Why do you believe your mental health is important? How do you maintain your mental wellness? What seemed like a normal forty-five-minute commute to my aunt’s house resulted in an overnight stay in the emergency room. About thirty minutes behind the steering wheel, I remember feeling dizziness, instability, and a thrust of nervousness. Even at a complete stop, it felt as though my car was being lifted and I was floating into the air. According to the Emergency Room Doctor, I experienced a panic attack and that I would be fine. I was left utterly confused and traumatized by the event as I had never experienced anything like it. Little did I know, this would be the first of many panic attacks. A year after the initial panic attack, I had suffered so many panic attacks and had visited the Emergency Room so many times that my normal routines were completely interrupted. The attacks would occur at any time or place. Even the thought of stepping foot into a car brought about intense fear and anxiety. This was the lowest point in my life and the turning point. I just couldn’t understand how your mental state is stable one moment and then, the complete opposite. Self- care, in its various forms, is necessary to effectively be successful in helping others. I believe that each person was created to serve others. To do so, we must be in a stable state of mind. An encourager can’t be impactful to another person if they themselves are discouraged. Also, it almost impossible to give to pour into others if you are distracted by your own situation. I believe there are lessons learned after overcoming obstacles and therefore, creates wisdom that can be shared with another person in need. For these reasons, self-care must not be overlooked. After experiencing such a tumultuous year of mental instability, I have found the best avenue that I can serve others. I encourage others who struggle with mental attacks and depression. Before the mental episodes, I never understood the significance of having a therapist to talk to. In fact, visits to a therapist were taboo and not often spoken of. Now, I am intentional about sharing my story of I overcame bouts of panic attacks and depression. I am also able to share resources that helped me get through such a dark time. Resources such as therapy referrals, books that I’ve read, bible scriptures and even breathing techniques that were extremely helpful. Although, I don’t attend sessions as often as before, I still indulge in activities that make me happy. I want to be whole so that I can help to make a difference in others.

Transitioning from an 11-year high school teacher to a full time Chiropractic student has been one of the boldest leaps of faith I have taken. With the emotions, uncertainties and sacrifices attached to the major move, it has been quite a tumultuous ride. While it is easy to call my current scenario a calculated a risk, I would prefer to classify it as more of a learning experience. Aside from the years of schooling, receiving multiple degrees and even working in education for more than a decade, the most impactful lessons learned have been from life itself. This new chapter of life has taught me a new level of resiliency and how to conquer fear. Towards the latter years of my education career, I had a strong desire to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree but was discouraged starting a new chapter at an older age. Although it is never too late to learn, I felt as though it would be extremely difficult to leave the only career I’ve known, to transition to a field I knew little of. With some research, networking, and resilience, I quickly learned how to continue to push for my goal despite all setbacks. Learning to overcome fear was also a major lesson learned throughout this process. I realized that the things I initially feared were not so intimidating after pressing forward. This process has taught me so much about myself and about the person that I am becoming. Since learning more about myself throughout this transitionary period, I want to challenge myself to continuously and fearlessly taking calculated risks. As mentioned previously, embarking on this new journey has been the most monumental and risks taking thus far. Leaving a stable career that provided financial security was a nerve-racking one and often resulted in many sleepless nights. I also grieved the loss of bonds between myself and my students as well as my teacher- friends. I also struggled with the accepting the extremely high tuition of Chiropractic school and trying to figure out how to find funding for this new endeavor. Needless to say, there were many sacrifices made in order to change the trajectory of my life. Working towards a Doctor of Chiropractic degree will certainly present many interesting and even difficult times however, my goal is to persevere. I believe that each hurdle one overcomes results in growth and confidence. To ensure that I succeed in taking calculated risks, a structured plan must be developed. Thinking with the end is mind is the first step to take. Writing down my long-term goals with short- term as steppingstones are also important. I believe in having visuals will serve as a constant reminder of my purpose and the pressure to execute. Being intentional about setting high achieving goals will place me in a position of stepping out of my comfort zone and forces me take calculated risks. As a first-generation Doctoral student, I am setting the bar high for myself and for my family members. My goal is to lead by example and encourage others to seek opportunities to challenge themselves into taking calculated risks. As an African American, breaking generational curses and instilling strong family values is important to continue cultivate a generation black excellence. It is important to speak to youth about black excellence but even more impactful to lead by example. As a former educator at a predominantly Black and Hispanic school, I saw first-hand how much talent the student had but didn’t have enough courage to take risks and elevate. They were preventing themselves from reaching their fullest potential. This scholarship award would be instrumental in assisting me as I must set the bar high to see change among the younger generation.

