I have self harm scars all over my body, battle wounds of the fight I have faced in my mind. I have struggled with depression and eating disorders for years, and this has sparked a desire in me to help others through the struggles I myself have faced. I never thought I would be able to recover, or to even make it to 18, but I have and that has sparked a new view in life. I now try my hardest to be a person people can come to when they need help, and to bring joy to those around me. I have recovered, even though it has not been easy, and I want to make sure other people know they can too. Prior to recovery, I told people that I wanted to be a lawyer, which was only partially untrue. Though that was something I know I would be good at, I no longer feel an ounce of passion for it. Now though, I feel a stronger passion to help people. How? Helping those that are struggling with eating disorders recover. Helping them heal their bodies and also their minds. I plan to major in nutrition and dietetics and then minor in psychology, which will help me skillfully aid in recovery. Once I get my degree, I am looking forward to helping heal not only my patients' bodies, but their relationships with food as well. First, I would make sure my patients realize calories are not the only important part of their diet-- while it can be important, it is often not a healthy thing to focus on in recovery. Second, I would like to help them grow towards the understanding that nutrient rich, good foods are amazing for their health, but only if they can allow themselves to have "unhealthy" or "bad" foods. The latter term I hate with a passion, because no food is really bad in the connotation the term implies, but I digress. I would educate them on the importance of balance, eating foods that are good for you in ways you enjoy, and eating foods you enjoy in ways that are good for you. Fostering a healthy and more neutral relationship food than the chaotic, shattered relationship they have now is more important than simply healthy foods. If you cannot have a good relationship with food, you probably will not be making the best nutritional choices for you.

I have always been interested in eating disorders, even at a young age. I believe that influenced my struggles with eating in my youth, though now I am thankfully recovered. Despite my own victories, I have a few very close friends and loved ones that struggle in the same ways I did. I have seen growth in them that I have become close with them. We have bonded over our shared struggles, and I have offered my support, whether that be to listen to a vent, to sit and eat with them, or just to be in their presence. I have a passion for helping people recover from eating disorders. I plan to go to college, hopefully to University of Pennsylvania, and have a dual degree with nutrition and psychology. My goal is to work either somewhere that specializes in eating disorder recovery or, ideally, to open my own practice one day. I want to make a positive impact on everyone around me, whether it is through a smile or through being a rock they can lean on.

I have known loved ones that have died from heart disease and problems caused by poor nutritional choices. There are two ends of this spectrum: one where the person eats an excess of food that is not good for them; the other where the person struggles with an eating disorder and they do not eat enough. These losses could have likely been prevented if they had made better nutritional choices and if they had fueled their bodies the way they should have. My dream is to help and work with those that are struggling with eating disorders, the second end of the aforementioned spectrum. Having seen the havoc they can wreak on the lives of the patient and the family, I want to help my patients fuel their body so they have the ability to keep going and to change their mentality and heal. While this is not the sole way a person heals, it is most definitely a key factor, and without proper nutrition, the health of the patient will be at risk and they may never be able to recover. If I were awarded this scholarship money, I would gladly use it towards my education to make sure I can educate my patients on proper nutrition. Once I get my degree, I am looking forward to helping heal not only my patients' bodies, but their relationships with food as well. First, I would make sure my patients realize calories are not the only important part of their diet-- while it can be important, it is often not a healthy thing to focus on in recovery. Second, I would like to help them grow towards the understanding that nutrient rich, good foods are amazing for their health, but only if they can allow themselves to have "unhealthy" or "bad" foods. The latter term I hate with a passion, because no food is really bad in the connotation the term implies, but I digress. I would educate them on the importance of balance, eating foods that are good for you in ways you enjoy, and eating foods you enjoy in ways that are good for you. Fostering a healthy and more neutral relationship food than the chaotic, shattered relationship they have now is more important than simply healthy foods. If you cannot have a good relationship with food, you probably will not be making the best nutritional choices for you.

