I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. While I am still currently undecided in my major, I am strongly leaning toward psychology because of my personal experiences with both mental and physical health. Living with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, periods of depression, and epilepsy has given me a deeper understanding of how challenging it can be to manage health in all aspects of life. These experiences have not discouraged me—instead, they have motivated me to help others who may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or alone. Mental health is something that is often overlooked, yet it plays a major role in a person’s overall well-being. I know what it feels like to struggle internally while still trying to meet expectations in school, relationships, and daily life. Because of this, I feel drawn toward psychology as a way to better understand the mind and support others in a meaningful way. Although I am still exploring my path, I know that I want my future career to involve helping people navigate their challenges and see that their situation is not permanent. Even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of growth and hope. In addition to my mental health experiences, living with epilepsy has shaped how I view healthcare as a whole. Managing a chronic condition comes with uncertainty, stress, and moments of fear. It has shown me how important it is for patients to feel heard and supported, not just treated for symptoms. This perspective is something I will carry with me into my future career, allowing me to connect with others on a deeper level and provide care that is both understanding and compassionate. As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact by showing that women are smart, strong, and independent leaders in this field. I am very feminine and come from a strong, female-centered household, which has shaped my confidence and values. Being surrounded by strong women has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of lifting others up. I believe that femininity and strength go hand in hand, and I want to bring both into my work in healthcare. I hope to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable opening up about their struggles without fear of judgment. I also want to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for those who feel pressure to hide what they are going through. My goal is not only to help people cope with their struggles, but also to empower them. I want to help individuals recognize their strength and believe in their ability to move forward. Because I have faced my own challenges, I am able to approach others with empathy and understanding. I believe this will allow me to build strong connections and truly make a difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, my decision to pursue healthcare comes from a place of purpose. Even though I am still undecided, I know that I am passionate about helping others and making an impact. I hope to use my experiences to guide me toward a career—likely in psychology—where I can support others, inspire hope, and remind people that their struggles do not define their future.

My experience with mental health has shaped nearly every part of who I am—my goals, my relationships, and the way I understand the world. Since seventh grade, I have struggled with anxiety, which later developed into periods of depression. Alongside that, I have lived with ADHD and OCD for as long as I can remember, and I also face the ongoing challenges of epilepsy. While these experiences have been difficult, they have also given me a deeper awareness of myself and a strong sense of empathy for others. Mental health has not only affected me personally, but it has also become something I am passionate about. For the past five years, I have been involved in mental health clubs, where I have helped raise awareness and create spaces where people feel safe opening up. These experiences have allowed me to turn my struggles into something meaningful. Instead of feeling alone, I have found purpose in helping others feel understood. Being part of these groups has shown me how powerful it can be when people come together to support one another, and it has strengthened my desire to continue this work in the future. My relationships have been deeply influenced by my mental health journey. I have learned that you never truly know what someone else is going through, which is why I try to approach everyone with kindness and an open mind. This perspective became even more important after losing two people in my life to suicide within just four months of each other. Those losses were devastating and changed how I see the world. They made me realize how important it is to check in on people, to listen without judgment, and to take mental health seriously. Since then, I have made it a priority to be there for others in any way I can, whether that means having a conversation, offering support, or simply being present. Mental health has also affected my family in very personal ways. My sisters have struggled as well, and knowing that one of them is currently dealing with suicidal thoughts is something that weighs heavily on me. It has made me more protective, more aware, and more committed to supporting my family. These experiences have brought us closer, but they have also taught me how complex and fragile mental health can be. I have learned that supporting someone does not always mean having the right answers—it often means just being there, showing love, and reminding them they are not alone. Living with epilepsy has added another layer to my experience. The unpredictability of seizures and the stress of managing a chronic condition can be overwhelming, both physically and mentally. There are times when it affects my confidence or makes me feel like I have less control over my life. However, it has also made me stronger. It has taught me how to adapt, how to push through challenges, and how to keep going even when things feel uncertain. This resilience has carried over into my mental health journey and has helped me face difficult moments with determination. All of these experiences have shaped my goals for the future. Although I am currently an undecided major, I am strongly leaning toward psychology. I want to better understand how the mind works and how different factors—like environment, trauma, and health—affect people’s well-being. More importantly, I want to help others who may be struggling the way I have or the way people close to me have. I want to make a real impact by being someone others can trust, someone who listens, and someone who can provide guidance and support. My understanding of the world has also changed because of my experiences. I no longer see people at a surface level—I recognize that everyone is carrying something, whether it is visible or not. This has made me more compassionate and less judgmental. It has also shown me how important it is to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Too many people suffer in silence, and I want to be part of changing that by encouraging open conversations and promoting acceptance. Ultimately, my journey with mental health has not been easy, but it has given me purpose. It has shaped me into someone who cares deeply about others, values connection, and wants to make a difference. I have learned that even in the hardest moments, there is an opportunity to grow, to help others, and to create something meaningful.