"My name may be Easi, but I'm not Easy", Is the saying that I grew up hearing. My family given name is "Easington" which is always followed with "may I call you Easi?" Our response is always the previous mentioned statement. I'm sure we would have probably had my whole tuition covered if a dollar was saved for every time we heard the statement. The Easington name serves as a constant reminder that I must strive for excellence because I belong to a family of hard working individuals who did not have the opportunities that are currently presented to me. When abbreviated, it feels disrespectful to my grandparents and ancestors. My family hails from the hills and mountains of the beautiful island of Jamaica. While many people associate Jamaica with beautiful beaches and picturesque views, many have no idea of the rural areas located far in the mountains and hours away from even the sight of a beach. My grandparents owned a 3 bedroom house on a farm where they raised 12 children! With little to no education, my grandmother worked with her hands to tend to the home and raise my mother and her siblings. My grandfather was a farmer and spent most of his time working on the farm located in the backyard. The happiest moment for my family was learning that my grandfather was selected to travel to America to do contracted farm work. During the time of telegrams, it was heartbreaking to see your father leave to a world often hear of but never experienced and not being able to communicate with him when desired. It was said that each time a telegram arrived at the house, my grandmother became immediately ill in fear that there would be news that my grandfather would not be returning home. These sacrifices that my grandfather made was for the sole purpose of providing for his family. Hearing these stories from my mother about how hard my parents worked to ultimately build a legacy for his family, motivates me to strive for nothing short of excellence. For this reason I cling to the "Easington" name and remember that there is strength in the name. In addition to such a powerful given name, I was also blessed to be named "Sabrina", which represents a princess warrior! Both of my names remind me that I am a fighter and that must rise to any challenge. The Easington name will never be forgotten nor will it lose its power and impactful nature. The history behind it will be passed down to my children and hopefully theirs. I know that my grandparents would have been proud of me for pursuing my goals. If they were still alive, I would have dedicated this moment of acceptance into Chiropractic school to them for their sacrifice, love and dedication their children who have shown that same love for their children. I am a product of them and I love it!

A teacher's job is never limited to only teaching material, but also giving advice, becoming a counselor, parent, and much more. As a former 11-year high school teacher, I have been a mentor to many. Many of my past students are now professionals in their careers, some are parents and some have chosen to focus on continuing their education. Although my agenda as a teacher was always booked, I always made sure to provide words of encouragement and wisdom to students. While spreading words of encouragement, there were many times that I felt as though my messages were entering one ear and simultaneously exiting the other. One of my favorite messages to my mentees was “Just because you’re not the best at something doesn’t mean you can’t complete the task and complete it well”. The follow-up message discussed how I was never the best student in my Pre-AP Chemistry class however, I ended up averaging an A grade average and also graduating from college with Chemistry as a minor. Not liking the class didn’t stop me from mastering it in high school and earning a degree in the subject. I hope my students can apply my words of wisdom to help them navigate their situations. I'd also like for them to gain a sense of confidence when faced with circumstances that make them feel less than. I remind my students that they are smart and that they belong in any space that they’re in. This is the impact that I want to have on my mentees.

