Growing up, I often felt I had to hide parts of myself to fit in. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it took time to embrace my identity fully, but once I did, I realized the power that comes from being true to who you are. This journey of self-discovery and acceptance has deeply influenced my passions and goals, especially how I want to use my voice and platform to create positive change in the world. My biggest passions are advocacy, particularly mental health and LGBTQIA+ issues. I’ve faced challenges in these areas, and I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to navigate them alone. That’s why I’m committed to using my experiences to help others who might be going through similar struggles. I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive society by sharing our stories and advocating for change. The money from this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me carry on Coco’s legacy, which I interpret as one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering support for those who need it most. With this financial support, I could continue my education without the constant stress of making ends meet, allowing me to focus more on my studies and advocacy work. I plan to pursue a degree in Communications, Culture, and Media, which I believe will equip me with the tools I need to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and challenge the narratives that contribute to their exclusion. This scholarship would also allow me to dedicate more time to community initiatives that align with Coco’s legacy. I want to create content that raises awareness about mental health and LGBTQIA+ issues and provides resources and support to those who need it. My goal is to build a platform where people feel seen, heard, and understood and can find the help they need to navigate their challenges. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has taught me the importance of representation and visibility. It has shown me how powerful it can be to see someone who looks like you, shares your experiences, and thrives despite the obstacles they’ve faced. I want to be that person for others. I want to show that it’s possible to overcome adversity, embrace who you are, and use your experiences to make a difference in the world. In summary, my passion for advocacy and my commitment to creating change are deeply rooted in my own experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to continue my education and advocacy work, helping me to carry on Coco’s legacy by making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am dedicated to using my voice and platform to create a more inclusive and supportive society, and with your help, I believe I can make that vision a reality.

My ability to navigate challenges with resilience, inspire others through action, and foster a sense of community and support makes me a leader. My journey has been shaped by personal experiences that have honed my leadership skills, demonstrating that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about understanding and addressing the needs of those around us. One of the defining moments in my leadership development came during the pandemic when I faced the dual challenge of working full-time while attending community college. With my family’s financial stability severely impacted, I found myself in a position where I needed to support myself completely. Balancing a demanding job with full-time coursework was overwhelming, but it was also an opportunity for growth. I developed a rigorous schedule, honed my time management skills, and learned the importance of perseverance. This intense period of effort has taught me that leadership often involves leading by example, staying committed to one's goals, and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. In addition to these personal challenges, my experiences have shaped my approach to leadership in more communal contexts. Growing up in a family of circus performers, I learned the value of teamwork and mutual support early on. The circus was not just a job but a community where each person’s role was crucial to the success of the performance. This experience instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to others and the importance of collaboration. Another critical aspect of my leadership is my commitment to mental health advocacy, influenced by personal experiences and my background as an LGBTQ+ individual. My journey with mental health has given me insight into the importance of creating inclusive spaces where people feel safe to express their struggles. Following the tragic loss of a family member to suicide in 2023, I became even more passionate about advocating for mental health awareness. I started using my platform to share my experiences, encourage open discussions about mental health, and support others facing similar challenges. This has been a powerful way to lead by example, showing that vulnerability and empathy are strengths that can inspire others and foster a supportive community. As a Communications, Culture, and Media major, I aim to leverage media for positive change. I believe effective leadership involves using one’s skills and platform to address pressing issues and create opportunities for others. I aim to contribute to a more empathetic and understanding society by focusing on mental health advocacy and promoting inclusivity through media. My leadership is driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact through direct action and empowering others to share their stories and find their voices. In summary, what makes me a leader is my ability to overcome personal and professional challenges with resilience, my commitment to fostering community support, and my dedication to advocacy. My experiences have taught me that leadership is about guiding others and understanding their needs, creating inclusive spaces, and using one’s skills to drive positive change. This scholarship will support my continued growth as a leader, allowing me to further my education and expand my efforts in advocacy and community-building.