Pursuing a degree in psychology is not merely an academic goal for me; it is a deeply personal journey rooted in my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with eating disorders. My aspiration is to specialize in eating disorder recovery, drawing from both my academic interests and my personal experiences. I understand the profound challenges faced by those who endure these conditions, having witnessed the emotional turmoil and the profound sense of isolation they experience. It is this understanding that drives my commitment to this field. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals from all walks of life. Those in recovery often express feelings of abandonment, lamenting that their caregivers lack genuine concern or understanding of their struggles. This is a sentiment I have encountered personally and one that resonates deeply with me. My aim is to challenge this narrative, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritizes healing. I believe that it is essential to cultivate healthier relationships with food, self-image, and interpersonal connections. My vision is to create an atmosphere where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued in their recovery journeys. My journey toward advocating for eating disorder recovery is fueled by passion and empathy. It is a calling that transcends a mere career path; it is a commitment to empower others to reclaim their lives. I strive to instill hope and inspire self-love in those who may have abandoned it amid their struggles with these debilitating conditions. Witnessing the harsh realities of anorexia, which is recognized as one of the most deadly mental disorders, has profoundly impacted me. The devastating effects of these illnesses are not only felt by the individuals but also ripple through families and communities. This fuels my motivation to intervene, ensuring that recovery is not an elusive dream but a tangible reality for those I serve. I firmly believe that even if my reach extends to only a few individuals, every life transformed counts. Each recovery story, no matter how small, contributes to the broader narrative of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. To realize this vision, winning this scholarship would be instrumental. It represents not only financial support but also a recognition of my commitment to this vital field. The education and connections I would gain through this scholarship would provide me with invaluable insights into psychological practices and therapeutic techniques specifically tailored for eating disorder recovery. Additionally, I would have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and engage with a network of individuals who share my passion. Such an experience would allow me to develop the skills necessary to foster a culture of acceptance and healing, ultimately enabling me to become an effective advocate for those in need. In conclusion, my pursuit of a degree in psychology, coupled with my dedication to specializing in eating disorder recovery, is driven by both personal and professional aspirations. ​Winning this scholarship would empower me to further my education and enhance my ability to serve individuals on their recovery journeys.​ I am committed to transforming lives, one step at a time, and contributing to a more compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. With your support, I am determined to challenge the status quo and be a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges of eating disorders.

Pursuing a degree in psychology is not merely an academic goal for me; it is a deeply personal journey rooted in my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with eating disorders. My aspiration is to specialize in eating disorder recovery, drawing from both my academic interests and my personal experiences. I understand the profound challenges faced by those who endure these conditions, having witnessed the emotional turmoil and the profound sense of isolation they experience. It is this understanding that drives my commitment to this field. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals from all walks of life. Those in recovery often express feelings of abandonment, lamenting that their caregivers lack genuine concern or understanding of their struggles. This is a sentiment I have encountered personally and one that resonates deeply with me. My aim is to challenge this narrative, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritizes healing. I believe that it is essential to cultivate healthier relationships with food, self-image, and interpersonal connections. My vision is to create an atmosphere where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued in their recovery journeys. My journey toward advocating for eating disorder recovery is fueled by passion and empathy. It is a calling that transcends a mere career path; it is a commitment to empower others to reclaim their lives. I strive to instill hope and inspire self-love in those who may have abandoned it amid their struggles with these debilitating conditions. Witnessing the harsh realities of anorexia, which is recognized as one of the most deadly mental disorders, has profoundly impacted me. The devastating effects of these illnesses are not only felt by the individuals but also ripple through families and communities. This fuels my motivation to intervene, ensuring that recovery is not an elusive dream but a tangible reality for those I serve. I firmly believe that even if my reach extends to only a few individuals, every life transformed counts. Each recovery story, no matter how small, contributes to the broader narrative of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. To realize this vision, winning this scholarship would be instrumental. It represents not only financial support but also a recognition of my commitment to this vital field. The education and connections I would gain through this scholarship would provide me with invaluable insights into psychological practices and therapeutic techniques specifically tailored for eating disorder recovery. Additionally, I would have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and engage with a network of individuals who share my passion. Such an experience would allow me to develop the skills necessary to foster a culture of acceptance and healing, ultimately enabling me to become an effective advocate for those in need. In conclusion, my pursuit of a degree in psychology, coupled with my dedication to specializing in eating disorder recovery, is driven by both personal and professional aspirations. ​Winning this scholarship would empower me to further my education and enhance my ability to serve individuals on their recovery journeys.​ I am committed to transforming lives, one step at a time, and contributing to a more compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. With your support, I am determined to challenge the status quo and be a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges of eating disorders.