way I understand mental health forever. It showed me that trauma is not always visible and that even strong, capable individuals can be silently suffering. I also experienced my own period of depression following that loss, which gave me a personal understanding of how isolating and overwhelming mental health struggles can feel. Although I was able to work through that time and heal, it made me more aware of how essential support systems, access to care, and emotional understanding truly are. These experiences are a major reason why I am pursuing a master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Mental health is a global issue because it affects people across all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, yet access to care is not equal. Many individuals, especially in marginalized or low-income communities, face barriers such as stigma, financial limitations, lack of resources, and limited access to trained professionals. As a result, many people suffer in silence without receiving the help they need. This can lead to worsening symptoms, strained relationships, and in some cases, tragic outcomes such as suicide. I am particularly passionate about youth mental health and suicide prevention. Young people today face increasing pressures from academic expectations, social media, family stress, and identity development. Without proper support, these challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. I believe early intervention and accessible mental health care are essential in helping young people build resilience, coping skills, and emotional stability. My goal as a future LMFT is to help address this issue by providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and accessible mental health care to individuals, couples, families, and youth. I want to create safe spaces where people feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment. I also hope to contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health so that seeking help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Ultimately, I care about mental health because I have seen both its pain and its healing power. I understand how deeply it can affect a person’s life, but I also believe in the possibility of recovery, growth, and transformation. By pursuing this field, I hope to be part of a larger solution that improves mental health awareness, expands access to care, and supports individuals and families in building healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Returning to school after having children has been one of the most difficult yet rewarding journeys of my life. When I became pregnant at a young age, I made the difficult decision to drop out of college in order to focus on raising my son. At the time, becoming a mother completely changed my priorities. I knew my child needed stability, love, and care, and I wanted to be fully present for him during his early years. Although stepping away from school was not part of my original plan, I chose to dedicate myself to motherhood and ensure my son had the support he needed. For several years, I put my educational goals on hold while raising my son. I waited until he was old enough to begin school before returning to continue my education. Even then, returning to school as a single mother came with many challenges. Going back after years away from academics was intimidating. I had to rebuild my confidence as a student while also managing the responsibilities of parenting, work, and everyday life. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing my time. As a mother, I want to be emotionally present and involved in my son’s life, but being a full-time student requires long hours of studying, homework, and coursework. There have been many moments where I felt guilty because schoolwork took away time I wanted to spend with my child. Simple things like helping with homework, attending school activities, or spending quality time together often had to compete with assignments, deadlines, and late nights studying. Learning how to balance being both a dedicated mother and a committed student has been emotionally exhausting at times. Financial struggles have also been a major obstacle. Returning to school meant reducing the amount of time I could work, which created additional stress while trying to provide for my household. As a single parent, every financial responsibility falls on me, including rent, utilities, food, childcare, transportation, and school expenses. Trying to manage these responsibilities while pursuing higher education has often felt overwhelming. There have been times where I questioned whether I could continue, but I reminded myself that earning my degree would ultimately create a more stable future for both my son and me. Despite these challenges, returning to school has taught me resilience, discipline, and perseverance. It has shown me that growth often requires sacrifice and that difficult circumstances do not have to define a person’s future. My son has been my greatest motivation throughout this journey. He reminds me every day why I continue pushing forward, even when life feels stressful or uncertain. I want him to grow up seeing the importance of hard work, determination, and never giving up on your goals. These experiences have also strengthened my passion for helping others, which is why I am pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As someone who has experienced the pressures of balancing parenthood, financial hardship, and education, I understand how important emotional support and mental health resources can be during difficult seasons of life. Although returning to school after having children has been challenging, it has also been empowering. It has reminded me that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and that perseverance can create opportunities not only for yourself, but for future generations as well.

I chose the field of healthcare, specifically mental health, because I believe emotional well-being is the foundation of every aspect of a person’s life. Mental health influences how individuals think, feel, connect with others, and navigate challenges. When mental health is unsupported or overlooked, it can affect not only the mind, but also the body, relationships, and overall quality of life. My experiences have shown me that healing is not only physical, it is deeply emotional, relational, and psychological. This understanding is what led me to pursue a master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My passion for mental health is rooted in both personal experience and lived observation. I have seen how grief, trauma, stress, and emotional pain can impact individuals and entire families. I lost my baby sister to cancer at a young age, and later experienced another profound loss when my best friend, a veteran who served three tours in Iraq, died by suicide after returning home. These experiences deeply affected my emotional health and led me through a period of depression that I had to work through and heal from over time. Although painful, these experiences gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to struggle silently and what it means to rebuild. Through my healing journey, I learned the importance of support, connection, and mental health care. I also learned that many people, especially in underserved or marginalized communities, do not always have access to the resources they need. This realization became a driving force in my decision to enter the mental health field. I want to be someone who can offer understanding, guidance, and hope to individuals and families who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. I chose to pursue mental health within healthcare because I recognize that emotional stress and unresolved trauma can manifest physically as well. Anxiety, chronic stress, and depression can impact sleep, immune function, relationships, and daily functioning. Mental health care is healthcare, it is preventative, restorative, and essential. I want to be part of a field that treats people as whole individuals rather than separating emotional health from physical health. In the future, I want to use my degree to support couples, families, and youth in building healthier relationships and stronger emotional foundations. As an LMFT, I hope to help families improve communication, resolve conflict, and create safe and supportive home environments. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and suicide prevention because I understand how vulnerable young people can be when they feel isolated, misunderstood, or overwhelmed. I also want to use my degree to advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility in underserved communities. Many individuals face barriers such as stigma, lack of resources, or financial limitations that prevent them from receiving care. I want to help bridge that gap by providing culturally sensitive, compassionate, and accessible mental health support. My long-term goal is to use my education not only to provide therapy, but also to create lasting impact through advocacy, education, and community support. I want to help normalize conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help without shame. I believe that when individuals are supported emotionally, they are better able to thrive in every area of life. I chose this field because I want to help people heal. I want to turn my experiences into purpose by supporting others through their most difficult moments and helping them discover strength, resilience, and hope. I hope to contribute to a future where individuals and families feel more connected, supported, and empowered to live healthier lives.