Writing this essay has been an emotional journey, dredging up a flood of memories and feelings I’ve tried to process. Reflecting on my grandmother’s terminal illness and the impact it had on my life brings tears to my eyes and makes this task particularly challenging. In 2021, my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The news was devastating, not just for me but for my entire family. Watching someone who was once full of life and joy—someone who brought so much love and warmth into our lives—decline so rapidly was heart-wrenching. She was in hospice care at home, and we all took turns caring for her, trying to make her comfortable in her final days. Seeing her go from being a vibrant, active person to someone who was confined to bed, suffering so much, was a painful experience that has left a lasting mark on me. The impact of her illness on my education was profound. The emotional and mental strain of caregiving and processing my grief made it nearly impossible to focus on my studies. This struggle led me to take a gap year, a decision that allowed me to prioritize my mental health and come to terms with my loss. It was a period of deep reflection and healing as I worked to regain my strength and find my footing again. During this time, I was forced to confront my limits and learn how to navigate my grief while trying to move forward. The gap year was not just a break from academia but a crucial time for personal growth and recovery. I needed to understand and manage my emotions, and it was a year spent slowly rebuilding my sense of normalcy and purpose. The experience has significantly shaped my educational and career aspirations. The period of caregiving and grief has fostered a deep sense of empathy and a strong desire to positively impact my community. I am now pursuing a degree in Communications, Culture, and Media to use my platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support. My experiences have given me a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate communication and the media's role in addressing societal issues. Receiving this scholarship is crucial to achieving my goals. Financial support would alleviate the burdens of tuition and other educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and advocacy work. It would enable me to engage more deeply in my coursework, participate in relevant internships, and contribute to initiatives that support mental health and inclusivity. This scholarship is not just financial aid; it is an investment in my ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, drawing from my personal experiences to foster understanding and support. In summary, the impact of my grandmother’s terminal illness and the subsequent gap year have been pivotal in shaping who I am today. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to making a difference through my chosen field of Communications. This scholarship represents a vital step toward continuing my education and using my voice to advocate for issues that matter deeply to me, ensuring that I can contribute positively to my community and beyond.

One of the most significant impacts on my life has been my struggle with mental health, particularly marked by a tragic event in 2023 when my third cousin committed suicide. This loss, combined with my ongoing battle with depression and my experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual, has underscored the critical need for mental health awareness and support. Growing up in Mexico, mental health was rarely discussed. My Mexican heritage taught me resilience but also included cultural norms that stigmatized mental health issues. As an LGBTQ+ person, reconciling my identity with societal expectations was a constant challenge, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety. When my family moved back to the U.S. at twelve, I faced new challenges. Learning English and adapting to a new culture was overwhelming. The language barrier, combined with my LGBTQ+ identity, made fitting in academically and socially a struggle. High school was tough. Balancing academic pressures with depression was exhausting. My mental health made daily tasks feel insurmountable, and staying motivated was a constant challenge. My cousin’s suicide was a harsh reminder of how severe mental health issues can be, pushing me to confront my struggles more directly. Attending therapy and addressing my depression became crucial steps in my journey. This period of emotional strain they spurred me into mental health advocacy. I recognized the need for open, supportive conversations about mental health, especially within communities that often avoid these discussions. My experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual further fueled my passion for advocating inclusive mental health support. I engaged in community initiatives, using my story to help others feel less alone. As a Communications, Culture, and Media major, my career goals are tied to mental health advocacy. I believe media can amplify diverse voices and challenge stereotypes. I aim to use my education to advocate for better mental health resources and support systems. Receiving this scholarship would be vital in helping me achieve these goals. It would ease the financial burden of tuition and other expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy work. This support would enable me to engage fully in my coursework, participate in internships, and contribute more effectively to community initiatives. In summary, my journey through grief, mental health struggles, and LGBTQ+ experiences has profoundly shaped my aspirations. These experiences highlight the importance of addressing mental health openly and inclusively. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it is essential support for continuing my education and advancing my commitment to mental health advocacy, enabling me to impact my community positively.

