My journey of persistence took on a life of its own as we faced challenges derived from the Covid pandemic. One’s perspective on life changes when you’re faced with adversities that now clutter the life you once knew. Unfortunately, we were displaced from our apartment and the roller coaster of confused noise forced a persistent journey. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or underclothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. Life has its obstacles; however, the journey of persistence prevails. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. I’ve learned to be content despite my situation. This experience will certainly help me in the future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “This too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges, and find the solutions to change it. It may require reaching out to others, but whatever it takes, change what you don’t like. Because of these challenges, I am passionate about helping others in the future. My future is blessed with the opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college and make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My desire to study Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exist in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent our culture or speak our language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of the difficulties of life. I will impact this world by being a resourceful Psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and at the educational level which this target population can read, accept, and trust.

I am not aware of anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. Our journey was difficult just as other families as we faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from our friends and family, and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. We were maintaining our composure and persevering. However, as time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were evicted from our apartment. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned exceedingly early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. Your senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine were filled with life’s struggles. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulty of sleeping on the floor and sharing the bathroom with four other people, I have a roof over my head. Even though my sister and I were temporarily separated from our parents, we speak with them daily and get to see them most weekends. I have learned to be content despite my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass.” I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it. It may require reaching out to others, but whatever it takes, change what you don’t like. Mental health issues are imperative and affect our lives personally as well as those within our community. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my own experience as well as my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? To whom do they turn? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept, and trust.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents, and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching sweltering summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We have provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity when they feel clean after a bath, a clean toothbrush and refreshed with deodorant. Handing out blankets, sleeping bags and the most needed socks in the dead of winter when all the shelters are closed. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Each year, we choose three families to adopt at Christmas to assure they have a complete meal and presents for each family member. The family does not have to be a family of our church. It is amazing the reaction of each family when we deliver the packages. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We engage in the cooking and baking of all the dishes, and she takes along to make her deliveries. It is such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that is exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior that shouts and cries every time we go because she is so grateful. assist senior citizens with food during the holiday season. There was one senior was not going to be able to stay in her home because her family and care givers were going to be out of the country for the holidays. I along with others in the group prepared meals for the length of time her family would be out of town. we labeled each meal and delivered them to her. We explained how to warm them up and she was so grateful. In addition, each day, I called her to make sure she was doing well and was assured she was eating. Just spending time on the phone was enjoyable. Community service is critical. Helping people not only helps them but it helps me. It puts life in perspective that we all need each other in this world. One of my favorite songs is “I Need You to Survive” The song emphasizes that we all need each other because were all apart of God’s body and we are important to each other to survive. Finally, community service has had a lasting positive impact on me and certainly on those whom I have shared my time and love with. I have developed life skills and knowledge that would not have been experienced in any other setting. I have created bonds with people that will be lifelong. An experience that has been instilled in my spirit and will be forever.

Like a well knitted blanket, I am intertwined with grace, wisdom, a spirit of fierceness and love. As names were being considered before my birth, Sofia appealed to both of my parents. Carefully and spiritually, Sofia was followed by Renee, named to honor my fraternal grandmother. Odette is an old family name my maternal grandmother was graciously named and the middle name of my beloved mother. Therefore, let me take a minute to introduce myself, my name is Sofia Renee Odette Kelly. I’m a proud Black American Hispanic female intertwined and as it states in Psalm 139:14, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The evolution of my name resonates the love from two very different cultures that I love, reverence and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened my whole being. It has clothed me with the last name Kelly, providing me with the foundation of “war” giving me strength to withstand the trials that I have endured in my life. The opportunity to experience a heritage that allowed to enjoy sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. That is the heritage of being a “Kelly” girl! I am blessed to share the middle name Renee with my grandmother. It is my desire to share her grace and determination in life. The love she shares as she embraces her God. There is such as awesome connection within our family as we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where the music is loud, prayers are prayed that pierce your heart and my Great Uncle is the Pastor. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church would dress in her Sunday suit, heels and matching hat every Sunday. She could sing and shout until heaven could hear her. But most of all, I have learned to hid in my heart my favorite scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. Hence, I have inherited my deep-rooted middle name Odette I share not only with my mother but also my great grandmother. My Hispanic reins from deep within Mexico, a culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. The blanket that my name is knitted with includes cultures filled with many traditions, foods, religious ceremonies, experiences, love, joy, and yes even painful journeys. As Sofia Renee Odette Kelly, I am powerful, rich in culture, loving and full of gratitude for those who have come before me to make me who I am today.

When I’m not dancing, I’m dancing! Dancing is engrained in me. The routines I have learned since I was seven years old are branded in my mind and heart. Every song I listen to has a movement. I didn’t realize how much dance mattered to me until the pandemic and I was locked down inside the house in small quarters. I turned to music and continued to sing as I have been singing in choir in church and school since I was three years old. Over the years, due to various issues in my family, and personal issues, I found myself becoming depressed and shutting down. My grandmother introduced my sister and my cousins to Praise Dancing at our church. One of my favorite songs to dance to was “You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobb. This song seems to just resonate in my mind, heart and soul. It’s one of those songs that you wake up in the morning and it's on your mind and when you go to bed at night it's on your mind. Alone in my room when times would get tough or just lonely, my body would just automatically flow into dance and allow me to release the loneliness, anxiety and anger that filled my inner being. The song is about God and how he knows me and my name. It’s personal. It's about how God is always there and how he walks with me and talks with me, comforts me, counsels, how he’s, my friend. This song for me is so amazing because it allows me to worship silently or out loud. No matter whether I am at church dancing with the Praise team, or at school participating with the Flag Team on the Football field or dancing with the Flag Spring Competition Team helping us win State, each routine empowered me to overcome my mental illness. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, especially if you can face it and find ways to help you deal with it. For me, dance has been that avenue. Dancing has positively affected my life and improved my emotions and helped improve my relationships with other offers. Most importantly, I have gained a great deal of respect and value for myself because of dance. When I’m dancing, I’m in another world, I’m only concentrating on the beauty of what I want to share and not the faces of the audience. Finally, dance has become the most effective way to ease my depression and anxiety that I experience at home, school or in this craze dark society. I feel a sense of belonging to a great group of dancers who are my friends and understand who I am on this journey. As I continue my journey in college, I will continue my journey of dance. I will continue to Praise Dance at church and engage with the dance groups at the university I will be attending. Mental illness is real, dancing is forever engrained and a part of my journey.

What a brilliant idea! Debit cards did not exist. I certainly can’t say it was my idea and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first, but having a savings account eventually grew on me. Some may not think of a savings account as helpful and the best financial advice you will ever receive, but I beg to differ. My grandparents opened a savings account up for me at a very young age and whenever I got an allowance, I was required to deposit one dollar into my account. My grandmother always took me to the bank and filled out the deposit slip and I reluctantly handed the teller my dollar. The only solace was the lollipop I received for being cute. As I grew and was able to write, I learned to fill out the deposit slip out myself and the training continued as I learned to read the quarterly statements as they arrived. I didn’t really understand my investment until I was a teenager and realized how the savings account had grown over the years and not only had my dollar made a difference but my grandparents were making a contribution as well. As a teenager, you never realize how important it is to save. Opening a savings account should start as soon as possible, however, no matter what your age, it’s never too late. Opening a savings account at a young age cultivates good habits and teaches the basics of financial responsibility. I have been taught that learning the technique of saving money early, will create a valuable habit that will grow over a life time.

Mixed with extravagant fields rolling with beautiful bluebonnets in the open fields, Texas means friendly faces with southern accents that live on farms, suburbs and cities. Texas is the land that is draped with barbeque ribs, sausage, brisket and chicken, chuckled down with oversized jugs of cold beer and tall glasses of margaritas. Mexican food, bluebell ice-cream, and the biggest football rivalry between the Longhorns and the Aggies is a staple in every house. You wouldn’t be a Texan if you knowing how to endure the scorching hot summer days! Friday night football games fills my lungs with screaming as I look forward to the fall Homecoming game. The biggest Homecoming mum will drape my chest as I watch the Queen & King prance down the football field. A Texas road trip to the hill country to pick peaches with the windows rolled down as the wind blows through your hair. A late-night run to Whataburger for that late night craving is a must. Stocking up at H.E.B., the Texans grocery store. Being a Texan is always exciting, large and loud!

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female raised and molded by a single mother. Our journey has difficult in this time of the COVID pandemic just as other families. We have faced the burdens of being homeschooled, secluded from our friends and family and even the difficulties with food shortages. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more, and we were displaced from our housing. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living with friends in order to complete our school year. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parent provides for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I cannot express the love and joy that my sister and I have endured living with my mother. However, we have also realized her day-to-day struggles and the importance of furthering me education. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and my community struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. My future is blessed with the opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college and make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion to study Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent our culture or speak our language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of the difficulties of life. Who do they turn to? They’ll reach out to me, Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. I will impact this world by being resourceful Psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust Achieving this goal will be shaped by the dedication of an educational journey. An educational journey that will empower my dream of stability and allow me to become the capable leader needed in society. Malcolm X has shared: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” I view education as a major avenue that will make the world a better place for equality and everyone to live in. An excellent educational system shapes the future of our society. Without education, members of society, fail to grow. Gaining information through education empowers us to make better business and personal decisions as we improve our overall lives. Through the experience of living in a home with a single parent, I have learned to persevere.

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female raised and molded by a single mother. Our journey has difficult in this time of the COVID pandemic just as other families. We have faced the burdens of being homeschooled, secluded from our friends and family and even the difficulties with food shortages. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more, and we were displaced from our housing. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living with friends in order to complete our school year. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parent provides for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I cannot express the love and joy that my sister and I have endured living with my mother. However, we have also realized her day-to-day struggles and the importance of furthering me education. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and my community struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. Achieving this goal will be shaped by the dedication of an educational journey. An educational journey that will empower my dream of stability and allow me to become the capable leader needed in society. Malcolm X has shared: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” I view education as a major avenue that will make the world a better place for equality and everyone to live in. An excellent educational system shapes the future of our society. Without education, members of society, fail to grow. Gaining information through education empowers us to make better business and personal decisions as we improve our overall lives. Through the experience of living in a home with a single parent, I have learned to persevere.

