Throughout my high school years, no teacher had as profound an impact on me as Mr. David Engel. As an English and Theater teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Mr. Engel was more than just an educator. He was a mentor and a friend. His creativity, compassion, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on me, and his influence continues to shape how I approach life. Mr. Engel was the director of our annual Fall theater production and the faculty advisor for the improvisation club. Through these roles, he created spaces where students could explore their creativity and express themselves freely. His encouragement to “find your voice” helped me develop the confidence to take risks, whether it was auditioning for a role, improvising in front of others, or speaking up in class. He showed me that the key to any performance, on stage or in life, is the courage to step outside your comfort zone. What made Mr. Engel’s classroom and the theater stage unique was his infectious energy and humor. He loved using memes, Star Wars references, and dad jokes to keep us engaged. These jokes, though often corny, created an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie that made his classes something I looked forward to every day. His ability to connect with students on a personal level through humor helped us feel comfortable being ourselves and engaging with the material in a deeper way. One of Mr. Engel’s trademarks was his collection of baseball shirts, each with the day of the week written where the player’s name would go. Sometimes, he’d wear the wrong day, which only added to his charm. Mr. Engel was proud to admit that he went to clown school. These small quirks, combined with his humor, made him not just a teacher, but someone you could relate to and admire. Tragically, Mr. Engel passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2024, due to a car accident. His death shocked our entire community and reminded me of a lesson he often taught us: life is short, so it’s important to live fully. Despite his passing, the lessons he taught me remain powerful. Mr. Engel showed me that confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about taking risks, laughing at yourself, and being authentic. He also demonstrated that humor can bring people together and help navigate life’s challenges. Even in his death, Mr. Engel has taught me the importance of embracing every moment. His life was a reminder that we should approach each day with courage, creativity, and humor. I am grateful for the time I spent under his guidance, and I will carry his lessons with me always. His legacy is one of living life boldly and without fear, and I strive to embody that every day.

My mental health journey began in eighth grade, when overwhelming emotional struggles led to a suicide attempt and subsequent hospitalization. This experience was a turning point, revealing the need for treatment and support for my ADHD and other mental health conditions. The emotional turmoil I faced was a significant challenge, not only academically but personally. It became clear that my struggles weren’t just related to schoolwork; they were deeply tied to my mental health, and I needed help to address them. After my hospitalization, I received support to better manage my ADHD and mental health struggles. ADHD affects my ability to focus, stay organized, and manage my time, directly impacting my academic performance. Anxiety and depression also intensified these challenges, causing me to become easily overwhelmed by assignments and feel a lack of motivation. The treatment I received allowed me to better understand the difficulties I was facing and take proactive steps to manage them. As part of my treatment plan, I was placed on a 504 plan at school. This plan provided accommodations such as extra time on tests and breaks during assignments, which have been crucial in managing my ADHD and mental health. Although these accommodations have been incredibly helpful, there is still a stigma associated with receiving extra support. At times, I’ve felt isolated or different because I need these accommodations, but I’ve learned to accept that this support is necessary for my success and well-being. Alongside my 504 plan, I’ve sought ongoing therapy. I participated in an outpatient Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program, which has been transformative. DBT has taught me skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and improving interpersonal relationships. It has helped me manage my emotions more effectively and be present in my interactions. This therapy has made a significant difference in how I cope with academic stress, giving me tools to handle difficult situations in healthier ways. In addition to professional treatment, personal coping strategies play a crucial role in my mental health. Creative hobbies, such as photography and crochet, have become vital outlets for me. These activities boost serotonin levels, acting as natural antidepressants, and help reduce stress. When I engage in these hobbies, I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy, which improves my self-worth and shifts my focus away from negative emotions. Exercise has also proven beneficial for my mental health. Even simple physical activity, like walking or light workouts, positively impacts my mood. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which help improve mood and reduce anxiety. For me, physical activity is key to maintaining my well-being and managing both ADHD and depression. Overall, my experience with mental health has had a significant impact on my academic performance and personal life. The combination of my ADHD diagnosis, anxiety, depression, and hospitalization after my suicide attempt has shaped my journey. Through treatment, the support of my 504 plan, and personal coping strategies like hobbies and exercise, I’ve learned to manage my mental health in a way that allows me to pursue my goals. The road hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve come to understand the importance of prioritizing my mental well-being. I continue to seek support, use available tools, and take steps to care for myself. My experiences have taught me that it’s okay to ask for help, and I’m determined to continue advocating for mental health awareness, both for myself and others who face similar challenges.

