After coming home from practice, tears began to drip down my face, and boom, I'm bursting into a loud sob. I fall into bed squeezing my pillows as my face reveals the grief my heart is experiencing. Volleyball was my life. It brought me joy and training that left me feeling elated. But, once again, I subluxated my shoulder. The pain in my nerves made me fall onto the floor clutching my right shoulder. My teammates and coaches crowded around me, and multiple "Are you okay?" questions were thrown at me. Yet, I couldn't speak. I lay on the ground, praying that my shoulder would position itself back to normal. A few seconds go by and my shoulder is still slightly out of its socket. I brace myself, then pull. My shoulder has been slipping out of my socket for years, randomly deciding to come out at the worst moment. That day of practice was my last day of volleyball. When the athletic trainer arrived at the gym, I was immediately ordered to get to a hospital. The thought of a hospital bill frightened me to share the news with my parents. Fortunately for my family, the bill was covered by the school's insurance. But the school couldn't fix my broken heart. What does one do when their entire arm is out of commission? The hospital visit resulted in a surgery that made me miss school for a week. Not only could I not play my favorite sport, but I couldn't attend the institution where I learned fascinating topics and interacted with extravagant friends. It pained me to be missing out on possibilities that week, whether it be learning or spending quality time with friends. Furthermore, the homework built up. I did my best to complete assignments while recovering at home, however, living life with one arm made completing tasks extremely difficult. The stress of homework I had to make up and the lack of extracurriculars I could participate in troubled me When my situation looked like a path leading to nowhere, my support system paved the way for me. My family, friends, and church members were there to help me with whatever I needed. It shocked me when people offered to help me with things I couldn't do. Their aid was social medicine, which I didn't know I needed. My family comforted me with kind words, my friends helped me understand my assignments and church members prayed and offered their help. The positive energy surrounding me pushed me to continue fighting. I may not have been able to play volleyball, but I could still perform. The musical audition was painful, mentally and physically. Despite that, my determination propelled me through those obstacles. The directors knew of my limitations, but my limitations failed to inhibit me. As the weeks passed by, I was anticipating the cast decisions. However, I focused on enjoying life instead of stressing about something I didn't know. When the results were revealed, I got the role I desired. It made me jump for joy. I went on to perform wonderfully in the four shows we performed. Some days were worse than others as my shoulder pains liked to pop up now and then. Nonetheless, I entertained a crowd who shouted praises at my performance. I went from a dejected teenager who felt lost in life, to a smiling girl on stage in front of a roaring audience. Ultimately, this experience has taught me that you lose things in life to prepare you for the greatness you'll later achieve.

Year by year, month by month, day by day, the decision for my future comes closer. What should I major in? What college should I attend? How am I going to pay for all of it? Countless questions tackle my mind, keeping me in continuous thought. Identifying as a first-generation college student and immigrant Jamaican, college has been stressed to me since the day we moved to the United States. I was recognized as a gifted student since elementary; this led to high expectations and hopes for me. In addition, I have been blessed as a logical-thinking individual. I plan ahead, reaching for goals I can achieve and goals that may seem impossible. Although many complicated queries are floating throughout my mind, I'm not letting the pressure inhibit me from pursuing my goal of achieving higher education. I know my family will not and cannot help me financially with college, I know I'm limited from certain opportunities, but that doesn't mean there's nothing I can do. My immigrant family has encouraged me to pursue my passions, not letting anything get in my way. Every opportunity that reaches me, any experience that I can gain, I will always leap for them. As the time comes and I am entering a new environment, such as college, it opens up numerous possibilities. I desire to reach out and explore, making connections along the way. In this new stage of life, I hope to learn as much as I can from the experiences I get to partake in, negative or positive. But I will monitor that I am keeping my mind focused on my dream career of becoming an actuary. As an actuary, I can help thousands of people by giving them access to a reliable insurance policy. Throughout college, the people I meet as I carry on my path will give me valuable knowledge that can help me in the present and the future. I want to fight the stifling stereotypes of insurance companies and aid people financially. I understand that the world we live in is a difficult and intricate place, but with my job, I can give clients reliable and stable insurance products. I want people to not have to worry about their financial situation and feel covered by their insurance. I want to strengthen insurance so it can help a myriad of people. The world is a tough place to live in, if I can help make lives slightly easier through financial means, I won't let the opportunity slip me by.

I want to become an experimental psychologist to help others better understand themselves and connect deeper with their emotions. I've been helping others with their mental health by bringing up with the school board the importance of letting students have some time to relax and catch up with themselves. I also talk to my friends whenever they have trouble. I like to give advice based on my own experience but also based on research I have learned from asking questions on Google. While in university, I will more actively delve into helping others by joining a group that helps people with their mental health. My major in psychology will help me on my journey.