Since the age of 10, the elderly have had a special place in my heart. My mother, then, a Certified Nursing Assistant worked the night shift at a Nursing Home. In the mornings before school, I would be dropped off at the nursing home while I waited for my mother’s shift to end and then dropped off at school. Every day for two hours while I waited, I interacted with some of the patients. We would eat breakfast together, I would read current events in the newspaper, and even played a few songs on the piano located in the dining room area. My time spent with my friend was rich because we respected each other and we enjoyed each other’s company. As we age, mobility and range of motion decrease naturally. When this happens, quality of life is affected. A loss in mobility among seniors is quite common. Fortunately, a holistic approach to improving the quality of life is available in the form of Chiropractic care. My goal as a Chiropractor is to diversify the demographics of patients. I specifically want to be able to increase the number of elderly patients by educating the population on the benefits of holistic care. Some of the benefits include increased mobility, pain relief, improved balance, and overall well-being (Wasserman, 2022). Another way to reach the elderly is by outreach and community service. As a community board member in my neighborhood, I’ve had the pleasure of promoting and organizing the group called the Gessport Steppers, a group specifically for our elderly residents who walk 3 miles each morning around the neighborhood. This promotes an active lifestyle, serves as exercise, and improves quality of life. As a Chiropractor, I would partner with fellow Chiropractors and work toward organizing opportunities for the elderly while promoting Chiropractic.

As a former 11-year Educator, I have made the decision to transition to Chiropractic. In a time riddled with distinction and turmoil, people are stressed. The need for self-care is essential and should take precedence. The primary reason for such a huge career transition is to be able to educate communities on the health benefits of Chiropractic care and how this type it can serve as a means of stress relief. The utilization of Chiropractic care has increased over time but is still not as common as traditional medical care. About 40% of Americans seek holistic care with the prevalence of 13% usage for whites. Only 40% of Americans utilize holistic care with a prevalent usage of 13% of whites. Minorities on the other hand, have a lesser usage of Chiropractic care; 5% blacks, 9% Hispanics and 9% Asians and 9% Native Americans (NIH, 2012). As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I want to make it my duty to use my education and public health background to spread awareness to communities that are underexposed to the field. Transitioning from Educator to a full-time Doctor of Chiropractic student is one of the hardest decisions mainly due to a lack of finances. As a full-time student, I will not be able to generate income to support myself or even contribute to tuition. With the cost of Chiropractic school costing over one hundred thousand dollars and no means of income, It would be a blessing to receive the Melaninwhitecoats Podcast Annual Scholarship. The funding would alleviate the stress of the financial burden and allow me to fully focus on my studies. In the next 10 years, my main goal is to open my own Chiropractic business. While running my business, I plan to spread awareness to the underserved and overlooked. I want to continuously give back to minority communities by speaking to students about the benefits of holistic care, offering shadowing opportunities as well as providing job opportunities specifically to minorities as fellow Chiropractors, technicians, and receptionists.

What seemed like a normal forty-five-minute commute to my aunt’s house resulted in an overnight stay in the emergency room. About thirty minutes behind the steering wheel, I remember feeling dizziness, instability, and a thrust of nervousness. Even at a complete stop, it felt as though my car was being lifted and I was floating into the air. According to the Emergency Room Doctor, I experienced a panic attack and that I would be fine. I was left utterly confused and traumatized by the event as I had never experienced anything like it. Little did I know, this would be the first of many panic attacks. A year after the initial panic attack, I had suffered so many panic attacks and had visited the Emergency Room that I couldn’t even recognize myself anymore. The attacks would occur at any time or place. Even the thought of stepping foot into a car brought about intense fear and anxiety. This was the lowest point in my life and the turning point. I just couldn’t understand how your mental state is stable one moment and then, the complete opposite. This new chapter in my life led me on a learning journey about mental health, self-awareness, and wellness. While spending most of my free time at home, I researched what mental health is, the variations, and how they affect individuals as well as treatment and coping methods. I learned that for some people, triggers of past and present trauma could lead to mental instability as well as the fear of the future. In my situation, since it was in the prime season of the COVID pandemic, I had a fear of losing family members. At the time, I had already lost family members who were very close to me and I feared losing others. Today, almost 2 years later, I still suffer from bouts of anxiety. Although I can now drive, I still am unable to drive long distances and have moments where I have to pull over to the side of the road to take a mental break. What that period of lowness proved to me is that mental health is real and is no respecter of person; in fact, mental instability can happen to anyone. I have also learned to listen to people and never deny a person of their feelings when experiencing mental attacks. I also think it is vital to normalize openly sharing one’s experience and promote seeking professional help. It is important for people to work toward eliminating the stigma associated with therapy and discussion groups geared toward mental health. This period has opened doors for me to take a leap of faith and seek a career in Chiropractic. While it is common to see a therapist when mentally troubled, I learned that a Chiropractor is certified to also physically relieve a person from stress and can help a person. There is something magical about a Chiropractor’s touch and laying hands on a patient while performing an adjustment. For this reason, I am taking a leap of faith to transition from education to a Doctor of Chiropractic. My goal is to serve a community of people who are heavily burdened with stress, panic attacks, and other triggers that cause mental instability and provide relief through Chiropractic care.