Born in California to Mexican parents and raised in Mexico, my journey as a first-generation student has been deeply influenced by a blend of cultural heritage and personal challenges. Moving back to the U.S. at twelve years old was a pivotal moment that shaped my educational and career aspirations. My background has taught me resilience, and receiving financial support like this scholarship is crucial for achieving my goals. Growing up in Mexico, my family’s work as circus performers defined our lifestyle. The circus was more than a job; it was a way of life emphasizing creativity, community, and adaptability. My parents, with their Mexican roots, instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of resilience. However, relocating to Texas presented significant challenges. One major hurdle was learning English. Spanish had been my primary language, and adapting to an American school system that relied on English was daunting. The language barrier made me feel isolated and out of place, and what was once a space of curiosity and learning became a source of anxiety. I had to navigate new academic and social expectations while bridging the gap between my old life in Mexico and my new one in the U.S. Determined to overcome these obstacles, I adopted a proactive approach to improving my English. I spent extra time studying, sought help from teachers, and practiced speaking English whenever possible. Engaging in community activities and making English-speaking friends were also crucial to my progress. My language skills gradually improved, and my confidence in academic and social settings grew. These experiences have significantly influenced my educational and career goals. They have made me acutely aware of the barriers faced by many students from marginalized backgrounds, particularly those related to language and financial instability. My journey has fueled my passion for advocacy, leading me to pursue a Communications, Culture, and Media degree. Media can be a powerful tool for amplifying diverse voices, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity. I want to use my education to advocate for mental health awareness and educational equity, leveraging my experiences to support others facing similar challenges. Financial challenges have been a significant aspect of my journey. Balancing a full-time job while attending community college and managing economic constraints has been demanding. I have worked tirelessly to support myself, sometimes making it difficult to focus entirely on my studies. This scholarship represents more than just financial aid; it is a crucial resource that will ease some of the financial burdens and allow me to concentrate on my academic and career goals without constant worry about making ends meet. This scholarship will provide essential support for tuition and other educational expenses, enabling me to engage fully in my studies and take advantage of opportunities at NYU. It will allow me to immerse myself in my coursework, participate in internships, and engage in extracurricular activities crucial to my development. Additionally, this financial support will help me contribute more meaningfully to community efforts, using my platform to advocate for those who face similar challenges. In summary, my journey from California to Mexico and back to the U.S., along with my Mexican heritage, has been marked by significant challenges and personal growth. Overcoming language barriers and financial hardships has shaped my educational and career aspirations, instilling a deep commitment to advocacy and inclusivity. This scholarship is not just financial assistance but a vital component of my path forward, providing the support needed to achieve my goals and continue positively impacting my community.

Success is not just about achieving conventional markers of accomplishment, such as financial gain or professional titles. It’s about evolving, aligning my career with my core values, and making a meaningful difference in the world around me. To truly understand what success means, I must reflect on how these elements intertwine and how this opportunity can help me achieve them. First and foremost, personal growth is at the heart of my definition of success. I believe that life is a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. Success means striving to improve myself each year, pushing my boundaries, and embracing new challenges. This involves a commitment to academic excellence, exploring new interests, and developing resilience. During the pandemic, balancing a full-time job with full-time community college coursework tested my limits and taught me invaluable lessons in time management, discipline, and perseverance. Despite the overwhelming pressure, this experience reinforced my belief in the importance of personal growth. Attending NYU represents a significant opportunity to further my education in an environment rich with resources and diverse perspectives. This scholarship is vital for making the most of this opportunity. It will alleviate financial stress, allowing me to fully engage in my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and take advantage of the academic resources available. By focusing on my personal development without the constant worry of financial constraints, I can work towards becoming the best version of myself. Professionally, success means finding a fulfilling career aligned with my values. I am passionate about communications, culture, and media and envision a job where I can use my skills to advocate for causes I care about, such as mental health awareness and inclusivity. This scholarship is crucial for helping me achieve this career goal. With financial