Hello, my name is Sania Hogan. I am an undergraduate student at Northeastern University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Through volunteering work, I've learned how rewarding it is to help others and even educate them to better themselves. I wanted to share my experience with the Peer Health Exchange program that I had a chance to be a part of, as it plays a big part in why I want to continue helping others. This program played a vital role in creating a supportive environment where high school students can openly discuss mental health. At a time in life when many young people are struggling to understand their emotions, relationships, and self-worth, it provided critical education that helps young people today to productively handle these situations. We, through workshops and peer-led discussions, were able to empower students to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most important aspects of Peer Health Exchange when it came to the lessons was the conversations around topics like anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and identity. Considering that peer health facilitators are all close in age to the students, sharing experiences can feel more relatable and less intimidating. This structure allows for honest conversations that students may not feel comfortable having with adults or authority figures. This created a safe space where students learn that mental health challenges are normal and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. More often than not, students were able to share similar feelings and were able to find refuge in one another. I very much appreciate this program because it helps reduce the stigma around mental health by encouraging open dialogue and promoting resources for support. They are then able to carry life skills well beyond high school, helping them manage stress and build stronger emotional resilience. Participating in the Peer Health Exchange has been an eye-opening experience. It has shown me the importance of early intervention and the powerful impact of peer support in mental health education. As someone who aspires to become a psychologist, the lessons I’ve learned through Peer Health Exchange, even as a facilitator, are invaluable. I’ve gained insight into how to approach mental health conversations with sensitivity and respect, and how to make people feel heard and validated. Then, being able to take classes at Northeastern University that pertain to the ins and outs of mental health has furthered my knowledge. In the future, as a psychologist, I plan to use the communication skills, empathy, and knowledge I’ve gained to support individuals dealing with a wide range of mental health challenges. Understanding how to meet people where they are and create non-judgmental spaces is essential in any helping profession. The Peer Health Exchange has laid the foundation, now I want to be able to build this up throughout my college career. I wish to make it my mission to help as many people as I can in the future through my profession and continue to push against mental health stigma. I would hope to be considered for this scholarship so that financial burdens won't slow me down from my dreams. Thank you for your time.

It is crucial to recognize and cater to the health requirements of individuals, in prisons not for their own welfare but also for the overall health and security of our communities. The conditions faced by incarcerated individuals can be harsh and dehumanizing which may result in strain.Factors like overcrowding,lack of privacy,isolation,sunlight deprivation and exposure, to violence are known stressors that can profoundly impact a persons well being. If left unaddressed in a prison environment without assistance or attention, to well being needs may worsen current psychological challenges or even trigger the onset of fresh conditions. Regrettably penal facilities frequently face shortages in resources to offer the mental healthcare services for their inmates thus perpetuating harmful cycles of distress and dysfunction. Acknowledging the significance of care and mental wellness assistance in environments is crucial for ethical considerations as well, as practical purposes. When individuals, in prison don't get the health treatment they require during their time behind bars it can lead to consequences that go beyond just their incarceration period itself according to studies conducted on the matter which show that untreated mental health problems can result in higher rates of repeat offenses as individuals find it challenging to readjust to society without the necessary tools to handle their mental well being properly so by offering counseling and support, for mental health needs to those who are incarcerated we can address some of the underlying causes of criminal behavior lower rates of repeat offenses and contribute to creating safer communities overall. Therapy also gives people the chance to enhance self understanding and better manage their emotions while acquiring coping mechanisms, for reintegrating into society and fostering development. Professentially, I want to work with the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, a population in great need of psychological services. I firmly believe that every human being has a right to heal and grow irrespective of their background. Mental health can be a real game-changer; it offers them a way to understand their actions and find forgiveness to build a more hopeful future. This is a field I'm interested in, and with full knowledge of both the need and desire to work in this area, I am acutely aware of my responsibility to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for those that have been repeatedly marginalized by society. My inspiration for working with this population lies in my beliefs that mental health is a human right and rehabilitation should be a primary focus of the criminal justice system. From trauma and behavioral health-focused therapy sessions to group workshops in community building and social skills, my aim is to design programs that will meet the special psychological needs of the individuals in these environments. It is my hope that these will help every individual not only to live healthier and fuller lives but also to effect correction methods and policies in a manner that will be more humane and just. Notably, the importance of the need to be met cannot be overestimated, as it deals with trying to break the vicious cycle of recidivism and building healthier communities. Incarcerated individuals are still human beings and, as such, have a right to dignity, respect, and support, particularly in terms of their mental health. A career in psychology allows me to advocate and provide the kind of care that would mean so much in their lives. It is my conviction that we can, with compassion and mental health support, create a system focused on rehabilitation, growth, and second chances.