What seemed like a normal forty-five-minute commute to my aunt’s house resulted in an overnight stay in the emergency room. About thirty minutes behind the steering wheel, I remember feeling dizziness, instability, and a thrust of nervousness. Even at a complete stop, it felt as though my car was being lifted and I was floating into the air. According to the Emergency Room Doctor, I experienced a panic attack and that I would be fine. I was left utterly confused and traumatized by the event as I had never experienced anything like it. Little did I know, this would be the first of many panic attacks. A year after the initial panic attack, I had suffered so many panic attacks and had visited the Emergency Room that I couldn’t even recognize myself anymore. The attacks would occur at any time or place. Even the thought of stepping foot into a car brought about intense fear and anxiety. This was the lowest point in my life and the turning point. I just couldn’t understand how your mental state is stable one moment and then, the complete opposite. This new chapter in my life led me on a learning journey about mental health, self-awareness, and wellness. While spending most of my free time at home, I researched what mental health is, the variations, and how they affect individuals as well as treatment and coping methods. I learned that for some people, triggers of past and present trauma could lead to mental instability as well as the fear of the future. In my situation, since it was in the prime season of the COVID pandemic, I had a fear of losing family members. At the time, I had already lost family members who were very close to me and I feared losing others. Today, almost 2 years later, I still suffer from bouts of anxiety. Although I can now drive, I still am unable to drive long distances and have moments where I have to pull over to the side of the road to take a mental break. What that period of lowness proved to me is that mental health is real and is no respecter of person; in fact, mental instability can happen to anyone. I have also learned to listen to people and never deny a person of their feelings when experiencing mental attacks. I also think it is vital to normalize openly sharing one’s experience and promote seeking professional help. It is important for people to work toward eliminating the stigma associated with therapy and discussion groups geared toward mental health. This period has opened doors for me to take a leap of faith and seek a career in Chiropractic. While it is common to see a therapist when mentally troubled, I learned that a Chiropractor is certified to also physically relieve a person from stress and can help a person. There is something magical about a Chiropractor’s touch and laying hands on a patient while performing an adjustment. For this reason, I am taking a leap of faith to transition from education to a Doctor of Chiropractic. My goal is to serve a community of people who are heavily burdened with stress, panic attacks, and other triggers that cause mental instability and provide relief through Chiropractic care.

Chiropractors have an important role in society and are often undermined therefore, their abilities are overlooked. When asking friends and family how they cope with stress, it is often uncommon that I hear about chiropractic visits. In fact, I can count on my fingers how many family and friends routinely visit chiropractic for self-care. In this season of a pandemic, inflation, turmoil, and sickness, the term “wellness” has a greater meaning than ever. The COVID pandemic has given rise to insurmountable levels of stress and anxiety that have resulted in people desperate for an outlet. Some are on a constant hunt for harmless outlets such as exercise, therapy, support groups, and dance that can possibly soothe their mental and physical being. Others seek outlets that can lead to destruction such as illegal drugs, smoking, overeating, and self-isolation. In a season of intensifying stress, how many people turn to Chiropractic for relief? How many people are even aware of the loaded benefits of receiving Chiropractic care? In fact, when I think back to recommendations made by primary care physicians, the option of seeking care from a Chiropractor for stress relief was never an option. It’s hard to even think about the unfathomable amounts of stress we carry from day to day which leads to misalignments and chronic/internal pain that people endure. People also don’t understand the toll stress takes on the body and how the remedy for stress relief could be Chiropractic care. I have learned how important it is to spread health awareness while intentionally working to make Chiropractic the lead in healthcare. Approximately 7.5 percent of U.S. adults are estimated to visit a chiropractor each year (Barnes et al. 2004), which is such a small percentage. Reaching populations who have not integrated Chiropractic care pare of their lifestyle then this number will never increase. I learned first-hand about the healing properties of chiropractic care. There are more benefits than I ever imagined and was shocked to learn about them first-hand. What I hope to accomplish as a Chiropractor is to spread wellness to populations who are unaware or uninformed of the benefits of chiropractic care such as reduction of pain, mobility, reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms, ease of headache symptoms, improves posture, and many more. With a Public Health-Health Education Awareness background coupled with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, I have the leverage to effectively spread chiropractic awareness and mental wellness. Exposure to this type of healthcare can create a climate where Chiropractic care is normal. As a teacher, I have spent my entire career educating students and preparing them for the future. I have been devoted to sharing my knowledge and ensuring students are well prepared for a successful career. My goal as a Chiropractor is to visit campuses and introduce the field as well as educate. Not only do I want to share the positive aspects of receiving chiropractic care, but also possibly ignite an interest in those who may want to select this field as a career.

