Billie Eilish has a great ability to capture the depth of human emotions, particularly when it comes to family and hardship. The songs that speak to me on a deeply personal level are “everything i wanted,” “idontwannabeyouanymore,” and “bury a friend,” because they navigate important complexities like self-doubt, mental health, and the search for connection. "Everything I wanted" strikes me because of its portrayal of an intense emotional struggle. In the song, Billie reflects on feelings of failure and isolation, yet finds comfort in the unwavering support of her brother. It echoes the significance of family and unconditional love during difficult times. Billie captures the essence of how family, despite life's challenges, remains a constant source of strength. For me, it reflects the way my mother has always been there, especially as I’ve navigated challenges like moving to a new country, and facing uncertainties around my future. “idontwannabeyouanymore” is another song that holds significant meaning for me. Billie’s raw honesty in addressing self-criticism and internal battles mirrors my own experiences with self-doubt and pressure, especially as an international student. Deeply self-image and societal expectations can impact mental health. The lyrics invite the listener to accept themselves, and it has given me strength in moments where I struggled with my own self-worth. It's a reminder that it's okay to be imperfect, and you should embrace every part of the journey, doesn't matter how difficult it is. "Bury a friend" is a deep exploration of the darker side of mental health. It's probably one of my favorite songs, and also the firs tone I have heard of her. Its haunting lyrics reflect the fear and anxiety that many people face when dealing with inner demons, making it a powerful expression tool. It reminds me of the importance of acknowledging these struggles rather than hiding from them. In my journey with misophonia and mental health, I’ve found courage in Billie’s willingness to express these difficult emotions, reminding me that I’m not alone in confronting them.

I came from Italy, where life is much slower compared to New York City. Back home, I was used to meeting my friends at least three times a week, working regular hours, and going to school surrounded by familiar faces. Even during a workday, I could go home for lunch, and everything felt more connected and grounded. But ever since I moved to New York City, my entire world has changed. I’m far from my family and friends, and each day I face new faces, making it difficult to build lasting connections. The pace of life here is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel isolated in such a massive city. The expectations from school, the constant noises of traffic and trains, the inability to look at the sky while walking to school because of the scaffoldings, and even having to be constantly aware of my surroundings because of the dangers... They were destroying me. When I first realized how much the change was affecting me, I sought help from an Italian therapist, hoping that sharing the same cultural background would help. However, after months of talking, it became clear that this approach wasn’t working for me. While she diagnosed me with mild depression, her therapy didn’t address the specific stress and anxiety I was feeling. Being in New York City is an experience she couldn’t fully understand, as she didn’t live here. My life had become so different from what it had been, and I needed a different form of support. That’s when I switched to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been a game-changer. CBT has helped me change my negative thought patterns and view life in a more positive, colorful light. Rather than getting stuck in cycles of stress and anxiety, I’ve learned to be grateful for the opportunities I have and to visualize my long-term goals. It’s allowed me to see that all the effort I’m putting into my education and life will one day be rewarded with the freedom to reconnect with my family and pursue a fulfilling career as an immigration lawyer. Another important aspect of my mental health journey is dealing with misophonia, a condition where I experience intense emotional reactions to specific sounds, like chewing or saliva-induced noises. I actually feel blood boiling in my veins. These triggers used to be so overwhelming that I couldn’t even sit at the same table with my mom during meals for almost a decade. Through CBT, I’ve started to manage these triggers more effectively. My therapist has been helping me redirect my attention when I’m exposed to these sounds, allowing me to focus on something else instead of reacting immediately. In the future, I plan to continue advocating for mental health awareness, especially for those dealing with the unique challenges of living in a fast-paced city like New York. I currently study forensic psychology, which broadens my view of people's issues and disorders, but also makes me understand better the society I now live in. By sharing my own story, I hope to show others that seeking help is a sign of strength and that overcoming mental health challenges is possible with the right tools and support. Through my future work as an immigration lawyer, I’ll ensure that mental health remains a priority, helping others navigate not only legal challenges but also the emotional and psychological difficulties they may face.