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female molded by the cultures of both the African American and Mexican families in which I belong. My future is filled with the passion of becoming a psychologist as I address the mental health needs that plaque the most vulnerable communities in our societies. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and my community struggle to receive the appropriate mental health and substance abuse services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive substance abuse services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources needed to overcome the issues of substance abuse and knowledge to share with my community as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication. Over the next ten years, I understand that education is the avenue to becoming successful as well as obtaining funding to begin a clinic to achieve my goals. As I journey along the way, I will attempt to remain strong, focused, committed and preserve even with times get difficult. As my grandma always encourages me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I will be the first in my immediate family to complete a degree, I am determined to achieve that goal and succeed at this blessed opportunity afforded to me. The outlook on this world is difficult and life is so uncertain, but I must strive to do my best. I must remain strong and focused and not become easily distracted by the confused noise that has entered our society. Surrounding myself with positive family and friend will be key and seeking help when I find myself sinking. No matter how strong I believe I will persevere.

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female molded by the cultures of both the African American and Mexican families in which I belong. My future is filled with the passion of becoming a psychologist as I address the mental health needs that plaque the most vulnerable communities in our societies. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and my community struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication. Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. Displaced from our home, it’s been necessary to find a job at Starbucks. Working has afforded me the opportunity to realize the importance of responsibility and necessity of striving for excellence if I am going to achieve my educational and career goals in the future. Over the next ten years, I understand that education is the avenue to becoming successful as well as obtaining funding to begin a clinic to achieve my goals. As I journey along the way, I will attempt to remain strong, focused, committed and preserve even with times get difficult. As my grandma always encourages me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I will be the first in my immediate family to complete a degree, I am determined to achieve that goal and succeed at this blessed opportunity afforded to me. This world is so strange, and life is so uncertain, but I must strive to do my best. I must remain strong and focused and not become easily distracted by the confused noise that has entered our society. Surrounding myself with positive family and friend will be key and seeking help when I find myself sinking. No matter how strong I believe I will persevere.

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female molded by the cultures of both the African American and Mexican families in which I belong. My future is filled with the passion of becoming a psychologist as I address the mental health needs that plaque the most vulnerable communities in our societies. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and my community struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication. Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Service and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide services that will alleviate these fears and stigmas. Achieving this goal will be shaped by the dedication of an educational journey. An educational journey that will empower my dream of stability and allow me to become the capable leader needed in society. Malcolm X has shared: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” I view education as a major avenue that will make the world a better place for equality and everyone to live in. An excellent educational system shapes the future of our society. Without education, members of society, fail to grow. Gaining information through education empowers us to make better business and personal decisions as we improve our overall lives. Collectively as world education shapes are world, instilling confidence and positive thoughts within our society as we change the world together. Understanding how education affects our economy is essential. As we learn mor we improve our skills and advance our careers. Education impowers us with knowledge to advance technology, allowing the labor market to grow faster and more efficient. Positive economic growth, well-educated workforce and confidence in employees’ educational abilities have significant positive effects on our world.

Draped by kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity, I am a proud Black American Hispanic female molded by the cultures of both the African American and Mexican families in which I belong. My future is filled with the passion of becoming a psychologist as I address the mental health needs that plaque the most vulnerable communities in our societies

I’m a seventeen-year proud Black American Hispanic female trapped in this world where there appears to be a lot of confusion among my peers of trying to determine who we are, who we identify ourselves with and where we belong in society. I can’t assure you I have it all together, however, I know who I am, who I belong to and where I want to go. Life isn’t always easy but I’ve been taught from an early age from my grandma that “I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God”. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. Where I learned the importance of running and playing hide and go seek outside and swinging on the swing, riding my bike on the dirt road and not worrying about getting dirty. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. I have a passion of becoming a psychologist and helping people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and community members struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. Within our communities we struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more. Unfortunately, these issues tend to become critical before they are addressed. Therefore, I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for any one to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication (Marketing). Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Service and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide services that will alleviate these fears and stigmas.

In my family, church and community, you don’t have to go far to witness the devastating affect mental illness. Families, church members and community members that struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more live day to day in the shadows and are in desperate need of social services and mental health services. No matter how much anyone denies how mental illness has infiltrated their family, the truth of the matter is, we all have someone in our families who have a mental health issue. It’s been a difficult journey to watch one of my family members bear the burden of schizophrenia. The disease in widely misunderstood, but in the African American culture, we tend to take care of our own and not accept services until there is a major crisis. A crisis that has unfortunately ripped not only the person suffering from the illness but also the entire family. the African American and Latino communities lack the adequate marketing and advertising necessary to make a difference for individuals, families and the entire community. Advertising and marketing that is culturally and educationally targeted to these populations would provide afford an opportunity for the appropriate services to be accessed for all. Mental illness also has a tendency to bring on other issues such as substance abuse. Individuals who live with mental illness tend to self-medicate, attempting to drive away the demons they experience and fight daily. Along with substance abuse, family issues arise and violence creeps in that leads to criminal offences. Unfortunately, children find themselves in the dungeons of the Foster Care systems which has long lasting lifetime effects on the entire family. Marketing and advertising can positively affect the search for future families for children in the children in the foster care systems and the placement of children in their forever home. These experiences have created a great passion in me to become a psychologist and help people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and community members struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communications (Marketing). Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Marketing and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide marketing and advertising that will provide information to the families and communities that will alleviate the fears and stigmas associated with mental illness.

I certainly can’t say it was my idea and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first, but having a savings account eventually grew on me. Some may not think of a savings account as an investment, but I beg to differ. My grandparents opened a savings account up for me at a very young age and whenever I got an allowance, I was required to deposit one dollar into my account. My grandmother always took me to the bank and filled out the deposit slip and I reluctantly handed the teller my dollar. The only solace was the lollipop I received for being cute. As I grew and was able to write, I learned to fill out the deposit slip out myself and the training continued as I learned to read the quarterly statements as they arrived. I didn’t really understand my investment until I was a teenager and realized how the savings account had grown over the years and not only had my dollar made a difference but my grandparents were making a contribution as well. As a teenager, you never realize how important it is to save. Opening a savings account should start as soon as possible, however, no matter what your age, it’s never too late. Opening a savings account at a young age cultivates good habits and teaches the basics of financial responsibility. I have been taught that learning the technique of saving money early, will create a habit that will grow over a life time. Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. My journey was difficult just as other families as I faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from my friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were displaced from our housing and this situation put our family in total disarray. The opportunity to journey on the path to perseverance was ever present. It was time to step up and stand up. My journey of perseverance has found it necessary to work and help provide the basic necessities of life. To assist me with my educational endeavors, I have worked over the last few summers with the African American Harvest Foundation Summer Employment Program. Saving my money to pay for my college expenses has been extremely essential. I am also thankful for my job at Starbucks. It has given me the opportunity because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers as well as continue to increase my savings. Additionally, in an effort to be debt free after attending college, I’ve chosen to attend a state university versus a more expensive private university. Strategically focusing on my educational plan and taking the appropriate classes that afforded me the opportunity to maintain the best G.P.A. possible has been important. Completing applications for scholarships and much prayer will help me reach the debt free goal. The debt free challenge will be difficult however, I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulties of life, I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”.

In my family, church and community, you don’t have to go far to witness the devastating affect mental illness. Families, church members and community members that struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more live day to day in the shadows and are in desperate need of social services and mental health services. No matter how much anyone denies how mental illness has infiltrated their family, the truth of the matter is, we all have someone in our families who have a mental health issue. It’s been a difficult journey to watch one of my family members bear the burden of schizophrenia. The disease in widely misunderstood, but in the African American culture, we tend to take care of our own and not accept services until there is a major crisis. A crisis that has unfortunately ripped not only the person suffering from the illness but also the entire family. Mental illness also has a tendency to bring on other issues such as substance abuse. Individuals who live with mental illness tend to self-medicate, attempting to drive away the demons they experience and fight daily. Along with substance abuse, family issues arise and violence creeps in that leads to criminal offences. Unfortunately, children find themselves in the dungeons of the Foster Care systems which has long lasting lifetime affects on the entire family. These experiences have created a great passion in me to become a psychologist and help people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and community members struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication (Marketing). Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Service and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide services that will alleviate these fears and stigmas making a postive impact on the world.

In my family, church and community, you don’t have to go far to witness the devastating affect mental illness. Families, church members and community members that struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more live day to day in the shadows and are in desperate need of social services and mental health services. No matter how much anyone denies how mental illness has infiltrated their family, the truth of the matter is, we all have someone in our families who have a mental health issue. It’s been a difficult journey to watch one of my family members bear the burden of schizophrenia. The disease in widely misunderstood, but in the African American culture, we tend to take care of our own and not accept services until there is a major crisis. A crisis that has unfortunately ripped not only the person suffering from the illness but also the entire family. Mental illness also has a tendency to bring on other issues such as substance abuse. Individuals who live with mental illness tend to self-medicate, attempting to drive away the demons they experience and fight daily. Along with substance abuse, family issues arise and violence creeps in that leads to criminal offences. Unfortunately, children find themselves in the dungeons of the Foster Care systems which has long lasting lifetime affects on the entire family. These experiences have created a great passion in me to become a psychologist and help people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and community members struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication (Marketing). Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Service and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide services that will alleviate these fears and stigmas.

Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. My journey was difficult just as other families as I faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from my friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were displaced from our housing and this situation put our family in total disarray. The opportunity to journey on the path to perseverance was ever present. It was time to step up and stand up. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living in another city in order to complete our school year. Journeying down the path of perseverance doesn’t come easy, however, digging deep and relying on all of my other strengths and characteristics, to persevere as I face this difficult situation. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. My senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine have been filled with life’s struggles. My journey of perseverance has found it necessary to work and help provide the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulties of life, I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this journey of perseverance, if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it.

Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. My journey was difficult just as other families as I faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from my friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were displaced from our housing and this situation put our family in total disarray. The opportunity to journey on the path to perseverance was ever present. It was time to step up and stand up. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living in another city in order to complete our school year. Journeying down the path of perseverance doesn’t come easy, however, digging deep and relying on all of my other strengths and characteristics, to persevere as I face this difficult situation. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. My senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine have been filled with life’s struggles. My journey of perseverance has found it necessary to work and help provide the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulties of life, I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this journey of perseverance, if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it.