support, I can dedicate myself fully to my studies and gain valuable experiences through internships and other opportunities. NYU offers a unique platform for me to build the knowledge and connections necessary to succeed in my chosen field. The scholarship will enable me to take full advantage of these opportunities without financial stress. By supporting my educational journey, this scholarship will help me lay a strong foundation for a career that excites me and allows me to impact my field positively. In addition to personal and professional achievements, my success involves giving back to my community. My experiences with financial hardship and mental health challenges have deepened my empathy and commitment to supporting others. True success is about using my experiences to help those facing similar struggles. Whether through community initiatives, advocacy, or simply supporting those in need, I am driven by the desire to make a positive difference. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on giving back by providing the financial stability needed to pursue my education and engage in community efforts. With this support, I plan to be more involved in initiatives that promote mental health awareness and inclusivity and to use my platform to advocate for marginalized communities. The scholarship will enable me to dedicate time and resources to these efforts, amplifying my ability to contribute meaningfully to my community. The financial support from this scholarship is especially significant, given my current circumstances. I continue to support myself fully and have faced numerous financial challenges, including taking several gap years due to economic constraints. The pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to afford the costs of pursuing a four-year degree, and this scholarship would provide crucial relief. It will help cover tuition and other expenses, easing the financial burden and allowing me to concentrate on my studies and career goals. By reducing the need for additional loans and minimizing financial stress, this scholarship will enable me to focus on what truly matters: excelling academically, building a fulfilling career, and positively impacting my community. In summary, success is about continuous personal growth, finding a career aligned with my values, and making a meaningful contribution to others. This scholarship is an essential step toward realizing these goals. It will provide the financial support needed to pursue my education at NYU, allowing me to immerse myself in my studies, engage in valuable experiences, and contribute to my community. With this opportunity, I can turn my aspirations into reality and work towards creating a better future for myself and those around me. This scholarship represents financial aid and a significant investment in my journey to becoming a more capable, fulfilled, and impactful individual.

Life is about growing into a better version of yourself with each passing year. To ensure that my future self has a fulfilling and successful life, I’m making three key promises: to keep growing personally, to manage my finances wisely, and to build strong relationships. This scholarship is essential for helping me honor these promises and achieve my educational goals. First and foremost, I promise to stay committed to personal growth. This means constantly pushing myself to learn more and improve academically and emotionally. I’m dedicated to excelling in my studies, taking on new challenges, and being resilient in the face of setbacks. The support from this scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure I’m under, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and personal development. It would enable me to engage more deeply with my coursework and activities, helping me build the skills and knowledge I need for the future. Secondly, I pledge to handle my finances responsibly. Having faced financial struggles, especially during the pandemic, I understand the importance of managing money carefully. I’m committed to budgeting wisely and avoiding unnecessary debt. This scholarship would ease some of the financial strain, helping me to manage educational expenses better and reducing the need for additional loans. With this support, I could focus more on my education and less on financial worries. Lastly, I promise to invest in meaningful relationships. Building and maintaining strong connections with family, friends, mentors, and colleagues is crucial for personal satisfaction and professional success. I want to surround myself with people who support and inspire me and, in turn, be there for them. This scholarship would help me participate more fully in the educational community at NYU, allowing me to network and forge valuable relationships that will support my growth and career goals. My current financial situation makes this scholarship especially important. I support myself entirely and have had to take several gap years due to financial constraints. The pandemic’s economic impact has made it even harder to afford a four-year degree. This scholarship would make a significant difference by covering part of my tuition and easing my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and make the most of my time at NYU. In short, I hope to create a better future by focusing on personal growth, financial responsibility, and building solid relationships. This scholarship is vital to that plan, providing the financial support I need to pursue my education and achieve my goals. With this help, I can stay focused on my studies, manage my finances effectively, and build meaningful connections that will contribute to my success and well-being.