Mental health is often shrouded in stigma and silence. Growing up, I was taught to keep my emotions in check and to show strength in the face of adversity. It wasn’t until eighth grade, when I faced my own mental health struggles, that I realized how much the lack of understanding and support around mental health can affect an individual. After a suicide attempt that led to hospitalization, I found myself battling overwhelming emotions and feelings of shame. But with time, I understood that seeking help wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was the first step toward healing. Mental health struggles are often invisible and disproportionately affect young people. The stigma surrounding mental health can be even more pervasive for young men, who are often taught not to express vulnerability or seek help. According to statistics on suicide, had I been male, I likely wouldn’t be here today. I think often of two male classmates who tragically took their own lives during high school. I carry the weight of their loss, knowing how deeply they must have suffered in silence, and how easily their struggles could have been mine. Looking back, I now see that my suicide attempt wasn’t about wanting to die. It was a desperate cry for help, a breaking point to finally be heard. Unfortunately, the system makes it nearly impossible to access help until a life-threatening event occurs. I’m fortunate that my family was able to advocate for me, but not everyone has that support. We need to change how we address mental health, ensuring that no one has to suffer in silence or reach a breaking point to get the help they need. The lessons I learned during this difficult period have shaped my goals. As a graduating senior at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, I’m preparing to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in Fall 2025 to pursue a B.S. in Photographic Sciences. While I’m passionate about the intersection between STEM and photography, I plan to continue to use whatever platform I have to advocate for mental health awareness. Nearly losing my life to mental health struggles has driven my passion for breaking the stigma, and I want to help others feel empowered to talk about their challenges as I’ve learned to do. My experiences have also deeply affected my relationships. I’ve learned the importance of being there for others in their times of need. Mental health challenges are hard to talk about, and many people are too ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Through my own struggles, I’ve learned to listen more, to approach others with compassion, and to support them without judgment. I now know that everyone is fighting battles we may not see, and it’s crucial to create spaces where people feel safe to open up and seek help. Beyond personal relationships, my experiences have shaped how I see the world. I recognize that many young people are struggling with mental health challenges and lack the resources and support they need. I’ve witnessed firsthand how easy it is for someone to fall through the cracks, and how essential it is to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health. It’s not enough to just talk about mental health. We need real action and change, along with a commitment to supporting those who are suffering. The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship is an opportunity that resonates deeply with me. Your mother’s legacy of advocating for mental health awareness is a cause that is close to my heart. I understand how devastating it is to lose someone to suicide, and I know how important it is to have open conversations about mental health. This scholarship is an opportunity for me to continue my education and to help advocate for a world where people no longer feel ashamed to speak about their struggles. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my life, my goals, and my relationships. It has taught me the importance of advocating for others and fighting for a society where mental health is not a taboo subject. I’m committed to ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone. This scholarship will help me continue this vital work, and I’m dedicated to honoring your mother’s legacy by helping to bring light to the darkness of mental health.