In my family, church and community, you don’t have to go far to witness the devastating affect mental illness. Families, church members and community members that struggle with depression, loneliness, divorce, drug abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and much more live day to day in the shadows and are in desperate need of social services and mental health services. No matter how much anyone denies how mental illness has infiltrated their family, the truth of the matter is, we all have someone in our families who have a mental health issue. It’s been a difficult journey to watch one of my family members bear the burden of schizophrenia. The disease in widely misunderstood, but in the African American culture, we tend to take care of our own and not accept services until there is a major crisis. A crisis that has unfortunately ripped not only the person suffering from the illness but also the entire family. Mental illness also has a tendency to bring on other issues such as substance abuse. Individuals who live with mental illness tend to self-medicate, attempting to drive away the demons they experience and fight daily. Along with substance abuse, family issues arise and violence creeps in that leads to criminal offences. Unfortunately, children find themselves in the dungeons of the Foster Care systems which has long lasting lifetime effects on the entire family. These experiences have created a great passion in me to become a psychologist and help people within African American and Latino Communities. Throughout my short life I have experienced family, friends and community members struggle to receive the appropriate mental health services they seek and desperately need. I am motivated to study and create avenues for change. Additionally, I find it necessary to break the cultural barriers in my communities and create a safe entity for anyone to come and receive services regardless of their race or language. Being bilingual allows me to interact with both the Latino culture as well as the African American Community. In this world filled with hurt and suffering and communities where individuals suffer from inequality, I’m devoted to assisting these populations my utilizing my unique set of skills, abilities, resources and knowledge as I pursue a degree in Psychology and Communication (Marketing). Combining these two skills will allow me to provide the appropriate services as well as the information necessary to effectively communicate with the community. Service and communication are critical because once someone is given a psychiatric diagnosis, they tend to experience some of the worst prejudice and discrimination. Unfortunately, they become victims of violence, housing discrimination, experience difficult time finding a job and constantly come face to face with harmful stereotypes that render these individuals in distressful situations. It also creates mistrust between providers and the patient. That is why I am anxious to provide services that will alleviate these fears and stigmas.

Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. My journey became extremely difficult when we were displaced from our housing and our family was put in total disarray. The opportunity to journey on the path to perseverance was ever present. It was time to step up and stand up. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living in another city in order to complete our school year. Journeying down the path of perseverance doesn’t come easy, however, digging deep and relying on all of my other strengths and characteristics, to persevere as I face this difficult situation. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. My journey of perseverance has found it necessary to work and help provide the basic necessities of life. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I’ve been taught from an early age from my grandma that “I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God”. So, who am I? I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reference and enjoy. My family culture has been the potter of my life and I have been the clay. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me, as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. We attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where the music is loud, prayers are prayed that pierce your heart and my Great Uncle is the Pastor. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. Education is the avenue to becoming successful and as I journey along the way, I will be continuing be molded and shaped by the support of my family. Staying strong, focused, committed and persevere even with times get difficult. I will be the first in my immediate family to complete a degree. I am determined to achieve that goal and succeed at this blessed opportunity afforded to me. I must remain strong and focused and not become easily distracted by the confused noise that has entered our society. Surrounding myself with my family will be the key to my success.

Life’s journey has draped my inner being with kindness, honesty, compassion, respectfulness, gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and positivity however as I faced a fork in the road due to the consequences of COVID, the characteristic of perseverance has embodied my soul. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. My journey was difficult just as other families as I faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from my friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. As time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were displaced from our housing and this situation put our family in total disarray. The opportunity to journey on the path to perseverance was ever present. It was time to step up and stand up. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living in another city in order to complete our school year. Journeying down the path of perseverance doesn’t come easy, however, digging deep and relying on all of my other strengths and characteristics, to persevere as I face this difficult situation. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. My senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine have been filled with life’s struggles. My journey of perseverance has found it necessary to work and help provide the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulties of life, I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this journey of perseverance, if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it.

Chronic pain has crippled the lives of many in our society more than some of the most serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The mystery surrounding chronic pain debilitates many despite the initial cause of their pain and the healing that has taken placed. For many, chronic pain exists even when the illness has been addressed. For others, chronic pain invades their livelihood absent of illness or injury. Strength, courageous, kind, loving, compassionate, patient, faithful, thoughtful, and wise. There are so many other wonderful words I could use to describe my grandmother. She not only shows love for me, but for everyone. Her countenance radiates as she journeys through her day always thinking of others, putting their needs in front of hers. She has influenced me because of her strength to preserve. After two long battles of breast cancer, and now debilitated by Lupus, she is devoted to her church, family and community. With her affectionate smile, her dedication as a Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Youth Leader and many other roles in the church is done with love and joy. Her outreach to the community, assuring the elderly have food, clothing and essentials or just checking on them is incredible. For our family, her out pouring of love is never ending. Her devotion to my grandfather (her high school sweetheart for over 32 year), five children, seven grand girls, she still finds times to make sure the adults with special needs in our family as well are taken care of. My grandmother often shares with all seven grand girls: “Older women likewise are to be… teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women … (Titus 2:3-5). Regardless of her physical condition, my grandmother perseveres in the name of love. I hope to inherit my grandmother’s great characteristics. She’s beyond amazing! Hope for treatment to ease the pain without addictive pain medications that detrimental to one’s health in other areas. A solution to pain without pain stimulator implants that are so invasive to the body that require persistent monitoring and doesn’t always relieve the pain. Intervention that does not include surgery affecting the overall psychological and social factors of a person’s being. It’s time to make a great impact in the treatment world of Chronic Pain. An impact that will ensure all patients that suffer from chronic pain will have their physical, social and psychological issues adequately addressed. Individuals with chronic pain suffer greatly. In addition, their pain is felt by family and community, leading to significant disability for the patient and poor quality of life for everyone. Can chronic pain be addressed and a solution be found? Yes. Great minds bringing ideas together with the commitment and expertise can ensure that this catastrophic illness no longer cripples society. Finding a treatment will certainly be a challenge, and no one treatment may work for everyone. With great confidence, Mechanism has the ability to make an amazing impact on these complicated illnesses. Great minds can make a difference.

Sparked by the observations and concerns of mental health that exists in the African American and Latino communities it is my passion to become a psychologist. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from an array of mental health issues and my family lack of counseling resources as well as the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? Facing the trials of mental health are devastating. The person who is faced with mental health challenges are trapped in a secluded world where loneliness, deprivation, unacceptance and mistrust exist. It not only affects the person experiencing this flight, but it affects the family and the community. Unfortunately, my family has experienced the casualty of mental health firsthand. Mental health has led family my members to seclude themselves from family, due to their illness. Although we are alarmed by what our loved ones are going through, mental illness is confusing, painful and frustrating. For some in our family mental illness is a new phenomenon and are not willing to accept the family with mental illness or help them, especially in the time of crisis. When the illness of mental illness has captured their mind and created thoughts of paranoia, substance abuse also creeps in and the issue mounts. Families in the African American and Latino communities lack the knowledge and resources to cope with mental health. We are prone to take care of our loved ones in our own way which may lead to a totally disabling situation. In our family, the spread of this mental health infection caused the breakdown of the family resulting in a detrimental effect on the children as they found themselves in the dreaded Foster Care System. Some of our families are faced with services within our society that lack empathy, compassion and understanding to their devastating situation. The laws are not culturally based and do not consider the educational levels of understanding of those in need of service. The system is in disarray with confused system of out-of-date paperwork, overworked staff, long wait periods and a court system that is bewildering, frightening and exhausting to the average person never mind a person with mental illness. With compassion, love, grace, wisdom and joy, it is my passion to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in the African and Latino neighborhoods where my family and community members and can access mental health services within their community without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services and programs will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Infiltrating the African American and Latino communities with hope, change and choices to overcome the plaques of addiction, violence, financial hardship and homelessness and our children devastatingly permeating the Foster Care system will be refreshing. Collaborating with community leaders and major companies to empower the community to penetrate the cloud of mental health will be my essential aspiration.

If you can make it happen without a title, you have the ability to lead. I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. Within our church, we’ve had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. As a follower, I learned the importance of being a leader. I eventually became a Youth Leader, and the privilege of serving food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges has been beyond humbling. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity when they feel clean after a bath, a clean toothbrush and refreshed with deodorant. Handing out blankets, sleeping bags and the most needed socks in the dead of winter when all the shelters are closed. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Each year, we choose three families to adopt at Christmas to assure they have a complete meal and presents for each family member. The family does not have to be a family of our church. It’s amazing the reaction of each family when we deliver the packages. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes, and she takes along to make her deliveries. Organizing these efforts were such rich and rewarding experiences as the love exhibited created an exuberant appreciation when the blessings were received. Capturing my countenance of leadership is encompassed by excellent communications skills, allowing me to interact with others from all realms of life calmly, empathetically and respectfully. Over the years, I have gained confidence and matured as I commit to projects and assignment. Leadership has been a life skill that will continue to mature and serve well in all aspects of my life.

My journey of persistence took on a life of it’s on as we faced challenges derived from the Covid pandemic. One’s perspective on life changes when you’re faced with adversities that now clutter the life you once knew. Unfortunately, we were displaced from our apartment and the roller coaster of confused noised forced a persistent journey. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. Life has its obstacles; however, the journey of persistence prevails. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it. It may require reaching out to others, but whatever it takes, change what you don’t like.