During the pandemic, I encountered a significant challenge that tested my resilience and independence: working full-time while attending community college. This period was marked by substantial hardship as my parents, who had always been my primary support system, faced severe financial strain due to the economic downturn. The experience shaped my approach to life and influenced how I embody Agape love and give back to my community. The onset of the pandemic brought unforeseen financial difficulties for my family. My parents, who had been able to provide support previously, found themselves in a precarious financial situation due to job losses and economic instability. With their inability to contribute financially, I was thrust into the daunting task of supporting myself while pursuing my education. Balancing a full-time job with full-time community college coursework was an overwhelming challenge. Each day felt like a juggling act as I navigated the demands of my career, attended classes, and completed assignments. The weight of responsibilities often felt nearly unbearable, and the pressure to excel academically while ensuring financial stability seemed insurmountable. Despite these challenges, I remained resolute in my determination to succeed. I developed a rigorous schedule to manage my time effectively, prioritizing my responsibilities and ensuring I met deadlines at work and in my studies. This period of intense effort has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, discipline, and perseverance. I learned to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and to maintain a positive outlook even when faced with adversity. The experience of working full-time while attending school also deepened my sense of independence. I realized that I had to rely on my resources and skills to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. This newfound independence was empowering and humbling, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and resilience in navigating life's challenges. To this day, I continue to fully support myself. The financial strain has necessitated taking several gap years, further delaying my educational goals. I am currently at risk of not attending the four-year school I was admitted to due to my inability to afford its costs. This ongoing challenge underscores the financial pressures I continue to face and their impact on my educational aspirations. Embodying Agape love, characterized by selfless and unconditional love, has been a guiding principle throughout this journey. My experiences with hardship have fueled my desire to support and uplift others facing similar struggles. I found ways to give back to my community by assisting students and colleagues during difficult times. Whether by providing study support, sharing resources, or simply offering a listening ear, I aimed to extend the same empathy and understanding that had helped me through my challenges. Additionally, my commitment to giving back was reflected in my involvement with community initiatives focused on supporting individuals impacted by financial hardship. I participated in local programs that assisted those in need, recognizing the vital importance of community support during times of crisis. By contributing to these efforts, I hoped to make a positive impact and demonstrate to others that they were not alone in their struggles. This period of hardship and independence not only strengthened my resolve but also reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. It taught me the value of empathy

Growing up in a circus family in Mexico, I experienced a unique upbringing filled with creativity and community but also significant pressure. The transient and demanding nature of circus life, combined with the cultural expectations of my Mexican heritage, often made me feel torn between conflicting worlds. When my family moved to California, the added challenge of adjusting to a new culture intensified my anxiety. As a first-generation American and college student, I felt immense pressure to succeed for myself and my family and community. This pressure, coupled with my struggles with identity as a Latino and LGBTQ+ individual, led to a period of intense self-doubt and anxiety. During high school, my anxiety became more acute. Constant worry, racing thoughts, and a pervasive fear of failure overwhelmed me, leading to feelings of isolation. I initially kept my struggles private due to the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within Latino communities. However, seeking therapy was a crucial step toward understanding and managing my anxiety. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, and asking for help is courageous. This shift in mindset was transformative, improving my mental health and my perception of myself and my surroundings. My experiences with anxiety have reshaped my beliefs about mental health. I now recognize the importance of mental health awareness and advocate for creating environments where people feel safe to express their struggles without judgment. The stigma surrounding mental health, especially in marginalized communities, highlights the need for greater awareness and supportive practices. I have come to understand that mental health is a societal issue as well as an individual one, necessitating advocacy for policies and practices that support overall well-being. These experiences have also had a significant impact on my relationships. Before addressing my mental health, I often kept my struggles to myself, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness. Opening up about my experiences and seeking support allowed my relationships to deepen and become more meaningful. I learned that genuine connections are built on authenticity and vulnerability, and sharing our struggles can foster closer bonds with others. My support from family, friends, and mentors during my lowest moments has reinforced my belief in the importance of community and connection. It has also made me more empathetic and understanding of others' struggles. Pursuing a college degree is crucial to me for several reasons. As a Communications, Culture, and Media major at NYU, I am passionate about using media to promote mental health awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes. The media has a powerful influence on public perception, and I believe it can be a force for positive change in the conversation around mental health. My platform on TikTok, where I have 30,000 followers, has become a space to share my journey and encourage others to prioritize their mental well-being. Looking ahead, I aspire to work in PR and social media, where I can create campaigns that promote mental health awareness and advocate for inclusive, supportive environments. I want to use my communication skills to tell stories that resonate, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. My