Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. would like to build a brand that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. Through my education, I can go more in-depth into the triggers of the mind to be able to find adequate solutions. I need to pursue higher education so that I can guide others through healing. Breaking generational curses while creating healthier habits. It's important to me that I fulfill the destiny of my community.

Mental instability has always existed in our world as a trial that many faced, yet didn’t have a name. Growing up I never was taught about depression, anxiety, and suicide. In a Black household “mental health” was called crazy because that’s just the way it was, there was no such thing as being depressed. Being depressed meant you were ungrateful for the things you had, and there was no reason for you to be ungrateful because you have materialistic things. I never really thought about mental health because as a child I had nothing to worry about, or so I thought. Like my parents always said, “What do you have to be depressed about?” I was battling depression and the fear that comes with it. The fear that it won’t get better this time so you bring pain upon yourself physically and contemplate ending your life. It felt like the world was turning against me and that I was losing everyone and everything. Growing up my faith in God was a huge presence, but it felt like a routine. During my struggle with depression, I needed a way to process my feelings and find comfort, so I began to pray on my own and read the Bible. I am here today because of the hard work it took to understand that sometimes you need to be alone so that you don’t feel lonely even when you are surrounded by others. There is an incredible lightness of being that comes when you realize that if the people around you aren’t building you up and supporting you, you are not obligated to stay. One of my biggest achievements is taking control of my life and not letting depression control me. I am six years STRONG and free from self-harm. All that I have gone through has inspired me to fulfill my purpose. Using my degree I want Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support in my community, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. The chance to create a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I would like to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and as such I want my legacy to focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. We have nowhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. We have nowhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It s about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. We have nowhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Not all the time does helping someone in need mean that they are homeless, but even just helping a neighbor with groceries. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Not all the time does helping someone in need mean that they are homeless, but even just helping a neighbor with groceries. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. We do not have somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Not all the time does helping someone in need mean that they are homeless, but even just helping a neighbor with groceries. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. We do not have somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

My Junior year in high school was something I had never experienced before. There were many firsts for me during this year of my high school career and not the ones that I would expect. It was the first time that I struggled tremendously with a class so much that I almost failed. It was also the year I struggled with depression and anxiety before I even realized the damage it was causing in my life. It was also the year my parents separated, and meant it this time. I could say it did not affect me, but it affected me in ways I did not understand. I learned how much mental should be prioritized because, without the right mindset, trauma becomes a cycle. Despite the trials and tribulations I faced, I had to get through them because I refused to allow myself to be a victim. It was my job to become a victor and that is just what I did. I made my struggles into my purpose instead of my downfall. I found a passion for creating Black healthy homes, and not trauma-filled ones. I am going to break the generational curses instead of creating new ones. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We do not have somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind.

Everything about my life has a purpose. I went through many trials and tribulations just to understand that statement. Mental health in the Black community is not normalized nor is it prioritized. Through my education, I know that all the time I spend in my college career will go toward the tools to save someone else's life. Opening mental health centers across the world to normalize healing. Whether it is through prayer, talking, art, music, or writing it does not matter saving the lives of those who do not have the proper support is important. I went through what I went through so that I can use my testimony as a resource to guide others. God has put me on this earth to help him guide people through the healing that they deserve. Normalizing therapy in a Black household is my goal. Through my education, I plan to break generational curses throughout the Black community. I know what it is like to not have support when going through depression along with many other trials, but I believe that through faith, consistency and patience I can help many to heal. When I was struggling all I had was God and my faith, and that is what got me through. It might not be the same for everyone, but opening my centers after college is going to help the Black community in every way possible. I love to carry selflessness with me because when I can help someone I will no matter what. Their life is just as important as anyone else's. I refuse to allow someone to pass by me without me doing the best I can to be a vessel in their healing. Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it.

