My Father served on the South Bend Fire Department in Indiana for 20 years. Growing up, my mom was the stay-at-home parent for most of my life. My father worked 24 hr shifts; during his time away, I missed him. At a young age, I valued my father deeply; I knew what he did for work was "life-saving." I idolize him as a superhero. Even a few years ago, he earned his Nursing degree and worked as a nurse at Elkhart General Hospital after retiring from firefighting. He worked with and helped take care of stroke patients on his floor. After all his hard work, he has finally retired. I am going into my Junior year at Indiana University Bloomington. My current GPA is 3.6; I completed my first two years at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend. There is a major difference in college tuition that I would need to afford to continue my education at IUB. My father always tells me he is going to have my back and support every descion I choose to make for my life. He's worked most of his life to provide for his family. I want to return the favor; I don't want my father to worry or stress about needing to go back to work so he can help me afford college. I want to achieve financial independence through scholarships and as an ED Tech in the Emergency Department at Elkhart General Hospital. Since 2024, my yearly salary has been between $15k and $20k. My funds are simply insufficient, and yet I am still persevering through the world that is applying for scholarships. My motivation won't be deterred. I want to help my dad just like he helped me.

Addiction has been one of the most difficult and transformative parts of my life. Addiction affected the way I thought, the choices I made, and the relationships I had with the people around me. There were times when using substances felt like it was controlling my life and I could not function normally without being under the influence. I struggled to see a future without the crutch I used to cope with anxiety, and any inconveince life threw at me. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I wanted to change and take responsibility for my life. Getting sober was not an easy or overnight process. Everyday was a struggle, having more time in the day now that I wasn't distracted in a self-focused daze. Wasting precious time that could've been used to help my future. Instead wasted by getting high and rotting in my room. Wanting to change my life path required me to be honest with myself, and learn how to deal with life without relying on substances. Sobriety has taught me that recovery is more than simply stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. It is about changing the way you live, learning healthier ways to cope, rebuilding trust, and becoming the person you want to be. Since getting sober, my life has changed in ways I once did not think were possible. I have gained a greater sense of purpose, responsibility, and self-respect. I have learned to appreciate the people who support me and to recognize the importance of taking care of my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I want to use my education to help others who are struggling with addiction and recovery. Going to school so I can acheive my bachelors in psychology so I can become a therapist, and help guide my clients. My experience has given me an understanding of how isolating addiction can feel and how important it is to have someone who listens without judgment. Through my education, I hope to develop the knowledge and skills to support people in recovery, connect them with resources, and help them recognize that change is possible. I cannot change what happened, but I can use what I learned from it to make a difference in someone else's life. My goal is to turn a difficult part of my past into something meaningful by helping others find hope, stability, and a path toward recovery.

My academic and professional journey has been shaped by one central motivation: I want to help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I have always been fascinated by the human mind and how people process information, develop emotions, and respond to unexpected experiences. My interest in psychology first developed at Penn High School, where I took psychology and sociology courses that introduced me to the complexity of human behavior and social interaction. Since then, my curiosity has continued to grow through my education and experiences working in healthcare. When I began attending Ivy Tech Community College, I originally pursued nursing because I knew I wanted a career centered on helping others. However, while taking Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology, I realized that psychology was where my true passion was. I found myself more engaged in discussions about emotional regulation, cognitive development, behavior, and mental health than in any other subject. Changing my major was an important decision because it meant stepping away from the path I initially believed was right for me and choosing one that better reflected who I was. If I could do anything with my life, I would become a mental health professional who helps people understand themselves, overcome challenges, and build healthier lives. My goal is to earn a master's degree in psychology and social work and eventually work in cognitive-behavioral therapy. My experience working in the emergency department at Elkhart General has strengthened this goal by allowing me to witness patients facing psychiatric crises, trauma, homelessness, and emotional distress. I want my future to be centered on compassion, advocacy, and making people feel heard, supported, and hopeful.What excites me about STEM is the ability to use knowledge, innovation, and problem-solving to improve people's lives. Although my primary academic interest is psychology, I have learned through my experiences in healthcare that technology plays an increasingly important role in how people receive information, communicate, and access support. Information technology has the potential to make mental health resources more accessible and help professionals better understand and respond to the needs of the people they serve. Working in the emergency department at Elkhart General has shown me how many barriers people can face when trying to receive help. I have encountered patients experiencing psychiatric crises, homelessness, trauma, and overwhelming emotional distress. I have also observed social workers connect patients with mental health treatment, housing, transportation, and healthcare resources. These experiences have made me realize that helping someone involves more than listening to them; it also requires finding effective ways to connect them with the resources they need. I believe information technology can contribute to that process. Technology can help organize and communicate important information, improve access to mental health services, and create tools that connect individuals with resources that may otherwise be difficult to find. In the future, I would like to combine my understanding of psychology with technology to support mental health and improve access to care. Whether through digital mental health resources, data-driven research, or technology that helps connect vulnerable individuals to services, I want my work to have a meaningful human impact. STEM excites me because it provides opportunities to solve real-world problems. My goal is not simply to work with technology, but to understand how technology can be used responsibly and compassionately to improve people's mental health, access to support, and overall quality of life.One of the greatest challenges I have faced was realizing that the career path I originally chose was not the right one for me. When I entered Ivy Tech Community College, I began as a nursing major because I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people. I believed nursing would give me the opportunity to make a difference, but as I progressed through my classes, I began questioning whether it truly matched my interests and strengths. The turning point came while I was taking Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology. I noticed that I was approaching these courses differently from my other classes. I was genuinely interested in the material, actively participating in discussions, and pushing myself to understand concepts such as cognitive development, emotional regulation, behavior, and mental health. I began to recognize that my interest in psychology was more than simply enjoying a class. It was something I wanted to build my future around. Changing majors was difficult because I had already started down one path and had to accept that my original plan did not define my future. Instead of allowing uncertainty to discourage me, I took time to reflect on what motivated me and what kind of impact I wanted to make. I ultimately decided to change my major to psychology and commit myself fully to that decision. My experiences since then have confirmed that I made the right choice. Working as a technician in an emergency department has exposed me to people facing serious emotional and personal challenges, while my previous experience mentoring younger students taught me the importance of empathy and patience. Overcoming the uncertainty of changing my career direction taught me that growth sometimes requires the courage to change course. I learned to trust my interests, recognize my strengths, and pursue a future that genuinely reflects the person I want to become.

Psychology has been shaped by both my curiosity and personal experiences. Helping others deal with difficult moments in their lives. Committing myself fully, I have since pursued additional psychology and sociology courses while working toward my associate's degree in psychology. My dream is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and social work. While I want to become a therapist, I have also developed a strong interest in social work through my current employment in the emergency department at Elkhart General. I currently work as a technician in the emergency department in Elkhart. Many patients arrive struggling and are in overwhelming emotional distress. My experiences have opened my eyes made me understand the importance of compassion and advocacy I hope for my future that my contributions to campus organizations, participations in research opportunities, will continue to develop the skills necessary to become an effective mental health professional. My long-term goal is to use my education and experiences to help individuals navigate emotional hardships, access critical resources, and improve their quality of life. Psychology has become more than an academic interest for me it has created insight for my career and has helped me understand life I wish to build for myself and my future family. From mentoring students to working with vulnerable patients in the emergency department, has deepened my desire to pursue this path. I am eager to continue my education at Indiana University and dedicate myself to a future centered on compassion, advocacy, and mental health care.

The future I hope to build is one where people experiencing mental health crises feel heard, supported, and connected to the resources they need to heal. Through a career in psychology and social work, I want to build relationships rooted in trust and compassion while helping individuals overcome some of the most difficult moments of their lives. My passion for psychology began at Penn High School, where psychology and sociology classes introduced me to the complexity of human behavior. When I entered Ivy Tech Community College, I initially planned to become a nurse because I knew I wanted to help people. However, after taking Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology, I realized that understanding the human mind fascinated me in a way no other subject did. Those courses inspired me to change my major and commit fully to studying psychology. That passion has grown through my work as an emergency department technician at Elkhart General Hospital. Every shift, I meet patients facing psychiatric emergencies, trauma, homelessness, addiction, or overwhelming emotional distress. While caring for these patients, I have seen social workers advocate for them by arranging housing, transportation, mental health treatment, and other essential services. Watching them has shown me that healing extends beyond medical care, it also requires empathy, guidance, and access to resources. I want to build that bridge for others. My goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, continue on to graduate school, and pursue a career combining cognitive behavioral therapy with social work. I hope to help individuals understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while also ensuring they have the practical support necessary to improve their lives. By addressing both emotional and social challenges, I can help people create lasting change. Building this future will also strengthen my community. When people receive effective mental health care and access to support systems, families become stronger, crises become more manageable, and communities become healthier. My experiences mentoring younger students and working in the emergency department have taught me that even small acts of compassion can have a lasting impact. At Indiana University, I hope to continue building the knowledge, skills, and relationships that will prepare me to serve others. My goal is not simply to become a psychologist or social worker, it is to build hope, resilience, and opportunities for people who need someone to believe in them during their most challenging moments.

"If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild, fermenting power which, writhing in dark passions, produced everything great and everything insignificant; if a bottomless void never satiated lay hidden beneath all things, what then would life be but despair? If this were the case, if there were no sacred bond which united mankind, if one generation arose after another like leaves in the forest, if one generation replaced another like the song of birds in the woods, if generation passed through the world as the ship passes through the sea, as the wind passes over the desert, a thoughtless and fruitless activity, what then would life be but vanity and desolation?" Kierkegaard thinks that human life requires spiritual energy, meaning because reason and material existence alone cannot justify what we set as our deepest values. This is not just asking whether life has a purpose. This challenges the assumption that purpose can arise from another source. By using our imagination we can create a reality controlled by chaotic forces and succession, Kierkegaard exposes what he sees as the insufficiency of a purely naturalistic account of human existence. His central claim is that concepts such as hope, morality, and personal significance depend upon an "eternal consciousness" that gives permanence to what would otherwise be temporary and arbitrary. This ideaolgy could lead people to spiral into an existensial crisis zone. Leading them down an introspective path where they could to start to question their motivation and place in this world as not important. That they themselves hold no significance. "What then would life be?" tells us that he means more than a rhetorical question. It challenges the reader to confront the consequences of denying any enduring foundation for meaning. Picturing the leaves, birds, ships, and wind all show how there’s so much movement without a destination set in their path. Nature continues moving through all cycles of life regardless of its individual lives. Finding their food, procreating to produce their population, and inevitably dying, and their decomposition becoming the soil that will now grow the newer generation of their species. suggesting that humans are nothing more than another part of this process, that our personal achievements and relationships are ultimately insignificant. Kierkegaard's beleif is existential rather than scientific. He is less interested in explaining how the universe works than in asking whether human commitments share any significance if they are rooted only in impermanent conditions. His phrase: "sacred bond which united mankind" provides further information that Kierkegaard views meaning as relational rather than in the individual themselves. It suggests that he thinks people do not create lasting significance through their own acts of will, but instead, they partake in a reality that transcends any single generation. Without tha bond, history becomes an endless replacement of one life by another, erasing any basis for love, sacrifice, or morality. His argument implies that genuine human dignity depends on belonging to something eternal rather than existing as a temporary event. The paragraph opens the mind of its readers to consider that despair doesn’t come from simply suffering but from the idea that nothing possesses lasting value. Even the events we create and desire to achieve in our lives. The selfish tendencies we hold behind our reasoning for our goals and dreams. Kierkegaard's belief in faith is not an escape from reality but a response to the human want to search for meaning. Whether they accept his religious conclusions or not, the pasragraph holds power because it creates curiosity and therefore the search for meaning as the defining philosophical question of human existence, insisting that our lives are shaped by what we believe ultimately endures beyond the passing flow of time.