I am excited to pursue the Photographic Sciences degree at Rochester Institute of Technology because it offers the perfect blend of my love for photography and my passion for STEM. Growing up, my dad was always building and creating things, and his enthusiasm for both science and technology deeply inspired me. His ability to take technical concepts and transform them into creative projects sparked my own interest in pursuing a path where I could combine artistic expression with problem-solving and technical expertise. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, and the idea of combining creativity with a scientific understanding of the world has motivated me to pursue a career where I can make an impact by using technology to solve real-world challenges. I initially discovered my love for photography as a creative outlet. Capturing moments and telling stories through images became a way for me to express myself. However, over time, I became more curious about the science behind photography; the way light behaves, how different lenses and sensors work, and how technology can be used to enhance the photographic process. This curiosity led me to explore the technical side of photography more deeply. I realized that photography wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about understanding the principles of light, optics, and the ways in which these factors can be manipulated to produce meaningful and functional images. I wanted to find a way to combine this passion with my interest in technology and scientific exploration, and the Photographic Sciences program at RIT offers just that. The Photographic Sciences program at RIT is not just a traditional photography degree; it’s a deep dive into the science behind both analog and digital photography, along with image processing. The program provides students with a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of photography, with a particular emphasis on how these elements can be applied in scientific and technological contexts. The curriculum at RIT covers a wide range of subjects, from high-speed photography to micrography and ophthalmic imaging, all of which will give me the tools to apply photography in more specialized and high-tech fields. What excites me most about the program is the chance to learn about the principles behind the technology used in scientific imaging, including the optics of lenses, the mechanics of cameras, and the processing of images to extract meaningful data. One area that really interests me is the application of advanced photography and imaging technology to autonomous vehicles. As autonomous vehicles become more widespread, one of the most critical aspects of their ability to safely navigate the world is the performance of their sensor systems. Current autonomous vehicle systems rely heavily on visible light cameras, but I believe there is huge potential to improve these systems by incorporating additional types of imaging, such as infrared, multi-spectral, and 3D imaging. These types of sensors could provide more detailed information about the vehicle’s surroundings, allowing it to make better decisions in more challenging conditions, like low-light environments or in situations where traditional visible light cameras struggle. Infrared imaging, for example, could help a self-driving car detect pedestrians or animals that are not visible to the human eye in the dark. Multi-spectral imaging could be used to distinguish between different types of surfaces, such as wet roads versus dry ones, or even to detect subtle changes in the environment, like weather patterns or temperature variations. These advanced sensors could give autonomous vehicles a more comprehensive understanding of their surroundings, leading to safer and more reliable decision-making in complex environments. The skills I’ll gain at RIT, especially in image processing and the development of optical systems, will be crucial for designing these types of sensor systems and ensuring they work effectively in the real world. RIT’s emphasis on physics and mathematics also makes this program especially appealing. A deep understanding of the physics of light, optics, and image capture is essential for developing and improving imaging systems, particularly for autonomous vehicles. The program will provide me with a strong foundation in these areas, allowing me to understand the underlying principles that govern how images are captured, processed, and interpreted. Whether it’s understanding the behavior of light in different conditions or applying complex mathematical models to improve image analysis, the knowledge I gain in the Photographic Sciences program will be essential for working with advanced sensor technologies. In addition to the core curriculum, RIT’s program offers the flexibility to take elective courses that align with my specific interests, such as imaging science and information technology. These electives will give me the opportunity to explore how cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence can be integrated with imaging systems to improve the performance of autonomous vehicles. The ability to customize my studies will allow me to stay on the cutting edge of emerging technologies, and to pursue innovations that I believe will have a real impact on the future of autonomous vehicles. One of the aspects of RIT that excites me the most is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. The program emphasizes lab-based learning and cooperative/internships which will give me practical experience working with the equipment and technologies I will use in my career. I value this hands-on approach because it allows me to take the theoretical concepts I learn in the classroom and apply them to real-world projects. In the case of autonomous vehicles, this means being able to work with actual imaging systems and sensor technologies, understand how they function, and figure out ways to improve them. This experience will be invaluable as I move forward in my career and work to develop new imaging solutions for the transportation industry. I am also excited about the collaborative environment at RIT. The program brings together students and faculty from a variety of disciplines, which creates a dynamic environment where ideas can be exchanged and new innovations can emerge. I look forward to working alongside professors who are experts in their fields and peers who share my passion for science and technology. This collaborative approach will help me develop not only as a technical expert but also as a creative problem-solver, and I believe it will provide me with the skills I need to make a meaningful contribution to the future of autonomous vehicle technology. At the heart of my interest in the Photographic Sciences program is the idea of applying the scientific principles of photography to real-world technological challenges. The intersection of photography, imaging, and technology is an exciting and rapidly evolving field, and I want to be part of the next generation of innovators who use imaging technologies to solve complex problems. Autonomous vehicles are just one example of how this field is evolving, and I’m excited to contribute to the development of new sensor systems that can make these vehicles safer and more reliable. Ultimately, the Photographic Sciences program at RIT offers the ideal environment for me to pursue my passion for both photography and STEM. The combination of rigorous scientific training, hands-on learning, and the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to make a meaningful impact in the world of autonomous vehicles. I’m excited to begin this journey and to contribute to the development of new and innovative imaging systems that will shape the future of transportation technology.