Jireh by Maverick City Music is a song that I listen to frequently. The song talks about God's love for us. Jireh is another name for God and the chorus talks about him being enough for us. I think this is the best song because it gives God gratitude for his love and favors over our lives. Acknowledging the fact that despite our flaws and downfalls his love for us is sufficient for us daily. He chooses us even when we do not choose him. God never gives up on us because he loves us unconditionally. Whenever I am lonely, discouraged, or just not having a good day I listen to this song. It reminds me that I am loved by the highest and nothing can compare to his love for me. Even when I am too ashamed to talk to God because I have not given him my complete time I listen to this song. I want God to know that when I sing this song during worship that he is more than enough for me and I thank him for his Grace and mercy over my life. God has never failed me and I know he never will. Being still and knowing that even if I have faith the size of a mustard seed he continuously looks out for me. This is a song of gratitude to the overpowering love of God that covers me daily. Even when I do not feel the love around me, God wraps me in his Grace to remind me that he is still here. This song is just one of many of my favorite songs where I exalt God through my worship. Without him, I am nothing so I express my love and thanks through the message of this song.

My Junior year in high school was something I had never experienced before. There were many firsts for me during this year of my high school career and not the ones that I would expect. It was the first time that I struggled tremendously with a class so much that I almost failed. It was also the year I struggled with depression and anxiety before I even realized the damage it was causing in my life. It was also the year my parents separated, and meant it this time. I could say it did not affect me, but it affected me in ways I did not understand. I learned how much mental should be prioritized because, without the right mindset, trauma becomes a cycle. Despite the trials and tribulations I faced, I had to get through them because I refused to allow myself to be a victim. It was my job to become a victor and that is just what I did. I made my struggles into my purpose instead of my downfall. I found a passion for creating Black healthy homes, and not trauma-filled ones. I am going to break the generational curses instead of creating new ones. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighborhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. Receiving this scholarship will not only help my education but will help me to achieve my purpose. Taking the focus off the financial burden of college, and focusing more on how to walk in my purpose. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

I chose an HBCU because I wanted to be in an environment where I had an equal opportunity to succeed. Observing the Black success around me. Being around Black people who understand me adequately without any doubt. Experiencing the amazing talent and education that was established by us for us. Black people have experienced so much trauma for centuries, and I knew that it was up to me to go for what many do not. It was not until I got older that I started to realize the passion I had for Black mental health. Growing up in a Black household we did not prioritize mental health. I did not realize that what I was experiencing was creating my trauma until I got to high school. I knew that something had to change in the path I was taking. Not saying that I grew up in a terrible household, but many of the tactics used for solutions created more trauma. Through my education, I plan to break generational curses throughout the Black community. I know what it is like to not have support when going through depression along with many other trials, but I believe that through faith, consistency and patience I can help many to heal. When I was struggling all I had was God and my faith, and that is what got me through. It might not be the same for everyone, but opening my Facilities after college is going to help the Black community in every way possible. I love to carry selflessness with me because when I can help someone I will no matter what. Their life is just as important as anyone else's. I refuse to allow someone to pass by me without me doing my best to be a vessel in their healing.

Lord, I'm frustrated I feel like I have been waiting forever I'm trying my best to live for you My life seems like it's under the weather I know you love me genuinely You said you would never leave me nor forsake me It just feels like I will always be alone I love your company but then again you are not physically beside me I'm frustrated because it's hard for me Year after year I get abandoned It's like when it's my turn to receive the support I'm stranded This is supposed to be a poem but it doesn't rhyme I just feel like everyone's life is ahead of mine I try my best to serve you and stay in your word It's not an easy walk I don't know what to do it seems as if nothing loves me for me I'm tired of feeling like I'm not good enough and a burden Being the strong friend you never hear from anyone unless they want something I love who I am but it hurts that other people don't It's so easy for people to say "it'll be okay" When they already experienced their life payday I'm sorry God if it hurting you to hear how I feel, I just wanted to be real.