I have ranked "I Love You," "My Future," and "Chihiro" by Billie Eilish as my top three, for they speak to different sides of my emotional journey and personal growth. Each song feels like a reflection of my inner world, making them deeply meaningful to me. "I Love You" speaks to me on a deeper level because it's so raw and emotionally complex. It's bittersweet to love someone when the circumstances are just not right or too painful. The fragile melody and heartfelt lyrics bring me back to moments of emotional turmoil, where my heart wants to hold on, yet my head knows it's time to let go. When I listen to it, it feels like I am releasing emotions I sometimes struggle to express. "My Future" is an inspiration because it is a song of self-love, growing, and accepting the future as it comes. This song came into my life when I was learning how to shift the focus towards myself and my future. Its hopeful yet introspective tone makes me remember that it is okay to care for myself, taking control and trusting the process to be who I'm supposed to be. Empowered, optimistic about what's to come-that is. "Chihiro" connects with me on a deeper, almost spiritual level. The ethereal sound and introspective lyrics create a dream-like atmosphere that feels comforting yet introspective. It reminds me of the moments when I’ve felt lost but still hopeful, searching for meaning in life’s complexities. The song encourages me to embrace change, even when it feels uncertain, and to trust in the process of personal transformation. These songs resonate because they explore themes of love, self-discovery, and change—universal experiences that feel personal to me. Through Billie Eilish's honest storytelling and evocative sound, I find comfort, understanding, and hope.

Sabrina Carpenter has been a significant influence in my life, and being a fan of hers has brought me joy, inspiration, and personal growth. Her career as a singer, songwriter, and actress has positively impacted me through her music, her personal journey, and the values she promotes. One of the main reasons I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter is her music. Her songs are deeply personal, blending catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like "Skin," "Thumbs," and "Exhale" resonate with me because they explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and vulnerability. Listening to her music has often felt like having a supportive friend who understands life's struggles and triumphs. Her ability to articulate complex emotions has helped me process my own feelings and find comfort during difficult times. Sabrina’s career journey has also inspired me. Watching her evolve from a young actress on Disney Channel to a respected artist in the music industry demonstrates her determination and work ethic. She has faced challenges, including navigating public scrutiny and artistic growth, yet she has remained true to herself. Her resilience encourages me to pursue my dreams with the same dedication, even when obstacles seem insurmountable. Moreover, Sabrina Carpenter promotes values that resonate with me, such as self-acceptance, kindness, and perseverance. She frequently speaks about mental health awareness, self-love, and the importance of following one’s passions. Her openness about personal struggles has made me feel less alone in my own experiences and inspired me to be more compassionate toward myself and others. Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter has enriched my life in many ways. Her music has been a source of comfort, her career has inspired me to chase my dreams, and her values have encouraged me to grow into a more understanding and resilient person. She is more than an entertainer to me; she is a role model whose influence I will carry with me always