Open the book and you will find my hobbies listed in the table of contents as: Rest, Relaxation and Laughter. It is a journey to take care of my mental health and the simple pleasures of life. My senior year has been filled with hard work and lots of planning for graduation and college. The pandemic has created obstacles in learning as well as difficulties in life that were not forecasted or foreseen. The need for relaxation is imperative. Laughter causes me to release the stressors that attack me unexpectedly as my day unfolds. Finding time to relax is also equally important. A trip to the nail shop with my sister as we sit in the massage chair and our feet in the steaming water soaking our feet as we indulge in a pedicure. An absolutely blissful feeling. It’s almost a crime when we’re finish to move to the next station to have our manicure and complete our nails. Relaxation, a must in every girl’s mental health regiment. No one loves rest more than I. I will give everything to lay in my soft bed with warm covers and soft music with no interruptions. An opportunity to sleep through the night and if possible, most of the morning is to die for. Waking up refreshed allows me to be the delightful person everyone wants me to be. Most importantly, my mental health requires spirituality. Attending church is imperative to my well -being. Knowing who I am in Christ and how he wants me to live and love others is more important to me than anything in the world. Love, compassion, joy, humbleness, patience and sincerity encompasses my countenance. Hobbies are the simple joys of life.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity when they feel clean after a bath, a clean toothbrush and refreshed with deodorant. Handing out blankets, sleeping bags and the most needed socks in the dead of winter when all the shelters are closed. Being committed to being selfless because as I serve others, I wonder each time whether or not this could be me in this situation. Could this be me living under this bridge, needing a blanket, food, clothing a just a kind word? I help others because compassion is love.

A passion for having harmony among all people and the things of this world is imperative as I create a sense of life balance. The meaning of life is a journey of harmonious relationships with people who share the same mindset and goals that I have. People who have the same convictions I possess. As I work to form my relationships and social connections, I strive to foster relationships that bring peace, joy and happiness to not only myself but to all those in my village. My village is my family, my church, my community and those who provide a significant positive impact on my life. To achieve a meaning life, I focus on my African American and Hispanic Culture Both cultures are rich and have enlightened. I stay grounded by sharing days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. Where I learned the importance of running and playing hide and go seek outside swinging on the swing, riding my bike. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures giving me the gift of the meaning of life.

Every day I live with gratitude. These days life has not been exactly easy. I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the COVID pandemic. For my family, our journey has been difficult as we faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from our friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. We were maintaining our composure and persevering. However, as time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were displaced from our home. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I in another city in order to complete our school year. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. I have had to find work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. Despites life’s interruptions, I am grateful and appreciative for everything I have.

Standing tall as an influential figure in this society will allow me to have a great impact on making a difference on the violence experienced by women and children. Women and children all over the world have been burdened down by unnecessary forms of violence that range from sexual violence, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse as well as other types of abuse. Women and children are faced with circumstances beyond their control. They experience violence that tend to unreported or is underreported in our communities. Because of these conditions, influential figures must be vigilant to the cause of addressing the movement of providing not only the basic needs of victims but implementing programs and services at every level to prevent, respond, constrain and overcome the violence experienced. We must understand that violence and abuse toward women and children not only affect the women and children but the entire family, the community as well as our society. These affects are harmful to our health, psychological well-being, financial well-being. As an influential figure, standing for the rights of women and children is not only necessary but critical.

Visualizing a long healthy life is life filled with being able to enjoy family and friends. As a teenager, we take for granted we will live for a very long time. As I have been made aware of the family genetics and history of diabetes, I have embraced healthy living. Life’s journey can be long and enjoyable as I move from young teen to young adulthood. Incorporating healthy eating habits will be essential as the first step to the beginning of this journey. Making healthy food choice, with controlled portion sizes, paying close attention to food labels when accompanying my parents to the grocery store and maintaining the appropriate weight will be extremely important. The outdoors and I are not quite friends; however, I’m devoted to monitoring my weight by staying active with friends by participating in indoor activities. The awareness of consuming fewer calories as I choose my meals is critical. Be honest with yourself as I am. I know my weaknesses. Eating out and indulging in sweets are my habits that get me trouble every time. When I find myself on the wrong track, it’s time to reel it in and refocus. To keep it healthy and live long, I pledge to never smoke. Stress will always be in my life and when I look around at the pressures of this world, it’s sad to say that stress will continue to mount as I get older. Stress affects us all in different ways and impacts our well being by causing headaches, decreased energy levels, sleep deprivation, overeating, alcohol and drug abuse and many other stressful habits. Although we can’t get rid of stress, we can cope with it in healthy ways to allow us to live long lives.

My future is blessed with the opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college and make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion to study Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent our culture or speak our language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of the difficulties of life. Who do they turn to? They’ll reach out to me, Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. I will impact this world by being resourceful Psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust

My future is blessed with the opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college and make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion to study Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent our culture or speak our language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of the difficulties of life. Who do they turn to? They’ll reach out to me, Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. I will impact this world by being resourceful Psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to give back as I have participated in community service projects since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. I am certainly empathetic for all the people we see, reach and serve. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. One thing I always remember is it could be me. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. For me giving back is critical. Helping people not only helps them but it helps me. It puts life in perspective that we all need each other in this world. One of my favorite songs is “I Need You to Survive”. The song emphasizes that we all need each other because were all apart of God’s body and we are important to each other to survive. I have developed life skills and knowledge that would not have been learned in any other setting. I have created bonds with people that will be lifelong. Those are life’s lessons.

Rest, relaxation and laughter is the journey to taking care of my mental health are the simple pleasures of life. My senior year has been filled with hard work and lots of planning for graduation and college. The pandemic has created obstacles in learning as well as difficulties in life that were not forecasted or foreseen. The need for relaxation is imperative. Laughter causes me to release the stressors that attack me unexpectedly as my day unfolds. Finding time to relax is also equally important. A trip to the nail shop with my sister as we sit in the massage chair and our feet in the steaming water soaking our feet as we indulge in a pedicure. An absolutely blissful feeling. It’s almost a crime when we’re finish to move to the next station to have our manicure and complete our nails. Relaxation, a must in every girl’s mental health regiment. No one loves rest more than I. I will give everything to lay in my soft bed with warm covers and soft music with no interruptions. An opportunity to sleep through the night and if possible, most of the morning is to die for. Waking up refreshed allows me to be the delightful person everyone wants me to be. Most importantly, my mental health requires spirituality. Attending church is imperative to my well -being. Knowing who I am in Christ and how he wants me to live and love others is more important to me than anything in the world. Love, compassion, joy, humbleness, patience and sincerity should flood encompass my countenance and my mental health will be secure. It’s amazing how the simple joys of life bring such pleasure.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. I am certainly empathetic for all the people we see, reach and serve. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. One thing I always remember is it could be me. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes and she takes along to make her deliveries. It’s such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that’s exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior in particular that shouts and cries every time we go because she’s so grateful. Empathy and appreciation of others enables me to feel the joy of others.

I listen to my family, friends and significant others frequently, however, but I don’t always actively listen to them. Some conversations are surface conversations, and you really don’t have to necessarily actively listen. However, there are many instances where active listening is crucial. Active listening is devoting you full attention to what is being said by the other person. You must be engaged in the full conversation with the person, relating one on one with them. It’s as if you and the person are jointly fit together in conversation and you are both grossly engaged in conversation and understanding each other’s point of view. Once I have actively listened to my friends, I am able to summarize what we have conversed about, because we have given each other our full attention. Listening to my friends actively require me to be open minded to their opinion and beliefs as well as non-judgmental. Active listening requires open communication. It’s not always easy to be an active listener.

Being sure of my abilities in a very realistic way is confidence to me. When I’m confident, I feel secure and I know that I can rely and my skills and abilities when must face the challenges in life. For me confidence is like the “Little Engine” that says: “I think I can, I think I can” instead of I can’t. As I journey through life, I look to confidence to overcome obstacles that cause detours along the way. Confidence will strengthen me when I attempt to achieve my daily and future goals. As I mature, my confidence journey will include building a confident mindset. Finding my inner voice that will motivate me and help me understand that I can do whatever I want If I put my mind to it. My confidence journey will allow me to understand that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and cannot be compared to anyone else. As I journey, I have to understand I will face self-doubt but I must find my inner voice and shake off any inferior feelings and persevere. Taking risks will also be along the journey and my confidence will improve and I make mistakes, learn from them and get right back up and try again. Challenges will be around every corner of my journey of confidence. As I find myself our of my comfort zone, I will be assured there will be growth. Finally, as I hone in on my talents, improving my confidence will grow even more. I have to remember, just keep it real.

If I could share one personal finance lesson to everyone it would be to open a savings account. I certainly can’t say it was my idea and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first, but having a savings account eventually grew on me. Some may not think of a savings account as an investment, but I beg to differ. My grandparents opened a savings account up for me at a very young age and whenever I got an allowance, I was required to deposit one dollar into my account. My grandmother always took me to the bank and filled out the deposit slip and I reluctantly handed the teller my dollar. The only solace was the lollipop I received for being cute. As I grew and was able to write, I learned to fill out the deposit slip out myself and the training continued as I learned to read the quarterly statements as they arrived. I didn’t really understand my investment until I was a teenager and realized how the savings account had grown over the years and not only had my dollar made a difference, but my grandparents were making a contribution as well. As a teenager, you never realize how important it is to save. Opening a savings account should start as soon as possible, however, no matter what your age, it’s never too late. Opening a savings account at a young age cultivates good habits and teaches the basics of financial responsibility. I have been taught that learning the technique of saving money early, will create a habit that will grow over a lifetime.

Friendship is a dynamic word that refers to a relationship requiring interaction between two or more people who know each other. Although there many levels of friendship, I strive for true friendship. Friendship filled will empathy, trustworthiness, love, respect, compassion honesty and understanding. Within my circle of friends, I am empathetic to their feelings as they go through their struggles in life. We all have issues and it’s important for me to put myself in their shoes and understand their point of view and the situation they are enduring. As a friend, the more time I spend with you and develop a relationship, we will gain trust and become trustworthy of each other. We’ll know the dos and don’ts in the relationship and certainly won’t lie about each other or mistrust each other. Developing trust in a relationship is critical. Trustworthiness in a friendship is a sign that you have a true friend. Love and mutual respect go hand in hand. Although we are different and will not always see everything the same, we can agree to disagree. True friends will have different opinions; however, we can love and respect each other enough without lashing out and becoming angry. True friendship with love and mutual respect allows friends to hear one another out even when they agree to disagree. Finally, true friendship filled with empathy, trustworthiness, and mutual respect should always be part of the equation.