What makes me a leader is not a title or position, but the way I have learned to navigate life through responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to helping others grow. My leadership has been shaped by lived experience, personal challenges, and a deep belief in moral intelligence through the pillars of A.F.R.I.C.A.: Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy. These values guide how I show up in my life, how I support others, and how I envision my future as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). One of the strongest ways I demonstrate leadership is through Action. I do not believe in waiting for change to happen, I believe in actively working toward it. As a single mother, student, and someone pursuing a career in mental health, I have had to consistently take initiative even when circumstances were difficult. Whether it is balancing school, parenting, or personal challenges, I have learned to keep moving forward and make intentional choices that lead to growth. Leadership, to me, is about showing others that progress is possible even in the face of adversity. Forgiveness has also shaped my leadership style. I understand that people carry pain, trauma, and mistakes, and I believe true leadership involves helping others move forward without being defined by their past. I try to lead with understanding rather than judgment, creating space where people feel safe to be vulnerable and grow. This allows me to build trust and deeper connections with others, which is essential in both personal relationships and future clinical work. Responsibility and Integrity are core to how I lead. I hold myself accountable for my actions, my growth, and the impact I have on others. Leadership requires consistency and honesty, even when it is uncomfortable. I have learned that people look to leaders not for perfection, but for authenticity and reliability. By staying grounded in my values, I aim to be someone others can depend on and feel safe with. Compassion is one of the most defining aspects of my leadership. I have experienced and witnessed emotional pain, grief, and mental health struggles, which has taught me to approach others with empathy and care. I believe that strong leaders do not dismiss people’s struggles, they listen, validate, and support them. Compassion allows me to connect with people on a human level, which helps me create meaningful relationships and encourage healing. Advocacy is where my leadership extends beyond the individual and into the community. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and supporting underserved populations who may not always have access to resources or support. I strive to use my voice to reduce stigma around mental health, encourage open conversations, and promote access to care. Leadership, for me, means standing up for those who may not feel heard and working to create systems that support healing and equity. Ultimately, what makes me a leader is my ability to turn lived experience into purpose. I have faced challenges that have shaped my resilience, empathy, and determination to help others. I do not see leadership as being above others, but rather walking alongside them, offering support, guidance, and hope. As I continue my journey toward becoming an LMFT, I aim to lead by example, helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger connections, heal from pain, and create healthier futures together.

My personal experiences with mental health challenges and suicide loss have profoundly shaped my decision to pursue a master’s degree in mental health and become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. These experiences have given me a deep, personal understanding of emotional pain, resilience, and the importance of accessible mental health support, especially for individuals who feel unseen or overwhelmed by their circumstances. One of the most significant losses in my life was my best friend's passing, who served three tours in Iraq. After returning home, despite surviving war, he eventually lost his life to suicide. His passing left a lasting impact on me and became a turning point in how I understood mental health. It forced me to confront the reality that trauma is not always visible, and that even strong, capable individuals can be silently fighting internal battles. His loss brought me into a period of depression, as I tried to process grief, confusion, and helplessness. However, over time, I was able to work through that experience, rebuild my emotional strength, and develop a deeper understanding of healing. That journey through grief and depression is one of the key reasons I chose to enter the mental health field. I understand what it feels like to carry emotional pain and to find your way back toward hope. It allowed me approach to mental health from a place of empathy and authenticity. It fuels my commitment to helping others who may feel stuck in their own struggles. In my own life, I practice self-advocacy by prioritizing my mental health, seeking support when needed, and being intentional about my emotional well-being. I have learned the importance of recognizing my limits, setting boundaries, and engaging in healthy coping strategies. I also advocate for suicide awareness and prevention by encouraging open conversations about mental health, challenging stigma, and reminding others that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I believe that early intervention, compassion, and connection can save lives. My values, rooted in moral intelligence and the A.F.R.I.C.A. pillars: Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy, guide how I approach both healing and advocacy work. I strive to take Action by being present and supportive, to practice Forgiveness in order to release emotional burdens, and to embrace Responsibility in my own growth and decision-making. Integrity guides how I show up for others with honesty and trustworthiness, while Compassion allows me to meet people where they are without judgment. Advocacy pushes me to use my voice to support those who are struggling, especially in communities where mental health care is limited or stigmatized. I am really passionate about creating safe, culturally sensitive spaces where individuals feel heard and understood. I want to help people navigate grief, trauma, and emotional pain while also empowering them to build healthier relationships and stronger coping skills. Through my future work in mental health, I hope to honor those I have lost by helping others find the support, understanding, and healing they deserve.

Something I want to build is a stronger, more connected world rooted in moral intelligence through the A.F.R.I.C.A. pillars I have created: Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy. My vision is to build this framework not just as an idea, but as a lived practice that individuals, families, schools, and communities can use to create healthier relationships and a more supportive society. I want to build a future where people are more intentional about how they treat one another and how they show up in their communities. Too often, conflict, misunderstanding, and disconnection come from a lack of emotional awareness and accountability. Through Action, I want to encourage people to move beyond awareness and actually participate in meaningful change, whether that is helping a neighbor, supporting a struggling friend, or taking steps toward personal growth. Small actions, when practiced consistently, can create powerful ripple effects in communities. Through Forgiveness, I want to help build environments where people are not held hostage by past pain. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting harm, but it does mean choosing healing over resentment. I want to promote spaces where individuals feel safe to process their experiences and move forward without being defined by their past. Responsibility and Integrity are pillars I want to build into how people view themselves and their roles in society. I want individuals to understand that their choices matter and that integrity builds trust, stability, and respect within relationships and communities. When people take responsibility for their actions and live with honesty and accountability, stronger systems of connection naturally form. Compassion and Advocacy are the heart of the world I want to build. Compassion allows people to see each other’s humanity, even in moments of disagreement or difficulty. Advocacy ensures that voices that are often unheard, especially youth, marginalized communities, and struggling families, are supported and uplifted. I want to help build a culture where people do not ignore suffering but actively respond to it with care and action. Ultimately, I am building a future where moral intelligence becomes a shared language for how we connect, communicate, and support one another. As I pursue my path in mental health and become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I plan to integrate these values into my work with individuals, couples, families, and youth. My goal is to help people strengthen their relationships, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier home environments. By building A.F.R.I.C.A. as a foundation for connection and community, I hope to contribute to a world where people feel more understood, more supported, and more empowered to grow. I want this framework to inspire lasting change, one that helps create stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter, more compassionate future for generations to come.