This is a drawing I created in 2016 when I was 11 years old. At the time, I wanted to design my own original creature using only my imagination. I wanted the creature to feel cute, soft, and approachable, while also having qualities that made it seem unfamiliar and different from anything found in nature. The fluffy body and bunny-like ears give it a friendly and comforting appearance, making it feel like a creature someone would want to interact with. However, its unusual features and bright blue color make it feel mysterious, almost as if it came from a world beyond our own. I want this creature to become the mascot for Mad Genius because it represents the connection between curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Science is often focused on observing, studying, and explaining the world around us, but this creature represents something that has not yet been discovered or fully understood. A mythical being as the symbol for a science-focused brand creates an interesting contrast: it is a creature that exists outside the boundaries of current scientific knowledge, yet it is deeply fascinated by science and the pursuit of understanding. This contrast illustrates that imagination is often the first step toward discovery. The concept behind the mascot is that the fluffy blue creature is an otherworldly alien genius who is fascinated by every field of science. It travels across the universe in search of knowledge, studying new environments, observing discoveries, and conducting experiments to uncover the mysteries of existence. Its “mad genius” personality comes from its endless curiosity and its desire to explore ideas that may seem impossible or unusual. Instead of being “mad” in a negative sense, it is mad because its imagination, creativity, and ambition extend far beyond ordinary limits. This creature represents the true spirit of Mad Genius by encouraging people to question what is known, investigate what remains unexplained, and approach problems with both creativity and scientific thinking. It serves as a reminder that many discoveries begin with imagination and curiosity. Even the strangest or most unexpected ideas can inspire meaningful breakthroughs and help us better understand the universe around us.

I love math because it is more than just a subject taught in school; it is a universal language that helps people understand and describe the world around them. No matter where someone is from or what language they speak, math remains the same. The numbers, symbols, equations, and formulas used in mathematics allow people from different backgrounds to communicate ideas, solve problems, and discover new possibilities together. One of the things I find most interesting about math is how every equation and formula works together toward the same goal: finding a solution and creating a deeper understanding. Each number and symbol has a specific purpose, and every step in a process connects to the next. It is amazing how different parts of an equation can come together to create an answer that makes sense. Math shows that even complicated problems can be solved when everything works together in the right way. I also love math because it helps explain patterns and connections that exist everywhere. From the movement of planets to the technology we use every day, mathematics is behind many things in our lives. It allows us to predict, design, and improve the world around us. To me, math is a way of seeing the world differently. It teaches patience, creativity, and problem-solving while showing how everything is connected. The beauty of math comes from the fact that its rules and formulas are always working together to reach the same purpose: helping us understand, explore, and make sense of the universe.

"You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else." Taylor Swift’s folklore set during the unforgettable Eras Tour became one of the most meaningful parts of the entire performance for me. Folklore has always been my favorite creation of hers because it feels like stepping into a world built entirely from memories, emotions, and stories. The album carries a quiet kind of magic, one that does not rely on being loud or dramatic to make an impact. Instead, it captures the beauty of small moments, complicated feelings, and the emotions people often struggle to put into words. One of the most powerful moments of the folklore performance was “illicit affairs.” Taylor sings the song with such honesty and emotion that it feels less like a performance and more like she is revealing a deeply personal story. The way she delivers each lyric allows the audience to feel the heartbreak, secrecy, and longing behind the words. Her voice carries every layer of the song, the excitement, the regret, the sadness, and the realization that something beautiful can still be painful. It is the kind of performance that makes you forget you are watching a stadium show because the emotion feels so intimate. What I love most about Taylor’s songwriting is how poetic she is. She has an incredible ability to take ordinary feelings and transform them into vivid images that feel almost cinematic. Her lyrics do not simply describe emotions; they create entire worlds around them. She uses details, metaphors, and storytelling to help listeners find pieces of themselves in her songs. “Illicit affairs” is a perfect example of this because she captures the complexity of a relationship built on hidden moments and impossible choices without ever reducing the emotions to simplicity. The creativity in how Taylor conveys emotion is one of the reasons her music feels so timeless. She understands that sadness, love, nostalgia, and heartbreak are not just single feelings; they are experiences filled with contradictions. Through her lyrics and her performance, she shows that a song can hold multiple emotions at once. The delicate movements, the atmosphere of the folklore set, and the rawness in her voice all work together to bring the story to life. Watching Taylor perform folklore during the Eras Tour felt like being invited into a collection of memories she carefully crafted. She has a rare ability to make thousands of people feel as if a song were written specifically for them. “Illicit affairs” is not just a song I enjoy; it is a reminder of why I admire her artistry so much. She turns emotions into poetry and creates colors through her music that I cannot find anywhere else.

The impact I want to make in the world is to ensure that no one feels alone during their most difficult moments. My experiences with mental health have shaped my purpose and inspired me to create a future where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help. I understand what it feels like to struggle internally, and I want to use my education to become someone who helps others find hope and healing. Throughout my teenage years, I experienced significant struggles with depression and anxiety. There were times when my mental health affected the way I viewed myself, my relationships, and my future. I spent years learning how to cope, rebuild my confidence, and understand my emotions. While those experiences were challenging, they gave me a deeper understanding of the struggles many people face silently. They taught me that mental health challenges are not always visible and that everyone deserves compassion, patience, and support. My experiences also shaped the way I understand relationships. I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who recognize my worth and encourage my growth. Some relationships in my life challenged my confidence, but they also taught me valuable lessons about self-respect, boundaries, and the importance of healthy connections. These experiences strengthened my desire to help others build supportive relationships and find communities where they feel valued. The people who inspire me are those who dedicate their lives to helping others feel seen. I am inspired by therapists, social workers, and mental health advocates who provide guidance, resources, and comfort to people during their most vulnerable moments. Their work has shown me that one person’s willingness to listen can create a lasting impact. I want to become that person for others, the person who reminds someone that their struggles do not define them and that they are capable of moving forward. My education at Indiana University Bloomington will allow me to transform my experiences into meaningful action. By pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I hope to develop the skills necessary to become a social worker and eventually a therapist. I want to advocate for individuals whose voices are often overlooked, connect people with important resources, and create a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. The change I hope to create begins with reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Too many people struggle alone because they fear judgment or believe they have to hide their experiences. I want to help create communities where seeking support is seen as a strength and where people know they are not alone. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing this vision. I have worked hard to save for college, earning approximately $20,000 last year, but attending IU Bloomington is a significant financial commitment. Each semester costs around $17,000, and both of my parents are retired nurses. I want to build my future through my own dedication and independence while honoring the sacrifices my family has made for me. My journey with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It has given me empathy, resilience, and a passion for helping others. Through my education and future career, I hope to become the support system I once needed and create a future where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued.

The impact I want to make in the world is to ensure that no one feels alone during their most difficult moments. My experiences with mental health have shaped my purpose and inspired me to create a future where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help. I understand what it feels like to struggle internally, and I want to use my education to become someone who helps others find hope and healing. Throughout my teenage years, I experienced significant struggles with depression and anxiety. There were times when my mental health affected the way I viewed myself, my relationships, and my future. I spent years learning how to cope, rebuild my confidence, and understand my emotions. While those experiences were challenging, they gave me a deeper understanding of the struggles many people face silently. They taught me that mental health challenges are not always visible and that everyone deserves compassion, patience, and support. My experiences also shaped the way I understand relationships. I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who recognize my worth and encourage my growth. Some relationships in my life challenged my confidence, but they also taught me valuable lessons about self-respect, boundaries, and the importance of healthy connections. These experiences strengthened my desire to help others build supportive relationships and find communities where they feel valued. The people who inspire me are those who dedicate their lives to helping others feel seen. I am inspired by therapists, social workers, and mental health advocates who provide guidance, resources, and comfort to people during their most vulnerable moments. Their work has shown me that one person’s willingness to listen can create a lasting impact. I want to become that person for others, the person who reminds someone that their struggles do not define them and that they are capable of moving forward. My education at Indiana University Bloomington will allow me to transform my experiences into meaningful action. By pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I hope to develop the skills necessary to become a social worker and eventually a therapist. I want to advocate for individuals whose voices are often overlooked, connect people with important resources, and create a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. The change I hope to create begins with reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Too many people struggle alone because they fear judgment or believe they have to hide their experiences. I want to help create communities where seeking support is seen as a strength and where people know they are not alone. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing this vision. I have worked hard to save for college, earning approximately $20,000 last year, but attending IU Bloomington is a significant financial commitment. Each semester costs around $17,000, and both of my parents are retired nurses. I want to build my future through my own dedication and independence while honoring the sacrifices my family has made for me. My journey with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It has given me empathy, resilience, and a passion for helping others. Through my education and future career, I hope to become the support system I once needed and create a future where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued.

The summer before fourth grade, I began having seizures. After countless hospital visits and tests, I was diagnosed with a DNET brain tumor. At an age when most children were worried about homework and recess, I was learning what it meant to live with a serious medical condition. I had seizures at home, at school, and everywhere in between. My childhood became filled with doctor appointments, medications, uncertainty, and fear. When I was ten, I underwent my first brain surgery. At thirteen, I had my second. The surgeries finally stopped my seizures, but they did not end my struggle. Although I was seizure-free, I remained on daily medication until I turned eighteen, and the years between thirteen and eighteen became some of the darkest of my life. I experienced severe depression and anxiety that often felt impossible to escape. Instead of celebrating my recovery, I found myself fighting an invisible battle with my mental health. My struggles affected my relationships as well. In high school, I entered my first relationship believing I had found someone who cared for me. At first, he was kind and supportive, but over time he became emotionally and physically abusive. He would embarrass me for asking questions in class, degrade me, and even hit me in public. Because my self-esteem had already been worn down by years of illness and depression, I struggled to recognize that I deserved better. Eventually, I found the strength to leave during my junior year, and that experience taught me the importance of self-worth, healthy relationships, and advocating for myself. Friendships also shaped my understanding of resilience. I finally found a group of friends who made me feel accepted, but those relationships eventually fell apart as well. While losing those friendships was painful, it taught me that not every person who enters your life is meant to stay. Sometimes growth comes from letting go and continuing to seek people who truly support and value you. Living with mental illness has changed the way I see the world. I have learned that everyone is carrying struggles that may not be visible to others. A smile does not always mean someone is okay, and kindness can have a greater impact than we realize. My experiences have made me more compassionate, patient, and determined to help people who feel unseen or unheard. Although my journey with depression and anxiety is still ongoing, I am no longer the same girl who believed she had to face everything alone. My experiences have given me purpose. This fall, I will attend Indiana University Bloomington to pursue a bachelor's degree in Psychology. My long-term goal is to become a social worker and eventually a therapist so I can advocate for individuals whose voices are often overlooked and connect them with the resources they need. I want to be the person I desperately needed when I was younger, someone who listens without judgment, offers hope, and reminds others that they are not alone. Receiving this scholarship would help make that dream possible. I earned approximately $20,000 last year, while each semester at IU costs about $17,000. Both of my parents are retired nurses, and I do not want to ask them to return to work to help pay for my education. I want to build my future independently while honoring the sacrifices they have already made for me. My experiences with mental health have shaped every part of who I am. They have taught me resilience, empathy, and perseverance. While I cannot change the hardships I have faced, I can choose how they define me. Rather than allowing them to limit my future, I have chosen to let them inspire a career dedicated to helping others heal. I hope to become the source of support, understanding, and encouragement that I once needed myself.