Rest, relaxation and laughter is the journey to taking care of my mental health. My senior year has been filled with hard work and lots of planning for graduation and college. The pandemic has created obstacles in learning as well as difficulties in life that were not forecasted or foreseen. The need for relaxation is imperative. Laughter causes me to release the stressors that attack me unexpectedly as my day unfolds. Laughing with friends, family, teachers and co-workers enlighten my life and certainly improves my mental health. Laughter allows my entire spiritual being to exhale and release. Finding time to relax is also equally important. A trip to the nail shop with my sister as we sit in the massage chair and our feet in the steaming water soaking our feet as we indulge in a pedicure. An absolutely blissful feeling. It’s almost a crime when we’re finish to move to the next station to have our manicure and complete our nails. Relaxation, a must in every girl’s mental health regiment. No one loves rest more than I. I will give everything to lay in my soft bed with warm covers and soft music with no interruptions. An opportunity to sleep through the night and if possible, most of the morning is to die for. Waking up refreshed allows me to be the delightful person everyone wants me to be. Most importantly, my mental health requires spirituality. Attending church is imperative to my well -being. Knowing who I am in Christ and how he wants me to live and love others is more important to me than anything in the world. Love, compassion, joy, humbleness, patience and sincerity should flood encompass my countenance and my mental health will be secure.

My life is fueled my rich and vibrant African American and Hispanic Cultures. My African American Culture has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. Where I learned the importance of running and playing hide and go seek outside and swinging on the swing, riding my bike on the dirt road and not worrying about getting dirty. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. My future is blessed with the opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college and make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of the difficulties of life. Who do they turn to? They’ll reach out to me, Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D.

Love compassion, understanding and humbleness has impacted my life by sharing and caring for those in need in my community. As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. God has no respect for person no do we. Everyone regardless of who they are, if they are in need, we serve them. We have been able to provide veterans, senior citizens, women, men and children with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity. Patience is really important to me because it’s the key to making others happy as well as myself. I’m able to face the world with patience and make a difference. No matter the hardships, life must be faced with patience. Patience allows me to feel less depressed and maintain control of my emotions, displaying love, compassion, joy and understanding toward others.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. I am certainly empathetic for all the people we see, reach and serve. The necessity of caring for our community and giving back to those who have paved the way for us to experience all the benefits we are privileged too today. One thing I always remember is it could be me. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes and she takes along to make her deliveries. It’s such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that’s exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior in particular that shouts and cries every time we go because she’s so grateful. Empathy and appreciation of others enables me to feel the joy of others.

I admire Mr. Jackie Robinson. I would love to embark on a lengthy journey, with no radio in my car. I’d stop by and pick up my hero, Mr. Jackie Robinson. I’d have the pleasure of being in the company of a tall dark, handsome, brilliant, well-rounded mentor. With his deep voice, he would be able to share his wisdom about all the confused noise that we are facing in the world today. Mr. Jackie Robinson’s journey began long before he was discovered as a talented baseball player. The strength, sweat, blook and tears, dwindled downed from his ancestors that were slaves and share croppers. There was something special about Jackie Robinson at a very young age that allowed his journey to accumulate accolade’s, trials, tribulations and a tremendous impact on society. There are many words that could describe the character of Mr. Jackie Robinson, however, the three that resonate in my heart are dignity, perseverance and faith. Mr. Jackie Robinson exhibited great dignity as he began his journey after baseball and entered into the world of war and hatred. A world where Hitler existed, Jim Crow reined and color draped the minds of every white American as he walked the dusty roads of the south where he once played his beloved sport. I want to gain strength from his character and learn how to persevere in difficult time with patience, humbleness and grace. I want to be instilled with the boldness to stand for what is right in my community and my world when those around me are faced with the devastation of loneliness, depression, hunger, homeless, anger, violence and domestic violence. I simply want to make a difference.

I would like to make a positive impact on the world by becoming Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? With compassion, love, grace, wisdom and joy, Dr. Sofia Kelly will infiltrate the African American and Latino communities with change and choices to overcome the plaques of addiction, violence, financial hardship and homelessness. I look forward to collaborating with community leaders and major companies to empower the community to become successful. My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Dr. Sofia Kelly, PH.D., will be a force to be reckoned with.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I’ve ever received was to open a savings account. I certainly can’t say it was my idea and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first, but having a savings account eventually grew on me. Some may not think of a savings account as an investment, but I beg to differ. My grandparents opened a savings account up for me at a very young age and whenever I got an allowance, I was required to deposit one dollar into my account. My grandmother always took me to the bank and filled out the deposit slip and I reluctantly handed the teller my dollar. The only solace was the lollipop I received for being cute. As I grew and was able to write, I learned to fill out the deposit slip out myself and the training continued as I learned to read the quarterly statements as they arrived. I didn’t really understand my investment until I was a teenager and realized how the savings account had grown over the years and not only had my dollar made a difference but my grandparents were making a contribution as well. As a teenager, you never realize how important it is to save. Opening a savings account should start as soon as possible, however, no matter what your age, it’s never too late. Opening a savings account at a young age cultivates good habits and teaches the basics of financial responsibility. I have been taught that learning the technique of saving money early, will create a habit that will grow over a life time.

My dream to become Dr. Sofia Renee Kelly, PH.D. My passion in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? With compassion, love, grace, wisdom and joy, Dr. Sofia Kelly will infiltrate the African American and Latino communities with change and choices to overcome the plaques of addiction, violence, financial hardship and homelessness. I look forward to collaborating with community leaders and major companies to empower the community to become successful. My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Dr. Sofia Kelly, PH.D., will be a force to be reckoned with.

Love compassion, understanding and humbleness has impacted my life by sharing and caring for those in need in my community. As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. God has no respect for person no do we. Everyone regardless of who they are, if they are in need, we serve them. We have been able to provide veterans, senior citizens, women, men and children with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother and I have a personal commitment to seniors and groups of home bound individuals who are grateful for us to visit them and share with them. This special group is made up of home of special need women, Hispanic family and African American families. Love is the key to serving, not the color of our skin.

Love compassion, understanding and humbleness has impacted my life by sharing and caring for those in need in my community. As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our leaders taught us the importance of sharing and caring not only for ourselves but for others. We have had the privilege to serve food to our homeless veterans who have served our country in war and now are homeless and live on our streets and under bridges. We have been able to provide them with water during the scorching hot summer dog days in the Texas heat as they lay on the hard concrete as they have no shade to hide. We’ve provided hygiene items to allow them a chance to clean themselves for a moment of dignity. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes, and she takes along to make her deliveries. It’s such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that’s exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior in particular that shouts and cries every time we go because she’s so grateful.

My voice is important, however, it’s more important for my audience to hear my voice. My commitment to speaking my mind starts with thinking about who I’m speaking to before I speak. Everyone is not the same and requires the attention, love, compassion and respect as I communicate with them. As I choose my words carefully, it’s my ultimate goal to get my message across effectively. No matter how passionate I am about an issue, I must remember to stay calm as I communicate with family and friends. Yelling and screaming defeats the purpose and causes confused noise in the conversation. Speaking clearly and succinctly with a defined tone is certainly more beneficial. If I’m not able to speak verbally, I can always use the nonverbal route. Speaking my mind in writing or text is awesome. I still communicate effectively and express my feelings. The recipient can also reply with great success. No matter how I decide to communicate, I stay committed to speaking my mind.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Each year, we choose three families to adopt at Christmas to assure they have a complete meal and presents for each family member. It’s amazing the reaction of each family when we deliver the packages. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes, and she takes along to make her deliveries. It’s such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that’s exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior in particular that shouts and cries every time we go because she’s so grateful. Making a positive change in my community not only helps my community but it helps me. It puts life in perspective that we all need each other in this world. One of my favorite songs is “I Need You to Survive”. The song emphasizes that we all need each other because were all apart of God’s body and we are important to each other to survive. Finally, helping my community has had a lasting positive impact on me and certainly on those whom I’ve shared my time and love with. I have developed life skills and knowledge that would not have been learned in any other setting. I have created bonds with people that will be lifelong and precious life lessons.

As part of the Greater Ulit Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department, I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in community service since I was four years old. We have always had a program called H.O.B.O. (Helping Our Brothers Out). This project has served thousands of homeless, nursing home residents, sick and shut-in residents and senior saints within our church community. Our efforts went beyond our H.O.B.O project. Each year, we choose three families to adopt at Christmas to assure they have a complete meal and presents for each family member. It’s amazing the reaction of each family when we deliver the packages. Besides our efforts at church, my grandmother has a personal commitment to a few seniors. We are involved in the cooking and baking of all the dishes and she takes along to make her deliveries. It’s such a rich and rewarding experience to see the love that’s exhibited and the appreciation when the blessings are received. There is one senior in particular that shouts and cries every time we go because she’s so grateful. Helping seniors not only helps them but it helps me. It puts life in perspective that we all need each other in this world. One of my favorite songs is “I Need You to Survive”. The song emphasizes that we all need each other because were all apart of God’s body and we are important to each other to survive. Finally, helping seniors has had a lasting positive impact on me and certainly on those whom I’ve shared my time and love with. I have developed life skills and knowledge that would not have been learned in any other setting. I have created bonds with people that will be lifelong and precious life lessons.

As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have an interest in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Digital Marketing/Communications. My passion in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. That is where my love of Digital Marketing/Communication will assist because it is versatile and fascinating. It is major that allows you to learn more about all aspects of human communication. It is the process of learning about how we communicate with each other.

My passion for the Social Work field particularly Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? The incidents of childhood trauma in the Foster Care system have been rocked the center of my family firsthand. A system that is broken and doesn’t understand the cultural needs of children, mothers and families in the minority community. Counseling services that are not readily available to assure families are reconnected successfully. Lawyers, caseworkers, advocates, judges who are bound by laws that do not advocate fairly each step of the way for the success of the foster care recipient. The system has so many flaws that it doesn’t have adequate programs in place to identify or address the addition issues of teenagers, parents or family members. Addiction has a tendency to hide its ugly head until it has infected the situation and the problem is too great to solve. A person with a substance abuse issue struggles with many issues. Substance abuse can lead to gambling, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, memory issues, unemployment and crime. It has been difficult for me to watch my aunts and uncles fight through the difficulties of substance abuse. The struggles affected not only their lives but the entire family. I watch them struggle with finances and homelessness. It seemed as if no matter who tried to reach them it was impossible. The addiction was even stronger than love. Unfortunately, in my aunt's case, addiction led to death. My goal is to be that resource as a Social Worker who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust.