Mental health is deeply important to me as a student because it is not just an academic subject I am studying, but a lived reality that shapes how people function, connect, and heal. My personal values are rooted in the pillars of moral intelligence: A.F.R.I.C.A. Which stands for: Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy. These principles guide both my education and my purpose in pursuing a career in mental health as a future Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As a student, I see mental health as the foundation of success in every area of life. Without emotional well-being, it becomes difficult for individuals to focus, learn, build relationships, or manage stress. Because of this, I believe mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health and academic achievement. My value of Action reminds me that awareness alone is not enough; we must actively support healing and growth. In my own academic journey, I try to practice this by being intentional about self-care, seeking support when needed, and encouraging others to do the same. Forgiveness also plays a major role in how I understand mental health. Many students and individuals carry emotional burdens such as guilt, trauma, or past pain that can impact their ability to thrive. I believe mental health support should create space for people to process those experiences and begin healing without shame. Responsibility guides me to recognize how my choices affect my well-being and to encourage others to take ownership of their healing journeys in healthy, empowering ways. Integrity is essential in how I approach mental health both personally and academically. It reminds me to be honest, ethical, and consistent in how I show up for myself and others. Whether in school, at home, or in my community, I believe trust and respect are necessary for meaningful support systems to exist. Compassion is at the heart of why mental health matters to me. I have seen how many people silently struggle with anxiety, stress, and emotional pain, and I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Advocacy is where I actively apply my values in my community. I advocate for mental health by normalizing conversations about emotional well-being in my school and home environment. I support peers by listening without judgment, encouraging openness, and reminding others that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. I also advocate by promoting awareness about youth mental health and the importance of early intervention, especially in communities where mental health is often stigmatized or overlooked. Together, the A.F.R.I.C.A. pillars shape how I understand my role as both a student and a future mental health professional. They remind me that mental health is not only about treating symptoms, but about building stronger individuals, healthier families, and more connected communities. Through my education and future work as an LMFT, I plan to continue using these values to support healing, reduce stigma, and help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow.

If my little sister were still alive, I know without a doubt that we would build something meaningful together, something rooted in love, compassion, and service to others. We would start a nonprofit organization called "Divine Intervention", created with the purpose of helping individuals and families in need by connecting them with sponsors, resources, and financial support to help make their dreams come true. The idea behind Divine Intervention would be simple but powerful: people would be able to submit their needs, goals, or wishes, whether that is assistance with housing, education, medical expenses, or even life-changing opportunities they would otherwise not have access to, and our organization would work to find sponsors and community support to help fulfill those needs. Our mission would be to remind people that even in their most difficult moments, they are not forgotten and help is possible. The inspiration for this idea comes directly from my sister’s life and the profound impact she had on my family. My little sister passed away at a very young age due to cancer, but even in her passing, her life carried a deeper meaning that continues to shape our understanding of love and purpose. During her illness, doctors informed my mother that the cancer had attached itself to the fetus rather than spreading further through her body. In many ways, it was seen as “divine intervention,” because it allowed my mother to survive and be present to raise her other four children. Because of this, I have always viewed my sister as an angel in disguise, someone whose brief life carried a purpose far greater than what we could understand at the time. Her presence brought both heartbreak and healing, and her legacy continues to remind us of the fragility and sacredness of life. Naming the organization “Divine Intervention” would honor her role in our family’s survival and reflect the belief that even in loss, there can be unexpected grace and meaning. Through this nonprofit, I would want to continue her legacy of love by helping others experience moments of hope in their own lives. I imagine supporting families who are struggling financially, children who need educational opportunities, individuals facing medical crises, and people who simply need someone to believe in them. My sister’s memory would be at the center of this mission, guiding every act of service and compassion. Starting this business with her would represent more than just an organization, it would symbolize healing, purpose, and connection. It would be a way of transforming grief into impact and honoring her life by serving others. I believe she would have had a heart full of kindness and generosity, and together we would channel that spirit into changing lives. Ultimately, Divine Intervention would exist to remind people that even in their hardest moments, they are not alone, and sometimes help arrives in ways we never expect, just as it did in our own family story.

Coming from a single-parent, low-income household has shaped my ability to persevere through challenges by teaching me resilience, responsibility, and determination at a very early age. I learned quickly that success would require hard work, sacrifice, and consistency, even when circumstances were difficult. There were times when balancing school, personal responsibilities, and financial stress felt overwhelming, but those experiences strengthened my mindset rather than discouraging me. They taught me how to keep moving forward even when things felt uncertain. These experiences also gave me a deep understanding of what it means to struggle while still striving for something better. Because of this, I am passionate about using my life experiences to make a positive impact in my community and eventually the world. I want to support individuals and families who are navigating similar challenges, especially those who feel unseen or unsupported. I understand firsthand how important emotional support, stability, and encouragement are when life feels heavy. I am currently actively working toward my goals by pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Through my education, I am gaining the knowledge and clinical skills needed to support couples, families, and youth in overcoming trauma, stress, and mental health challenges. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and creating healthier home environments where children can thrive emotionally and mentally. My goal is to use my lived experience, education, and empathy to help others feel understood and supported. I want to contribute to breaking cycles of trauma and limited opportunity by helping people build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Ultimately, I hope to create a lasting impact by promoting healing, resilience, and connection within the communities I serve.

