Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Since childhood, Nike has been a staple in my closet–not merely as a fashion choice but as a guiding motto: “Just do it.” This iconic slogan has taught me the importance of giving my best effort, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout high school, I successfully maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher, volunteered over 200 hours, and actively participated in enriching extracurricular activities. This mindset has ingrained in me the value of resilience, a principle I am eager to carry forward as I enter college and pursue my dreams in psychology. My academic journey has been fueled by my passion for understanding human behavior. I plan to take African American studies alongside my psychology curriculum to gain a well-rounded perspective on mental health. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to understand the cultural and historical contexts that influence mental health in Black communities. My post-secondary goals are to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology and then go to medical school to specialize as an adolescent psychiatrist. I am driven by the desire to bridge the gap in mental health care and ensure that individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the support they need. By integrating my education in psychology, with my dedication to service, I envision creating programs that provide mental health education, support, and resources to those who need it. I am particularly passionate about increasing mental health awareness among Black teens in underserved communities. Growing up, I noticed that my community lacked mental health resources and the obvious stigma around seeking help. This made me want to make a difference. Recently, I decided to create an online community for high school students to support them through the challenges of high school. The mission of this community account is to share my tips for dealing with common high school challenges. From scholarships to college application tips for rising seniors, my goal is to provide support for students navigating the difficulties of high school. Each slideshow is designed to be engaging and helpful, highlighting my commitment to making a real difference in the lives of my viewers. Running this TikTok account has taught me the power of using social media for a positive impact and support my peers. As I go on this journey, I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on mental health in my community and beyond. The resilience and determination instilled in me by the " Just do it. " motto will continue to guide me as I strive to create a future where mental health care is equitable, accessible, and effective for all.