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Northeastern University is core to my aspiration in supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people through their grievances. This career path is fueled by my deep belief in the humanity of all people, irrespective of past mistakes. Society often marginalizes these individuals, overlooking their struggles and potential for rehabilitation. My goal is to become a compassionate advocate, ensuring that their voices are heard and their psychological needs addressed. A graduation from Northeastern equips me with an academic foundation, practical experience, and a professional network that will make this vision real. The noted co-op program at the university will afford me the opportunity to work directly in correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, or community organizations specifically focused on criminal justice reform. These experiences will complement my coursework in abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and criminal behavior analysis, providing a well-rounded understanding of the psychological challenges faced by incarcerated populations. I am particularly interested in pursuing the grievance process within a correctional system. For many inmates, it becomes difficult to handle bureaucratic systems while dealing with mental stress due to isolation, trauma, or past experiences. Thus, studying psychology will help me become a professional advocate: one who understands not just the clinical aspects of dealing with mental health but also has the ability to work effectively within the legal framework of justice to support fair treatment. The goal of my long-term vision is to create a nonprofit organization that will offer psychological counseling, advocacy, and educational workshops to individuals being reintegrated into society. It would fill the gap between being incarcerated and being released, by creating a safe place for people to heal, learn, and rebuild their lives. However, pursuing higher education comes with significant financial challenges. The Bright Lights Scholarship would be a transformative resource, alleviating the financial strain associated with college expenses. My family and I have faced economic hardships, making the cost of tuition, books, and other essentials a persistent source of stress. Receiving this scholarship would lighten that burden, allowing me to concentrate fully on my academic and professional development. Without the constant concern of how I would pay for education, I could delve more deeply into research projects, internships, and community service. I would also be afforded the time to become a part of campus organizations related to criminal justice reform and mental health advocacy that would better position me for my career path. The Bright Lights Scholarship symbolizes more than money; rather, it is the encouragement of my potential and how valued my path is. Removing some of the economic deterrents, this assistance enables me to go about achieving my education with more focused determination, knowing that the pain of my school costs less burdens my family. A degree from Northeastern University will position me to be that force for change in a system that far too often forgets the humanness of incarcerated individuals. The Bright Lights Scholarship will give me the opportunity to funnel my passion for psychology into actionable outcomes, changing lives and fighting for justice. This opportunity would allow me to honor my commitment to making a lasting impact while building a future driven by compassion, advocacy, and empowerment.

My name is Sania Hogan, and I am a rising freshman at Northeastern University. At Northeastern, I hope to pursue my bachelor's in criminal justice and psychology. And then hopefully apply my studies to become a Criminal Psychologist. My dream is to, one, come out of college in one piece, two, find a job that focuses on my studies, and then be able to live comfortably. This would be being able to live on my own. I want to live without the thought of not having enough money to do certain things. I want to be able to rely less on my family financially. Then even potentially help them out when I become successful. I want to achieve all my goals by taking every opportunity I can grasp. With all this in mind, I know that the ugly must come before the beautiful. A little bit more struggle and stress is bound before I reach my goals. Even though there may be times when I feel overwhelmed by the work that I need to put in, I am reminded of my dream. That there is an overarching reason why I have to keep going. So I push on and get through the bad times whether that be through family and friends or setting smaller goals for myself. So the big question is, why do I believe that my best is yet to come? Well, I know my best is yet to come because I do not easily give in. I can be intimidated by the obstacles that come my way, but that is not an excuse to carelessly give up. I know that through my self-determination and through the support systems that I have, I can achieve my dreams. You can only go as far as you push yourself, and that is not to say you should push yourself to the max. It means that if you put in the minimum effort you get minimal results. Finding the right balance is important, and I think that I will do well with that since I have got to know myself throughout high school. I know that once I get adjusted to college since I expect it to be a drastic change, I will implement these ideals into my daily routine. In conclusion, certain aspects of our lives try to test our ability to reach goals. Even when things like this occur we have to remind ourselves of the capabilities that we hold. Later on in life, the problems that seemed inescapable become irrelevant. Reaching for our dreams and being our best selves is the best way to do it.