If I’m being honest, I don’t think I got just one “awkward” thing, I got a small collection of them, like I was unknowingly collecting traits in a starter pack. Sometimes I joke that I wish I only had one so it would at least feel manageable, but life apparently decided to give me a few extras for character development. For starters, I’m left-handed, which already feels like I’m doing life on a slightly different setting than everyone else. Simple things like writing, using scissors, or sitting at certain desks always came with a bit of adjustment. It’s not a huge deal now, but growing up it definitely made me more aware of being “different” in small, constant ways. Add to that the fact that I apparently hold my pencil in a way that right-handed people find confusing or “incorrect,” and it just added another layer of unnecessary commentary I didn’t ask for. Then there’s my voice. I have a naturally raspy voice, which, for a girl especially, tends to stand out more than I’d like it to. People have always commented on it, sometimes in curiosity, sometimes in surprise, and occasionally in ways that made me very aware that I didn’t sound like what people expected. Over time, I’ve learned to accept it, but growing up it definitely contributed to feeling a little self-conscious in certain spaces, especially when I just wanted to blend in. Another “fun” layer is my name. My name includes “Prince,” which is usually associated with masculinity, even though I’m a girl. That alone has led to plenty of double takes, confused expressions, and awkward introductions where I immediately have to clarify, “Yes, that’s actually my name.” It’s one of those things that makes first impressions interesting, to say the least. Sometimes people think it’s a nickname, sometimes they think they misheard, and sometimes they just pause like they need a moment to process it. But honestly, my biggest and most defining “awkward” trait has been my experience with stuttering. I developed a stutter at a young age, and while it has improved over time, it still sometimes shows up unexpectedly, especially when I’m nervous, overwhelmed, or trying to speak quickly. Growing up, it was something that made me incredibly self-aware in conversations. I would think ahead of what I wanted to say, worry about getting stuck on words, and sometimes avoid speaking altogether just to prevent embarrassment. That experience has stayed with me in ways I didn’t fully understand until I got older. Even when I’m fluent, there are moments where the fear of stuttering again quietly lingers in the background. It has shaped how I communicate, how I listen, and how I empathize with others who struggle to express themselves. At the same time, it has also taught me patience with myself and a deeper understanding of how vulnerability shows up in communication. Looking back, all of these “awkward” parts of me, being left-handed, having a raspy voice, carrying a name that surprises people, and learning to navigate a stutter, used to feel like things that set me apart in uncomfortable ways. But over time, they’ve also become part of what makes me more observant, more empathetic, and more aware of how different everyone’s experiences really are. So while I sometimes joke that I could’ve used a little less customization in the “awkward traits” department, I’ve also come to realize that these differences shaped how I move through the world. They’ve made me more patient with myself and more understanding of others who feel out of place in their own ways.

I am an African American single mother, graduate student, and future Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a deep commitment to serving marginalized communities through accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive mental health care. I have experienced firsthand the weight of balancing responsibility, emotional stress, and financial pressure while also striving to build a better future. This lived experience has given me a deep sense of empathy for individuals and families who are navigating instability, trauma, and limited access to support systems. My experience with mental health has also deeply influenced my beliefs and career aspirations. I have seen how emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, and unresolved grief can affect not only individuals but entire family systems. Mental health struggles often remain invisible, especially in marginalized communities where stigma, lack of resources, and systemic barriers prevent people from seeking help. These experiences have shaped my belief that healing must be accessible, inclusive, and grounded in cultural understanding. I want to be a therapist who does not simply treat symptoms, but who truly understands the lived experiences of the people I serve. My passion for mental health advocacy is also rooted in my understanding of how deeply mental health is connected to overall well-being. Unaddressed stress, anxiety, and trauma can manifest physically, emotionally, and relationally, impacting every aspect of a person’s life. Marginalized communities are forced to endure poverty, discrimination, lack of healthcare access, and generational trauma. Because of this, I am committed to providing mental health services that not only support individual healing, but also acknowledge and address the larger systems that impact mental health outcomes. As a future LMFT, my goal is to make a positive impact by working with couples, families, and youth to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create emotionally supportive environments. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and suicide prevention, as many young people in marginalized communities face unique pressures, including identity struggles, limited support systems, and exposure to trauma. I want to be a source of safety, encouragement, and guidance for youth who may feel unseen or unheard. Through my work, I plan to advocate for communities by supporting trauma-informed care, promoting emotional education, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. I also hope to work in settings where I can directly serve underserved populations, including schools, community centers, and nonprofit organizations. I want to help bridge the gap between mental health services and the communities that need them most. Ultimately, my career aspirations are rooted in a desire to create lasting change. I want to help individuals heal not only for themselves, but for future generations. I believe that when one person begins to heal, it creates a ripple effect that can transform families and entire communities. My goal is to contribute to that transformation by providing compassionate, accessible, and culturally sensitive mental health care that empowers individuals to reclaim their voices, their strength, and their hope. Through my journey, I have learned that mental health care is not just a profession, it is a form of advocacy, connection, and service. I am committed to using my education, lived experience, and passion to uplift marginalized communities and help build a future where mental health support is a right, not a privilege.

Becoming a mother at a young age reshaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. What once felt like uncertainty quickly became purpose. Raising my son as a single mother of color, with limited financial resources and little to no support, forced me to grow up quickly and prioritize what truly mattered. I made a decision early on that despite the obstacles in front of me, I would create a different future for both of us—one rooted in stability, education, and opportunity. My journey has not been without hardship. I experienced an abusive relationship that tested my strength, self-worth, and sense of safety. Leaving that situation was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but it was also one of the most defining. It required courage, resilience, and faith in a better future. In the midst of healing and rebuilding, I committed myself to my education. I returned to school, earned my associate’s degree, and continued forward to complete my bachelor’s degree, all while raising my son and managing the responsibilities of a single-parent household. Each step forward was not just an academic achievement, but a testament to perseverance and determination. These experiences led me to pursue my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe mental health is one of the most important foundations of healthy individuals, families, and communities. Many people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and emotional pain without the proper support or guidance to heal. My goal as a future LMFT is to help couples, families, and youth build healthier relationships, improve communication, and create emotionally supportive home environments. I want to provide individuals with the tools, encouragement, and safe spaces needed to heal, grow, and overcome life’s challenges. My passion for supporting youth comes from understanding how important emotional connection and guidance are during childhood and adolescence. Many young people today struggle with mental health challenges, self-esteem issues, trauma, and feelings of isolation. I want to be someone who helps youth feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through therapy, mentorship, and community involvement, I hope to encourage young people to recognize their value and potential while helping them build healthy coping skills and positive relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to make the world a better place for future generations. I want to help create communities built on compassion, connection, emotional wellness, and support. Whether through counseling families, teaching moral intelligence, advocating for youth mental health, or simply showing kindness to those around me, I hope to leave a positive impact that extends far beyond myself.