My Junior year in college was something I had never experienced before. There were many firsts for me during this year of my college career and not the ones that I would expect. It was the first time that I struggled tremendously with a class so much that I almost failed. It was also the year I struggled with depression and anxiety before I even realized the damage it was causing in my life. It was also the year my parents separated, and meant it this time. I could say it did not affect me, but it affected me in ways I did not understand. I learned how much mental should be prioritized because, without the right mindset, trauma becomes a cycle. Despite the trials and tribulations I faced, I had to get through them because I refused to allow myself to be a victim. It was my job to become a victor and that is just what I did. I made my struggles into my purpose instead of my downfall. I found a passion for creating Black healthy homes, and not trauma-filled ones. I am going to break the generational curses instead of creating new ones. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighborhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Not all the time does helping someone in need mean that they are homeless, but even just helping a neighbor with groceries. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centers. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighborhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centers across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centers will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centers will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centers will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is about saving my community in any and every way I can starting with the mind. Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader, the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them. The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strong. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader, it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health. Building a foundation that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community.

Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader, the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them. The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strong. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader, it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. would like to build a brand that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community.

Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. I was always the oldest or the little assistant to the leader. As I begin to grow I began to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible, it is written that faith without works is dead. If I need the money I have to work hard and apply myself to whatever will get me there knowing God will carry me through. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfil my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and as such I want my legacy to focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. I would like to create an organisation that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community. Everything about my life has a purpose. I went through many trials and tribulations just to understand that statement. Mental Health in the Black community is not normalised nor is it prioritised. Through my education, I know that every time I spend in my major will go towards the tools to save someone else's life.

My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centres. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighbourhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centres across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centres will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centres will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centres will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. More Black must see themselves when they walk into a therapy session. Even having a therapist who understands your struggles the way you explain them, and not dismissing them because they can not relate. Also just having the comfort of not feeling like you have to be in a psych ward because you just wanted to be heard. Seeing more of us in places that we usually do not help expose others to the idea of being in the same space. It is my job to create those spaces, and I plan on doing just that.

Growing up I was always taught to share or give. At a young age, I realized that giving is so much more than what we realize. Time, effort, money, and love are all given at the cost to change someone else's life. When I volunteer I acknowledge that in someone God is using me as a vessel to help someone in need. Not all the time does helping someone in need mean that they are homeless, but even just helping a neighbour with groceries. Even helping by serving nurses with lunch and their patients with your time just to see them smile. God has put me on this earth to serve. We are created to serve not only him but each other. God has always given me a serving spirit every day. No matter how I look at it I am serving. With my family background being nurses I have always been a part of the health fairs for people who may not be able to afford healthcare. Volunteering is saving the life of someone and you do not even realize it. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centres. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighbourhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centres across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centres will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centres will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centres will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. Receiving this scholarship will not only help my education but will help me to achieve my purpose. Taking the focus off the financial burden of college, and focusing more on how to walk in my purpose . Giving back to the world the Grace that God gives me is what I hope to do to save the lives of my community.

The Black community has not always been given fair treatment when it comes to healthcare, and to this day we still face inequities in the medical field. Mental Health is highly important to me because as Black people we go through so much individually and as a people, but it is never acknowledged. I am changing that narrative of angry Black men or women because that is not what we are. We are wounded people who are unsure of the proper way to heal. I know what it is like to not feel as though you have the proper support to get through this journey called life. With the help of God and my faith they carried me through my healing, and for others I would like to do the same. whether it is through music, art, dance, writing, or even just sitting in silence. It is important that allow my testimony to drive me through my purpose. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centres. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighbourhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centres across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centres will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centres will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centres will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. More Black must see themselves when they walk into a therapy session. Even having a therapist who understands your struggles the way you explain them, and not dismissing them because they can not relate. Also just having the comfort of not feeling like you have to be in a psych ward because you just wanted to be heard. Seeing more of us in places that we usually do not help expose others to the idea of being in the same space. It is my job to create those spaces, and I am doing just that.

Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader, the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them. The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strong. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader, it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. would like to build a brand that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community.

