Mental health is important to me because it has shaped both who I am and who I hope to become. At thirteen years old, I was diagnosed with Moderate Depressive Disorder (MDD), an experience that changed the way I viewed myself, my relationships, and my future. For years, I believed that asking for help was a sign of weakness and that my value was determined by my ability to push through challenges on my own. Through more than a decade of therapy, I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, it is a strength. That journey has inspired me to ensure that others, especially young Black people, know they do not have to face their struggles alone. As a student at Howard University, I have become increasingly aware of the unique pressures many students carry while trying to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. For Black students in particular, conversations surrounding mental health are often influenced by cultural stigma, making it difficult to seek support even when resources are available. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to advocating for greater awareness and accessibility. I believe that creating change begins with normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging others to prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment. I advocate for mental health by using my experiences to foster honest conversations and challenge the misconceptions that often surround mental illness. Whether I am talking with classmates, friends, or family members, I try to create a space where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles without shame. I also incorporate mental health advocacy into my academic work. My undergraduate research explores how social media marketing shapes public perceptions of mental health among collegiate student-athletes, particularly within Black communities. Through that research, I have seen how thoughtful communication can reduce stigma, reshape public perception, and encourage people to seek support. My passion for advocacy also influences my career aspirations. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to pursue a career in sports marketing, ideally within the National Football League, where I hope to help elevate mental health initiatives that support athletes and communities. Long term, I aspire to launch The Next Play Initiative, a nonprofit organization that will provide mentorship, professional development, and wellness-centered programming for Black student-athletes. My goal is to create environments where mental health is valued just as much as athletic and academic achievement. Mental health advocacy is more than a career interest, it is a personal commitment rooted in my own experiences. I know how life-changing it can be to have access to support, compassionate conversations, and people who genuinely care. That is why I am committed to using my education, my voice, and my future career to help create communities where seeking help is normalized, wellness is prioritized, and every young person feels empowered to thrive.

My name is Ryan Thompson, and I am a junior Honors Marketing major with a minor in Sports Administration at Howard University. As a leader in my family pursuing a career in sports marketing, I have always believed that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunities not only for myself, but also for my community. Throughout my academic journey, I have intentionally sought opportunities to grow as a leader through internships, research, campus involvement, and community service, all while maintaining a strong commitment to using business as a force for positive change. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of pursuing my education and allow me to continue investing in experiences that prepare me for my future career. In addition to tuition and educational expenses, I am working toward earning a Master of Science in Sports Management after completing my bachelor's degree. Financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my academic success, professional development, and leadership opportunities without the constant stress of balancing educational costs. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in sports marketing, ideally within the National Football League (NFL). I hope to use strategic marketing and communications to elevate mental health initiatives that support athletes, students, and communities while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. My long-term goal is to become a Director of Athlete Wellness and Engagement, where I can combine my background in marketing with my passion for advocacy to create meaningful programs that improve athlete well-being. I also aspire to launch The Next Play Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black student-athletes through mentorship, professional development, internships, and wellness-centered programming. My vision is to create opportunities that empower young people to succeed both on and off the field while strengthening access to mental health resources within underserved communities. Serving others has always been an important part of my personal and professional development. Through Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, I regularly volunteer as a financial literacy instructor, helping middle school students build foundational knowledge about budgeting, saving, and financial responsibility. I also volunteered with Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn, where I read with kindergarten students and encouraged a love of learning at an early age. On campus, I have served as Junior Class Representative and as Public Relations Chair for Howard University's School of Business Executive Leadership (SBEL) Honors Program, using these leadership roles to foster community, celebrate student success, and strengthen engagement among my peers. I believe business is about more than profit, it is about creating solutions that improve people's lives. Whether through sports marketing, community leadership, or mental health advocacy, I hope to use my education to expand opportunities for others and build systems that empower future generations. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also bring me one step closer to achieving a career centered on service, leadership, and lasting impact.