Going to college means more to me than earning a degree, it is an opportunity to discover my purpose, grow as a person, and prepare for a career that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. College has challenged me to think critically, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and helped me realize that my passion lies in understanding people and supporting them through difficult moments. My education has given me direction, and every step I take brings me closer to the future I want to build. When I first enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College, I planned to pursue nursing because I knew I wanted a career centered on helping people. As I completed courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology, I realized I was far more engaged in learning about human behavior, emotions, and mental health than I had ever been in any other subject. Those classes sparked a genuine passion that led me to change my major to psychology. It was one of the most important decisions I have made because it allowed me to pursue a field that truly aligns with both my interests and my strengths. College has also given me opportunities to apply what I have learned outside the classroom. Working as a technician in the emergency department at Elkhart General has exposed me to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, trauma, homelessness, and emotional distress. These experiences have reinforced my desire to work in mental health while showing me the importance of compassion, patience, and advocacy. I have also been inspired by the social workers I work alongside, who help connect vulnerable patients with essential resources and provide hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Seeing the impact they have made has strengthened my desire to combine psychology with social work in my future career. My goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, continue on to graduate school, and pursue a master's degree in psychology and social work. I hope to specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy because I want to help individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing healthy coping strategies. At the same time, I want to advocate for people by connecting them with the resources and support systems they need to improve their overall well-being. Going to college also means becoming a lifelong learner. I want to take advantage of research opportunities, participate in organizations that promote mental health awareness, and continue developing the communication and leadership skills necessary to become an effective therapist and advocate. Ultimately, my education is preparing me for more than a career—it is preparing me to serve others with empathy, knowledge, and compassion. My goal is to use everything I learn to help people overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and create positive change within my community.

Growing up, I had a neighbor next door named "Emily". Emily and I would always play together in her front yard. I had such an infatuation with her, I wanted to be with her and play with her all the time. The games we would play were... Questionable. But she was the person who made me aware of my attraction to girls. From then on, I would keep that to myself until I learned that there was a word for people who like both boys and girls. When I was in middle school, a lot of things occurred. I came out as bisexual to a friend, I underwent my second brain surgery, and I became so depressed. In the summer of 4th grade, I developed seizures. After multiple hospital visits, I was diagnosed with a DNET brain tumor. I would end up having seizures at home and at school. My life from then on was changed. For the next eight years, I would experience this pain. I had my first brain surgery when I was ten. My second brain surgery at 13. Finally, I was seizure-free. However, I would be on daily meds until 18. The level of depression I felt during the ages of 13-18 was so dark. And after middle school, my depression and anxiety got worse. In high school I got my first boyfriend, and my only so far. I have not been able to date a man the same since. My boyfriend was sweet and loving at first, and then he changed. He would smack me in public and act embarrassed if I asked questions in class. Constantly degrading me and making me feel small. He assaulted me, and I blamed myself for it for so long. I would tell myself that it was miscommunication. But then I remember I told him no multiple times after. This event sent me spiraling. I continued to be with him until my junior year. I finally found some good friends in high school, and I was happy for a while until they turned out not to be as good as I thought. But that's life, overcoming the hard situations so we can find more happiness somewhere else. My battle with my identity and mental health is still a work in progress. I'm not cured, but I am also not the same girl. I am going to IU Bloomington this fall to earn my BA in Psychology, go into social work, advocate for people whose voices aren't heard, and connect them with necessary resources. I also want to be a therapist so I can comfort and give advice to individuals who also struggle with mental health. I want to reach the audience I wish I had when I was younger. So I can be the person I need then. And this scholarship will help me afford my tuition more easily while living on campus. Currently, I made 20k last year. Each semester is $17k, and both my parents are retired, so it's too much to ask my hard-working parents to return to their jobs as nurses so I can go to college. I want to be the independent woman I know I can be. And that means financially. I hope my story made you feel something, and thank you for your consideration.

Most children spend their childhood worrying about school, sports, or spending time with friends. My childhood was filled with hospital visits, medical tests, and surgeries that taught me resilience long before I understood the meaning of the word. When I was eight years old, I began having unexplained seizures. Before then, I had been a healthy, active child, so the sudden change was frightening for both me and my family. We spent months traveling to hospitals, meeting with specialists, and searching for answers. Eventually, doctors discovered that I had a DNET (Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor), a rare brain tumor that caused my seizures. Although it was not cancerous, it required brain surgery in hopes of reducing the seizures and improving my quality of life. I underwent my first brain surgery as a child, and several years later, around the age of thirteen, I had a second surgery to remove more of the tumor. The operation went well, and everyone believed I was recovering normally. However, I knew something felt wrong. I was unusually weak, exhausted, and in far more pain than I expected. Soon afterward, my parents were told that I had developed sepsis. My body temperature had dropped to just 93 degrees, and my body was beginning to shut down as it fought a severe infection. Thankfully, my doctors recognized the signs early and began treatment before it progressed further. Their quick actions saved my life. The days that followed were some of the hardest of my life. My entire body ached, and even sitting up in bed required tremendous effort. I was constantly connected to IVs and monitors while nurses checked my vital signs throughout the day and night. The hospital became my world. The bright lights, endless alarms, and repeated blood draws made it difficult to rest, while the fear of not knowing what would happen next weighed heavily on me. As a child, I did not fully understand how serious my condition was, but I could see the worry on my parents' faces, which made the experience even more frightening. Although those years were incredibly difficult, they shaped the person I am today. Living through brain surgeries and surviving sepsis taught me perseverance, gratitude, and the importance of never taking my health or opportunities for granted. I learned to face challenges with determination and to keep moving forward even when the future seemed uncertain. Instead of allowing my experiences to define my limitations, I have chosen to let them define my strength. As I pursue a college education, I carry those lessons with me every day. I understand that success is not measured by how easy life has been, but by the determination to overcome obstacles. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing my educational goals while honoring the resilience I developed through my medical journey. The challenges I faced as a child have given me a unique perspective and an unwavering appreciation for every opportunity. They have shown me that even during life's most difficult moments, strength can be found, hope can prevail, and perseverance can lead to a brighter future.

Education has always represented more than earning a degree, it is an opportunity to build a career dedicated to helping others while honoring the values of resilience, compassion, and perseverance that my family has instilled in me. As a Korean and Irish woman, I have grown up embracing both cultures. My grandmother, who immigrated from Seoul, South Korea, and my father made it a priority to teach me Korean traditions, respect for others, and the importance of hard work. Their guidance shaped my character and inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am currently a junior working toward my bachelor's degree in psychology and will continue my education at Indiana University this fall. My educational journey has been built through determination and persistence. I earned my Technical Certificate in Psychology from Ivy Tech Community College with a 3.6 GPA, was consistently named to the Dean's List, and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. These accomplishments reflect my dedication to learning and my commitment to reaching my goals despite financial obstacles. In addition to being a full-time student, I work as an Emergency Department Technician at Elkhart General Hospital. Every shift reminds me how important compassion, empathy, and emotional support are for patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Witnessing the impact that mental health has on overall well-being has strengthened my passion for becoming both a therapist and a social worker. I want to provide individuals with the support, advocacy, and resources they need to overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Paying for college has been one of the greatest challenges I have faced. Although I work while attending school, I earned only about $20,000 last year. My father and stepmother are retired and rely on my father's pension after his twenty years of service with the South Bend Fire Department. I have worked hard to save approximately $8,000 toward my education, but I currently have no scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. Receiving the Concrete Rose Scholarship would ease the financial burden of continuing my education and allow me to focus more fully on preparing for a career in mental health. Beyond the financial support, this scholarship would serve as a powerful reminder that others believe in my potential and my commitment to serving others. My goal is to use my education to advocate for individuals facing mental health challenges, provide compassionate and culturally responsive care, and help create stronger, healthier communities. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to turning that vision into a lifelong career of service.

Mental illness has shaped my life in ways that extend far beyond a diagnosis. Although neither of my biological parents has been formally diagnosed with a mental illness, my mother's side of the family has a long history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Growing up, I witnessed behaviors that made childhood confusing and emotionally challenging. My mother often struggled to follow through on promises or plans. If I asked her for something, the answer was usually "maybe," and nothing ever came of it. Even when she agreed to do something, she would often cancel because she was in pain, too tired, or simply no longer felt like going. As a child, I longed for a stronger maternal bond, but it often felt as though her own struggles came before the needs of her children. My father, on the other hand, was emotionally reserved and extremely honest. He wasn't always expressive, but he consistently stepped up when difficult decisions had to be made. He was willing to be the "bad guy" if it meant teaching my siblings and me responsibility, accountability, and resilience. Looking back, I appreciate the stability he tried to provide during an otherwise unpredictable childhood. At eight years old, my life changed when doctors discovered a brain tumor that caused spontaneous seizures. Between the ages of eight and thirteen, I experienced frequent hospitalizations, countless medical appointments, and two major brain surgeries in an effort to remove the tumor. While the surgeries ultimately improved my physical health, the emotional impact remained. I developed severe anxiety and depression, and the trauma left me feeling as though I had fallen behind my peers socially, emotionally, and academically. Watching other children grow while I struggled to recover made me feel isolated and different. Those feelings followed me into high school, where I continued hiding my depression behind a smile. I was prescribed medication for anxiety, but I kept my darkest thoughts to myself until they became overwhelming. In 2024, I attempted to take my own life. Surviving that experience filled me with overwhelming guilt, but it also became the turning point in my life. For the first time, I was completely honest with my father and my stepmother about what I was experiencing. They immediately supported me, and I began attending therapy, where I learned healthier ways to cope with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Today, I am the happiest I have ever been. My father and stepmother have created the loving, supportive home I wished for as a child, and their encouragement has helped me believe in myself again. My experiences have made me deeply empathetic because I understand that many people fight battles no one else can see. That empathy has inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. My goal is to become a licensed therapist and social worker so I can advocate for individuals whose voices often go unheard. Receiving this scholarship would help make that goal possible by easing the financial burden of tuition and allowing me to continue my education. I hope to dedicate my career to helping others find the same hope, healing, and support that changed my own life.