Strength, courageous, kind, loving, compassionate, patient, faithful, thoughtful, and wise. There are so many other wonderful words I could use to describe my grandmother. She not only shows love for me, but for everyone. Her countenance radiates as she journeys through her day always thinking of others, putting their needs in front of hers. She has influenced me because of her strength to preserve. After two long battles of breast cancer, and now debilitated by Lupus, she is devoted to her church, family and community. With her affectionate smile, her dedication as a Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Youth Leader and many other roles in the church is done with love and joy. Her outreach to the community, assuring the elderly have food, clothing and essentials or just checking on them is incredible. For our family, her out pouring of love is never ending. Her devotion to my grandfather (her high school sweetheart for over 32 year), five children, seven grand girls, she still finds times to make sure the adults with special needs in our family as well are taken care of. My grandmother often shares with all seven grand girls: “Older women likewise are to be… teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women … (Titus 2:3-5). Regardless of her physical condition, my grandmother perseveres in the name of love. I hope to inherit my grandmother’s great characteristics. She’s beyond amazing! It is my desire to utilize technology to help ease the chronic pain that so many in this world suffer from. Technology is so amazing! I discovered this nanotech patch called Kailo. Kailo is a non-invasive patch that’s embedded with billions of tiny nanocapacitors that work together like a bio-antenna. This patch is designed to naturally relieve pain in seconds. This patch fascinates me because both my grandparents have illnesses where they experience extreme pain every day of their lives. My grandmother has Lupus and a debilitating pinched nerve that requires an implanted pain stimulator. My grandfather suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) which is a rare type of autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues. He also experiences extreme pain in multiple areas of his body and finds it difficult to walk. I’m so thrilled at the accidental discovery of this pain patch. The patch is safe for all ages and can be placed wherever patients feel pain. This technology is wonderful because it’s not medication or a drug, therefore, nothing toxic or foreign affects the patient’s body. The patch can be used every day with no side effects and studies have shown it relieves knee pain, headaches, migraines, elbow pain and even menstrual cramps. Our minds and bodies are not naturally designed to handle being in pain for significant periods of pain. Pain impacts we bodies in various ways. When we are in pain, our mood is affected. As we live in society, we are taxed emotionally, as we suffer with chronic pain, it becomes debilitating. Living with chronic pain makes us feel as if we have no joy in our lives when pain is untreated. We are unable to work, engage in family activities, engage in everyday activities or simply get out of bed. Chronic pain also affects the Patient’s financial situation. Medication is very expensive. There are times when patients are not able to afford medication, they find ways to self-medicate using cheaper street drugs which is detrimental to their health. I continue to be overjoyed with this new technology it has certainly made a difference in the lives of patience with chronic pain.

As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have an interest in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Digital Marketing/Communications. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. That is where my love of Digital Marketing/Communication will assist because it is versatile and fascinating. It is major that allows you to learn more about all aspects of human communication. It is the process of learning about how we communicate with each other. Developing brochures, flyers, websites and other social media platforms that will be beneficial to my cause. Technology greatly impacted the marketing/communication field of healthcare. In the healthcare field, a transformation of marketing is underway as healthcare professionals spend more time on their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. This allows the doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. to communicate with patients through all these devices in real time providing the necessary patient care as it will for me as a psychologist. Therefore, it is critical that sufficient technology is implemented in our health care system. Science writer and author, Arthur C. Clarke states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic”. This magic as it’s referred to will make a significant impact on the world of healthcare. I look forward to a career as a psychologist and studying in the field of Digital Marketing/Communication as I utilize technology to assist underserved communities achieve the best professional mental health care that can be provided in the field of health care.

Technology is so amazing! I discovered this nanotech patch called Kailo. Kailo is a non-invasive patch that’s embedded with billions of tiny nanocapacitors that work together like a bio-antenna. This patch is designed to naturally relieve pain in seconds. This patch fascinates me because both my grandparents have illnesses where they experience extreme pain every day of their lives. My grandmother has Lupus and a debilitating pinched nerve that requires an implanted pain stimulator. My grandfather suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) which is a rare type of autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues. He also experiences extreme pain in multiple areas of his body and finds it difficult to walk. I’m so thrilled at the accidental discovery of this pain patch. The patch is safe for all ages and can be placed wherever patients feel pain. This technology is wonderful because it’s not medication or a drug, therefore, nothing toxic or foreign affects the patient’s body. The patch can be used every day with no side effects and studies have shown it relieves knee pain, headaches, migraines, elbow pain and even menstrual cramps. Our minds and bodies are not naturally designed to handle being in pain for significant periods of pain. Pain impacts we bodies in various ways. When we are in pain, our mood is affected. As we live in society, we are taxed emotionally, as we suffer with chronic pain, it becomes debilitating. Living with chronic pain makes us feel as if we have no joy in our lives when pain is untreated. We are unable to work, engage in family activities, engage in everyday activities, participate in hobbies or simply get out of bed. Chronic pain also affects the Patient’s financial situation. Medication is very expensive. There are times when patients are not able to afford medication, they find ways to self-medicate using cheaper street drugs which is detrimental to their health. I continue to be overjoyed with this new technology it has certainly made a difference in the lives of patience with chronic pain.

I certainly can’t say it was my idea and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first, but having a savings account eventually grew on me. Some may not think of a savings account as an investment, but I beg to differ. My grandparents opened a savings account up for me at a very young age and whenever I got an allowance, I was required to deposit one dollar into my account. My grandmother always took me to the bank and filled out the deposit slip and I reluctantly handed the teller my dollar. The only solace was the lollipop I received for being cute. As I grew and was able to write, I learned to fill out the deposit slip out myself and the training continued as I learned to read the quarterly statements as they arrived. I didn’t really understand my investment until I was a teenager and realized how the savings account had grown over the years and not only had my dollar made a difference, but my grandparents were making a contribution as well. As a teenager, you never realize how important it is to save. Opening a savings account should start as soon as possible, however, no matter what your age, it’s never too late. Opening a savings account at a young age cultivates good habits and teaches the basics of financial responsibility. I have been taught that learning the technique of saving money early, will create a habit that will grow over a lifetime.

College is like a green light in my life that says go as I venture into the next step along my educational journey. This scholarship would allow me to continue to put one-foot in front of the other. The moment I was accepted to college, I was overwhelmed with joy, but the journey was just beginning. It has been filled with an enormous amount of planning while needing to understand the ins and outs of the college educational system. As a first-generation college student, I’m grateful for all of the support my mentors have given me, allowing me to ask questions and cry on their shoulders. Who knew the journey would not only be exciting, frustrating, nerve racking but humbling? I’m forever grateful. This scholarship will afford me the opportunity to purchase books, supplies, dorm supplies, personal supplies, food and college expenses. This scholarship allows me to pursue my interest in Psychology which is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Personally, I will be able to self-sufficient and be able to take care of myself. As I witnessed my mother struggle as a single parent without having a formal education, raising two children, I vowed to continue my education to better myself and be a role model to my sister and others in my community. It is imperative to obtain an education to be able to afford all that is necessary to live comfortably in society. To have a family and become a homeowner and live comfortably as I give back to society is my ultimate goal.

Strength, courageous, kind, loving, compassionate, patient, faithful, thoughtful, and wise. There are so many other wonderful words I could use to describe my grandmother. She not only shows love for me, but for everyone. Her countenance radiates as she journeys through her day always thinking of others, putting their needs in front of hers. She has influenced me because of her strength to preserve. After two long battles of breast cancer, and now debilitated by Lupus, she is devoted to her church, family and community. With her affectionate smile, her dedication as a Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Youth Leader and many other roles in the church is done with love and joy. Her outreach to the community, assuring the elderly have food, clothing and essentials or just checking on them is incredible. For our family, her out pouring of love is never ending. Her devotion to my grandfather (her high school sweetheart for over 32 year), five children, seven grand girls, she still finds times to make sure the adults with special needs in our family as well are taken care of. My grandmother often shares with all seven grand girls: “Older women likewise are to be… teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women … (Titus 2:3-5). Regardless of her physical condition, my grandmother perseveres in the name of love. I hope to inherit my grandmother’s great characteristics. She’s beyond amazing!

Technology is so amazing! I discovered this nanotech patch called Kailo. Kailo is a non-invasive patch that’s embedded with billions of tiny nanocapacitors that work together like a bio-antenna. This patch is designed to naturally relieve pain in seconds. This patch fascinates me because both my grandparents have illnesses where they experience extreme pain every day of their lives. My grandmother has Lupus and a debilitating pinched nerve that requires an implanted pain stimulator. My grandfather suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) which is a rare type of autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues. He also experiences extreme pain in multiple areas of his body and finds it difficult to walk. I’m so thrilled at the accidental discovery of this pain patch. The patch is safe for all ages and can be placed wherever patients feel pain. This technology is wonderful because it’s not medication or a drug, therefore, nothing toxic or foreign affects the patient’s body. The patch can be used every day with no side effects and studies have shown it relieves knee pain, headaches, migraines, elbow pain and even menstrual cramps. Our minds and bodies are not naturally designed to handle being in pain for significant periods of pain. Pain impacts we bodies in various ways. When we are in pain, our mood is affected. As we live in society, we are taxed emotionally, as we suffer with chronic pain, it becomes debilitating. Living with chronic pain makes us feel as if we have no joy in our lives when pain is untreated. We are unable to work, engage in family activities, engage in everyday activities, participate in hobbies or simply get out of bed. Chronic pain also affects the Patient’s financial situation. Medication is very expensive. There are times when patients are not able to afford medication, they find ways to self-medicate using cheaper street drugs which is detrimental to their health. I continue to be overjoyed with this new technology it has certainly made a difference in the lives of patience with chronic pain.