Studying abroad in London has been the most fun and transformative memory of my time at Howard University. Before that semester, I had never traveled outside of the United States by myself, and I was both excited and nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar environment. Living in a new country challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. Every day presented opportunities to learn not only in the classroom, but also through exploring new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and experiencing a city rich in history. One of my favorite memories was simply taking advantage of every opportunity to explore. Whether I was visiting museums, trying new foods, or traveling throughout Europe, each experience broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the world beyond my own community. Studying abroad reminded me that growth often happens when we step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unfamiliar. That experience continues to shape my journey at Howard and beyond. It strengthened my confidence, reinforced my desire to pursue a global career in sports marketing, and taught me the value of curiosity and cultural understanding. Most importantly, it showed me that the world is much bigger than I once imagined, and that meaningful leadership begins with a willingness to learn from people and perspectives different from your own.

When I was sixteen, I believed that every setback was a reflection of my worth. If I earned a lower grade than I expected, made a mistake, or fell short of a goal, I immediately assumed it meant I had not worked hard enough or that I simply was not good enough. I measured my value by my achievements and convinced myself that the solution to every obstacle was to push harder. As a result, I often overextended myself, saying yes to every opportunity, setting unrealistic expectations, and believing that rest was something I had to earn rather than something I needed. Over time, I realized that this mindset was unsustainable. One of the biggest influences on my perspective was my mental health journey. Through years of therapy, I began to understand that effort and outcomes are not always directly connected. Sometimes we can prepare thoroughly, work diligently, and still encounter setbacks because of circumstances beyond our control. I also learned that constantly striving for perfection often comes at the expense of our well-being. Instead of motivating me, my self-imposed pressure left me feeling exhausted and made it difficult to appreciate my accomplishments. My experiences at Howard University further challenged this belief. As an honors student majoring in Marketing, I have balanced rigorous coursework with leadership roles, internships, research, and community involvement. While I still hold myself to high standards, I have learned that success is not defined by doing everything or never making mistakes. It is about being intentional with my time, recognizing when I need support, and understanding that growth often comes through challenges rather than flawless performance. Today, I no longer see failure as evidence that I am not capable or that I did not try hard enough. Instead, I view setbacks as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. This shift has made me more willing to take risks because I know that one outcome does not define my abilities or my future. It has also allowed me to extend the same compassion to others that I have learned to show myself. This change in perspective has shaped both my personal life and my career goals. I aspire to work in sports marketing and advocate for the mental health of student-athletes because I know how easy it is to tie your identity to performance. I want to help create environments where young athletes understand that their value is not determined by a scoreboard, a statistic, or a single moment of failure. Learning that my worth is not measured by perfection, a letter grade, or number has given me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals without sacrificing my well-being. More importantly, it has taught me that resilience is not about never falling short. It is about continuing to move forward with self-compassion, purpose, and a willingness to grow. That lesson has become the foundation for how I lead, how I serve others, and how I hope to make a lasting impact throughout my career.

The first time I realized the power of community was not during a major achievement, but during one of my most difficult seasons. As I navigated the pressures of academics, leadership, and personal challenges, I experienced firsthand how much a support system can change someone's life. Encouragement from mentors, family members, and educators reminded me that success is never achieved alone. Their investment in me inspired the impact I hope to make for others. Growing up in Prince George's County, Maryland, I was surrounded by people who believed in giving back. Whether it was teachers staying after school to help students grasp difficult concepts or community leaders creating opportunities for young people, I saw how service could transform lives. Those experiences shaped my understanding of leadership and motivated me to pursue a career centered on helping others thrive. Today, I am a Marketing major and Sports Administration minor at Howard University. My education is preparing me to combine my passion for sports with my commitment to advocacy. My long-term goal is to work in professional sports and lead wellness and athlete engagement initiatives that prioritize mental health, particularly for young Black athletes. This mission is personal to me. Throughout high school and college, I have witnessed firsthand and secondhand how easily mental health struggles can go unnoticed, especially in environments where people are expected to always appear strong. Athletes often face tremendous pressure while lacking spaces where they feel comfortable seeking support. I want to help change that reality. I believe marketing can be a powerful tool for social impact. Through strategic communication and storytelling, I hope to create campaigns that normalize conversations about mental health and connect athletes with resources that support their overall well-being. I want to help build a sports culture that values people beyond their performance and encourages them to prioritize their health without fear of stigma. Beyond my career, I plan to give back through mentorship and community engagement. As someone who has benefited from the guidance of others, I want to support students who aspire to careers in sports and business, especially those from underrepresented communities. I hope to provide the encouragement and opportunities that helped me pursue my own goals. The people who inspire me most are those who use their success to serve others. Their example has taught me that true leadership is measured not by personal accomplishments, but by the positive impact we leave behind. I want my career to reflect that same philosophy. My vision for the future is simple. I want to create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through my education, I hope to advocate for mental wellness, mentor future leaders, and create lasting change in my community. Ultimately, I want my success to be defined not only by what I achieve, but by how many lives I am able to uplift along the way.