My decision to major in psychology has been shaped by both my curiosity and my experiences helping others through difficult moments. I have always been fascinated by the human mind, how people think, develop emotions, and respond to life's challenges. This interest began at Penn High School, where psychology and sociology courses introduced me to the complexity of human behavior. Those classes sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my education and professional experiences. When I first enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College, I planned to become a nurse because I knew I wanted a career centered on helping others. However, after taking Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology, I realized that psychology was where I truly belonged. I found myself more engaged in those classes than any others, eager to learn about cognitive development, emotional regulation, and mental health. Those experiences led me to change my major and commit to earning my associate degree in psychology before transferring to Indiana University Bloomington. My goal is to earn graduate degrees in psychology and social work and become a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) therapist. I am drawn to CBT because it helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing healthier coping strategies. I want to help people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges so they can build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Mental health is important to me as a student because I know how much it affects academic success, relationships, and overall well-being. College students often juggle demanding coursework, work, financial responsibilities, and personal challenges. I believe mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. I advocate for mental health by being someone others can rely on. Whether I am listening to classmates, supporting friends, or caring for patients at work, I strive to create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported. I believe that showing empathy and encouraging open conversations helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. My work as an emergency department technician at Elkhart General Hospital has strengthened my passion for this field. I regularly care for patients experiencing psychiatric crises, suicidal ideation, trauma, homelessness, and emotional distress. Watching the emergency department social workers connect patients with mental health services, housing, and community resources has inspired me to combine psychology with social work so I can provide both emotional support and practical assistance to those in need. Outside of healthcare, I also served as a freshman mentor in high school, helping younger students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally. That experience strengthened my communication, leadership, and empathy, qualities that continue to guide me today. Receiving this scholarship would help make my education at Indiana University possible by easing the financial burden of tuition and educational expenses. It would allow me to focus on my coursework, gain valuable clinical experiences, and continue preparing for a career dedicated to improving the lives of others. Psychology is more than my major, it is my purpose. I hope to use my education to help individuals heal, advocate for mental health, and make a lasting difference in my community through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Although my career path is not leading me toward art therapy, it is leading me toward another form of therapy with the same purpose: helping people heal. While art therapy uses creative expression to promote emotional healing, I hope to help others through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am drawn to CBT because it helps individuals recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, giving them the tools to develop healthier coping strategies and improve their mental well-being. My goal is to help people heal emotionally, build resilience, and regain hope during difficult times. My passion for psychology began at Penn High School, where psychology and sociology courses introduced me to the complexity of human behavior. Those classes sparked a curiosity that continued to grow after I enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College. I initially planned to become a nurse because I wanted a career dedicated to helping others. However, after taking Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology, I realized that psychology was where I truly belonged. I found myself eager to learn more about mental health, cognitive development, and emotional regulation, and I became fully engaged in class discussions. Those experiences confirmed that my passion was not only helping people physically but also supporting their emotional and psychological healing. Today, I am working toward my associate degree in psychology and preparing to transfer to Indiana University Bloomington. My long-term goal is to earn graduate degrees in psychology and social work so I can become a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy therapist. I want to work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges by helping them understand their emotions, change unhealthy thought patterns, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. My work as an emergency department technician at Elkhart General Hospital has strengthened that commitment. Every day, I encounter patients experiencing psychiatric crises, suicidal thoughts, trauma, homelessness, and overwhelming emotional distress. These experiences have shown me that healing requires more than medical care, it requires compassion, understanding, and someone willing to listen. Watching the emergency department social workers advocate for vulnerable patients by connecting them with mental health services and community resources has inspired me to combine psychology with social work so I can support both the emotional and practical needs of those I serve. Receiving this scholarship would help make my educational goals possible. As I prepare to transfer to Indiana University, I am committed to earning my degree while managing the financial responsibilities of higher education. This scholarship would reduce the burden of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my coursework, clinical experiences, and professional development rather than financial stress. It would bring me one step closer to becoming the therapist I aspire to be. Although I will not be healing others through art therapy, my purpose is the same: to help people heal. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I hope to empower individuals to overcome emotional challenges, develop healthier ways of thinking, and create brighter futures. This scholarship would not only support my education but also invest in my ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals and families I hope to serve throughout my career.

Pursuing higher education while working and managing a household has taught me that success requires sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance. Every day is a balancing act between my responsibilities as a student, my role as a healthcare worker, and the commitment I have to caring for those who depend on me at home. Although I do not have children, I am solely responsible for maintaining my household and caring for my three pets, two cats and one dog. They rely on me every day for food, grooming, exercise, medical care, and companionship. While some may view these responsibilities as small, they are an important part of my life and require the same consistency, dedication, and financial planning as any other household commitment. I currently work part-time as a nurse's aide in the emergency department at Elkhart General Hospital. Every shift presents new challenges. Patients arrive frightened, injured, or experiencing medical emergencies, and it is my responsibility to provide compassionate care while supporting nurses and physicians in a fast-paced environment. Working in healthcare has taught me to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with others, and put the needs of my patients first. However, the emotional and physical demands of working in an emergency department do not disappear when my shift ends. After leaving work, I return home knowing that my responsibilities are far from over. My pets depend on me for their daily care, and I make it a priority to ensure they are healthy, safe, and loved. Once they have been fed, exercised, and cared for, I begin my coursework. Many evenings extend late into the night as I complete assignments, prepare for exams, and stay on top of deadlines. There are times when I feel exhausted after working long shifts, but I remind myself why I started this journey. Every assignment I complete and every class I finish brings me one step closer to achieving my goals. Balancing work, school, and home life has not been easy. Financially, I must carefully budget my income to cover tuition, textbooks, transportation, household expenses, pet care, and everyday necessities. Unexpected expenses, such as veterinary visits or car repairs, can quickly strain my budget and create additional stress. Because I work part-time while attending school, I have learned to prioritize every dollar I earn and every hour in my day. These challenges have strengthened my resilience and taught me valuable life skills, including time management, organization, and problem-solving. Working in the emergency department has also reinforced my passion for helping others. Every day I witness people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether they are experiencing a medical emergency, coping with a mental health crisis, or struggling through personal hardship, I have seen how compassion and understanding can make a meaningful difference. Those experiences have inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with the goal of becoming both a licensed therapist and a social worker. I want to provide support for individuals who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or alone by helping them navigate life's challenges with empathy and respect. My education represents much more than earning a degree. It represents an opportunity to build a meaningful career dedicated to serving others while creating long-term financial stability for myself. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my determination to succeed. The long work shifts, late nights studying, financial sacrifices, and daily responsibilities have all taught me that meaningful goals require persistence and hard work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing my education while balancing work and household responsibilities. It would allow me to spend less time worrying about educational expenses and more time focusing on academic success, professional development, and preparing for a career in mental health. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is committed to giving back to the community. I hope to use my education to advocate for those who are struggling, provide compassionate care, and help others discover hope during difficult times. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving that goal and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Growing up, I learned that family is not defined solely by who raises you but by the people who shape your character. Although I spent my early childhood with both of my parents, my grandparents became the greatest influence in my life. Because my parents worked long hours to provide for our family, my grandparents cared for my siblings and me every day. They were the people I looked up to most, and their example continues to guide the person I am today. My grandfather's life is a story of sacrifice and perseverance. Originally from Kentucky, he was drafted during the Vietnam War and served in South Korea, where he met my grandmother. After they married, they built a new life together in Indiana. My grandmother brought with her the traditions and values of her Korean heritage, teaching me the importance of respecting my elders, treating others with kindness, honoring my family, and always giving my best effort. I admired not only their values but also their humility, work ethic, and the way they cared for everyone around them. Over the years, I found myself adopting many of their habits, mannerisms, and outlook on life because I wanted to become the kind of person they were. My family dynamic changed when my parents divorced during my fourth-grade year. While the transition was difficult, it strengthened my appreciation for the stability and guidance I received from my father, my stepmother, and especially my grandparents. Since moving in with my father and stepmother in eighth grade, they have continued to encourage me academically and personally. Together, they taught me responsibility, accountability, and perseverance, qualities that have helped me overcome challenges and stay focused on my future. Education has become one of the most important ways I can honor the sacrifices my family has made for me. I understand that earning a college degree is not only an opportunity to improve my own life but also a way to give back to those who invested so much in my future. Every class I complete and every goal I achieve represents the values my family worked so hard to instill in me. i am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology because I aspire to become both a licensed therapist and a social worker. My goal is to support individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges, family difficulties, or other life obstacles by providing compassionate care and advocacy. I want to create a safe environment where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to improve their lives. The empathy I hope to show others comes directly from the compassion my grandparents demonstrated every day, while the discipline and resilience I learned from my father continue to motivate me to succeed. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of earning my degree and allow me to focus more fully on my education and professional development. More importantly, it would help me continue the legacy my family began through their sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering belief in me. I hope to honor them by using my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, just as they have made a lasting difference in mine.

Although I was raised by both of my parents during my early childhood, the people who shaped me the most were my grandparents. While my parents worked long hours to provide for our family, my grandparents were the ones who cared for my siblings and me on a daily basis. They became the role models I admired most, and over time I found myself adopting not only their values but also their mannerisms, the way they carried themselves, and even the way they dressed. Their influence became a defining part of who I am. My grandfather's story is one of sacrifice and resilience. Originally from Kentucky, he was drafted during the Vietnam War and served in South Korea, where he met my grandmother. They fell in love, married, and eventually settled in Indiana to build a life together. Their journey taught me that strength is found not only in overcoming hardship but also in creating opportunities for future generations through hard work, commitment, and love. My grandmother, who is Korean, introduced me to a culture that has profoundly influenced my character. From a young age, she taught me to respect my elders, treat every person with kindness and dignity, honor my family name, and always work hard enough to make my family proud. These values were reinforced by my father, who believed that integrity, discipline, and accountability mattered just as much as academic achievement. Although my parents divorced when I was in fourth grade, their separation ultimately gave me a deeper appreciation for the guidance I received from my father and grandparents. My mother and father loved my siblings and me, but they had very different parenting styles. My mother often relied on my father to handle discipline, reminding us, "Wait until your dad gets home." Because of this, my father became the person who taught me responsibility, accountability, and the importance of following through on my commitments. When I moved in with my father and stepmother in eighth grade, they provided me with a stable home where those lessons became part of my everyday life. Still, it was my grandparents who left the deepest impression on me. They showed me what it means to live with humility, perseverance, and compassion. I admired the quiet way they sacrificed for our family without expecting recognition. Watching them care for others taught me that true success is measured less by personal accomplishments than by the lives you positively impact. Their example continues to motivate me to become someone my family can be proud of. Because of the values they instilled in me, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with the goal of becoming both a therapist and a social worker. I hope to advocate for individuals facing mental health challenges and difficult life circumstances, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported. The compassion I want to extend to others comes directly from my grandparents' example, while the discipline and resilience I learned from my father continue to guide me toward my goals. Looking back, I realize that my family's journey has shaped every part of the person I am becoming. My grandfather's service, my grandmother's Korean heritage, my father's unwavering guidance, and the love and sacrifices my grandparents made while raising me have all contributed to my character. Every academic milestone I achieve represents more than my own hard work, it is a reflection of the values they passed down to me and my commitment to honor the legacy they have built.