My values are deeply rooted in the pillars of moral intelligence, which I identify through the acronym A.F.R.I.C.A.: Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy. These values guide the way I live my life, interact with others, and approach my future career in mental health. As I pursue my path to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), these values will serve as the foundation for the work I do with individuals, couples, families, and youth. The first pillar, Action, represents my belief that positive change requires intentional effort. It is not enough to recognize problems within individuals, families, or communities; we must also be willing to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth. In mental health work, this means actively supporting clients as they navigate challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward personal transformation. I want to empower people to recognize that even small actions can lead to lasting change and that healing begins when individuals feel supported enough to take the first step forward. Forgiveness is another core value. Many people carry emotional pain, trauma, guilt, or resentment that affects their relationships, self-worth, and overall well-being. I believe forgiveness is an essential part of healing, not because it erases pain, but because it allows individuals to release emotional burdens that may be holding them back. As a future therapist, I want to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can process their experiences, heal from past wounds, and learn how to extend grace both to themselves and to others. Responsibility is central to personal growth and accountability. I value the importance of recognizing how our choices, behaviors, and actions affect ourselves and those around us. In mental health work, responsibility means helping individuals become more self-aware and encouraging them to take ownership of their healing journey. While many people face circumstances beyond their control, I believe there is strength in learning how to respond to challenges in healthy and constructive ways. I hope to guide clients toward recognizing their ability to make positive choices that support emotional wellness and healthier relationships. Integrity is one of the most important values I carry into the mental health field. Trust is the foundation of therapy, and clients deserve to feel respected, heard, and supported without judgment. Integrity means being honest, ethical, and consistent in both my personal and professional life. I want to be someone clients can trust to provide compassionate care while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and respect for their experiences. I believe integrity is essential in creating therapeutic relationships where true healing can take place. Compassion is at the heart of why I chose to pursue a career in mental health. Every person carries struggles that may not always be visible to others. Through compassion, we can create spaces where individuals feel safe enough to express vulnerability and seek support. I want to approach every client with empathy, patience, and understanding, recognizing that healing often begins when people feel genuinely seen and valued. Compassion allows us to connect with others on a human level and reminds us that no one should have to face their pain alone. Finally, Advocacy reflects my commitment to supporting individuals and communities whose voices may often go unheard. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and creating healthier environments for families and children. Advocacy means working to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, increasing awareness, and helping people access the support they need. I want to use my education, experiences, and voice to encourage positive change within communities and to help others feel empowered to seek healing and growth.

I am a single mother of color and a first-generation college student whose journey has been shaped by resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to breaking cycles for the next generation. Raising my son as a single parent with limited financial resources and little to no support has required me to grow in ways I never expected. It has taught me how to persist through uncertainty, how to rebuild after hardship, and how to stay grounded in purpose even when life feels overwhelming. My experiences have not only shaped who I am today, but they have also clarified my mission for the future: to support youth and families in building healthier, more stable, and more compassionate lives. As I move forward, I am pursuing my master’s degree with the goal of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am passionate about this field because I understand firsthand how deeply family systems, trauma, and access to support impact a person’s development. I want to be someone who helps families navigate conflict, heal from trauma, and build stronger emotional foundations. My goal is to work especially with youth and families who are often overlooked or underserved, including those impacted by poverty, violence, systemic barriers, and generational trauma. I want to provide not only clinical support, but also hope and practical tools that empower families to create lasting change. In addition to my academic and career goals, I have also developed and continue to expand my work around moral intelligence and its pillars: A.F.R.I.C.A. These 5 pillars are Action, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy. This framework has become central to how I view personal growth and community healing. I have brought this work into conversations with youth and families, emphasizing that moral intelligence is not just about knowing right from wrong, but about consistently choosing behaviors that reflect healing, accountability, and empathy. I believe that when individuals strengthen these pillars, they are better equipped to make decisions that positively impact not only their own lives, but also their families and communities. My passion lies in supporting youth and families because I understand how early experiences shape lifelong outcomes. I want to contribute to systems and spaces where children feel safe, seen, and supported, especially those who are navigating instability or trauma. I believe that children deserve environments that nurture their emotional well-being, and I want to be part of the work that helps families create those environments. Through therapy, advocacy, and education, I plan to help families build stronger communication, healthier relationships, and more compassionate ways of interacting with one another. Ultimately, my vision is to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the world by helping to create healthier family systems and stronger communities. I want to be a resource for healing and transformation, especially for those who feel unheard or unseen. My journey as a single mother has given me both the empathy and the determination to do this work with authenticity and purpose. By continuing my education and becoming an LMFT, I hope to not only change my own life and my son’s life but also contribute to a future where more children grow up in environments that support their emotional, mental, and relational well-being.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I strongly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Emotional well-being affects every aspect of a person’s life, including relationships, physical health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Through my personal experiences and the experiences, I have witnessed within families and communities, I have seen how unaddressed mental health struggles can deeply impact individuals and lead to long-term emotional and physical health challenges. This understanding is what inspired me to pursue my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Mental health plays a critical role in healthcare because the mind and body are deeply connected. Stress, anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, and emotional pain can overwhelm the body and contribute to physical illness and disease. Many individuals carry emotional burdens silently, often without the support or resources needed to process what they are experiencing. Over time, chronic stress and untreated mental health conditions can affect sleep, immune function, heart health, relationships, and daily functioning. I want to help individuals recognize that their mental and emotional health matters and deserves the same level of care and attention as their physical health. My passion for becoming a therapist comes from my desire to help create healthier individuals, families, and communities. I believe that healing often begins within the home and through meaningful human connection. Families and relationships shape how individuals view themselves, communicate with others, and navigate challenges throughout life. When there is unresolved trauma, conflict, stress, or emotional disconnection within a household, it can negatively impact everyone involved, especially children and adolescents. As an LMFT, I hope to support couples, families, and youth in building healthier relationships, improving communication, and creating emotionally safe home environments where healing and growth can take place. I am especially passionate about youth mental health and suicide prevention. Today, many young people are struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Social pressures, family stress, trauma, and the increasing challenges of modern life can leave youth feeling isolated and hopeless. I want to be a source of support and guidance for young people who may feel unseen or unheard. I believe early intervention, emotional support, and access to therapy can save lives and help youth develop healthy coping skills, confidence, and resilience. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by leading with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Women often play nurturing and supportive roles within families and communities, and I want to use those strengths to create safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. I want people to know that seeking help is not a weakness, but a courageous step toward healing and self-growth. I also hope to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in communities where therapy and emotional support may not always be openly discussed. Many individuals avoid seeking help because they fear being misunderstood or judged. By becoming a therapist, I want to advocate for greater awareness of mental health needs and encourage open conversations about emotional well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to help individuals heal through therapy, connection, and emotional support so they can live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I want to empower people to overcome challenges, strengthen their relationships, and recognize their value and potential. Through my work as a future LMFT, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that values both mental and physical wellness equally and helps create stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for the next generation.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is the relationship I have with my son. Becoming a single mother changed every part of who I am and completely transformed the way I view life, relationships, and my purpose. Through raising him, I have become more patient, compassionate, understanding, and gentle not only with him, but with everyone I encounter in life. I became responsible for nurturing, guiding, protecting, and loving another human being unconditionally. That responsibility pushed me to grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually in ways I never imagined possible. My son gave my life a deeper meaning and purpose that I had never experienced before. As a single parent, there have been many difficult moments. Balancing work, school, financial responsibilities, parenting, and daily life can often feel overwhelming. There are days filled with exhaustion, stress, and uncertainty, but my son has continuously reminded me why perseverance matters. Every sacrifice I make is rooted in my desire to create a stable, loving, and successful future for him. Watching him grow, learn, and trust me has motivated me to become the best version of myself, even during the hardest times. My relationship with my son has taught me patience in a way nothing else could. Children require understanding, consistency, and emotional presence. There have been moments where I had to slow down, listen more carefully, and respond with kindness instead of frustration. Through motherhood, I learned that people often need compassion more than criticism. This lesson has extended beyond parenting and into every relationship and interaction in my life. I have become more mindful of how others may be struggling silently and how important it is to lead with empathy and gentleness. Being a mother has also made me more understanding of the challenges other people face. Parenthood taught me that everyone is carrying unseen burdens, whether emotional, financial, or personal. As a result, I approach others with less judgment and more compassion. I recognize the importance of offering support, encouragement, and kindness because even small acts of care can make a significant difference in someone’s life. My son helped me realize that human connection is one of the most powerful tools we have to heal, grow, and create stronger communities. Most importantly, my son became the motivation behind pursuing my master’s degree. I want him to grow up seeing that hard work, perseverance, and education can create opportunities and positive change. I want him to witness resilience firsthand and understand that challenges do not define us. Instead, they can strengthen us and push us toward growth. Pursuing higher education as a single mother has not been easy, but my son gives me the determination to continue moving forward even when life feels difficult. My desire to help others also grew stronger through motherhood. Raising my son has shown me how deeply people need connection, support, and guidance in order to thrive. It inspired me to pursue a path where I can help individuals, families, and communities become healthier and more connected. I want to encourage others to heal, grow, and become the best versions of themselves because I understand how powerful love, understanding, and emotional support can be in shaping lives. I believe the future of our world depends on the relationships we build today. Children deserve to grow up in communities where people genuinely care for one another, where compassion is valued, and where emotional connection is prioritized over division and isolation. My son has inspired me to focus not only on creating a better future for him, but also on contributing to a brighter and more loving world for all children. I want to help create spaces where families feel supported, individuals feel understood, and communities become more united. Through my relationship with my son, I have learned that love is not simply something we feel; it is something we actively show through patience, sacrifice, understanding, and connection. He has shaped me into a stronger, kinder, and more purpose-driven person. Every challenge I have faced as a single mother has strengthened my determination to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Above all, my son taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and purpose. Because of him, I strive every day to live with compassion, work hard toward my goals, and help create a future filled with deeper connection, understanding, and hope for the next generation.

