My speech impediment has profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a career in mental health. Growing up with a stutter, I faced numerous challenges that shaped my perspective and ignited a passion for helping others. Far from seeing my speech impediment as a hindrance, I have come to view it as a unique aspect of my identity that has guided me towards a meaningful career in mental health. From an early age, speaking with confidence and clarity was an uphill battle. I often felt self-conscious and frustrated when communicating, which made social interactions particularly challenging. Despite the difficulties, I learned to navigate these moments with resilience and determination. This experience gave me a deep empathy for others who struggle with their own personal challenges, particularly those related to mental health. The turning point came when I recognized that my speech impediment did not define my ability to connect with others. Instead, it became a catalyst for my desire to understand and support people facing their own struggles. I realized that my own journey with communication could be harnessed to help others who might be experiencing similar difficulties. This realization fueled my commitment to pursuing a career in mental health, where I could use my experiences to provide support and encouragement to those in need. Currently, I work as a call operator for the suicide hotline, an opportunity that has allowed me to turn my challenges into a strength. Each call I take is a chance to offer solace and understanding to individuals who are in distress. My voice, which once felt like a barrier, is now a source of comfort and hope for others. By normalizing my speech impediment and using my voice to provide support, I have found a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Talking to people through the hotline has not only reinforced my passion for mental health but also helped me embrace my voice as a tool for positive change. The work I do provides me with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who are struggling, and it has helped me see my speech impediment in a new light. What was once a source of personal challenge is now a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the power of empathy and connection. Ultimately, my speech impediment has shaped my journey in unexpected and profound ways. It has led me to a career where I can support others, embrace my unique voice, and contribute to normalizing conversations about mental health. My experiences have taught me that even personal challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration when channeled towards helping others.

The most pivotal decision in my life was choosing to volunteer as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline, now known as 988, three years ago. I made this choice two months before leaving the Marine Corps, an organization I had joined at 18 with the intent of serving a full 20-year career. However, an injury during my first deployment ended my military career and left me searching for a new purpose and balance. During nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, I struggled with a sense of uselessness. Although I was still a Marine, I was no longer able to contribute as I once did. I tried to mentor junior Marines, but my role felt limited. My position as an Infantryman, which had once been vital, now seemed inconsequential. This sense of worthlessness deeply affected me as I sought new meaning and balance. In my time as a "wounded warrior," I was part of a special platoon for Marines unfit for duty due to medical issues. Among us were those with visible injuries and others dealing with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the latter were often ostracized and labeled as "weak-minded" or "quitters," which only worsened their conditions. Witnessing this mistreatment, I felt compelled to act. I made an effort to connect with these Marines, offering them empathy and understanding. My goal was to show them that their struggles did not diminish their value as Marines. When I occasionally took command of the platoon during the absence of senior leaders, I ensured that these Marines were not isolated and could seek necessary treatment and support. Through this, I discovered my talent for communication and support, which led me to the National Suicide Hotline, previously known as 800-273-TALK (8255). Two months before my official discharge from the Marine Corps, I began volunteering at the hotline. This role provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and allowed me to continue serving the public meaningfully outside of the military. Over the past three years, handling nearly one thousand calls and making a significant impact on many lives has been profoundly rewarding. Each weekend, after my shift, I find balance in knowing that my work may have saved lives and provided crucial support to those in distress. Now, as a student of behavioral neuroscience at Columbia University, I am grateful that my military benefits cover most of my education costs, though not all. I hope this essay offers insight into my journey and demonstrates why I would be a deserving candidate for your scholarship.

My military service in the Marine Corps was profoundly impacted by anxiety, a challenge that tested my resilience and commitment. Despite the rigorous training and discipline inherent in military life, I found myself grappling with a pervasive sense of unease and apprehension. However, my journey through anxiety ultimately became a testament to my strength and determination, leading me to overcome these obstacles and grow both personally and professionally. Enlisting in the Marine Corps at 18 years old was a defining decision in my life, driven by a desire to serve and protect. Yet, as I progressed through training and deployments, I began to experience intense anxiety that affected my performance and well-being. The pressure to excel in high-stakes environments, coupled with the constant demand for mental toughness, exacerbated my condition. I struggled with persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, and a heightened sense of vulnerability, which often left me feeling overwhelmed and distracted. My anxiety reached a peak during a particularly challenging deployment, where the stress of constant field operations and the responsibility of leadership magnified my symptoms. I found it difficult to focus on tasks, maintain composure, and support my fellow Marines effectively. The relentless nature of military life seemed to intensify my anxiety, making it a constant and debilitating presence. Recognizing that my mental health was affecting my ability to fulfill my duties, I sought help. Initially, the stigma associated with mental health in the military made me hesitant to reach out, fearing it might be perceived as a weakness. However, I eventually overcame this barrier and began accessing resources and support systems available to me. Through counseling, mindfulness techniques, and stress management strategies, I learned to manage my anxiety more effectively. Support from peers and mentors played a crucial role in my recovery. By opening up about my struggles and receiving encouragement, I found strength in vulnerability. I also discovered that addressing my anxiety was not a sign of weakness but a step toward becoming a more effective Marine and leader. As I implemented coping strategies and focused on my mental health, I noticed significant improvements in my performance and overall well-being. My ability to manage anxiety allowed me to regain control over my duties, lead with confidence, and contribute more effectively to my unit. The experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, self-care, and the importance of seeking support. Ultimately, overcoming anxiety during my military service has been a profound journey of personal growth. It has shaped my understanding of mental health and reinforced my commitment to addressing these challenges head-on. My experience has inspired me to advocate for mental health awareness and support others facing similar struggles, highlighting that even in the most demanding environments, overcoming personal challenges is possible with the right resources and determination.