I am Italian, Sicilian to be precise. I moved to the USA, specifically to New York City, with my mom in search of better opportunities. My childhood was split between Sicily, where I attended schools, and Greece, where my mom worked as a seasonal tattoo artist during the summer. It was in Greece, interacting with Swedish tourists, that I began learning English. In Italy, English is not widely spoken, so I found myself learning it from the Swedes, who are taught English from a young age and speak it with impeccable grammar. In Italy English education starts in first grade and continues for thirteen years, but the focus is almost exclusively on grammar. It's rare to encounter teacher who emphasize speaking and conversation. For example, when asked "how are you?" we are taught to respond "I'm fine, thank you", and nothing more. This approach to language is limiting, but my mom realized early on how important it would be for me to master English. When I was in middle school, she bought me a copy of the book Alice in Wonderland and insisted I read it in English. This book became a turning point for me, teaching me not only how to translate in my head but also how rich and fascinating the English language could be. Now, I’m often complimented on how well I speak English for being Italian. While these comments can be flattering, they also feel a bit frustrating. Italian, being my first language, both helps and challenges me when I speak English. Since Italian is a Latin-based language, I often find common ground between it and English, especially when it comes to words with Latin roots, which tend to be more specific and eloquent. However, this also presents a challenge. Sometimes, I try to use Latin-based structures to express myself more clearly in English, but I end up accidentally making up words. Looking at my future, I believe that my multilingual background will be a great skill as I pursue my goal of becoming an international lawyer. I plan to start law school in 2026, and I know that my understanding of different languages and cultures will be critical in helping others navigate the complexities of immigration law. Legal jargon can be difficult to grasp, and as someone who has experienced the challenges of language barriers firsthand, I feel well-positioned to bridge those gaps for others. Being bilingual has certainly come with its set of challenges, from navigating cultural differences to mastering fluency in more than one language. However, it has also opened doors for me. I look forward to using these skills in my future career, where I hope to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals and families through legal systems that can often feel overwhelming and foreign.

Malgorzata's story resonates deeply with me as someone who has faced both physical and emotional challenges, but emerged as stronger. Born and raised in Sicily, I started horse riding as a form pf physical therapy after a traumatic accident when I was six years old. I was hit by a motorcycle, breaking my leg, and although the road to recovery was long and difficult I developed resilience and a love for physical challenges. Riding horses, much like skiing for Maggie became not only a therapy but a testament to my determination and my refusal to be defined by physical limitations. Maggie courageously moved to the U.S. alone, leaving her support system. My story differs, but I share her experience of adjusting to life in a foreign country. My mom moved to New York City because I wanted to be here to pursue my dreams, even thought it meant leaving everything behind. She managed to secure a green card, but I wasn't eligible because of my age. Today, I live in the U.S. without the ability to work and without being able to visit the rest of my family, as my visa has expired, and the embassy won't renew it due to my mom's permanent residency. This reality limits my opportunities, but I do find comfort in having my mom by my side. Maggie's bravery in following her own path is incredible, and I too face immigration challenges and the uncertainty of being away from my homeland. Like her, I push forward with determination, hoping for better opportunities. Maggie's love for adventure and exploring the world mirrors my own passions. I am a certified PADI scuba diver and love exploring unusual places when traveling. Like Maggie, I am not afraid to push my physical limits. Whether it's diving into the depths of the ocean, snowboarding on newly formed snow, or trying different sports, I take any opportunity for challenge and growth. Intellectually I connect with Maggie's devotion to learning and mastery. I am currently studying for a bachelor in forensic psychology with a minor in dispute resolution and have plans to attend law school in 2026. I've already earned an associate degree in criminal justice, graduating with a 3.87 GPA. Like Maggie, I am committed to excelling in whatever I set my mind to. My goal is to become an expert in my field, just as Maggie was in Engineering, and contribute to society through my education and future career in law. In New York City, where I now live, I often explore the city, just as Maggie loved exploring the world. I try to find beauty in every little thing, and every new experience helps me sharpen my perspective and grow into the person I want to become. Like Maggie, I am not content with standing still, and I find inspiration in her curiosity and boldness. Malgorzata's life reminds me of the importance of perseverance, adventure, and intellectual ambition. I relate to her challenges and I strive to face the challenges we have in common, head on. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also honor the legacy of a woman who embodies the qualities I hope to emulate.