The Black community has not always been given fair treatment when it comes to healthcare, and to this day we still face inequities in the medical field. Mental Health is highly important to me because as Black people we go through so much individually and as a people, but it is never acknowledged. I desire to change that narrative of angry Black men or women because that is not what we are. We are wounded people who are unsure of the proper way to heal. I know what it is like to not feel as though you have the proper support to get through this journey called life. With the help of God and my faith they carried me through my healing, and for others I would like to do the same. whether it is through music, art, dance, writing, or even just sitting in silence. It is important that allow my testimony to drive me through my purpose. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centres. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighbourhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centres across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centres will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centres will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centres will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. More Black must see themselves when they walk into a therapy session. Even having a therapist who understands your struggles the way you explain them, and not dismissing them because they can not relate. Also just having the comfort of not feeling like you have to be in a psych ward because you just wanted to be heard. Seeing more of us in places that we usually do not help expose others to the idea of being in the same space. It is my job to create those spaces, and I plan on doing just that.

The Black community has not always been given fair treatment when it comes to healthcare, and to this day we still face inequities in the medical field. Mental Health is highly important to me because as Black people we go through so much individually and as a people, but it is never acknowledged. I desire to change that narrative of angry Black men or women because that is not what we are. We are wounded people who are unsure of the proper way to heal. My purpose is to open up many Black-owned mental health centres. In doing so the staff will be majority Black, but also diverse. We have liquor stores on every corner in the minority neighbourhoods, but not somewhere to go where we can get the proper help we need. Building the centres across the world will normalize and expose Black minorities to healing from past traumas they may have faced or are facing every day. God placed me on this earth to help him to guide other people through healing whatever that looks like for them as individuals. I must walk in the calling that God has given me so that I can do my best to save every life that I come in contact with. Too many of our people are taking their lives because they were not given the proper resources to heal, or they just could not afford it. My centres will be affordable to those that believe they can not afford them. Also creating internships, career, and mentor opportunities for low-income communities who may be homeless and not only need therapy but income. The centres will be so much bigger than therapy sessions. My centres will create opportunities that many in my community are not exposed to and are kept from. This is not only my passion but my purpose because this will cause a ripple effect of healing throughout the Black community. I pray that my giving back will cause the ones I give to be able to do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Everything that I plan on doing after graduating college has a purpose. It is not about the money, but it is about saving my community in any and every way I can start with the mind. More Black must see themselves when they walk into a therapy session. Even having a therapist who understands your struggles the way you explain them, and not dismissing them because they can not relate. Also just having the comfort of not feeling like you have to be in a psych ward because you just wanted to be heard. Seeing more of us in places that we usually do not help expose others to the idea of being in the same space. It is my job to create those spaces, and I plan on doing just that.

I never thought that my life would be affected by incarceration the way it has been these past couple of years. You never think it will affect you until God allows you to know what it is like to experience that type of pain. I have experienced not one, but two family members go to prison when I least expected. In 2019 I witnessed my cousin who just started a family taken away by the consequences of being in the wrong crowd. In 2022 during my first semester in college, his brother my other cousin fell into the same trap society planted for him. It broke my heart two witnesses them going to prison because I never thought it would affect my family. Witnessing my aunt having to watch her only two children being taken away from her and there being nothing she can do about it was disheartening. I would never want anyone to experience that type of pain especially not my family The first thought that came to mind was that there was nothing I could do, but then I realized that there was something I could do. The best thing I could do is to keep following my purpose and ignoring the distractions that may steer me wrong. Many times hurt people well they hurt people, and I know that me prioritizing Mental Health in the Black community will prevent these situations in the future. Instead of choosing the choices of dept, I want to provide the resources that help. Healing my community because I know that without healing much damage would be caused. I do know that through the correct guidance and healing we can be better not only individually, but together. Opening my Healing centres all over the world would give my community better options to avoid the possibility of incarceration. Opening these facilities will heal the trauma of my people's past, and expose them to the solution of breaking the generational curses over my community. For both of my cousins, I must walk in my purpose. Following in my purpose and not being distracted by the traps of this world is what I can do to make them proud. Black men never get the justice they deserve, and I desire to create ways for them to avoid the situation altogether. Helping others is important to me, and I know I can not do much but pray for my cousins to get justice. I can also make sure that I am hanging around people who have great character, and that follow in their purpose. Also by making sure that I am persevering through my education, and not giving up because it is hard. Lastly, by not trying to find the easy way out and being patient with the journey that God has placed me on. For them, I must put my all into changing the world because right now they are not able to do so. I know that because they can't I will.

Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with, and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them.The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strength. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. would like to build a brand that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our own outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress, and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfill the destiny of my community.

Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. I was always the oldest or the little assistant to the leader. As I begin to grow I begin to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible it is written that faith without works is dead. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfil my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with, and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them.The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strength. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution. I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. I would like to create an organisation that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our own outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. It's important to me that I fulfill the destiny of my community.

Mental instability has always existed in our world as a trial that many faced, yet didn’t have a name for. Growing up I never was taught about depression, anxiety, and suicide. In a household “mental health” was called crazy because that’s just the way it was, there was no such thing as being depressed. Being depressed meant you were ungrateful for the things you had, and there was no reason for you to be ungrateful because you have materialistic things. I never really thought about mental health because as a child I had nothing to worry about, or so I thought. Mental health in general has been and will always be a passion of mine before I even knew of the gift that I had in helping others in their process of healing. Mental Health in the Black community is closer to home because it's not talked about in the Black home. Earning this scholarship now is just another blessing to creating the future I desire. Having my facility for Black families to come and get the help they need comfortably. I know that college is not going to be easy or cheap. Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. I was always the oldest or the little assistant to the leader. As I begin to grow I began to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible, it is written that faith without works is dead. If I need the money I have to work hard and apply myself to whatever will get me there knowing God will carry me through. I just know that this scholarship will help take some of the financial burdens off not only my mom but space in my mind. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfill my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader, the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them.The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strong. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader, it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader, we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution.My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. I would like to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community.

Mental instability has always existed in our world as a trial that many faced, yet didn’t have a name for. Growing up I never was taught about depression, anxiety, and suicide. In a household “mental health” was called crazy because that’s just the way it was, there was no such thing as being depressed. Being depressed meant you were ungrateful for the things you had, and there was no reason for you to be ungrateful because you have materialistic things. I never really thought about mental health because as a child I had nothing to worry about, or so I thought. Mental health in general has been and will always be a passion of mine before I even knew of the gift that I had in helping others in their process of healing. Mental Health in the Black community is closer to home because it's not talked about in the Black home. Earning this scholarship now is just another blessing to creating the future I desire. Having my facility for Black families to come and get the help they need comfortably. I know that college is not going to be easy or cheap. Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. I was always the oldest or the little assistant to the leader. As I begin to grow I began to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible, it is written that faith without works is dead. If I need the money I have to work hard and apply myself to whatever will get me there knowing God will carry me through. I just know that this scholarship will help take some of the financial burdens off not only my mom but space in my mind. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfill my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader, the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them.The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strong. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader, it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader, we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution.My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. I would like to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. We must talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community

I have always had to grow up quickly. I felt like it was priority that I had because I was afraid to depend on others for assistance in my life in any way. I'm so used to serving others, but I would never allow myself to be served. I was constantly pouring into people even when everything in me felt empty. I had an unhealthy serving habit to where I was so focused on pleasing other people that I did not take the time to properly care for myself. Wallowing in depression and not allowing myself to experience my feelings properly so that I may heal. Not pushing myself through the depression and fighting back against the negative thoughts of my mind. Over the course of time my mindset has grown tremendously. I prioritise myself in a healthy understanding that I am still able to serve and follow in the purpose that God has placed on my life. I know that I am put on this earth to serve, but it was about how I was serving. I was not truly serving, but I was trying to please the people of this world rather than taking care of myself and walking in the purpose that I have been called to. Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. As a leader the weight of the world can feel as though it’s on your shoulders. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with, and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them.The best advice always came from the women I didn’t expect it to come from. Whether through prayer, conversation, or preaching. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strength. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. I want my leadership to be a ripple effect for generations to come, not just a temporary solution.

