"College isn’t easy, and the best thing you can do is take care of yourself if you want to do well," my mom’s voice echoed in my head throughout the semester. Why are moms always right? As a first-year college student, my journey so far has been a mix of challenges and personal growth. While I’m proud of finishing my first semester with a strong GPA, it definitely wasn’t easy. The transition from high school to college life was a big step, and I tried to prepare myself as best as I could. But no matter how much planning I did, life still had a few surprises in store for me which taught me how important it is to prioritize my mental health. To make the transition easier, I picked relatively easy classes and created a balanced schedule with Wednesdays and Fridays off. I thought a mid-week break would be good to get work done and focus on rest and having Friday off would give me a long weekend to visit home. One thing that really helped lighten my mental load was creating a spreadsheet at the start of the semester, listing all my assignments by due date. Having everything in one place took a huge weight off my shoulders and kept me organized which was critical since I also work part-time. Staying on top of everything isn’t easy, and without that organization, it would have gotten overwhelming for me. Although I prepared myself the best I could, the semester still threw some unexpected challenges my way. The first half, I was sick, which caused me to miss a few classes. Just as I started to get back on track, my great-grandmother passed away, and grief hit me hard. Balancing my academic responsibilities while processing such a personal loss was tough. Through it all, I used a few different ways to support my mental health and keep myself grounded. Visits home helped me feel connected and gave me a sense of stability. Staying at school during the weekends like I had originally planned would’ve been detrimental for me as I really felt the need to be surrounded by family. I also took a weekly Pilates class, which became a highlight of my routine. That one hour each week wasn’t just about exercise, it was a way to clear my head and focus on myself. Spending time with friends, both new and old, was another lifeline. Whether it was grabbing lunch, playing video games, or making TikTok’s together, those moments reminded me that I wasn’t alone in. My self-care routine also played a huge part in keeping me balanced. It included small but meaningful rituals like journaling, skincare, and binge-watching my favorite shows. I also made sure to get plenty of sleep, which is a non-negotiable for me. These habits might seem simple, but they helped me manage stress and recharge when I needed it most. Looking back, I realize how much my mental health influenced my academic performance and personal growth. By making my well-being a priority, I was able to navigate a challenging semester and come out stronger on the other side. As I move forward, I’ll keep hearing my mom’s advice in the back of my mind. She was right, prioritizing my mental health has been the foundation of my success, and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for life. This scholarship’s focus on supporting female students who value mental health aligns perfectly with my experiences. With the right support and self-care strategies, I believe we can all overcome challenges and thrive academically and personally.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. I've always loved this quote because to me happiness is all of the things that we experience along the way, not only where we end up. I think of success the same way. I envision a future where I've achieved success through hard work and determination, becoming a self-reliant and accomplished woman. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do yet but I have a passion for working with children. I am undecided between going into early childhood education, speech pathology and audiology, communications or pediatric healthcare. My journey in the field of childcare began long before I even realized it. As a Mother's Helper, I witnessed firsthand the joy and challenges of caring for young children. Over time, my role evolved, and I took on responsibilities as a Babysitter and later as a Teacher’s Assistant at a local daycare. These experiences have not only sharpened my practical skills but have also deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in child development and education. Additionally, my involvement as a dedicated Volunteer Recreational Cheerleading Coach has further contributed to shaping who I've become. I've volunteered my time to mentor and teach younger cheerleaders various skills, from sideline cheers and dances to halftime routines, safe stunting, and tumbling techniques. Through coaching, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and guidance in shaping young minds. It has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and effective communication in fostering growth and development. This hands-on experience has provided me with invaluable insights and skills, further fueling my determination to make a positive impact in the lives of children. Born into adversity to teenage parents who faced homelessness and health struggles, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience and determination. As a first-generation college student, I am driven by a desire to break free from the constraints of my upbringing and create a better life for myself and my family. Education, to me, represents more than just a degree; it symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the chance to rise above the limitations that I have witnessed my parents be stunted by. Being a first-generation college graduate means defying expectations, embracing opportunities, and forging a path of success for myself and future generations. It symbolizes breaking barriers and paving the way for others in my family and community to follow. My pursuit of higher education is not only for personal advancement but also to inspire those around me and demonstrate that with hard work, perseverance, and education, anything is possible. Despite the financial challenges and hardships I've encountered, I remain unwavering in my pursuit of higher education. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to turn my dreams into reality, to demonstrate that with hard work, perseverance, and education, anything is possible. This scholarship will not only alleviate some of the financial burdens but also provide me with the support and resources necessary to continue on my journey towards success. I am determined to seize this opportunity, to expand my horizons, and to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

In my journey toward happiness and success, I've always believed that the path we take holds as much value as the destination itself. My vision for the future is one where I've attained success through dedication and perseverance, ultimately becoming a self-sufficient and accomplished woman. While I'm still exploring my specific career path, my passion lies in working with children, whether it be in early childhood education, speech pathology, or pediatric healthcare. My journey in this field started at a young age as a Mother's Helper and gradually transitioned into roles such as a Babysitter and a Teacher’s Assistant at a local daycare. Additionally, I've been actively involved in my high school's Child Development program, where I've had the opportunity to care for and educate preschool-age children. This hands-on experience has solidified my passion for working with children and has provided me with valuable insights into many aspects of childcare. My involvement as a dedicated Volunteer Recreational Cheerleading Coach has further contributed to shaping who I've become. I've volunteered my time to mentor and teach younger cheerleaders various skills, from sideline cheers and dances to halftime routines, safe stunting, and tumbling techniques. This experience has not only reinforced my passion for working with children but has also shaped my career aspirations. Born into adversity to teenage parents who faced homelessness and health struggles, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience and determination. As a first-generation college student, I am driven by a desire to break free from the constraints of my upbringing and create a better life for myself and my family. Education, to me, represents more than just a degree; it symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the chance to rise above the limitations that I have witnessed my parents be stunted by. Being a first-generation college graduate means defying expectations, embracing opportunities, and forging a path of success for myself and future generations. It symbolizes breaking barriers and paving the way for others in my family and community to follow. My pursuit of higher education is not only for personal advancement but also to inspire those around me and demonstrate that with hard work, perseverance, and education, anything is possible. Despite the financial challenges and hardships I've encountered, I remain unwavering in my pursuit of higher education. With this scholarship, I see an opportunity to turn my dreams into reality, to demonstrate that with hard work, perseverance, and education, anything is possible. This scholarship will not only alleviate some of the financial burdens but also provide me with the support and resources necessary to continue on my journey towards success. I am determined to seize this opportunity, to expand my horizons, and to make a positive impact in the lives of others.