There are many benefits of being an educator and interacting with students daily is one. My experience in education and specifically at minority schools has afforded me the opportunity to embrace the cultures of my black, brown, and yellow students. As a 9th-grade teacher, it is common to hear students engage in conversations surrounding Quinceaneras. In the past, I have been invited to many Quinceaneras and try my very best to attend these events which mark a milestone in my students’ lives. The first Quinceanera I attended was one I will never forget as it was a life-changing moment for both myself and my student. As I enter the beautifully decorated venue, I was immediately spotted by my student who was engaged in a traditional dance with a family member. She was immediately brought to tears because she realized that I cared enough to support her on one of her most monumental days. She later explained to me that she didn’t expect her Afrin-American teacher to take the time to embrace her culture. It was then that I realized that our students need to know that they are cared for despite their nationality, race, or creed. From that day forward, I’ve made it my duty to take the time to show up for my students.

“What’s for you will be for you”, I hold on to the wise words of my mother every time one door of opportunity closes and I enter into phase of disappointment. What qualifies my mother’s words is a lifetime of experience and a wealth of wisdom. From a young age, I remember learning that I did not get selected for the middle school basketball team. The moment I realized I didn’t make it, I started experiencing all the emotions affiliated with rejection. With tears in my eyes, I had to deliver the news to my mother who then responded by saying “Don’t be discouraged, what’s for you will be for you”. Obeying my mother’s words, I then tried out for the volleyball team which led to years of success and accolades. My mother's words led me. As an adult, my mother’s words still echo in my ear when I am faced with an unexpected and unwanted outcome. I have learned to work hard and focus on accomplishing goals but also to understand that every “door” that closes should be viewed as a loss. As a teacher in education for over 11 years, I always knew that I would pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic but never knew I would start the path in my mid 30’s. My mother’s wise words have allowed me to understand that a lifetime of revolving doors has prepared me for a time such as this to pursue my dreams.

With the recent devastation of a global pandemic, many lives were shortened, and many hearts were left with a void. There are many who have succumbed to the COVID 19 virus before people fully understood the detriment it would cause. Global pandemics have threatened the world for many decades and have caused fatalities. In the past, viruses have morphed into dangerous strains that have presented themselves in forms such as HIV, SARS, EBOLA, H1N1, INFLUENZA, and many more. In my lifetime, COVID has been the most personal for me. COVID is the strain that has taken the lives of numerous family members and friends who were near and dear to my heart. Like many others, COVID is also the reason for the instability of my mental state and physical abilities. With the uncertainty of this period, each day was overwhelming and dark. I am particularly grateful for the discovery of vaccinations that build immunity against the virus. I am appreciative of the usage of mRNA instead of injecting a weakened version of the virus into our system. The promptness of the creation of a product with a high efficacy rate was honorable and allowed for peace of mind knowing there were options for protection against something that was so disturbing. While we are still in the era of COVID, the vaccinated aren’t threatened with death as before when unvaccinated. I am truly thankful for the skilled and dedicated scientists.