Cancer has had a profound impact on my family and has shaped who I am in ways I did not fully understand until I became older. At the age of seven, I lost my baby sister to cancer. At the time, I was only a little girl and could not truly comprehend the depth of the loss my family was experiencing. I remember confusion, sadness, and watching the people around me struggle with grief, but I did not yet understand how deeply the experience would affect my own mental and emotional health for years to come. As I grew older, I began to recognize that much of my anxiety, stress, and fear stemmed from losing my sister so early in life. Some of the trauma hid beneath my constant need to succeed and be the “perfect child” for my parents after they lost their baby girl. I carried an unspoken pressure to avoid causing additional pain or disappointment for my family. While I wanted to help bring happiness and stability back into our home, I now realize that I was also carrying emotional burdens that I did not know how to process as a child. One of the most emotional parts of my family’s experience was learning that my little sister likely saved my mother’s life. Doctors informed my mother that the cancer had attached itself to the fetus instead of spreading further through her body. While this knowledge brought a sense of gratitude, it also added another layer of heartbreak to our loss. Years later, my mother faced another difficult battle when she had to undergo a hysterectomy because cancerous tumors had formed in her uterus. The pain of losing a child and then being told she could no longer have another deeply affected my mother and our entire household. Watching her navigate grief, loss, and physical pain taught me how emotionally devastating cancer can be, not only for the individual diagnosed but for every family member involved. Although cancer brought unimaginable pain into our lives, it also taught us invaluable lessons. My family became incredibly close-knit because we learned firsthand how fragile and precious life truly is. We stopped taking time together for granted and became more intentional about supporting one another through difficult moments. Through grief, we discovered resilience. We learned that even in the face of tragedy, healing is possible when a family leans on one another with love, compassion, and understanding. This experience has strengthened me in every area of my life. It taught me empathy, emotional awareness, perseverance, and the importance of mental health support during times of crisis and loss. Looking back, I understand how important it is for families and children to have guidance and support while processing trauma. Losing my sister and witnessing my mother’s struggles inspired my passion for helping others navigate difficult experiences within their own families. These experiences are a major reason why I am pursuing a master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I want to support couples, families, and youth as they work through grief, trauma, anxiety, and life’s many challenges. I understand firsthand how deeply loss can affect a person and a family system, especially when those emotions remain unspoken for years. My goal is to provide others with the support, encouragement, and safe space that can help them heal and grow stronger together. While cancer changed my family forever, it also shaped me into the compassionate, resilient, and determined person I am today. It taught me that even through pain and loss, families can find strength, purpose, and hope.