During the spring semester of my sophomore year, I spent three months studying abroad in London, England. Although I chose London partly because I wanted to avoid a language barrier and live somewhere that felt familiar, the experience ultimately pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. It was my first time traveling internationally on my own, and it became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Before studying abroad, I had convinced myself that traveling to Europe was something people experienced much later in life. Growing up, international travel was rare, and opportunities to learn beyond the United States often felt distant. While many of my peers had traveled abroad frequently, I never assumed those experiences would be available to me at such a young age. Because of scholarships, personal savings, and sacrifices made by my family, I was able to turn what once felt impossible into reality. What surprised me most about London was not simply the city itself, but how much I learned about myself in such a short period of time. During my semester abroad, I accepted my first internship offer as a Marketing and Public Affairs Intern with Montgomery Parks. I built meaningful friendships, gained confidence in my independence, and created memories that I never imagined possible. Conversations with people from different backgrounds also allowed me to see American life through another perspective and challenged me to think more critically about my own assumptions. Although the United States and the United Kingdom share many connections, I quickly realized that cultural similarities do not always translate into identical ways of thinking. I found that Americans often communicate more directly and expressively, while many of the people I interacted with in London approached conversations with a more reserved and less expressive style. Learning to navigate those differences taught me to become a better listener and appreciate perspectives different from my own. I was also fascinated by differences in the British education system, which places greater emphasis on independent study and exam-based assessment. Rather than answering all of my questions, studying abroad gave me new ones. As someone who hopes to pursue a career focused on sports, wellness, and athlete mental health, I am increasingly curious about how different countries support the well-being of students and athletes. What resources are available? How do other cultures approach mental health? How are student-athletes supported both inside and outside of competition? These are questions I hope to continue exploring because I want to serve people globally, not just domestically. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in Sports Management and contribute meaningful research and solutions related to athlete mental health. Learning from perspectives around the world will strengthen both my future research and my ability to advocate for diverse communities. I also hope to bring these lessons back to Howard University through my campus involvements, peer discussions, and speaking opportunities that encourage others to think globally. This scholarship would help transform my intention into continued experience. Although previous scholarships covered program expenses, everyday costs required significant planning and family sacrifices. Additional support would make future global learning opportunities more accessible and allow me to continue developing into a more informed leader and citizen of the world. Crossing borders has taught me that understanding others begins with the willingness to learn from them, and I hope to spend my life doing exactly that.