goal is to contribute to a media landscape that is diverse, compassionate, and empathetic. In summary, my experience with anxiety has profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has underscored the importance of mental health and motivated me to pursue a college degree to advocate for inclusivity and support within the media industry. This scholarship would enable me to continue my education and advance my goal of contributing to a society where mental health is prioritized, and everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, a foundational text in Stoic philosophy: The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore, guard accordingly and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. As you have the power over your mind, please do not allow it to be overwhelmed by false judgments, nor let the chaos of external events overcome it. Instead, direct it consistently towards the truths of rational understanding and let it be continually trained in the principles of justice, temperance, and wisdom. When you possess these virtues within yourself, you will find that your happiness is enduring and independent of external circumstances."** Essay: The Stoic Pursuit of Happiness in Marcus Aurelius' “Meditations” Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, offers profound insights into the nature of happiness in his seminal work, *Meditations*. The selected passage reflects the core tenets of Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the relationship between internal thoughts and external happiness. Aurelius argues that true happiness is rooted in the quality of one's thoughts and adherence to virtues rather than being swayed by external events or circumstances. This essay explores the underlying meaning of this passage, examining how Aurelius' views on thought management, virtue, and rational understanding contribute to a Stoic conception of happiness. In this passage, Marcus Aurelius advocates cultivating virtuous thoughts as the foundation for stable and enduring happiness. He posits that happiness is not a product of external factors but is determined by one's internal mind and adherence to virtue. Aurelius' assertion highlights the Stoic belief that control over one's internal responses and alignment with rational principles are crucial to genuine contentment. Aurelius emphasizes that "the happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." This assertion underscores a fundamental Stoic principle: that our internal state shapes our experience of the world. Unlike Epicureanism, which posits pleasure as the ultimate good, Stoicism focuses on the quality of one’s inner life as the determinant of happiness. For Aurelius, the mind is a powerful entity that fosters tranquility or chaos. Then, the quality of one's thoughts is crucial because it dictates how one interprets and responds to external events. The Stoic practice of mindfulness and cognitive discipline is central here. Aurelius advocates for vigilance over one’s thoughts, suggesting that they should be scrutinized for their alignment with virtue and reason. This practice involves rejecting false judgments and harmful beliefs that distort one’s perception of reality. By maintaining a disciplined and rational mindset, individuals can achieve inner peace that remains unaffected by the tumultuous nature of external circumstances. Aurelius' call to "entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature" reflects the Stoic emphasis on ethical living. In Stoicism, virtue is considered the highest good, and living by virtue is essential for attaining happiness. The four cardinal virtues—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—are integral to this philosophy. The passage suggests that happiness is closely linked to the practice of these virtues. By focusing on virtues, individuals align themselves with rational nature and cultivate a character that supports inner peace. For Aurelius, living virtuously means adhering to principles of justice, temperance, and wisdom, leading to a harmonious and contented life. This perspective challenges the conventional view that happiness depends on external achievements or material success. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of internal moral development. Aurelius emphasizes the importance of directing the mind towards "the truths of rational understanding" and training it in the principles of virtue. This focus on rational understanding is a hallmark of Stoic philosophy, which values reason as the guiding principle of a well-lived life. By cultivating rationality, individuals can better navigate the complexities of existence and maintain a steady course toward ethical and emotional stability. The idea of having power over one’s mind highlights the Stoic belief in self-control and personal agency. Aurelius suggests that individuals should not be overwhelmed by external events or false judgments. Instead, they should exercise their rational capacity to interpret and respond to situations in a manner consistent with virtue. This control over one’s internal responses is crucial for maintaining tranquility and avoiding the negative impacts of external chaos. Aurelius' assertion that happiness is "both enduring and independent of external circumstances" encapsulates the Stoic ideal of unshakable inner contentment. According to Stoicism, external events are beyond our control, but our reactions to them are within our power. By focusing on internal virtues and maintaining a rational mindset, individuals can achieve a state of happiness that is not dependent on the fluctuating nature of external circumstances. This perspective encourages individuals to shift their focus from external sources of happiness, such as wealth, fame, or social approval, to internal sources, such as ethical living and self-mastery. Aurelius' approach promotes a form of happiness that is resilient and sustainable because it is rooted in one’s character and principles rather than in transient external factors. Marcus Aurelius' passage from Meditations offers a profound exploration of the relationship between thought quality, virtue, and happiness. By advocating for the cultivation of virtuous thoughts and rational understanding, Aurelius presents a Stoic vision of happiness grounded in internal control and ethical living. His insights challenge conventional notions of happiness based on external achievements and emphasize the importance of inner resilience and moral integrity. Through this lens, Aurelius' teachings provide valuable guidance for achieving a lasting and meaningful sense of contentment. By aligning one's thoughts and actions with virtue, individuals can attain an enduring state of happiness that is independent of external circumstances. Aurelius’ philosophy offers a timeless approach to finding inner peace and fulfillment in a world of uncertainty and change.