Community is built through small acts of compassion that often go unnoticed. While volunteering and organized service projects are valuable, I have learned that simply showing up for others with kindness, empathy, and respect can have a lasting impact. Through my work as a nurse's aide in the Emergency Department at Elkhart General Hospital, I have had the opportunity to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and those experiences have shaped my understanding of what it means to serve my community. Working in the emergency department has shown me that every patient has a story. Many arrive frightened, in pain, or overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. Although my role is to assist with patient care, I have found that some of the most meaningful moments come from offering comfort, listening without judgment, and treating every individual with dignity. Whether I am helping a patient who is anxious about a diagnosis or taking a few extra moments to reassure someone who feels alone, I strive to make people feel seen, heard, and respected. My commitment to serving others extends beyond my job responsibilities. I believe communities become stronger when people choose empathy over indifference. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to be someone others can rely on: supporting coworkers during demanding shifts, helping friends through personal challenges, and offering encouragement to anyone who needs it. These everyday acts may seem small, but they create the trust and compassion that hold communities together. Although I am not pursuing a law degree, I believe the principles that guide the legal profession, advocacy, justice, and service to others, are equally central to the career I am working toward. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington because I aspire to become both a therapist and a social worker. My goal is to advocate for individuals facing mental health challenges, trauma, and difficult life circumstances by ensuring they have access to compassionate care, support, and resources. Like attorneys who give a voice to those navigating the legal system, I hope to empower individuals who often feel unheard or overlooked as they navigate personal struggles and barriers to mental wellness. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue preparing for a career dedicated to public service. While my path differs from that of a future attorney, my commitment to improving lives is rooted in the same desire to make a meaningful difference in my community. I believe that service is not defined by a specific profession but by the impact we have on the people around us. Every patient I comfort today and every client I hope to counsel in the future represents an opportunity to advocate for dignity, resilience, and hope. For me, serving my community is not about recognition, it is about making a lasting difference, one person at a time. Whether I am caring for patients in the emergency department today or supporting individuals as a therapist and social worker in the future, my goal remains the same: to build stronger communities by helping people feel supported, valued, and empowered. I hope to earn this scholarship not because I am pursuing law, but because I share its underlying commitment to serving others, advocating for those in need, and creating positive change wherever I can.

Books have done more than entertain me, they have fundamentally changed the way I see the world and my place within it. Every story I've read has taught me that life is filled with conflict, growth, and transformation. Because of that, I often find myself viewing my own experiences through the lens of storytelling, which has given me a more thoughtful and philosophical perspective on life. When I face challenges or periods of uncertainty, I think of them as the trials in a hero's journey rather than as setbacks. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" I ask, "What is this experience trying to teach me?" This mindset has helped me develop resilience and has encouraged me to embrace change instead of fearing it. Every obstacle becomes another opportunity to grow into a stronger version of myself. Books have also influenced the way I interpret everyday experiences. If I find myself understanding something that others have yet to realize, I think of it as dramatic irony, a literary device that reminds me everyone has a different perspective and different information. Looking at life this way has made me more patient and empathetic because I recognize that everyone is living through their own story with their own unique experiences. Perhaps the greatest lesson books have taught me is that every chapter eventually comes to an end. No matter how difficult or uncertain a season of life may feel, another chapter is always waiting to be written. That perspective motivates me to finish the chapter I am in with purpose while also taking responsibility for writing the future I want. Change does not happen on its own; just as a story only moves forward when the protagonist takes action, my life only moves forward when I choose to grow, learn, and pursue my goals. This outlook has shaped my educational and career aspirations. As I work toward earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I hope to become a therapist and social worker who helps others navigate the difficult chapters of their own lives. Everyone has a story worth telling, and many people simply need someone willing to listen, understand, and help them find hope in the next chapter. Books have taught me that even the most challenging stories can have meaningful endings, and I want to help others believe that their stories are still being written. Reading has given me more than knowledge, it has given me a framework for understanding life. It reminds me that every experience, whether joyful or painful, contributes to the person I am becoming. Each day is another page, each challenge another plot point, and each decision another sentence in the story I am writing. That perspective continues to inspire me to learn, grow, and create a future that reflects the values I want my own story to tell.

Although I am not of Indian origin, I am a third-generation Korean American, and my Korean heritage has played a significant role in shaping who I am. My grandmother was born in Seoul, South Korea, and many of the traditions she passed down continue to influence my family today. We celebrate Korean holidays together, honor family traditions, and even something as simple as always having seaweed soup during birthdays and special celebrations reminds me of the importance of family, gratitude, and remembering where we come from. Growing up Korean American was a unique experience because my appearance often led people to make assumptions about my identity. I was frequently told that I looked "too white" or "not white enough," and once classmates learned I was Korean, they sometimes made it the defining part of my personality. Those experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of understanding people beyond first impressions. My cultural background has shaped the way I interact with others and how I approach relationships, academics, and self-discipline. Korean culture has instilled in me a deep respect for my family, education, and caring for others. These values continue to guide my decisions and have inspired my desire to pursue a career centered on helping people. Financially, my family has limited resources. I currently earn approximately $17,000 per year working as a nurse's aide in the Emergency Department at Elkhart General Hospital while pursuing my education. My parents are both retired and live on a combined annual income of about $40,000, making it difficult for them to provide significant financial support for my college expenses. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. My long-term goal is to become both a therapist and a social worker so I can support individuals facing mental health challenges and advocate for members of my community whose voices often go unheard. This scholarship would help reduce my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my education, continue serving patients through my work, and prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of others.

My educational journey has not been defined by how easily things came to me, but by my determination to continue moving forward despite the challenges I have faced. I believe I deserve this scholarship because I have demonstrated resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to using my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Growing up, I faced challenges that affected both my personal life and my education. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery because the tumor caused me to experience seizures, including during school. Going through this experience at a young age was difficult physically and emotionally. My energy and focus toward school were affected, and one of the hardest parts was how others treated me because of my seizures. Being viewed differently, experiencing judgment, and feeling misunderstood made my educational journey more challenging than I expected. Instead of feeling supported, there were times when I felt isolated, and that impacted my confidence as a student. As I continued through my education, I struggled to find a sense of direction and purpose. Without a clear goal for my future, I found myself falling into academic habits that did not reflect my true abilities or potential. However, I eventually realized that my past challenges did not have to define my future. I discovered a passion for psychology and developed a purpose that motivated me to change my path. Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington after transferring from Ivy Tech Community College in fall 2026. Since finding my purpose, I have completely transformed my approach to education. I have worked hard to become the student I always knew I could be, earning a place on the Dean’s List at Ivy Tech Community College for two consecutive years and becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. These accomplishments represent more than academic success, they represent my perseverance, discipline, and commitment to becoming the best version of myself. What sets me apart from other applicants is not only the obstacles I have overcome, but the perspective those experiences have given me. Living through my own challenges has helped me understand what it feels like to struggle, feel misunderstood, and need support. Those experiences have strengthened my empathy and shaped my desire to enter the mental health field. I want to become a therapist and social worker so I can support individuals in my community who may be facing their own challenges and help them recognize that their circumstances do not determine their future. Receiving this scholarship would support me as I continue my education and work toward my goal of serving others through mental health care. I have learned that success is not measured by where someone begins, but by their willingness to grow, adapt, and keep working toward their goals. My journey has taught me resilience, compassion, and determination, and I hope to use those qualities to positively impact the lives of others. This scholarship would not only invest in my education but also in my future ability to advocate for and support the individuals and communities I hope to serve.

Dementia has impacted my family in a way that changed how I view aging, caregiving, and the importance of compassion. My grandmother, my mom’s mother, lived with my family while experiencing dementia. Watching someone I loved slowly change because of this disease was one of the most difficult experiences I have gone through. It was heartbreaking to see a person who had been such an important part of our family begin to lose memories, independence, and parts of the personality we knew so well. Living with my grandmother during this time allowed me to see the challenges that come with dementia, not only for the person experiencing it but also for the family members who provide care and support. There were moments when she became confused, acted in ways that were unfamiliar to us, or reacted to situations differently than she would have before. At times, it was difficult to understand why she was behaving that way, and it was painful to see these changes happen. It was hard to accept that these actions were not who she truly was, but rather a result of the disease affecting her mind and her ability to process the world around her. One of the hardest parts was watching someone I loved become less like the grandmother I remembered. Dementia can create a sense of loss even while the person is still physically present. I learned that grieving does not only happen after someone is gone; it can also happen when someone’s memories, abilities, and familiar behaviors begin to fade. This experience taught me the importance of patience and understanding because my grandmother was not choosing to be difficult, she was experiencing a condition that she could not control. Through this experience, I also gained a deeper appreciation for caregivers and the emotional challenges they face. Supporting someone with dementia requires strength, patience, and compassion. My family had to learn how to adjust, communicate differently, and provide care while also coping with our own emotions. This experience showed me how important it is for families to have resources, support systems, and education when facing dementia-related illnesses. My grandmother’s experience has influenced my interest in mental health and my desire to become a social worker and therapist. It showed me how important it is to treat individuals with dignity and recognize that a diagnosis does not define who they are. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even when illness changes their behavior or abilities. The biggest lesson I learned from my grandmother’s dementia is the importance of compassion. It taught me to look beyond someone’s actions and consider what they may be experiencing internally. In my future career, I hope to carry this lesson with me by supporting individuals and families facing mental health challenges, aging-related conditions, and difficult life transitions. My grandmother’s journey has shaped the way I understand care, empathy, and the impact that patience and kindness can have on someone’s life.

The Olivia Rodrigo lyric that resonates most with my own experience comes from her song “maggots for brains”: “and sometimes at a low point, I even wish for tragedy.” At first, this line sounds shocking, but what connects with me is not the literal meaning, it is the specific feeling behind it. It captures the strange, complicated place where love and fear become intertwined, where missing someone can make your thoughts feel irrational and overwhelming. It describes the feeling of being so attached to a person that their absence creates a kind of emptiness that is difficult to explain. I relate to the feeling of being “doomed” while being deeply in love with someone. There is a unique kind of vulnerability that comes with caring about someone so much that they become connected to your sense of comfort and happiness. When that person is not around, everything can feel quieter and less meaningful. Small moments that would normally make you happy can feel incomplete because you cannot share them with the person you want to tell everything to. The song captures the conflict of knowing that your thoughts are dramatic, but still feeling them anyway. For me, this feeling represents the fear that comes with caring deeply about another person, and wondering if they would do the same for me, and hoping for something bad to happen to myself to see if they would even care or how they would react. Love can be exciting and comforting, but it can also make you aware of how much power someone else has over your emotions. When you care about someone, you are not only accepting the happiness they bring, you are also accepting the possibility of missing them, worrying about losing them, or feeling lost when things are uncertain. This connects to my own journey because I have spent a lot of my life feeling different and trying to understand where I fit. Growing up, I stood out because of my fashion, my experiences with seizures, and my mixed Korean and Irish background. I often felt like I existed outside of what people considered normal. Because of that, finding someone who truly understands me and makes me feel accepted can feel incredibly meaningful. It can create a fear of losing that feeling of belonging. What I appreciate about Olivia Rodrigo’s writing is that she does not pretend love is always perfect or easy. She acknowledges the messy, uncomfortable emotions that people often hide. This lyric reminds me that loving someone deeply can bring out both beautiful and difficult parts of ourselves. My journey has taught me that being emotional, caring deeply, and feeling things intensely are not weaknesses. They are parts of what make me human. Ultimately, “maggots for brains” resonates with me because it describes a feeling that is difficult to admit: the fear of being so attached to someone that their absence changes the way you see the world. But recognizing that feeling has also helped me understand myself better. Love does not have to mean losing yourself; instead, it can teach you more about who you are and what you value.