As a single mother attending school full time, managing student loan debt has been one of the biggest challenges I face. I am committed to building a better future for myself and my child through education, but balancing school, parenting, housing costs, food expenses, transportation, and loan obligations often feels overwhelming. While I work hard to stay focused on my education, the financial stress that comes with trying to meet basic living expenses while also preparing for future student loan repayment creates constant pressure. Because I am raising my child on my own, every financial responsibility falls on me. Between rent, utilities, groceries, childcare, and other household necessities, there is very little left over each month. Attending school full time also limits the number of hours I can work, making it difficult to increase my income without affecting my academic performance or the time I need to care for my child. There are many moments where I have had to choose between paying for school-related expenses or covering basic needs for my family. The thought of accumulating additional student loan debt is stressful because I know repayment will begin shortly after graduation. Although I understand loans are an investment in my future, the growing balance adds anxiety to an already difficult situation. I want to graduate with as little debt as possible so I can provide stability for my child and avoid struggling financially for years after completing my degree. Additional financial assistance would significantly reduce the burden I currently carry. These funds would help me pay for necessities such as housing, food, school supplies, transportation, and childcare expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and my child’s well-being instead of constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Reducing the need to rely heavily on loans would also ease the emotional and financial stress that comes with knowing repayment obligations are growing every semester. Most importantly, this support would give me the opportunity to continue pursuing my education without sacrificing the quality of life and care I provide for my child. My goal is to create long-term financial stability for our future, and completing my education is the path toward achieving that. Any additional assistance would not only help relieve immediate financial strain but would also make a lasting difference in helping me graduate successfully and build a better future for my family. Thank you for your time.

My story has been shaped by loss, resilience, healing, and the determination to create a better future for both myself and my child. Experiencing the passing of my stepdad who raised me since I was 4 years old, due to alcohol abuse, has deeply affected me emotionally and mentally. Losing a parent changes your sense of stability and security, no matter your age. It created feelings of grief, sadness, loneliness, and at times confusion as I tried to process such a life-changing loss while continuing to manage responsibilities as a young single mother. There were moments when I felt emotionally overwhelmed and struggled with depression, especially while trying to stay strong for my child and continue moving forward in life. In addition to losing my step dad, the loss of my best friend to suicide after serving in the military added another layer of grief and trauma to my life. Navigating these experiences forced me to confront difficult emotions that I had often tried to suppress, including anger, hopelessness, fear, and emotional exhaustion. However, these experiences also taught me valuable lessons about myself. I learned that I am far stronger and more resilient than I once believed. I discovered the importance of vulnerability, emotional healing, and asking for support when needed. Most importantly, I learned that pain can either break a person or become the motivation to create purpose and positive change. Meditation and journaling have both played an important role in my healing journey. Journaling gave me a safe space to release emotions I struggled to express out loud. Writing helped me process grief, organize my thoughts, reflect on my growth, and recognize patterns in my emotions. It became a form of emotional release and self-reflection that helped me feel less overwhelmed during difficult moments. Meditation also helped me learn how to slow down mentally and emotionally. It allowed me to become more present, reduce stress, and manage anxiety in healthier ways. Both practices helped me build emotional awareness and inner peace while navigating grief, motherhood, education, and personal healing. My desire to continue my education comes from both personal passion and purpose. I am pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist because I want to help youth and families who are struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, grief, and difficult life experiences. I know firsthand how important emotional support and healthy environments are for individuals and families. I want to be part of creating healthier homes and communities where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal. Education represents opportunity, growth, and the ability to create generational change for my child and future generations. The biggest influences in my life are my child, my late loved ones, and individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others heal and grow. My child motivates me every day to continue pushing forward despite obstacles, because I want to build a stable and meaningful future for us both. I am also inspired by mental health advocates, therapists, and community leaders who work to break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within communities of color. Their work reminds me that compassion, education, and advocacy can truly change lives and strengthen communities. Through every hardship I have faced, I have learned that healing is possible, and I hope to use my experiences to help others find hope, healing, and resilience within themselves as well.

As an African American single mom pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep desire to create positive change within my community. Balancing motherhood, education, work, and personal growth has not always been easy, but each challenge has strengthened my determination to help others heal and thrive. My experiences have taught me the importance of support systems, healthy communication, emotional well-being, and safe home environments, especially for youth and families facing mental health struggles. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my medical and mental health career by supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. Today’s youth are facing an overwhelming mental health crisis that affects not only their emotional stability but also their physical health, academic success, relationships, and overall quality of life. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and unhealthy home dynamics can deeply affect the body, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences. I believe that when families are given the proper tools, support, and guidance to heal mentally and emotionally, they can also become physically healthier and stronger together. My goal as a future Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is to help create healthier homes where children feel safe, heard, valued, and supported. Strong families build strong communities. By helping parents and youth improve communication, emotional regulation, coping skills, and healthy lifestyle habits, I hope to contribute to safer communities with fewer cycles of trauma, violence, neglect, and emotional suffering. Mental health care is not just about treating problems, it is about empowering individuals and families to build healthier futures. What inspires me to keep going every day is my child and the vision I have for the future. As a mother, I want to show my child the value of perseverance, education, compassion, and service to others. I want them to see that difficult circumstances do not define a person’s future and that it is possible to overcome obstacles while still helping others along the way. My passion for helping youth and families comes from understanding how important it is for people to feel supported, especially during difficult times. Sometimes one caring person, one safe space, or one conversation can completely change the direction of someone’s life. I am committed to becoming a therapist who not only listens but truly advocates for healing, understanding, and growth. Through my education and future career, I hope to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage families to seek support without shame or fear. I believe healing begins within the home, and by helping families strengthen their relationships and emotional well-being, we can create healthier minds, healthier lifestyles, and ultimately healthier communities for future generations.

My experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. One of the most life-changing moments in my life was losing my best friend, who served in the military and later died by suicide after leaving the service. As a young single mother of color, that loss deeply affected me and changed the way I viewed mental health, trauma, and the silent struggles so many people carry every day. Grief consumed me, and I found myself battling depression while also trying to remain strong for my child and continue moving forward in life. At the time, I did not fully understand how deeply trauma and mental health challenges could impact every area of a person’s life. I learned firsthand how emotional pain can affect your physical health, relationships, motivation, and overall sense of hope. There were days when simply getting through daily responsibilities felt overwhelming. As a single mother, I carried the pressure of trying to heal while also being emotionally present for my child. That uphill battle forced me to confront my own pain, seek healing, and develop resilience in ways I never expected. Although it was one of the darkest periods of my life, it also became the foundation for my purpose. My experience gave me a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, grief, and emotional instability. I began to realize how many youth and families suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of support, cultural barriers, or limited access to mental health care. I also recognized how unresolved trauma and untreated mental health issues can affect entire families and communities for generations. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in mental health as a future Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I want to help youth and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and difficult life experiences create healthier and more hopeful outcomes for their lives. I especially want to support young people who may feel unseen, unheard, or emotionally overwhelmed, because I understand how important it is to have someone who truly listens and cares. My relationships and understanding of the world have also changed because of my experiences. I have become more compassionate, patient, and intentional in the way I connect with others. I no longer assume that someone’s struggles are visible on the surface, because I know many people fight silent battles every day. I have learned the importance of emotional support, community, and creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear or judgment. Ultimately, my experiences taught me that healing is possible, even after deep pain and loss. They showed me the importance of mental health advocacy, especially within underserved communities and communities of color where mental health is often overlooked. My goal is to use both my personal experiences and professional education to help families heal, strengthen relationships, and build healthier homes and communities. I believe that when individuals receive the support they need emotionally and mentally, it creates a ripple effect that leads to safer, healthier, and more connected communities for future generations.