The sense of family, home, belonging being accepted, being loved is community. Community addresses my fundamental human needs that allows me to know that I belong. Community is my tribe, my village, where I live. I believe what it says in I Corinthians 12:1. Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So, it is with the “body” of Christ” (Living Bible). That’s my community, we are many members, but we all belong to each other. For over eight years, I have participated in the H.O.B.O (Helping Our Brother’s Out) project with my church youth group. We are committed to providing food, clothing, water, spiritual materials and love to the homeless, nursing home residents, elderly, sick and shut-in and senior saints in our community. We also have a yearly school supply drive for youth in our community. As we live and grow together in our community, we gain a sense of love, trust, safety, belonging and caring for each other. I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reverence and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. Harvesting the fresh foods out of the garden and cooking the best soul food in the world. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate and thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. I have a passion for Psychology which is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with.

Austin, Texas has been tremendously by the social justice movement. The popular Austin motto: “Keep Austin Weird” continues as voting rights issues and the debate of the strictest abortion law in the history has been implemented by the Governor. Governor Gregg Abbott has signed into law the strictest abortion law in the country and has severely affected the most vulnerable women in the state of Texas. This abortion law makes no exceptions for women who have been victims of rape and incest. Law makers such as Governor Abbott do not take in consideration the social impact such laws have on our personal emotions, families, communities, state or country. Imagine a victim of rape or incest at the age of fifteen who has no choice but to birth a child. The emotional and psychological of going through the torment of rape or incest is already devastating. Now she has to carry her child for nine months and experience a painful birth. Her childhood has now turned into motherhood, and she will be faced with many choices on this difficult journey. The impact is not only on her emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially but also educationally. Her immediate family will also be affected. The social service system will be penetrated as she will be in need of support to assure living for her child. However, victims of rape or incest have other choices. They can make the difficult decision to give their child up for adoption or place them with a relative. What an emotional and arduous decision. Who knows where this vulnerable baby will end up? It’s a possibility the baby will end up in foster care. Another impact affected by the social justice movement. Social movement continues to be penetrated by Governor Greg Abbott by a Congressional redistricting map that has been views as racially discriminatory. This new map drawn up under the Governor’s watch, dominated by Republicans, does not include any new districts with a majority African American or Latino populations, despite the fact that the 2020 Census reveals that 90 percent of new Texas residents in the past decade were people of color. If information from the Census is not utilized appropriately, it will certainly discourage people of color from participate in completing the Census form. Social reform in Texas is under attack and is affecting the communities greatly. Both the laws regarding abortion and voting right have cheated us out of rights to live and think independent as citizens in a free world.

I’m a seventeen-year proud Black American Hispanic female. I introduce myself because in this world there seems to be a lot of confusion among my peers of who we are, who we identify ourselves with and where we belong in society. I can’t assure you I have it all together, however, I know who I am, who I belong to and where I want to go. Life isn’t always easy, but I’ve been taught from an early age from my grandma that “I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God”. So, who am I? I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reverence and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. Where I learned the importance of running and playing hide and go seek outside and swinging on the swing, riding my bike on the dirt road and not worrying about getting dirty. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where the music is loud, prayers are prayed that pierce your heart and my Great Uncle is the Pastor. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church would dress in her Sunday suit, heels and matching hat every Sunday. She could sing and shout until heaven could hear her. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. My passion about Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where and who do they turn? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust.

One of the biggest issues in the world today is mental health. The world is filled with confused noise that has created such anger, depression, loniless and unconcern. Families are in total dissaray and uncertain where to turn. Mental health services must be accessible to everyone, even those as young as five years old. My passion in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? But every community in our world requires attention. psychologist must be available in neighborhoods where community members can access services without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services should be offered in their language and on the educational level in which they can read the material, accept and trust the counseling services. This world need professionals with compassion, patience, love and a commitment to develop relationships with people in this world who suffer from mental illness that will allow them to trust them.

The thing I love about myself is belonging to family. I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reverence and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where the music is loud, prayers are prayed that pierce your heart and my Great Uncle is the Pastor. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. I love the melting pot in me.

Technology has greatly impacted the field of healthcare. In the healthcare field, a transformation of marketing is underway as healthcare professionals spend more time on their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. This allows the doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. to communicate with patients through all these devices in real time providing the necessary patient care as it will for me as a psychologist. When people can't get to professionals, professionals can reach them through technology. Therefore, it is critical that sufficient technology is implemented in our health care system. Science writer and author, Arthur C. Clarke states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic”. This magic as it’s referred to will make a significant impact on the world of healthcare. I look forward to a career as a psychologist and studying in the field of Marketing/Communication as I utilize technology to assist underserved communities achieve the best professional mental health care that can be provided in the field of health care. The influences from My African American and Hispanic Culture are rich and has enlightened me as I experienced the psychological difficulties that exist in our communities. My passion for finding a solution to overcoming and easing the burden of suicide, depression, family violence, anger, school shootings and many other issues such as substance abuse are very critical. Among my peers, I have had the privileged to participate in a support group at school called the Collective Organization for Girls of Color. In the Collective Organization for Girls of Color, we were given the opportunity to share our stories, personal issues and problems among each other in a safe environment. Technology also allows us to reach out to each other in a time of need to encourage each other. Technology would also allow professionals to access my peers.

As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have a passion in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Marketing/Communications. My passion regarding Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Among my peers, I have had the privileged to participate in a support group at school called the Collective Organization for Girls of Color. In the Collective Organization for Girls of Color, we were given the opportunity to share our stories, personal issues and problems among each other in a safe environment. We live in a world of confused noise. A world where we can’t always be comfortable with who we are as young women of color. No matter where we go, we are faced with adversity and strife that strikes us at the core of our hearts.

My bucket list started as a wish list. So now that it's my bucket list it's become more exciting. I couldn't wait to ride on a plane, and I accomplished that last summer. I always wanted to travel to the inner parts of Mexico to feel, see, hear and experience my Abuela's (Grandmother's) and mother's home and culture where they grew up. Taste the tamales, sweet breads and soups. Place my feet in the water on the beaches. Chat with my great uncles and aunts and meet cousins I've never seen before. That was done and it was so exciting and vibrant to experience. California was always in my dreams and now I can strike that off my bucket list as well. What teenager doesn't dream about getting their license and a car to drive, yes, I'm so proud of myself, it's accomplished. Always wanted a job that I would enjoy, I have a job at Starbucks's where I can drink all the cappuccino 's I want! I was so nervous about getting into college and the college I wanted to really attend. I was blessed, so fall of 2022, Texas State here I come. I get my motivation from my grandmother. She has accomplished so much in life and does everything to keep all of us motivated. After two bouts of breast cancer, she has the most loving attitude and vibrant spirit. Our favorite scripture is, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Today's life is so difficult and it's so important to stay true to myself. In order to stay true to myself and grounded my family is everything to me. I've been taught, if you know where you came from, you'll know where you're going. I’ve been taught from an early age from my grandma that “I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God”. So, who am I? I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reverence and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where the music is loud, prayers are prayed that pierce your heart and my Great Uncle is the Pastor. Where I would also find my Great Grandmother. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! Staying true to me is family.

I’m a seventeen-year proud Black American Hispanic female. I introduce myself because in this world there seems to be a lot of confusion among my peers of who we are, who we identify ourselves with and where we belong in society. I can’t assure you I have it all together, however, I know who I am, who I belong to and where I want to go. Life isn’t always easy, but I’ve been taught from an early age from my grandma that “I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God”. So, who am I? I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reference and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. Where I learned the importance of running and playing hide and go seek outside and swinging on the swing, riding my bike on the dirt road and not worrying about getting dirty. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures. As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have an interest in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Marketing/Communications. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Art and Stem seem to a natural fit with each other when students are involved. Speaking from experience, it has allowed me as a student to experience math, science as well as incorporating technology and the arts all together as I complete my assignments or projects. So, how can art and stem make the world a better place? It’s called imagination. Art and stem together allow anyone who has been exposed to stem and the arts together to bring out their full potential and create meaningful outcomes in the world in the fields of medicine, space, education and other important areas. Arts and stem advance and empowers students to become pioneers, visionaries, and innovators in this world, making this world a better place for everyone to live in. In Africa for example, arts and stem has delivered growth and prosperity and provided new opportunities that have emerged for the people to collaborate and participate in projects and opportunities that have had a positive impact on their lives. Mobile broadband has had a huge potential in Africa especially among its youth. They have been able to explore their potential in the arts and stem that have enabled them to receive an education that will expand their horizon far into the future. More importantly, art and stem has transcended Africa’s economic conditions, poverty and race relations. More children are growing up in a world where they have access to online communities which is essential to the way they learn and develop. Technology is key in transforming developing countries like Africa in closing the gap between the rich and poor, the haves and have nots. Arts and technology are assisting designers to develop technology that design powerful tools that educate farmers with new technological methods to help them yield more production. Farmers are being introduced to weather forecasts, soil sensors to manage crop growth in real time and aerial images from drones. Arts and technology have also been beneficial for providing tools and educational methodologies for teachers, allowing them to have access to educational tools in the classroom and continue education for themselves. Therefore, art and stem should always go together for the benefit of all of us.

I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. Our journey was difficult just as other families as we faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from our friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. We were maintaining our composure and persevering. However, as time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were evicted from our apartment. At this time, my parents were already separated but now this eviction put our family in total disarray. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T.’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living with friends in order to complete our school year. My father is living with a friend to keep his job and take care of us. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. Your senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine are filled with life’s struggles. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. My parents are working hard to help us but keeping a place for us to stay with friends and a room for them to stay in has been a challenge. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulty of sleeping on the floor and sharing the bathroom with four other people, I have a roof over my head. Despite the fact that my sister and I are temporarily separated from our parents, we speak with them daily and get to see them most weekends. My dad attends my sister’s basketball games twice a week and attends my concerts. I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it. It may require reaching out to others, but whatever it takes, change what you don’t like. It is my hope given this opportunity to go to college and complete college as the first person in my family to complete college gain a better life for myself and my family. My mentors have shown me that there is a better future if you are able to obtain education and grow. This has always been my passion and desire. It is what motivates me to work hard in school regardless of the many obstacles I have faced with my family situation. An opportunity to go to college not only betters my life, but it's an example for my sister to show her that she can also do it. My life should always be an example for others and the first person who should see my success should be my best friend and sister. Secondly, As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have a passion for becoming a psychologist. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. Outside of school I enjoy being with my family. I am blessed by my African American Culture which is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Curiosity is a word filled with possibilities. I fill my curiosity with song, sketching and talking to friends. I love singing in the school and church choir and spending time with my peers. It's something about music that calms me. My friends also lift my spirits. .