Growing up, the thing that made me stand out the most was always the way I dressed. I have always been drawn to extravagant fashion and using my appearance as a way to express my personality. Even when I was young, I enjoyed clothing that was brighter, more unique, or different from what everyone else was wearing. At the time, people saw it as quirky or creative, almost like a harmless trait that made me memorable. However, as I entered middle school and high school, I noticed that people’s reactions began to change. What was once seen as interesting became something that made me seem unusual. My clothing choices often became the first thing people noticed about me, and unfortunately, sometimes the first thing they judged me for. I learned quickly that people’s perceptions of me could change depending on what I wore. Some days, my outfits helped me feel confident and comfortable in my own identity. Other days, they made me feel like I was standing out for the wrong reasons. I was often seen as different before people had the chance to learn anything else about me. While it was difficult at times to feel misunderstood, fashion has always been a part of who I am. It is my way of showing creativity, individuality, and confidence without having to say a word. During middle school, I also experienced a few seizures, which added another reason for people to view me as different. Those moments were unexpected and sometimes frightening, but they became another part of my story. I noticed that after those experiences, some people treated me differently or saw me as someone who was fragile or unusual. Instead of only being known as the person with unique fashion, I became someone who stood out because of things people did not always understand. It taught me how easily someone can be defined by a single moment or characteristic rather than being seen as a whole person. Another part of what makes me unique is my background. I am mixed, being part Korean and part Irish, and that has always shaped the way people see me. When people meet me, they often have difficulty identifying my ethnicity. I have received comments about looking “racially ambiguous” or being “ethnically unique.” Although these comments are usually made out of curiosity, they remind me that I do not fit into a simple category. Growing up, I sometimes felt like I existed between different worlds, but as I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate the different parts of my identity. The things that once made me feel awkward are now some of the qualities I value most about myself. My fashion represents my creativity, my experiences have made me more compassionate toward others, and my heritage has given me a broader understanding of identity. Being different has taught me that standing out is not something to hide from—it is something to embrace. The traits that made me feel separate while growing up have become the same traits that make me confident in who I am today.

I have been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for as long as I can remember. I first discovered her while watching Girl Meets World, and when she began releasing music, I immediately started adding her songs to my playlists. Since then, I've followed every era of her career, and her album Emails I Can't Send is still on repeat in my bedroom. Watching her grow from a Disney actress into an artist who has fully embraced her own style has been inspiring. What draws me most to Sabrina is her songwriting. She has a unique ability to take everyday emotions and turn them into lyrics that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Whether she's joking about a bad relationship or expressing the vulnerability that comes with loving someone who doesn't love you back, her music always feels genuine. She captures feelings that can be difficult to put into words, making listeners feel understood. As a woman, I find so many of her songs relatable because she takes common experiences: heartbreak, insecurity, growth, and self-confidence, and transforms them into art that resonates with millions of people. Beyond her music, I admire Sabrina for staying true to herself. Fame can often cause celebrities to create a persona that feels disconnected from who they really are, but Sabrina has always come across as authentic. Whether she's performing, giving interviews, or interacting with fans, she seems to embrace her personality instead of changing it to fit expectations. That authenticity is something I deeply respect. Sabrina Carpenter has impacted me by reminding me that vulnerability and honesty are strengths, not weaknesses. Her music has been there through different stages of my life, making me laugh, cry, and feel understood. More than just being my favorite artist, she has shown me that embracing who you are and sharing your story can create meaningful connections with others. That's why I continue to admire her and why I know I'll be a fan for years to come.

As a psychology major and a nurse's assistant in the Emergency Department at Elkhart General Hospital, I understand that effective communication is one of the most important aspects of providing quality patient care. Every day, I encounter patients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom speak Spanish as their primary language. Seeing firsthand how language barriers can create fear, confusion, and frustration has motivated me to continue developing my Spanish skills so I can better serve my patients and provide more compassionate care. My journey with learning Spanish began in high school, where I completed four years of Spanish courses. Those classes gave me a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and basic conversation while also introducing me to Hispanic cultures and traditions. After graduating, I wanted to continue building on what I had learned, so I enrolled in Spanish courses in college. I have completed two semesters of college-level Spanish and am currently enrolled in another course to further strengthen my language skills. While classroom instruction has been invaluable, I have learned that becoming proficient in a language requires consistent practice outside of school. To reinforce what I learn in class, I use Duolingo every day. The app allows me to review vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and improve my conversational skills through short, interactive lessons that fit into my daily routine. It has become one of my most valuable learning tools because it helps me retain information and continue making progress even when I am not in the classroom. The knowledge I gain from Duolingo has immediate real-world applications in my job. Although I am not yet fluent, I have become much more confident in greeting Spanish-speaking patients, asking simple questions, and understanding basic responses. Even small interactions, such as explaining a procedure, offering reassurance, or helping a patient feel heard, can make a meaningful difference during what is often one of the most stressful moments of their lives. Patients frequently arrive in the emergency department frightened and uncertain, and making an effort to communicate in their native language helps build trust and shows respect for their individual needs. Using Duolingo alongside my formal education has also strengthened the concepts I am learning as a psychology major. Psychology emphasizes empathy, cultural awareness, and understanding the unique experiences of others. Learning Spanish has reinforced these values by helping me better appreciate the challenges that language barriers can create, particularly in healthcare settings. It has shown me that communication is about more than words, it is about making people feel respected, understood, and supported. My experiences in the emergency department have inspired my long-term goal of becoming a social worker and licensed therapist. I hope to work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who may face cultural or language barriers when seeking mental health services. By continuing to improve my Spanish through college coursework and online resources like Duolingo, I am preparing myself to better advocate for and connect with the communities I hope to serve. These learning tools have shown me that education extends far beyond the classroom, and they continue to shape me into a more compassionate healthcare professional and future mental health provider.

Growing up in a low-income household taught me resilience, gratitude, and the value of hard work. My family often relied solely on my father's income as a firefighter for the City of South Bend, Indiana. While he worked demanding 24-hour shifts, my mother stayed home to raise my siblings and me or was between jobs. Money was often tight, but my parents always put our needs before their own and taught me to persevere through every challenge. My determination is also rooted in my family's history. I am a second-generation Korean American. My grandmother immigrated from Korea to build a better future, and my family started with very little, working multiple jobs to create opportunities for the next generation. Their sacrifices inspire me to make the most of every opportunity I have. These experiences motivated me to pursue a degree in psychology with the goal of becoming a social worker and licensed therapist. Growing up, I saw how financial hardship can affect a family's emotional well-being and how many people lack access to mental health resources. I want to help individuals and families overcome those barriers by providing compassionate care and advocacy. I am actively working toward this goal by dedicating myself to my education and preparing for a career focused on service. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to continue pursuing my dream. I hope to honor my family's sacrifices by giving back to my community and helping others build brighter futures, just as my family worked so hard to build mine.

When I watch love island there is constantly one idea for a challenge that I always wish they would do. I would want them to do a challenge night is for the couples to do the can't see, speak or hear cake challenge popular on social media. Basically my idea would be to see how a couple plus a new islander would do this challenge and it would show how well or how poorly people cane work together to finsih a task sucessfilly with sensation barriers. Or Having a challenge where one islander would pick a couple to go on a double date with and they could switch partners, for instance they would be dancing with eachother and they would be told to switch partners now and then. This could also work with a larger group of people. I would also like a challeneg hosted by a previous winner/islander from an earlier season purely just for nostalgic purposes. But it could also be fun to see how they interact with the current cast, and if they have any tips or tricks for them to do so they can either maintain their relationships or split up relationships if someone is wanting an already coupled up person.