As a single mother pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep desire to create positive change within my community. Balancing motherhood, education, work, and personal growth has not always been easy, but each challenge has strengthened my determination to help others heal and thrive. My experiences have taught me the importance of support systems, healthy communication, emotional well-being, and safe home environments, especially for youth and families facing mental health struggles. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my medical and mental health career by supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. Today’s youth are facing an overwhelming mental health crisis that affects not only their emotional stability but also their physical health, academic success, relationships, and overall quality of life. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and unhealthy home dynamics can deeply affect the body, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences. I believe that when families are given the proper tools, support, and guidance to heal mentally and emotionally, they can also become physically healthier and stronger together. My goal as a future Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is to help create healthier homes where children feel safe, heard, valued, and supported. Strong families build strong communities. By helping parents and youth improve communication, emotional regulation, coping skills, and healthy lifestyle habits, I hope to contribute to safer communities with fewer cycles of trauma, violence, neglect, and emotional suffering. Mental health care is not just about treating problems, it is about empowering individuals and families to build healthier futures. What inspires me to keep going every day is my child and the vision I have for the future. As a mother, I want to show my child the value of perseverance, education, compassion, and service to others. I want them to see that difficult circumstances do not define a person’s future and that it is possible to overcome obstacles while still helping others along the way. My passion for helping youth and families comes from understanding how important it is for people to feel supported, especially during difficult times. Sometimes one caring person, one safe space, or one conversation can completely change the direction of someone’s life. I am committed to becoming a therapist who not only listens but truly advocates for healing, understanding, and growth. Through my education and future career, I hope to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage families to seek support without shame or fear. I believe healing begins within the home, and by helping families strengthen their relationships and emotional well-being, we can create healthier minds, healthier lifestyles, and ultimately healthier communities for future generations.

Becoming a mother at a young age transformed my life in ways that were both unexpected and deeply defining. At a time when many people are still discovering who they are, I was faced with the responsibility of raising a child and building a future not just for myself, but for my son. As a single mother of color with limited financial resources and little to no support, I quickly learned that I could not afford to be passive about my life. Every decision I made carried weight. Every step forward required intention. What could have been a story defined by limitation instead became a story driven by purpose. My son became my reason to push beyond fear, beyond doubt, and beyond the circumstances that surrounded me. My journey has included challenges that tested me in ways I never anticipated. I experienced an abusive relationship that impacted my sense of safety, my confidence, and my emotional well-being. Leaving that environment was not simple, it required strength, planning, and the willingness to walk into the unknown for the sake of both myself and my child. In the aftermath, I was left to rebuild my life from a place of instability while still showing up every day as a mother. There were moments of exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty, but I refused to allow those moments to define my future. Instead, they became the foundation for my resilience. I learned how to advocate for myself, how to create boundaries, and how to begin healing while still moving forward. Education became my pathway to transformation. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood, financial strain, and emotional recovery, I made the decision to return to school. I started by earning my associate’s degree, an accomplishment that represented far more than academic success. It symbolized my refusal to give up, even when the odds felt stacked against me. I continued on to complete my bachelor’s degree, all while raising my son and managing the responsibilities of a single-parent household. There were nights when I studied after he went to sleep, days when I pushed through exhaustion to attend classes or complete assignments, and moments when I questioned how I would make it through, but I did. Each milestone I reached was a reminder that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing forward despite it. As a mother raising a young boy, my experiences have also shaped how I view the world and my role within it. I am not only responsible for meeting his physical needs, but also for nurturing his emotional growth, his sense of identity, and his understanding of what it means to overcome adversity. I am raising him to understand strength not as dominance, but as compassion, accountability, and integrity. My journey has made me deeply aware of the systems and barriers that impact families like mine, especially families of color, and it has fueled my desire to be part of meaningful change. I want my son to grow up seeing that challenges do not define us, but how we respond to them can shape our future in powerful ways. These lived experiences have directly influenced my aspiration to pursue a master’s degree. My goal is to support youth, families, and communities who are navigating challenges such as trauma, poverty, and lack of access to resources. I have seen firsthand how these barriers can impact not only individuals, but entire family systems. I want to be in a position where I can advocate for others, provide support, and contribute to creating environments where children and families feel seen, heard, and valued. My experiences allow me to bring a level of empathy, cultural awareness, and authenticity to this work that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. I understand what it feels like to struggle, to rebuild, and to fight for a better future, and I want to use that understanding to uplift others. Pursuing a master’s degree is not just a personal goal; it is a commitment to breaking cycles and creating new possibilities. It represents the next step in a journey that has already required significant sacrifice, determination, and perseverance. However, as a single mother with limited financial resources, the cost of continuing my education presents a real challenge. Balancing tuition, living expenses, and the needs of my child is something I navigate daily, and it often requires difficult choices. This is why scholarships like this one are so important. They do more than provide financial relief, they create opportunity. They make it possible for individuals like me to continue moving forward without being forced to pause or give up due to financial barriers. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and my professional development, while also continuing to provide stability for my son. It would reduce the financial strain that comes with pursuing higher education and give me the ability to invest my time and energy into becoming the best version of myself, both as a student and as a future professional serving my community. More importantly, it would serve as a powerful reminder that my journey matters, that my resilience is seen, and that my goals are within reach. My story is not one of perfection, but of perseverance. It is a story of overcoming adversity, of choosing growth even when it is difficult, and of refusing to allow circumstances to define my future. As a young mother, I was faced with challenges that could have easily limited my potential. Instead, those challenges became the foundation for my strength, my purpose, and my aspirations. I am committed to continuing my education, not only for myself, but for my son and for the countless individuals and families I hope to support in the future. This scholarship would be an investment not just in my education, but in the impact I am determined to make in the world.