At the age of seven or eight, I told my parents I wished I had never been born. At ten and eleven, I was plotting ways to run away– what I would bring, and whether I would ever come back. Then, at 13, my parents called a crisis team to our home. They asked if I was depressed. They asked if I wanted to hurt/kill myself. As if the situation wasn’t overwhelming enough, I was mortified by the eight eyes on me– my parents and the crisis duo, I told them no. I lied then, and I have subconsciously sustained the lie. When they asked me that question, I wanted to hide, cower under the covers, and be surrounded by darkness for the rest of eternity. I wasn’t ready to face the consequences of honesty. I never wanted those thoughts to come out. My parents had gone through my phone that night, reading messages between my friends and me. I hated when they did that, yet, at 13, I understood why they were concerned. I don’t really remember the following days or weeks after that night, but at some point, I grew up, and things got “better”. Looking back, I vividly remember wanting to be as independent and “strong” as possible. I didn’t ask for help much, and I made sure I was there for the people I cared about, including my parents and the rest of my family. Not a word about the incident was spoken outside of the house, at least not on my end. I never told my friends, my classmates, or my best friend about that night because I thought it would mean that people would see me as weak for getting “caught”. It’s been nearly a decade since that night, and those feelings of depression and ideation have become more suppressed. The internalized struggles have shaped my entire being and worldview. In the same breath, when it comes to the people I love, I highlight the importance of talking to someone they trust or just getting those thoughts down on paper. I stress how much bottling these feelings and ideas up hurts both the body and soul. I understand that everyone’s life is different. I understand that the world is perceived differently by every single person on this Earth. I know that there are so many more people struggling with their mental health than one can imagine. Because of that, I’ve made it my own personal mission to help those struggling with their mental health in the court setting. I aspire to be a Forensic Psychologist who concentrates on those who have a history of mental health issues. As a child, I couldn’t find the voice to be upfront about where my head was at. I felt as though if I couldn’t prove my feelings, they weren’t legitimate. While that is unfortunate and completely incorrect, that idea has driven me to force a change. It’s going to take a lot of work, as we are our own worst enemies, but I need to be the voice of those who aren’t able or ready to speak for themselves.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would enable me to advocate for these communities through the use of psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I work as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children aged 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to consider that this specific population may not fully understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see the significant progress these kids make and how quickly their minds absorb information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is essential to recognize that they are still remarkable individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I believe that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who have not yet mastered these skills. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue helping this population as they age to sustain themselves and their livelihood, and provide support if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in to help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.

Human behavior and behavioral patterns are complex concepts that many people don't understand, especially when it comes to Criminal Law and Justice. I feel as if my life purpose is to be an advocate and help those who are misunderstood in the court of law. I also believe it is incredibly important to keep in mind that those who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are often targets in today's justice system. Too often, behavior is judged at face value. Most people do not see the internal or psychological struggles that contribute to consistent behavioral issues. This causes misjudgment and unfair sentencing for certain demographics. Although the law is meant to be just, many marginalized communities have yet to experience this justice. I hope to be able to step into a role that would allow me to fight for these communities with psychological assessments, evidence-based research, and resources in the courtroom. Currently, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children ranging from ages 4 to 11. These early years are crucial to the development of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. It is also important to take into consideration that this specific population doesn't quite understand their own emotions or why they feel a certain way about certain things. It is my job to step in and help them with their emotional regulation and social skills. This will allow them to properly identify and understand their own intense emotions. I have been on the job for two months, but I can already see how much progress these kids make and how quickly their minds soak up information. Although these children develop and learn at different rates, it is important to understand that they are still incredible individuals with extraordinary potential. This job has also taught me the importance of patience and emotional regulation in my own life. I feel that anyone working in the mental/behavioral health field should consistently practice regulation and empathy towards those who haven't mastered those skills yet. Working with these children has helped me recognize behavioral patterns and the importance of consistent routines. Helping them build foundational skills for their futures has shown me how much support adolescents need as they grow. We need to continue to help this population as they get older to sustain themselves, their livelihood, and help them if they ever find themselves in a legal predicament. Overall, my goal is to be a Forensic Psychologist who also specializes in advocacy for people with special needs and mental disabilities. As I have explained throughout, starting the foundation for people with mental disabilities takes patience, practice, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, we can't help them maintain those skills. When they need support within the justice system, mental health professionals need to advocate for them. As a Black woman, I have seen the injustice and the lack of understanding for my own people and family. Throughout my entire life, past generations have always helped me understand the importance of having representation. Now, I feel as though it will be my turn to do that for future generations, the generation that will care, help their neighbor, and never discriminate against others who are different. I understand that my community is not the only one facing injustice, discrimination, and lack of advocacy, and I think it is past time someone stepped in help lay the groundwork for change.