I am someone who has been shaped by my family, my education, and my passion for athletics. For the past fourteen years, softball has been a constant in my life, helping define who I am both on and off the field. As a pitcher for DeSales University, I have learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork—qualities that continue to guide me in all areas of my life. I come from a family of four girls, and my sisters are some of the most important people in my life. Growing up in a house full of girls has taught me how to communicate, support others, and value strong relationships. My parents are divorced, which has changed our family dynamic, but it has also shown me the importance of adaptability and understanding. Although my parents are no longer together, they both continue to support me, and our family has found a way to move forward in a healthy way. I also have two dogs who bring a lot of comfort and energy into our home, making it feel complete even during stressful times. Currently, I am enrolled at DeSales University, where I am continuing both my academic and athletic career. While I am still an undecided major, I am leaning toward psychology because I am deeply interested in understanding how people think and how to support them through challenges. This interest is closely connected to my passion for mental health advocacy, especially among student athletes. Being a college athlete comes with unique pressures—balancing academics, performance, and personal life—and I have seen firsthand how important it is to prioritize mental well-being. Softball has played a major role in shaping my goals and future plans. As a pitcher, I have learned how to handle pressure situations, stay focused, and lead by example. The sport has also taught me the value of consistency and hard work, which carries over into my academic life. In addition to playing softball, I enjoy working out, which helps me stay physically and mentally strong. Fitness has become another outlet for me to manage stress and stay disciplined. Looking ahead, I hope to build a career that combines my interests in psychology, athletics, and helping others. I want to continue advocating for mental health, particularly for student athletes who may struggle silently. My goal is to create an environment where athletes feel supported not just physically, but emotionally as well. Whether that means becoming a psychologist, counselor, or working in a related field, I want to make a positive impact. Overall, my experiences with my family, my education at DeSales, and my commitment to softball have shaped who I am today. I am driven, compassionate, and motivated to succeed—not just for myself, but for the people who have supported me along the way.

I was diagnosed with juvenile epilepsy at twelve years old. Now, at nineteen, I still remember that day—the walk out of the doctor’s office and sitting in the car wondering what would come next. Soon after, I began a cycle of appointments, bloodwork, and EEGs. At the time, I didn’t even know what an EEG was, but it quickly became a routine part of my life. Every six months, I would wear a take-home EEG for two days. It was uncomfortable, especially trying to sleep, but eventually I adapted. At first, adjusting my medication seemed to help. I still experienced occasional absence seizures, but things felt manageable. That changed on November 14, 2024, when I had my first tonic-clonic seizure at school. I woke up on the ground surrounded by my friends, confused and scared, as I was placed on a stretcher. Learning what had happened was overwhelming—I knew it meant starting over. At my next appointment, I was told I now had two types of epilepsy: absence and tonic-clonic. I felt shocked and defeated, but I tried to stay hopeful as we adjusted my treatment again. Over the next year, I experienced multiple tonic-clonic seizures—in January, May, June, August of 2025, and again in February 2026. The most frightening was the most recent one. I felt an aura while eating lunch with my teammates and went back to my dorm, hoping to prevent it. Instead, I woke up alone on my bedroom floor, having hit my head, unable to move or think clearly. It took hours to recover, and days later I was diagnosed with a concussion. I went home and took time off from college to recover. When I returned, I realized I wasn’t ready. Simple tasks hurt my head, and I felt mentally and physically exhausted. Balancing recovery, sleep, and the stress of epilepsy became too much, and I made the difficult decision to take a medical leave during my freshman year. Missing out on school, softball, and time with friends was incredibly hard, but I chose to prioritize my health. Living with epilepsy means living with uncertainty. I never know when a seizure might happen or when I’ll need more tests or medication adjustments. It is scary, but it has also made me stronger. It has taught me resilience and forced me to face challenges head-on. I have also learned to push past the fear of what others might think and instead focus on educating them. Over time, I have become an advocate for epilepsy awareness. I share information from the Epilepsy Foundation on social media and tell my own story in hopes of helping others feel less alone. I also advocate for mental health, something that is deeply important to me. I want people to know that it is okay to struggle and that they are not alone. I have been involved in several organizations that reflect these values. In high school, I participated in Titans Connect, working with students with special needs. I am also involved in clubs like Morgan’s Message, Best Buddies, and Special Olympics. These experiences are especially meaningful to me because they allow me to support others and help them feel included and valued. Living with epilepsy has changed how I see the world. It has made me more grateful, more compassionate, and more aware of the challenges others face. While my journey has been difficult, it has also given me purpose. Through advocacy and support, I strive to make a difference—because even in uncertainty, I have found strength.