I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. Our journey was difficult just as other families as we faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from our friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. We were maintaining our composure and persevering. However, as time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were evicted from our apartment. At this time, my parents were already separated but now this eviction put our family in total disarray. It was imperative that my sister and I attend the same school we were attending. This is my senior year, I have been working very hard to maintain my grades, participate in all of my curriculum activities, apply for colleges and complete my S.A.T’s. But life has rocked my world. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living with friends in order to complete our school year. My father is living with a friend to keep his job and take care of us. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. Your senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine are filled with life’s struggles. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. My parents are working hard to help us, but keeping a place for us to stay with friends and a room for them to stay in has been a challenge. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have an interest in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Marketing/Communications. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust.

I don’t know anyone who has not faced an obstacle derived from the Covid pandemic. But love is always something that can always be shared. Our journey was difficult just as other families as we faced having to be homeschooled, being secluded from our friends and family and even having difficulties with food shortages at times. We were maintaining our composure and persevering. However, as time progressed, life happened, and our family began to struggle even more. We were evicted from our apartment. It was imperative that my sister an I attend the same school we were attending. My mother has now had to move seventy-five miles away from where we live, while my sister and I are living with friends in order to complete our school year. This predicament truly has been a challenge! I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. Loving my sister is never hard, so getting job and making sure she is taking care of was second nature. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister.

My family is the joy of my life! I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reference and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church would dress in her Sunday suit, heels and matching hat every Sunday. She could sing and shout until heaven could hear her. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! I belong to both cultures and they are my joy.

During this pandemic I truly found out that I am able to preserve. I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. Your senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine are filled with life’s struggles. I now find myself needing to work to assist my sister and I with the basic necessities of life. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulty of sleeping on the floor and sharing the bathroom with four other people, I have a roof over my head. I’ve learned to be content in spite of my situation. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it. My greatest value is perseverance.

No matter what difficulties may arise in your life, persevere. I’m a true believer in faith. I learned very early attending church with my dad and grandparents that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthen me” (Philippians 4:13). No, I’m not always strong and not always understanding of life’s challenges. This challenge has hit hard. You must persevere. Your senior year is supposed to be exciting, fun, adventurous, filled with memories. Mine are filled with life’s struggles. You take for granted the simple hygiene items your parents provide for you or the socks, shoes or under clothing you wear until they aren’t provided consistently for you anymore. I’m thankful for my job at Starbucks because I can share my affectionate smile and personality with the customers while I make a little money to help me and my sister. I have learned from this entire challenging experience to persevere. Despite the difficulty of sleeping on the floor and sharing the bathroom with four other people, I have a roof over my head. Despite the fact that my sister and I are temporarily separated from our parents. This experience will certainly help me in my future. In college, as difficulties arise, I will be able to look back and say, “this too shall pass”. I will be able to share my experience with someone who may think their life is difficult and let them know if they just hold on, their situation will change in time. Finally, I have learned through this difficult season if you don’t like your situation, take control of your challenges and find the solutions to change it. It may require reaching out to others, but whatever it takes, change what you don’t like.

As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded that I want my legacy to be that I have left an impact in this world and made a great difference in my community in the field of mental health. I have a passion for Psychology, and it’s sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. I want to leave a legacy that I was able to make a difference among my community and paved a way for them to access mental health services for themselves and generations to come.

. Family makes me happy! I am a young lady born, raised and dearly loved by parents of two very different cultures that I love, reference and enjoy. My African American Culture is rich and has enlightened me as I have enjoyed sharing many days with my Pau Pau and Grandma on the family farm. A working farm where we gathered eggs from the chickens, fed hay to the cows, picked vegetables out of the garden, fished out of the pond and then cooked all of which we harvest for the best soul food in the world. But most importantly understanding how to appreciate how to thank God for my food before I eat it, how to share what we harvest with the neighbor next door and just sit and the porch and drink tea and relax. With my dad and the family, we attend the Baptist Church where we learn not just to go to church religiously, but to actually have a personal relationship with God. Where I would find my Great Grandmother who was one of the mothers of the church would dress in her Sunday suit, heels and matching hat every Sunday. She could sing and shout until heaven could hear her. My Hispanic Culture is just as vibrant. I’m blessed to have a mother and a Abuela (Grandmother) who taught me Spanish. My culture in filled with festivities, love and laughter. Traditions like Cinco De Mayo, The Festivals, Carnivals, Pinata’s and of course my favorite was the celebration of my Quinceanera. The culture has the most delicious foods as well and I have had the most enjoyable time with family making tamales, enchiladas, soups, breads and pastries. Both families are remarkable! Happiness is belonging to both cultures.

The song that inspires me the most is You know my name by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. This song seems to just resonate in my mind, heart and soul. It's one of those songs that you wake up in the morning and it's on your mind and when you go to bed at night it's on your mind. The song is there when times get tough or if your just lonely. The song is about God and how he knows me and my name. It's personal. It's about how God is always there and how he walks with me and talks with me, comforts me, counsels, how he's, my friend. This song for me is so amazing because it allows me to worship silently or out loud. I can share the song with my friends or just sing it to myself. I sing this song in the shower, at school, while I'm driving and it's the favorite song, we sing in the church choir. He knows my name. He knows me and I know Him. Amen.

The most inspiring book I've ever read was given to me by my grandmother on my seventeenth birthday, "The Hill We Climb", by the amazing poet Amanda Gorman. I've been exposed to poems since kindergarten. I've even participated in poetry contest. As I read this poem, I was able to reflect on my situation today and the journey I'm living due to the issues of the pandemic. Every word I read pierced my inner being and ministered to my heart. As the poem states, there are days because of loss I feel as if I cannot find any light, but through it all I find the strength to be brave and somehow, I'v weathered the storm. The poet's words are so powerful and thundering, and the words calls out to you as if you are walking with them down the dusty road. I was able to relate to the brokenness and the heartache and yet still have dreams of a young African American/Hispanic girl striving for perfection in difficult times. In this country in among our peers we seek unity and inclusion, yet we experience separation. We continue to have hope in our hearts even through the road gets tough. This book was so enlightening it brought me so much comfort and healing.

As I explore the possibilities that exist in this world, I have concluded I have an interest in exploring Psychology and the great technological areas of Marketing/Communications. My interest in Psychology is sparked by my observations and concerns that exists in the African American and Latino Communities. These are my communities as an African American and Latino teenager. The families in my communities suffer from the lack of counseling resources and the ability to trust those who do not represent their culture or speak their language. It is devastating to me to witness families torn apart because of divorce, depression, substance abuse, poverty, loneliness and just the hardship of coping with the issues of living life. Where do they turn? Who do they turn to? What do they expect if they reach out? My goal is to be that resource as a psychologist who is available in neighborhoods where my community members can access me without having to drive miles to fancy buildings outside of their comfort zone to talk to doctors, they are uncomfortable with. Services will be offered in their language and on the educational level in which this target population can read, accept and trust. That is where my love of Marketing/Communication will assist because it is versatile and fascinating. It is major that allows you to learn more about all aspects of human communication. It is the process of learning about how we communicate with each other. Developing brochures, flyers, websites and other social media platforms that will be beneficial to my cause. Technology greatly impacted the marketing/communication field of healthcare. In the healthcare field, a transformation of marketing is underway as healthcare professionals spend more time on their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. This allows the doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. to communicate with patients through all these devices in real time providing the necessary patient care as it will for me as a psychologist. Therefore, it is critical that sufficient technology is implemented in our health care system. Science writer and author, Arthur C. Clarke states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic”. This magic as it’s referred to will make a significant impact on the world of healthcare. I look forward to a career as a psychologist and studying in the field of Marketing/Communication as I utilizing technology to assist underserved communities achieve the best professional mental health care that can be provided in the field of health care. The influences from My African American and Hispanic Culture are rich and has enlightened me as I experienced the psychological difficulties that exist in our communities. I my passion for finding a solution to overcoming and easing the burden of suicide, depression, family violence, anger, school shootings and many other issues such as substance abuse are very critical. Among my peers, I have had the privileged to participate in a support group at school called the Collective Organization for Girls of Color. In the Collective Organization for Girls of Color, we were given the opportunity to share our stories, personal issues and problems among each other in a safe environment. We live in a world of confused noise. A world where we can’t always be comfortable with who we are as young women of color. No matter where we go, we are faced with adversity and strife that strikes us at the core of our hearts. For some of us it makes us retaliate. For others we fall into a state of depression. For some who push forward to find a solution to overcome. Within our organization it has been natural for me to hear the cries of my peers and identify with their problems. Some of the same problems they face, I face. Therefore, I have been able to give them a word of comfort, a hug, a touch on the hand or just a smile to let them know I understand. The environment is safe, so if we need a shoulder to literally cry, we can. I’ll continue this journey as a psychologist in my future.

Living in a single parent household has always been difficult but we made the best of the situation. When the pandemic hit, it seemed as if our world just fell apart. The stresses of life set in with my sister and I having to be home schooled and not having access to the internet. Learning from home and not always understanding the assignments. As an Advanced Placement Student, it was important for me to keep up my grades but the assistance from teachers was simply not available. My younger sister suffered emotionally from the separation from school and cried often as she attempted to complete her assignments with no assistance. Fortunately, even though we don't live with our dad we could call him, and he could assist us over the phone when his phone was working. He didn't always have work during the pandemic and his phone didn't always work. My mother is not strong academically and it's difficult to assist us. Recently, things turned for the worst as we were evicted from our housing. My mom is now living over 75 miles away from us and my sister and I live with friends so we can continue to go to school. I found a job at Starbucks working at least fifteen hours a week to help with the expenses for my sister and I. Life is difficult, but I am resilient. This journey has taught me to preserve even through difficult times. I am so young but no matter what I know that with education I will strive to achieve a better future. There's are scriptures I rely on that I focus on continually. My grandmother taught me as a young child that I am "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" Psalm 139:4. She also taught me: I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” Philippians 4:13. Throughout this journey I have found strength, understanding in who I am and what I want to become and the realization that there will be struggles in life. But if there is no pain, there will be no gain.