Growing up I never was taught about depression, anxiety, and suicide. I was battling depression and the fear that comes with it. The fear that it won’t get better this time so you bring pain upon yourself physically and contemplate ending your life. It felt like the world was turning against me and that I was losing everyone and everything. Growing up my faith in God was a huge presence, but it felt like a routine. During my struggle with depression, I needed a way to process my feelings and find comfort, so I began to pray on my own and read the Bible. I am here today because of the hard work it took to understand that sometimes you need to be alone so that you don’t feel lonely even when you are surrounded by others. There is an incredible lightness of being that comes when you realize that if the people around you aren’t building you up and supporting you, you are not obligated to stay. One of my biggest achievements is taking control of my life and not letting depression control me. I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and as such I want my legacy to focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. I would like to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Too many deaths are happening before our eyes, and it’s time we start creating our own outlets. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. My legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress, and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfill the destiny of my community.

Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. As I begin to grow I begin to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible it is written that faith without works is dead. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfill my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. Being a leader is not an easy task to operate in. Many times there are tests and trials you must face to understand the leadership role you possess. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t help everyone I came in contact with, and that I could only do so much to assist others in their healing. Realizing that hurt me because my leadership role is helping others in understanding their hurt while developing their healing. Now I understand that the only thing I do is my best when it comes to helping those around me, and the rest is up to them. The advice that I got that I pride myself in executing is to be who I genuinely am. It’s simple yet it holds strength. Many times as leaders we forget who we are, why we lead, and what we want the outcome of our leadership to be. I’ve watched it happen before my eyes. As a leader it’s not about being the leader all the time, but it’s about putting our pride aside and allowing others to go in front because we might be the only opportunity they have to be in front. As a leader we shouldn’t be selfish in any way because we have the opportunity to teach. A leader creates other leaders, and that should be the outcome. When I am helping people through healing my desire is that once they’ve had that breakthrough they have the desire to help someone. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and as such I want my legacy to focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. I would like to create an organisation that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. I desire to create an organization that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. It's important to me that I fulfil the destiny of my community.

Mental instability has always existed in our world as a trial that many faced, yet didn’t have a name. Growing up I never was taught about depression, anxiety, and suicide. In a Black household “mental health” was called crazy because that’s just the way it was, there was no such thing as being depressed. Being depressed meant you were ungrateful for the things you had, and there was no reason for you to be ungrateful because you have materialistic things. Mental health in general has and will always be a passion of mine before I even knew of the gift that I had in helping others in their process of healing. Mental Health in the Black community is closer to home considering the fact that it's not talked about in the Black home. Earning this scholarship now is just another blessing to creating the future I desire. Having my own facility for Black families to come and get the help they need in a comfortable manner. I know that college is not going to be easy or cheap. Ever since I was a young girl I portrayed leadership skills I didn't know I had. I was always the oldest or the little assistant to the leader. As I begin to grow I begin to portray leadership skills with the children younger than me. Even at a young age the pressure to make sure I was leading in the right direction almost felt like a burden at times. I figured that leadership wasn’t for me anymore, and that I no longer fit the criteria to be a leader. That is when I realized leadership wasn’t a choice, it was my purpose. My faith is very important to me, but in the bible it is written that faith without works is dead. If I need the money I have to work hard and apply myself to whatever will get me there knowing God will carry me through. Being able to focus on the importance of my purpose while I strive to walk the will of Christ. It is important to me that I fulfil my purpose, understanding that there are going to be obstacles I have to face. My major is Psychology because I am very passionate about mental health in the black community. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and as such I want my legacy to focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. I would like to create an organisation that prides itself on its outreach to Black communities to help them to understand the importance of mental health and process the trauma that far too many Black people experience. Using my scholarship I desire for Black women, men, girls, and boys to understand that their mental health is a priority and nothing to be ashamed of. I want to be a vessel of healing and support, to lead by example and share my story to help end the stigma around Black mental health. Creating a platform that provides support for anyone dealing with the burden of mental illness is more than my dream–it is what I was put on this Earth to do. It’s imperative that we talk about the situations that affect us, and my legacy should focus on knowledge and support for my community and their mental health. This scholarship can provide an amazing opportunity in addition to taking away financial stress, and being able to focus on the career I desire. It's important to me that I fulfill the destiny of my community.