One thing that makes me stand out is my stutter. Growing up, it was something I was very self-conscious about because speaking is such a major part of everyday life, especially in school and professional settings. I often felt nervous reading aloud in class, introducing myself, or participating in presentations because I worried people would focus more on how I spoke than what I was saying. At times, it made me feel less confident and hesitant to speak up, especially in fast-paced environments where communication seemed effortless for others. Even simple moments like answering questions in class could feel stressful because I never knew when I might get stuck on a word. Over time, though, I began to understand that my voice still deserved to be heard, even if it did not always come out smoothly. My stutter ultimately taught me patience, resilience, and self-awareness in ways I did not fully recognize until I started pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. What makes this experience especially meaningful is that I chose to pursue business and marketing, fields that rely heavily on communication, networking, public speaking, and presentations. Many people who stutter tend to avoid careers that require constant speaking because of fear of judgment or embarrassment. For a long time, I questioned whether I truly belonged in those spaces as well, especially knowing how much speaking and presenting would be involved. Instead of allowing that fear to define my path, I made a conscious decision to lean into discomfort rather than avoid it. I intentionally pursued leadership roles, group projects, class presentations, and public-facing opportunities to challenge myself and build confidence. Even when I felt nervous or unsure, I reminded myself that my ideas and contributions mattered more than perfect speech. Over time, what once felt like a limitation slowly became one of my greatest motivators for growth. Now, public speaking and presentations are genuinely some of my biggest strengths. Through consistent practice, preparation, and repetition, I learned that confidence is not about being flawless, but about showing up and being heard anyway. As Junior Class Representative and Public Relations Chair within the Howard School of Business Executive Leadership Honors Program at Howard University, I regularly speak in professional settings, represent student voices, and communicate on behalf of my peers. These roles have strengthened my ability to organize my thoughts, engage audiences, and speak with intention rather than fear. I have learned how to slow down, breathe, and focus on connection instead of perfection when speaking. Each experience has helped me become a more confident and intentional communicator and leader. My stutter has shaped the way I approach communication, pushing me to be more thoughtful, authentic, and deliberate in how I express myself. In many ways, my stutter has shaped the person I am becoming. It has shown me the importance of perseverance and has taught me not to define myself by challenges or limitations others may place on me. I think it makes me stand out because my journey reflects resilience, growth, and determination in a very personal way. While my stutter is still a part of me, it no longer controls how I see myself or what I believe I am capable of achieving. Instead, it reminds me that strength is not always about speaking perfectly, but about choosing to speak anyway. My experience has also given me a deeper sense of empathy for others who struggle to use their voice, whether literally or figuratively. Ultimately, it has helped me realize that my difference is not a weakness, but a defining part of my leadership and identity.

My educational goals are to graduate from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management. Throughout my academic journey, I aim to strengthen my leadership, research, and strategic communication skills while deepening my understanding of the intersection between sports, wellness, and business. I also plan to publish my undergraduate research focused on how social media marketing shapes public perceptions of college athlete mental health, particularly among Black student-athletes. Through this research, I hope to contribute meaningful scholarship that advances conversations surrounding mental health advocacy, representation, and athlete wellness. Throughout my time at Howard, I have intentionally sought opportunities to strengthen my leadership and communication skills as the Junior Class Representative and Public Relations Chair of the Howard School of Business Executive Leadership Honors Program. In these leadership roles, I have worked to foster community engagement, advocate for my peers, and help create initiatives that encourage both professional and personal growth among students. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and servant leadership while preparing me to become a more effective communicator and future business leader. In addition, being surrounded by ambitious and socially conscious students at an HBCU has reinforced my desire to use my education and professional platform to create meaningful change within underserved communities. Professionally, I aspire to build a career in sports marketing and wellness marketing where I can create impactful campaigns and initiatives that prioritize both economic empowerment and mental health awareness. My long-term goal is to work within organizations such as the NFL Total Wellness program or similar initiatives that focus on supporting athletes beyond performance. Ultimately, I plan to establish The Next Play Initiative, a community talent accelerator dedicated to empowering Black student-athletes and young professionals through mentorship, paid internships, financial literacy education, leadership development, and accessible wellness resources. Through this work, I hope to use business as a tool for advocacy, creating sustainable opportunities that help underrepresented communities thrive professionally, financially, and personally. I want to combine strategic communication, branding, and wellness advocacy to reshape conversations surrounding mental health in sports while also creating pathways for