My name is Tamira Bland, and I am a recent graduate (May 28, 2025) from the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville, MD. I was in the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Program and I graduated with a Certified Fundamentals Cook certification from the American Culinary Federation. Additionally, I was on the honor roll, received the Western Tech Scholar Award, and was actively involved in various school and community activities. At Western Tech, I served as a student aide, a member of the Track and Field team, the Christian Club, the Black Student Union, and the football team's manager. Outside of school, I volunteered through Faith Christian Fellowship World Outreach (FCFWO) Teen Ministry, participating in food drives and outreach to the homeless. I have also created ribbons for breast cancer awareness with the Oscar Smith High School Cheerleading Team, served as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Youth Ambassador for two years, and was a team captain for the annual Breakthrough T1D One Walk fundraiser for seven years. I was a member of the Owings Mill Track Club and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. My experience with mental health began as a young child witnessing my aunt diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder face many mental health challenges. Although I was too young to understand why she was behaving in the manner she did, I knew something was different. At the age of ten, I began to learn how your physical health can impact your mental health. At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). I recall feeling physically ill and not understanding what was happening to my body. Over time, I became increasingly sick and was hospitalized for over a week. It was then that I learned that I had Type 1 diabetes. I often pondered on the endless thoughts that filled my mind over the years after this diagnosis: “Why did this happen to me? How would I deal with this disease? What about my future?” As I’ve gone through my teenage years , I’ve often felt sad and cried often because I did not want to have this health condition and be different from others. My body was going through many difficult changes. I loved track and field, but often had to sit out and not be able to participate in sports because of my fluctuating sugar levels and feeling ill. These changes had an impact on my mental health. Although there are days that I still feel sad, talking about my feelings to my family and friends, participating in diabetes support groups organized by Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), support from my nurse, endocrinologist, and building friendships with others who have T1D, I learned how to effectively manage diabetes and now have been able to participate in sports. My overall mental health has improved with more stability in my physical health. Mental health has also impacted me in other ways as well. Over the last three years, I have seen the devastating effects of mental illness in my dad’s life. My dad was a correctional officer for over 30 years and has witnessed many traumatic events. In 2021 and 2022, he attempted to revive two individuals who died from suicide. For the past three years, he has been experiencing mood swings, difficulties with sleeping, flashbacks of the events, and delusional and depressive thoughts. He has also been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression and has been in treatment to improve the symptoms of both of these mental illnesses. He has been placed on retirement disability by his former employer. His illness has had a tremendous impact on our health, in particular my mom, who suffered a stroke in 2023. My experiences have shaped who I am and sparked my interest in the healthcare field and have also taught many valuable lessons. I have learned that in just a moment, your life can change due to health issues or traumatic events, and your mental health and view of the world can also change. I have also learned the importance of not being afraid to talk about your feelings, seek support, and educate others to raise awareness and break stigma. Furthermore, I have learned the importance of using my experiences to help and mentor others, establishing relationships with others who have similar experiences, not being ashamed of who you are, and depriving yourself of the help you need because of what others may think. I know these things because these things have made a difference in my life and are helping others in my family who have experienced mental health issues to begin to make positive improvements. This fall, I plan to attend Stevenson University and major in Medical Laboratory Science. This major will allow me to continue my understanding of biological structures and medicine through various research and laboratory opportunities. Additionally, Medical Laboratory Science will equip me with the knowledge needed to diagnose diseases and treatments and guide me toward a career as an Endocrinologist or Pediatric Dermatologist. This scholarship is extremely important to me because it will help make my dream of attending college a reality by easing the financial burden on my family. It will allow me to focus on my education without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, books, and other essential expenses. Beyond financial support, this scholarship represents an opportunity for me to use my knowledge and experiences to positively impact the world’s understanding of mental health and other disorders. Additionally, it will empower me to make a meaningful difference in my community by inspiring and educating others, increasing awareness about various diseases, mentoring peers, engaging in advocacy, and contributing to research aimed at finding cures for diseases. With this support, I will be better equipped to pursue my goals and give back to society in meaningful ways.