Why I decided to major in psychology has been shaped by both my curiosity and personal experiences. Helping others deal with difficult moments in their lives. I have always been infatuated by the human mind, how people process information, develop emotions, and respond to unexpected life experiences. This curiosity first developed during high school at Penn High School, where I enrolled in psychology and sociology classes. These courses showed me how multi-dimensional human behavior and social interaction are. Those classes sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my academic journey and professional experiences. When I first entered Ivy Tech Community College, I began my studies as a nursing major. At the time, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people, but I had not yet thought about the path that best aligned with my strengths and interests. Being in a pre-nursing major, I completed courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology. While taking those classes, I noticed something about myself: I was consistently pushing myself harder in the psychology classes than in any other subject. I was deeply enthralled with the material, eager to learn more, and motivated to excel because the topics genuinely mattered to me. I found myself enveloped in more class discussions, talking about cognitive development, emotional regulation, behavior, and mental health. These courses helped me realize that my true passion was not nursing, but psychology. After thinking about what I truly want my life to become, while having this passion, I changed paths to pursue psychology. Committing myself fully, I have since pursued additional psychology and sociology courses while working toward my associate's degree in psychology. My academic experiences have solidified my understanding of human behavior and have given me the motivation to continue my education at Indiana University. Transferring to Indiana University Bloomington represents an important next step toward achieving my educational and professional dreams. My dream is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and social work, work, and have a minor in sociology. I want to get into cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am especially drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it focuses on helping individuals understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their mental health and quality of life. I want to work closely with patients, helping them explore their emotions, identify healthy coping mechanisms, and find ways to deal with personal challenges. While I want to become a therapist, I have also developed a strong interest in social work through my current employment in the emergency department at Elkhart General. I currently work as a technician in the emergency department in Elkhart, where I encounter people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many patients arrive struggling with psychiatric crises, suicidal ideation, homelessness, trauma, or overwhelming emotional distress. Working in this environment has profoundly influenced my understanding of mental health and social support systems. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been observing the social workers within the emergency department. I have seen how they advocate for vulnerable patients by connecting them with housing resources, transportation, mental health treatment, and affordable healthcare services. They help patients feel stable and hopeful during moments of crisis. Watching their dedication has inspired me to make a similar difference in people’s lives. I want to be someone who listens to patients and supports them emotionally, but also someone who helps guides them and gives them access to the resources necessary to improve their circumstances and well-being. My experiences outside the classroom have also shaped my leadership skills and strengthened my passion with helping others. During high school, I was a part of freshman mentor for incoming students from grades ten through eleven. In this role, I helped freshmen adjust to the challenges of transitioning into a large high school environment. I supported students who struggled academically, socially, or emotionally by offering guidance and encouragement. I often acted as an older sibling figure, helping students feel less alone during stressful situations involving classes, friendships, or peer pressure. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, communication, and patience—qualities that are essential in the field of psychology. Throughout both my academic and professional journey, I have picked up that psychology is more than simply understanding the mind. Psychology is about understanding people as individuals and recognizing the many factors that can influence their mental and emotional well-being. My experiences in healthcare, mentoring, and education has opened my eyes made me understand that serving others also teaches me the importance of compassion and advocacy. For transfer to Indiana University, I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge of psychology and further my opportunities that support mental health awareness and community engagement. I hope for my future that my contributions to campus organizations, participations in research opportunities, will continue to develop the skills necessary to become an effective mental health professional. My long-term goal is to use my education and experiences to help individuals navigate emotional hardships, access critical resources, and improve their quality of life. Psychology has become more than an academic interest for me it has created insight for my career and has helped me understand life I wish to build for myself and my future family. From mentoring students to working with vulnerable patients in the emergency department, has deepened my desire to pursue this path. I am eager to continue my education at Indiana University and dedicate myself to a future centered on compassion, advocacy, and mental health care.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been my struggle with marijuana use as a way of coping with difficult emotions and life circumstances. For many years, whenever life became overwhelming, I turned to getting high instead of addressing what I was feeling. If I was stressed, upset, yelled at, hurt, or facing a challenge, my first response was often to smoke. Marijuana and nicotine became a crutch that allowed me to avoid emotions rather than work through them. Over the past year, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and the impact this habit has had on my life. I realized that I did not know how to be alone with my thoughts or manage difficult emotions in healthy ways. When challenges arose, I struggled to focus, problem-solve, and face situations head-on. This realization was difficult, but it became a turning point in my personal growth. Today, I am more committed to becoming a stronger/resilient person. I want to develop the mental strength, self-discipline, and emotional awareness needed to navigate life's unexpected challenges without relying on substances to escape them. Instead of avoiding problems, I am learning to confront them, process my emotions, and build healthier coping skills. It has taught me that growth comes from facing discomfort rather than running from it. My goals for the future are deeply connected to the lessons I have learned through this experience. I am pursuing my Bachelor's of arts and sciences degree in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington starting this Fall 2026, I want to serve my community as a therapist and social worker. Having experienced my own struggles, I understand how important it is to have support, guidance, and someone who genuinely listens. I hope to use my education to help others overcome challenges, improve their mental health, and build fulfilling lives. I also aspire to become a parent someday. I want to be emotionally mature and aware so that I can understand and support my future children's emotions and experiences. I hope to create a healthy environment where they feel heard, valued, and understood. Additionally, I want to build a strong and healthy relationship with my partner, one founded on communication, mutual understanding, and the ability to work through difficulties together. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of paying approximately $32,000 for my first semester at Indiana University Bloomington. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my educational and professional goals. I am honored by the opportunity to pursue a career dedicated to helping others, and I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on my community. My past challenges have shaped who I am, but they do not define who I will become. Through self-reflection, personal growth, and a commitment to change, I am building the future I want, which is rooted in resilience, service, and purpose.

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength” (Marcus Aurelius, as cited in Meditations). This quote from Marcus Aurelius highlights an important idea about the source of real strength. Many people spend a great deal of time worrying about things they cannot control, such as other people's opinions, unexpected problems, spur-of-the-moment reactions, or difficult situations. Marcus Aurelius argues that focusing too much on these outside factors can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, he believes that people should concentrate on what they can control: their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. By understanding this difference, individuals can develop a stronger sense of inner peace and resilience. One reason this quote remains relevant today is that many aspects of life are unpredictable. People work hard, make careful plans, and still face setbacks beyond their control. Stoicism reminds us to focus on what we have. A person may not get the job they wanted, receive criticism they feel is unfair, or experience personal loss despite doing everything they could to prevent it. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that while we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Our ability to manage our reactions gives us a sense of control even during difficult times. It also reflects the key principle of Stoic philosophy: that happiness should not depend on external circumstances. According to Stoics, the events themselves are not what cause suffering, rather, it is often our interpretation of those events that creates the emotional distress. If two people get to experience the same setback but both are reacting very differently in response to the situation. One person may see it as a disaster and become discouraged and disinterested, while the other may view it as an opportunity to learn and improve themselves for the better. The difference lies not in the event itself but in the individual's mindset. Marcus Aurelius believed that developing this kind of perspective allows people to remain steady and grounded even when life becomes challenging. One of the important lessons you can learn from this quote is its definition of strength. Many people think of strength as having power over others or controlling outcomes. Marcus Aurelius presents a different view to believe in. He suggests that true strength comes from self-discipline, emotional control, and having a growth mindset. It is easy to remain calm when everything is going well, but it is much more difficult to stay composed when faced with stress, disappointment, shock, or uncertainty. The ability to think rationally and act in accordance with one's values in difficult situations demonstrates a deeper, more meaningful form of strength and self-discpline. This quote not only encourages individuals to focus their energy on personal growth rather than the uncontrollable external circumstances. Marcus Aurelius is not suggesting that people ignore problems or to give some sort of soloution for them to attempt and stop trying to improve their lives. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limits of our control and accepting that some things will always remain uncertain. When we focus on our own choices and our reactions, we can build resilience, develop a stronger deeper character traits, and maintain a sense of stability even when life and our circumstance become difficult in a moments notice. His message continues to resonate with me because it offers a more practical approach of how to handle challenges and finding strength not just from power and strength but from deep within the psyche, while keeping in mind that depending on the world around us isn’t as reliable as depending on ourselves. Because at the end of the day, the one person you’re alone with forever is yourself.

As a Korean-Irish woman growing up in America, I realized that the way I look and the way I am perceived are what matter most. I was told that my priorities should be my appearance and how I behave in front of strangers. It was always something that I never understood. I would go through the motions and perform what I was taught, or rebel at the idea of obtaining a second wind in my pride and striving for individuality in a society where the majority hated to see a woman accept herself as different. This constant divide in my mind, one side telling me to listen to what I have been taught, and the other side yelling for freedom of expression. A weightless ideology where I wouldn't place as much worry into my appearance. Because when I would put worry into my appearance, my reaction would last with me for days after. Having a negative reflection, thinking horrible insults to throw at yourself when you look in a mirror, simply because I have not reached the perfection I have set for myself. My mental health was on the decline, and at such a young age, it only got worse as I aged. I tried to make friends in school, but I was worried that they thought I was ugly, and I worried I wasn't pretty enough to be friends with them. Or I wondered if they pitied me, and that's why they kept talking to me. So many introspective moments when the only thing I could think about was how horribly other people viewed me in public. This affected my relationships and my attempts to maintain them, and it affected how the world viewed me because how I felt showed on the outside. I carried myself in a very insecure, closed-off way, with a huge RBF. I had this jerk reaction every time I stepped into public because I didn't want people to see me; I didn't want to be seen, and if I was, I didn't want to look weak. This affected me from my early teens and all through high school. It was only when I decided to start living for what I wanted, and to stop letting other people's "possible" ideas of me control how I live my life. I could only come to this conclusion after some therapy sessions. During high school, I had gotten so depressed that I attempted to take my own life. Thankfully, I failed this plan, and the other plans fell through when I got scared. Since then, I have decided to make productive use of my time. Instead of dwelling, I started living. I live every day happily because I get to be alive. I get to have a family that loves me, people who enjoy spending time with me, and call me their friend. I get to have a college education and make a name for myself in the career path of my dreams. My mental health journey has been a long one in the making. But it is with confidence that I can't express how much I've changed as a person, since I have decided to live my life by doing what makes me happy and making it aappiness and alleviate calamity in goal to bring h other people's lives. I want to be a therapist, so when I have clients, I can help them and be the person who tells them what they need to hear to help themselves. Shares with them other methods of coping and new ways to think about and view life. Because everyone has one life to live, I'd better live mine the way that I want. And I want to help people. I also want to be a social worker; I want to be the person who helps people find affordable healthcare, women's shelters, or transportation. I want to be the person who helps children when their home lives aren't beneficial to them. With the degree I need, I simply cannot afford to pay for my college with just my income + my parents' income. Both my parents are retired, and I only work part-time at a hospital as a nurse's aide in the emergency department. So having this scholarship helps me afford college. Thank you for your consideration and time.

My goal is to earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington and use my education to build a career helping others. I plan to become a therapist and pursue social work opportunities that allow me to support individuals and families in my community, especially those who are struggling financially, emotionally, or socially. I believe everyone deserves access to support and mental health resources, and I want to make a positive difference in the lives of people who need it most. The first step toward achieving this goal is completing my psychology degree. Through my coursework, I will gain a strong understanding of human behavior, mental health, and effective ways to help others. I also plan to seek volunteer opportunities, internships, and community involvement experiences that will help me develop practical skills and prepare me for a career in counseling and social services. My plan for success is based on dedication, academic achievement, and careful financial planning. I am committed to maintaining strong grades and making the most of the educational opportunities available to me. Building relationships with professors, advisors, and professionals in the field will also provide valuable guidance and networking opportunities as I work toward my career goals. One of the greatest challenges I face is the cost of higher education. Both of my parents are retired, and I currently live at home to reduce expenses. While living at home helps lower housing and living costs, I am still responsible for tuition, fees, textbooks, transportation, and other educational expenses. Because of my family's financial situation, scholarships are essential to helping me continue my education and reach my goals. My educational budget includes tuition and university fees, books and course materials, transportation costs, and technology needed for coursework. To keep expenses manageable, I will continue living at home and carefully managing my finances. I also plan to apply for as many scholarships and financial aid opportunities as possible to reduce the need for student loans. Timing is an important part of my plan. During my undergraduate studies, I will focus on completing my degree requirements while gaining experience through volunteer work and internships. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue pursuing the education and training needed to become a therapist and expand my ability to serve others. Although there may be different paths within psychology and social work, my purpose remains the same: helping people improve their lives. Receiving this scholarship would provide critical financial support and allow me to focus on my education. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to a career dedicated to serving my community and helping those who need support the most.

Currently, I work part-time as an Emergency Department Technician at Elkhart General Hospital while pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. Working in a fast-paced emergency department has given me valuable experience caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. It has also strengthened important skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and compassion, all of which will benefit me as I pursue my long-term goal of becoming a social worker and therapist. Balancing work and school has required discipline and careful time management. When I first began my degree program, I was working 12-hour shifts at the hospital. While I was committed to both my education and my job, managing the demands of each was often challenging. Long shifts left me physically and mentally exhausted, yet I still had coursework, readings, and assignments to complete. Finding enough time to study while maintaining strong academic performance became one of the biggest challenges I faced. One particularly difficult period was during my first semesters when I was trying to balance full coursework with my 12-hour work schedule. To stay on top of my classes, I used every available moment to study. I would review course materials during my breaks at work and continue studying after my shifts ended. Many nights, I stayed awake until 2:00 a.m. reading assignments and completing coursework before starting the next day. Although the schedule was demanding, I remained committed to my educational goals and learned how to prioritize my responsibilities effectively. Over time, I recognized the importance of creating a more sustainable balance between work and school. I worked with my employer to adjust my schedule from 12-hour shifts to 8-hour shifts, allowing me to dedicate more focused time to my studies while continuing to gain valuable healthcare experience. This change improved my ability to manage my responsibilities and maintain my academic performance without sacrificing my commitment to patient care. Through this experience, I have developed resilience, perseverance, and strong time-management skills. Balancing work and school has taught me how to adapt to challenges and remain focused on my goals. These lessons will continue to serve me throughout my education and future career, and they have reinforced my determination to succeed despite obstacles. Having this scholarship fund my academic career will help me achieve what I have been working so hard to obtain. My Bachelor's degree in Psychology will give me the financial help I need to afford it.

