My name is Zariah Arnold Stephens. I am from Pittsburgh, PA. I am currently attending Howard University, studying psychology and political science. Growing up, my family struggled with instability caused by alcoholism, abuse, generational trauma, and financial hardship. My mother battled alcoholism for years, and watching her struggle with this addiction affected every part of my life. Her addiction led to my involvement in the CPS system, where I was forced to live in the courthouse with my future and emotions out of my control. My father endured his own trauma from his childhood, which led him to push me to be better than what I have seen. Growing up, these challenges shaped me into the person I am today and formed the goals that I continue to work toward every day. As a child, I often remember feeling lost and unheard while navigation systems were supposed to be in place to protect children and their families. I remember wishing that there was someone who heard me and understood me, and didn't just push my thoughts and feelings aside because I was a child. That feeling stayed with me my entire life and became the reason why I chose to pursue a career in law. My goal is to become a lawyer who advocates for children who are enduring custody disputes, abuse, and mistreatment. I want to become the lawyer I needed when I was going through these same battles that I will defend. Despite these challenges my family faced, I have always worked hard to stay focused on my goals and education, I have always pushed myself academically while also being involved in leadership and service opportunities that have reflected my passion for advocacy. I have been actively involved in organizations focused on Black student leadership, psychology, and pre-law because these opportunities have given me the tools to create more resources to help others who are in need. My struggles have taught me the true definition of resilience, and instead of allowing my circumstances to define me negatively, I have turned them into a source of strength and motivation to do better. I understand firsthand how trauma and instability can affect children and their families. And those experiences continue to inspire me to work towards a future in which these people can receive the support, protection, and advocacy that the system is designed and meant to provide. My education has represented opportunity, stability, and purpose for me; and every challenge that I have overcome has shown me having strength is the only way to achieve all my goals. I want my future career to create meaning change for families like mine, and i am determine to work till i achieve that goal. Total cost for this school year = $72,920 Current finances: Grants and Scholarships: $26,598 Help from father (Parent Plus Loan) : $21,478 FASFA : $7,396 Total need: $17,748

My experience with my mother’s chronic alcoholism and involvement in the CPS system has deeply shaped my educational goals and passion for finding ways to support other african american women who are impacted by either domestic violence or substance abuse. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle with her addiction, and over time her illness didn't just affect her; it affected every part of my family's lives. I watched her lose herself while I was trying to find who I was. Eventually, I lost her to this illness, and that changed me. At the age of 11, the entire trajectory of my life became unheard, confused, and powerless. After losing my mother, I was involved in the family court system, which left me wondering: What did I do wrong? My experience allowed me to answer that question. I wasn't at fault, but it will be my duty to make it right. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in law. I want to become the lawyer I needed when I was going through my own court case, someone who advocated with compassion, empathy, and understanding. I know firsthand how trauma, addiction, and domestic instability can impact African American women and their families, especially in a society with a lack of access to proper support and representation. What motivates me the most to accomplish everything I set my mind to , is the desire to help people just like myself, especially women and children to feel seen and protected during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I want to use my education to advocate for fair treatment, better resources, and stronger legal protections for African American women who are facing substance abuse, domestic violence, family separation, and grief.