My educational journey has been shaped by resilience, support, and a strong desire to make my family proud. The people who have supported me most are my parents, especially my mom. Although my parents are divorced, they have shown me that support does not depend on living in the same house. Growing up, my parents lived together physically, but not mentally which was very obvious. My mom has been my biggest influence. She had me when she was only 22 years old, and since then she has worked incredibly hard to raise me and my three sisters. As a teacher, she balances a demanding job while also being there for us every day. Since my dad no longer lives with us, things can be difficult financially, but my mom never lets that stop her from supporting my education. Watching her manage so much responsibility has taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. I honor her by taking school seriously and pushing myself to do my best, because I know how much she has sacrificed for me. Even though my dad does not live with us, he is still an important part of my life. He is also a teacher, and he continues to support me and encourage me in my education. My parents were not happy together, but they are both happier now, and they do a good job co-parenting. My dad’s relationship with his girlfriend has also shown me what a healthy relationship can look like. Their ability to work together for me and my sisters has given me stability and allowed me to focus on my goals. Growing up this way has helped me understand what I want in life. I want someone who will always be there for me, no matter what. This has also influenced my interest in psychology, since I want to better understand people and relationships. Although I am still an undecided major, I am leaning toward psychology because of my experiences and my desire to help others. Another challenge that has shaped me is living with epilepsy. It can make school and everyday life more difficult at times, but it has also made me stronger. There have been moments where I felt discouraged, but my family has always supported me and reminded me that I am capable. Because of this, I have learned how to keep going even when things are hard. I plan to build on my parents’ support by continuing to work hard and stay focused on my goals. Even though I am still figuring out my exact path, I know that I want to succeed and create a stable future for myself. I also want to make my parents proud and show them that their hard work has paid off. Overall, the support from my family has been essential in shaping who I am today. Living in a single-parent household has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of strong relationships. My parents’ support has given me the motivation to succeed, and I will continue to honor them by working toward my dreams.

The "YOU GOT IT GIRL" scholarship emphasizes the importance of female athletes and mental health. I grew up in a female dominant household as I have three sisters, a mom, and two dogs. My dad has gotten very used to the feminine energy we carry. I was taught that women can do anything and everything that they want and that there is no limit. If I want to do something I will push myself to the fullest extent with my family and friends cheering me on. I am a HUGE advocate for female athletes as I love watching any sport that women are involved in. I think that females are powerful and there is absolutely no limit. We can do anything as long as we have each others back. I currently am involved in softball at DeSales University. I have been playing softball for 14 years and I love the environment, game, the way it lifts me up when I am having a bad day, my teammates, and so much more. Throughout my journey playing softball, I have gotten MVP, the Titan Award, multiple medals, first team, second team, and a Varsity letter from my high school. From practices, to lifts, to school, and trying to create time for myself, the struggle is real, but I try and tell myself that it will all be worth it. Being involved in the collegiate level is very, very hard especially since I am very academically driven as well. A major setback that occurred this past February broke my heart. I suffer from epilepsy and if I do not get enough sleep, if I am too overwhelmed, or if I am too stressed out, then I will have a seizure. Unfortunately, I had a seizure this past February and I hit my head on the marble flooring in my dorm. I was unconscious for an unknown amount of time. When I woke up I could not move, think, or talk. Thinking positively, I was telling myself that everything will be okay. Fast forward to the next few days, I could not see, I had uncontrollable migraines, and I could hardly walk. I knew that this was a problem, so I visited multiple doctors. In the meantime, I had to sit out of practice. A few weeks later, I decided to take medical leave for the rest of the spring semester. This was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. This meant I would be leaving my friends, teammates, and not be able to play softball my first year. I was broken. Over the past few months, I have learned so many things. I learned that healing takes time, be grateful for what you have, everything happens for a reason, and sometimes it's okay for life to slow down. I currently attend the games and cheer my teammates on. I miss them and they miss me, but looking on the bright side, I am slowly, but surely getting better for the next season. This scholarship would improve my journey as a collegiate athlete majorly. As I would love more gear, I would also love to leave college with a stable degree with not a lot of debt. Money has always been a struggle in my house since it goes towards all of my doctor visits and medicine. So, if I do get this scholarship that would rock my world and be a major help to my parents and myself. To add, my parents are divorced and I work three jobs in the summer to cover certain things that I need, or even want. This summer I believe that I will not be able to go out to the parks, fast food, or movies because money is so tight. Mentioned earlier, I struggle with epilepsy daily. I have both absent and tonic-clonic seizures. My absent seizures happen at least ten times a day while my tonic-clonic seizures happen every few months. It is mentally exhausting for me and my family. With softball I try to give it my all, but sometimes it is hard due to the amount of energy that my seizures take out of me. I love being a female athlete. It is such a great opportunity that I have and once I get back into the game, which will hopefully be the fall, I will be on the moon. Female athletes are amazing, strong, and powerful in which everyone around me preaches.