Pursuing higher education has always been one of my biggest goals, not just for my personal growth but also to create a better future for myself and give back to others through a career in mental health. However, the financial challenges my family and I face have made this journey more difficult. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and professional goals without the constant weight of financial stress. My family has worked very hard to support me, but we have limited resources. We live on a modest income that covers the basics, but there isn’t much left over for college expenses. I took on part-time job as a cashier at Sharks Fish and Chicken in Forrest City, Arkansas to help contribute to my education. Since I had to resign from my job, I am extremely careful with every dollar I spend. Still, with the rising cost of tuition, books, housing, and other living expenses, it’s a constant challenge to stay on top of everything. Student loans are an option, but taking on heavy debt is something I want to avoid if possible, especially as I plan to enter a field where the financial rewards may be modest, but the emotional rewards are great. This scholarship would provide me with more than just financial support. It would give me the opportunity to pursue my dreams as a young woman who lived in an impoverished region that requires school districts to give free lunch. It would allow me to take full advantage of opportunities like internships, research, and volunteer work in mental health services, which are essential for gaining experience but often unpaid. Without the need to work multiple jobs or worry as much about finances, I could be more fully present in my studies and more involved in my community which I believe is the most important thing. Most importantly, this scholarship represents my beliefs. I believe in my goals, my potential, and the impact I hope to make in the lives of others. It would be a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey, and that others see and value the career path I’ve chosen. With your support, I will continue working hard toward my dream of becoming a mental health professional (a licensed therapist) who helps others find healing, hope, and strength even in the most difficult times.

Losing someone you love deeply changes you. For me, the loss of my great grandfather was one of those moments. He was more than just a relative. He was someone who offered wisdom, kindness, and comfort in his own unique way. Even when I’d barely visit he’d treat me like I was the most precious thing in the world. His passing was the first time I truly confronted the reality of loss, grief, and the emotional pain that often goes unseen. That experience opened my eyes to how deeply people can suffer and planted the seed for my passion in the mental health field. As I processed his passing, I realized how unprepared I was to cope with such a huge loss. I began to notice how often mental health is pushed aside, overlooked, or misunderstood, especially in families and communities that don’t always have access to support or feel comfortable talking about emotional pain. Consequently, I wanted to learn more about how the mind works, how people cope with suffering, and how I could support others through difficult times the way I wished someone could have supported me. That journey led me to psychology. The more I studied it, the more I understood the importance of mental health. Losing my great grandfather gave me empathy and insight. I’m learning how to recognize the signs of emotional distress, how to listen without judgment, and how to create safe spaces where people feel seen and heard. These are the foundations I hope to carry into my future career. Suicide prevention, in particular, is an area that means a great deal to me. Although my great grandfather died from cancer instead of suicide, experiencing that loss led me to wonder what it must be like for families who lose someone that way and for the individuals who feel that there is no other way out. I want to be someone who can intervene before that point and help people connect with others and realize they’re not alone. I believe I can make a difference in suicide prevention by combining professional training with genuine compassion. I plan to work in clinical or community mental health settings where I can offer direct support, crisis intervention, and long-term counseling. I also want to advocate for greater awareness and education, especially among young people, about the importance of mental health and how to seek help. Creating open conversations, reducing stigma, and making resources accessible are all critical steps in saving lives. Overall, my great grandfather’s death reminded me of how fragile and valuable life is. It showed me the need for healing, connection, and understanding. His memory continues to guide me as I pursue a career that I hope will help others hold on, reach out, and find light even in their darkest moments.

Education has always been a powerful tool for change. As I pursue a college education, I see it as much more than a personal achievement. Rather, is a foundation that will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others. I believe that continuing my academic journey will prepare me to better understand the world’s complex challenges and equip me with the skills, knowledge, and perspective to help solve them. First and foremost, further education will deepen my understanding of the issues affecting individuals and communities today. Whether related to mental health, social inequality, education gaps, or economic hardship, these challenges are multifaceted and require informed, thoughtful responses. Through higher education, I will have the opportunity to study these issues in depth, analyze them from different angles, and learn about the most effective ways to address them. This knowledge will be essential as I work to support positive change, whether on a local or global scale. In addition to gaining knowledge, I expect my education to help me develop practical skills that will directly support my efforts to make a difference. Critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration are all key components of most academic programs, and they are equally essential in real world problem-solving. With these tools, I will be able to contribute to meaningful projects, advocate for underrepresented voices, and create solutions that are grounded in evidence and guided by compassion. Moreover, furthering my education will allow me to connect with others who share similar goals. Professors, mentors, classmates, and professionals in my field can become collaborators, supporters, and sources of inspiration. These relationships are vital for building strong networks and communities focused on service, innovation, and social impact. By learning alongside people who are equally passionate about making a difference, I will be more prepared and more motivated to take action. Education also fosters personal growth and self-awareness. As I continue learning, I will be challenged to reflect on my values, assumptions, and goals. This process will help me become a more empathetic, thoughtful, and effective leader. When we understand ourselves better, we are more capable of understanding and supporting others. Whether I work directly with individuals or influence broader systems, this personal growth will help me stay grounded and focused on my mission to serve. In conclusion, furthering my education is not just a stepping stone to a career. It is a vital part of my commitment to making a positive impact in the world. It will provide the knowledge, skills, relationships, and personal insight needed to address real challenges and contribute to lasting solutions. I look forward to using all that I learn to uplift others, strengthen communities, and help create a more positive future.