Once upon a time, in a small town there lived a young black girl. She was known for her bright smile, her quick wit, and her love for learning. She has a full family and a diverse amount of friends and acquaintances. Yet, despite all the love surrounding her, she struggled with something deeply personal—her self-worth. Growing up, she was often bombarded with images and messages that made her question her beauty and value. The media she consumed rarely featured girls who looked like her, with rich, dark skin and coiled hair. At school, some classmates would make offhand comments about her appearance, not realizing the impact of their words. Over time, these experiences chipped away at her confidence. In front of the mirror hours at a time, wishing she could change herself to fit the narrow standards of beauty she saw around her. She longed for straighter hair, lighter skin, and a slimmer nose. She believed there was no hope in her future. One day, while browsing the internet, she stumbled upon an article about different types of beauty. Intrigued, she checked it out and saw a collection of stories, photographs, and essays celebrating the beauty of people from all walks of life. It featured women of different ethnicities, body types, and ages, each radiating confidence and grace. As she scrolled down the screen, she saw women who looked like her—women with dark skin, curly hair, and features similar to her own. They were doctors, artists, activists, and leaders, all proud of who they were. For the first time, she felt a spark of recognition and belonging. She realized that beauty wasn't confined to a single mold; it was diverse and complex, just like the world around her. Inspired, she decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery. She began her relationship with God, learning to love herself more and more. As life progressed, she learned to embrace her heritage and take pride in her identity. She discovered the rich history of her ancestors, their resilience, and their contributions to the world. She began to see herself as part of that legacy, a continuation of a story filled with strength and beauty. The girl in the story is me. I'm still learning to love myself, but I recognize my self-worth. I know that if I continue my journey of self-love, I will have the confidence and courage to be what I desire to be. I don't deserve a low-level job because of my looks, I deserve a chance to pursue a career because I have determination, drive, and passion. Instead of accepting a life working a 9-5, being a nobody in a huge corporation, I want to become an experimental psychologist, helping others learn more about themselves, and that they are completely normal and absolutely beautiful, no matter the features they inherit.

Mental health is a very important aspect of my well-being that has only recently gained the recognition it deserves. For me, as a student, mental health is crucial because it deeply influences my ability to deeply understand myself, manage my emotions, and navigate my academic and personal life. Addressing my mental health issues is not just about resolving problems when they arise; it’s about maintaining a balanced state of mind that allows me to thrive both in and out of school. It about self-care, I'm the only person I need to take care of in this stage of life. Understanding and managing my mental health involves more than just personal reflection. It requires the ability to communicate my feelings effectively and find solutions when I encounter difficulties. This self-awareness and communication are essential, especially when dealing with disputes that stem from generations. Often, older generations carry their own set of traumas and coping mechanisms that may not align with modern understanding of mental health. This divide of generations can sometimes be a barrier to respectful and proper conversations about mental well-being. At the same time, it also presents an opportunity for change. By recognizing and addressing these differences, my generation can work towards creating a more supportive environment that values mental health, instead of passing down the same transgenerational trauma. In my community, I actively advocate for mental health by encouraging open conversations about emotions and mental well-being. One of the ways I do this is by reminding people to check in with themselves and understand how they genuinely feel. Often, people suppress their emotions or overlook their mental health needs due to stigma or lack of awareness. By fostering an environment where it’s okay to express feelings, I help others feel more comfortable acknowledging and addressing their mental health needs. Additionally, I share positive messages and resources related to mental health. Whether it’s through social media, conversations with friends, or involvement in school activities, I aim to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and the benefits of seeking support. By highlighting stories of resilience, offering encouragement, and providing practical tips for managing stress, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being. Overall, mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and productivity. By advocating for mental health and encouraging others to engage with their emotions openly, I strive to contribute to a community where mental well-being is valued and supported. This approach not only helps in personal growth but also fosters a more empathetic and understanding environment for everyone.

Manipulated and taken advantage of; that is some of the adversities I have faced. Although there are many people out in the world who publish books and have seminars with people to teach them the signs of an unhealthy relationship, I also want to contribute. I want to inform people as far and wide as possible to speak the language of human behavior. I also want them to understand themselves, so they know whether or not they're the problem. Inspired by my teachers, I desire to help people find themselves emotionally because it is widely normalized to succumb to social trends and ignore one's feelings. I want people to be human again, to be able to communicate without worrying about their social status. I have high goals, I want to aim for a more comfortable world where it is normalized to feel. As a social and interactive high school student, I do my best to be involved in my community. Before I can share with others how to speak the language of human behavior, I must study it first. I do various types of behavioral tests (in my head though) and put them on the closest piece of paper I have access to. I also keep note of the results and analyze them in my head or on my phone if I don't have paper. I actively research experiments and observe people's behaviors. I try my hardest to put connections together and make out an answer as to why a person did what they did. To aid in my research, I took sociology, and now I am taking psychology to learn the basics of humans and society. I have a 9-year goal of getting a bachelor's degree and obtaining a PhD before officially beginning my goal. But I have unofficially started by sharing any information I can with others. I give the best advice I can based on the level of knowledge of the information I have. It warms my heart when my peers tell me they like my advice. In a way, I am a mediator of negative conflicts. This scholarship will greatly aid my 9-year goal by funding it, giving me an easier obstacle in paying for my education. I will be able to focus more on my goal and studies, without worrying about paying for my education. I do not have the funds to pay it forward financially, but I have the motivation and willpower to pay it forward through sharing. I know I can brighten people's day when I give them advice that helps them in their situation. As I continue to learn about the hows and whys of people, I will continue to use the information I gain responsibly by helping others with it. Humans are meant to share and I want to contribute my two cents to society.