economic mobility and career advancement. By building partnerships between sports organizations, educational institutions, and corporations, I hope to create long-term systems of support that empower future generations both on and off the field. I am especially passionate about creating environments where athletes and young professionals feel seen, supported, and equipped with the resources necessary to navigate both personal and professional challenges. My ultimate goal is to redefine how sports organizations and businesses approach wellness by prioritizing holistic support systems that value mental health just as much as performance and productivity. My commitment to civic and public service is rooted in my passion for creating equitable opportunities and empowering underserved communities. Every semester, I volunteer with JA Finance Park of Greater Washington, where I teach middle school students about financial literacy and economic responsibility. What makes this experience especially meaningful is that I once participated in JA programs myself when I was younger, making this opportunity feel like a true full-circle moment. Being able to return now as a mentor and educator allows me to help inspire and educate the next generation of leaders in the same way others once poured into me. Through this experience, I have seen firsthand how financial education can build confidence, encourage informed decision-making, and create pathways toward long-term success for young people. In addition to this work, I have remained actively involved in organizations such as the NAACP, where I continue developing my leadership and advocacy skills while serving my community in meaningful ways. My commitment to service extends beyond volunteerism and into the work I hope to do professionally by using mentorship, strategic communication, and wellness advocacy to address systemic inequities impacting Black communities. Growing up in a predominantly Black community showed me how access to opportunity, education, and mental health resources can significantly shape a person’s future, and those experiences continue to motivate the work I do today. Whether through research, leadership, mentorship, or future nonprofit initiatives, I am committed to creating spaces where future generations feel empowered to succeed academically, professionally, financially, and personally.

Growing up in a predominantly Black community, I witnessed how systemic inequities extended far beyond economics and into mental health, opportunity, and representation. I saw my peers struggle silently with anxiety, depression, and overwhelming societal pressures because mental health was often stigmatized, dismissed, or ignored. In a culture where strength is too often defined by silence, many young people, myself included, are taught to suppress their emotions and internalize their struggles rather than seek support. These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding that true economic empowerment requires more than financial resources—it requires building systems that intentionally invest in the holistic well-being, professional advancement, and long-term success of underrepresented communities. My vision for lasting change is to create a business-driven ecosystem that specifically empowers Black student-athletes and young professionals through the intersection of sports marketing, mental health advocacy, and career development. I plan to establish a community talent accelerator called The Next Play Initiative, designed to connect African American undergraduate students—particularly current and former student-athletes—with mentorship, paid internships, leadership development, financial literacy education, and accessible wellness resources. This initiative would partner with sports organizations, corporate wellness programs, educational institutions, and socially responsible brands to create career pipelines while simultaneously addressing the mental health disparities that disproportionately impact Black communities. Through strategic business innovation, The Next Play Initiative would not only create employment pathways but also equip participants with the professional networks, industry exposure, and personal development tools necessary to build sustainable careers beyond athletics. By combining economic development with mental health advocacy, I aim to challenge systemic barriers that often restrict Black students’ access to high-growth industries such as sports business, corporate wellness, and marketing. My goal is to create a scalable and sustainable model that can be implemented across universities and professional organizations nationwide, ensuring both immediate impact and generational transformation. At Howard University, I have already begun laying the foundation for this vision through undergraduate research examining how social media marketing shapes public perceptions of mental health among college athletes, particularly Black student-athletes. This work has strengthened my belief that business, branding, and strategic communication can serve as powerful tools for social justice by reshaping harmful narratives, reducing stigma, and advocating for underserved populations. My career goals in sports marketing and wellness marketing directly align with this mission. I aspire to work within organizations like the NFL Total Wellness program or similar initiatives where I can develop impactful campaigns, strategic partnerships, and innovative programs that prioritize both economic advancement and mental wellness. By using business as a catalyst for advocacy, I hope to create lasting support systems that empower underrepresented communities to thrive professionally, financially, and personally. For me, economic empowerment is about creating equitable infrastructures that address the root causes of inequality while building sustainable futures. My vision is not only to succeed in business, but to redefine how business can serve as a transformative force for social equity, justice, and generational change. Through innovation, advocacy, and intentional leadership, I am committed to building opportunities that allow future generations to not simply overcome barriers, but to lead beyond them.