Gifted children often possess exceptional intellectual abilities, but they also face unique social and emotional challenges that can impact their overall well-being. Many gifted students experience anxiety, perfectionism, social isolation, and pressure to meet high expectations. My career goal is to become a social worker and therapist, using my psychology degree from Indiana University Bloomington to support children and adolescents in overcoming these challenges while helping them reach their full potential. As a future therapist, I want to provide gifted children with a safe and supportive environment where they feel understood. While these students are often recognized for their academic success, their emotional needs can be overlooked. Through counseling and therapeutic practices, I hope to help gifted children develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and maintain a positive self-esteem. By addressing emotional concerns early, I can help ensure that their talents become a source of confidence rather than stress. My career also involves advocating for the intellectual needs of gifted students. Gifted children thrive when they are challenged academically and given opportunities to explore their interests. As a social worker, I plan to collaborate with families, educators, and community organizations to help students access appropriate educational resources, enrichment opportunities, and support services. By connecting students with programs that nurture their abilities, I can help create environments where they feel both challenged and supported. Studying psychology has strengthened my understanding of human behavior, development, and mental health. This knowledge will allow me to recognize the connection between intellectual giftedness and emotional well-being. I believe that gifted children are most successful when their academic and emotional needs are addressed together. Supporting one without the other can limit a child's ability to thrive. Ultimately, my goal is to help gifted children develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Through therapy, advocacy, and collaboration with families and schools, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of gifted students. By fostering their social-emotional well-being while supporting their intellectual growth, I can help ensure they have the tools and opportunities necessary to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Having this scholarship will aid me with my college funds and help me reach my academic dreams and achieive my professional goal to help people in my community, especially the gifted children. Thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.

I decided to major in psychology, this has been shaped by both my curiosity and personal experiences. Helping others deal with difficult moments in their lives. I have always been infatuated by the human mind, how people process information, develop emotions, and respond to unexpected life experiences. This curiosity first developed during high school at Penn High School, where I enrolled in psychology and sociology classes. These courses showed me how multi-dimensional human behavior and social interaction are. Those classes sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my academic journey and professional experiences. When I first entered Ivy Tech Community College, I began my studies as a nursing major. At the time, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people, but I had not yet thought about the path that best aligned with my strengths and interests. Being in a pre-nursing major, I completed courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology. While taking those classes, I noticed something about myself: I was consistently pushing myself harder in the psychology classes than in any other subject. I was deeply enthralled with the material, eager to learn more, and motivated to excel because the topics genuinely mattered to me. I found myself enveloped in more class discussions, talking about cognitive development, emotional regulation, behavior, and mental health. These courses helped me realize that my true passion was not nursing, but psychology. After thinking about what I truly want my life to become, while having this passion, I changed paths to pursue psychology. Committing myself fully, I have since pursued additional psychology and sociology courses while working toward my associate's degree in psychology. My academic experiences have solidified my understanding of human behavior and have given me the motivation to continue my education at Indiana University. Transferring to Indiana University Bloomington represents an important next step toward achieving my educational and professional dreams. My dream is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and social work, work, and have a minor in sociology. I want to get into cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am especially drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it focuses on helping individuals understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their mental health and quality of life. I want to work closely with patients, helping them explore their emotions, identify healthy coping mechanisms, and find ways to deal with personal challenges. While I want to become a therapist, I have also developed a strong interest in social work through my current employment in the emergency department at Elkhart General. I currently work as a technician in the emergency department in Elkhart, where I encounter people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many patients arrive struggling with psychiatric crises, suicidal ideation, homelessness, trauma, or overwhelming emotional distress. Working in this environment has profoundly influenced my understanding of mental health and social support systems. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been observing the social workers within the emergency department. I have seen how they advocate for vulnerable patients by connecting them with housing resources, transportation, mental health treatment, and affordable healthcare services. They help patients feel stable and hopeful during moments of crisis. Watching their dedication has inspired me to make a similar difference in people’s lives. I want to be someone who listens and supports them emotionally, but also someone who helps guides them and gives them access to the resources necessary to improve their circumstances and well-being. Receiving this scholarship will help me pursue higher education so I can do this too.

I major in psychology, this has been shaped by both my curiosity and personal experiences. Helping others deal with difficult moments in their lives. I have always been infatuated by the human mind, how people process information, develop emotions, and respond to unexpected life experiences. This curiosity first developed during high school at Penn High School, where I enrolled in psychology and sociology classes. These courses showed me how multi-dimensional human behavior and social interaction are. Those classes sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my academic journey and professional experiences. When I first entered Ivy Tech Community College, I began my studies as a nursing major. At the time, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people, but I had not yet thought about the path that best aligned with my strengths and interests. Being in a pre-nursing major, I completed courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology. While taking those classes, I noticed something about myself: I was consistently pushing myself harder in the psychology classes than in any other subject. I was deeply enthralled with the material, eager to learn more, and motivated to excel because the topics genuinely mattered to me. I found myself enveloped in more class discussions, talking about cognitive development, emotional regulation, behavior, and mental health. These courses helped me realize that my true passion was not nursing, but psychology. After thinking about what I truly want my life to become, while having this passion, I changed paths to pursue psychology. Committing myself fully, I have since pursued additional psychology and sociology courses while working toward my associate's degree in psychology. My academic experiences have solidified my understanding of human behavior and have given me the motivation to continue my education at Indiana University. Transferring to Indiana University Bloomington represents an important next step toward achieving my educational and professional dreams. My dream is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and social work, work, and have a minor in sociology. I want to get into cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am especially drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it focuses on helping individuals understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their mental health and quality of life. I want to work closely with patients, helping them explore their emotions, identify healthy coping mechanisms, and find ways to deal with personal challenges. While I want to become a therapist, I have also developed a strong interest in social work through my current employment in the emergency department at Elkhart General. I currently work as a technician in the emergency department in Elkhart, where I encounter people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many patients arrive struggling with psychiatric crises, suicidal ideation, homelessness, trauma, or overwhelming emotional distress. Working in this environment has profoundly influenced my understanding of mental health and social support systems. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been observing the social workers within the emergency department. I have seen how they advocate for vulnerable patients by connecting them with housing resources, transportation, mental health treatment, and affordable healthcare services. They help patients feel stable and hopeful during moments of crisis. Watching their dedication has inspired me to make a similar difference in people’s lives. I want to be someone who listens to patients and supports them emotionally, but also someone who helps guides them and gives them access to the resources necessary to improve their circumstances and well-being.

Why I decided to major in psychology has been shaped by both my curiosity and personal experiences. Helping others deal with difficult moments in their lives. I have always been infatuated by the human mind, how people process information, develop emotions, and respond to unexpected life experiences. This curiosity first developed during high school at Penn High School, where I enrolled in psychology and sociology classes. These courses showed me how multi-dimensional human behavior and social interaction are. Those classes sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my academic journey and professional experiences. When I first entered Ivy Tech Community College, I began my studies as a nursing major. At the time, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people, but I had not yet thought about the path that best aligned with my strengths and interests. Being in a pre-nursing major, I completed courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development Psychology. While taking those classes, I noticed something about myself: I was consistently pushing myself harder in the psychology classes than in any other subject. I was deeply enthralled with the material, eager to learn more, and motivated to excel because the topics genuinely mattered to me. I found myself enveloped in more class discussions, talking about cognitive development, emotional regulation, behavior, and mental health. These courses helped me realize that my true passion was not nursing, but psychology. After thinking about what I truly want my life to become, while having this passion, I changed paths to pursue psychology. Committing myself fully, I have since pursued additional psychology and sociology courses while working toward my associate's degree in psychology. My academic experiences have solidified my understanding of human behavior and have given me the motivation to continue my education at Indiana University. Transferring to Indiana University Bloomington represents an important next step toward achieving my educational and professional dreams. My dream is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and social work, work, and have a minor in sociology. I want to get into cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am especially drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it focuses on helping individuals understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their mental health and quality of life. I want to work closely with patients, helping them explore their emotions, identify healthy coping mechanisms, and find ways to deal with personal challenges. While I want to become a therapist, I have also developed a strong interest in social work through my current employment in the emergency department at Elkhart General. I currently work as a technician in the emergency department in Elkhart, where I encounter people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many patients arrive struggling with psychiatric crises, suicidal ideation, homelessness, trauma, or overwhelming emotional distress. Working in this environment has profoundly influenced my understanding of mental health and social support systems. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been observing the social workers within the emergency department. I have seen how they advocate for vulnerable patients by connecting them with housing resources, transportation, mental health treatment, and affordable healthcare services. They help patients feel stable and hopeful during moments of crisis. Watching their dedication has inspired me to make a similar difference in people’s lives. I want to be someone who listens to patients and supports them emotionally, but also someone who helps guides them and gives them access to the resources necessary to improve their circumstances and well-being.

My professional desire is to become a social worker, and my personal dream is to become a licensed therapist. During my life, I have taken notice that I am the friend people turn to when they are struggling with problems, stress, or difficult decisions. Whether someone needed advice, emotional support, or someone to listen without judgment, I was always willing to help. In time, I realized how meaningful these moments have been in shaping me and making me a better person. I enjoy being someone, that others could depend on, and knowing that I could make even a small positive impact in another person’s life made me feel purposeful and fulfilled. Because of these experiences, I became invested in psychology at the beginning of high school. I have always been fascinated by the way every individual processes emotions, thoughts, and experiences differently. No two people react to situations in exactly the same way, and I find that uniqueness incredibly interesting. As someone who is naturally sensitive and empathetic, I often pay close attention to people’s emotions and behaviors. Studying psychology has helped me better understand how people interpret the world around them, how past experiences shape their actions, and how emotional support can influence someone’s healing and growth. Learning about the human mind has only strengthened my passion for helping others. In my dream world, I would be able to afford and get my education, earn my degree, become a licensed therapist, and serve as a social worker in local shelters and hospitals. My dream is to help individuals and families who have fallen victim to injustice. People lack access to the resources they need to succeed. I want to support those people facing mental health struggles, trauma, homelessness, and life hardships so they can create healthier and more stable lives for themselves. I believe that everyone deserves compassion, understanding, and the right opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. If I earned this scholarship, it would bring me one step closer to making those dreams a reality. As an in-state student attending Indiana University Bloomington in Fall 2026, the cost of tuition, housing, and living expenses creates a difficult financial situation for my family and me. This scholarship would not only ease some of that burden but also represent an investment in my future and the future of the people I hope to serve. I am committed to using my education and career to create positive change in my community by helping people cope with life’s struggles and empowering them to overcome adversity.