My journey with mental health has been a transformative experience, profoundly influencing my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Navigating the complexities of anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressures that come with being a first-generation American and college student has given me a unique perspective on the importance of mental well-being. It has also inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for mental health awareness and inclusivity, particularly within marginalized communities. Growing up in a family of circus performers in Mexico, my childhood was anything but conventional. The circus was our life, and while it provided a rich cultural backdrop filled with creativity, performance, and community, it also came with its own set of challenges. The circus lifestyle is transient and unpredictable, and the pressure to perform at a young age was immense. As I balanced my family's expectations with the cultural norms of my Mexican upbringing, I often felt caught between two worlds. When my family moved to California, I faced the added challenge of adjusting to a new culture and environment. Being a first-generation American meant I had to navigate the educational system, societal expectations, and cultural differences mainly on my own. As a first-generation college student, I felt an enormous pressure to succeed, not just for myself but for my family and community. This pressure, combined with my internal struggles with identity and belonging as a Latino and LGBTQ+ individual, led to a period of intense anxiety and self-doubt. During high school, I began to experience the symptoms of anxiety more acutely. The constant worry, racing thoughts, and fear of failure became overwhelming. I felt isolated, as though no one else could understand my unique challenges. It was during this time that I realized the importance of mental health and the need to address it proactively. Seeking help was not easy—there is often a stigma associated with mental health in Latino communities—but I knew that I couldn’t continue to ignore what I was going through. My decision to seek therapy was one of the most important steps I’ve taken in my life. Through treatment, I began to understand the root causes of my anxiety and learned strategies to manage it. I also began to challenge the beliefs that had contributed to my mental health struggles. I knew that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength and that asking for help is a sign of courage. This shift in mindset was transformative, not just for my mental health, but for how I viewed myself and the world around me. These experiences have profoundly shaped my beliefs. I now believe in the power of mental health awareness and the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to express their struggles without fear of judgment. I also believe in the necessity of breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health, especially within communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community. My experiences have taught me that mental health is not just an individual issue but a societal one and that it is crucial to advocate for policies and practices that support mental well-being for all. My journey with mental health has also had a significant impact on my relationships. Before addressing my mental health, I often kept my struggles to myself, fearing that others would not understand or would judge me. This led to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness in my relationships. However, as I began to open up about my experiences and sought support, my relationships deepened and became more meaningful. I learned that genuine connection comes from being authentic and vulnerable and that sharing our struggles can bring us closer to others. These strengthened relationships have been a source of immense support and encouragement. My family, friends, and mentors have been there for me during my lowest moments, and their understanding and compassion have reinforced my belief in the importance of community and connection. I have also become more empathetic in my interactions, recognizing that everyone has their battles and that kindness and understanding can make a significant difference in someone’s life. My experiences with mental health have also played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations. As a Communications, Culture, and Media major at NYU, I am passionate about exploring how media can be used to promote mental health awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes. The media has a powerful influence on public perception, and I believe it can be a force for good in changing the conversation around mental health. My platform on TikTok, where I have 30k followers, has become a space where I share my journey and encourage others to prioritize their mental well-being. Through my content, I aim to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and to create a community where mental health is openly discussed and supported. I have received messages from followers who have shared their struggles with mental health and have expressed how my content has helped them feel less alone. These interactions have reinforced my desire to continue using my platform to make a positive impact. Looking to the future, I aspire to work in PR and social media, where I can create campaigns that promote mental health awareness and advocate for more inclusive and supportive environments. I want to use my communication skills to tell stories that resonate with people, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. My goal is to contribute to a media landscape that is diverse and representative but also compassionate and empathetic. In conclusion, my journey with mental health has been a defining aspect of my life. It has shaped my beliefs, deepened my relationships, and inspired my career aspirations. I am committed to using my experiences to positively impact the world, particularly in the media industry, where I believe I can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. This scholarship would enable me to continue my education and further my goal of contributing to a society where mental health is prioritized and everyone feels heard, and supported.