The most pivotal decision in my life was choosing to volunteer as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline, now known as 988, three years ago. I made this choice two months before leaving the Marine Corps, an organization I had joined at 18 with the intent of serving a full 20-year career. However, an injury during my first deployment ended my military career and left me searching for a new purpose and balance. During nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, I struggled with a sense of uselessness. Although I was still a Marine, I was no longer able to contribute as I once did. I tried to mentor junior Marines, but my role felt limited. My position as an Infantryman, which had once been vital, now seemed inconsequential. This sense of worthlessness deeply affected me as I sought new meaning and balance. In my time as a "wounded warrior," I was part of a special platoon for Marines unfit for duty due to medical issues. Among us were those with visible injuries and others dealing with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the latter were often ostracized and labeled as "weak-minded" or "quitters," which only worsened their conditions. Witnessing this mistreatment, I felt compelled to act. I made an effort to connect with these Marines, offering them empathy and understanding. My goal was to show them that their struggles did not diminish their value as Marines. When I occasionally took command of the platoon during the absence of senior leaders, I ensured that these Marines were not isolated and could seek necessary treatment and support. Through this, I discovered my talent for communication and support, which led me to the National Suicide Hotline, previously known as 800-273-TALK (8255). Two months before my official discharge from the Marine Corps, I began volunteering at the hotline. This role provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and allowed me to continue serving the public meaningfully outside of the military. Over the past three years, handling nearly one thousand calls and making a significant impact on many lives has been profoundly rewarding. Each weekend, after my shift, I find balance in knowing that my work may have saved lives and provided crucial support to those in distress. Now, as a student of behavioral neuroscience at Columbia University I hope to move on to be Psychiatrist with a private practice that focuses on helping veterans. I am grateful that my military benefits cover most of my education costs, though not all. I hope this essay offers insight into my journey and demonstrates why I would be a deserving candidate for your scholarship.

"For my mother Thetis the goddess of the silver feet tells me I carry two sorts of destiny toward the day of my death. Either, if I stay here and fight beside the city of the Trojans, my return home is gone, but my glory shall be everlasting; but if I return home to the beloved land of my fathers, the excellence of my glory is gone, but there will be a long life left for me, and my end in death will not come to me quickly. And this would be my counsel to others also to sail back home again, since no longer shall you find any term set on the sheer city of Ilion, since Zeus of the wide brows has strongly held his own hand over it, and its people are made bold." (The Iliad IX. 410-420). The passage is part of a more extensive monologue spoken by Achilleus in response to Odysseus' argument to persuade him back into the war, since for many days now, Achilleus has sat out of battle in retaliation to Agamemnon's insult to Achialleus' pride by taking his bride that he took during the fighting. This passage lends itself to deeper analysis because it shows a potential paradigm shift in Achilleus as a character. The heroes of this story, like Achilleus and other great warriors, follow a strict code that revolves around their willingness to engage in brutal combat and win themselves glory or die trying. Here for the first time, a possible critique of this code is seen from one of the characters that embody it. Each line of the passage unravels an Achilleus who is beginning to show some disillusionment with the life he is expected to live. In the first line, "For my mother Thetis the goddess of the silver feet tells me I carry two sorts of destiny toward the day of my death." (The Iliad IX. 410-411), Achilleus mentions his demi-god status, being the child of a goddess, to provide him some authority on the knowledge he claims to possess about his fate. Fate in the world of The Iliad is a significant force often said to be unchangeable, even by the gods themselves. Here he recounts that the fate of his death does not follow one path. He has a choice in his eventual demise. This level of involvement in one's fate is rarely seen in The Iliad since most characters see fate as something that is decided for them, beyond their control. This opening line is just the beginning of the breakdown of paradigms in the rest of the passage. Achilleus sees his current internal struggle as the fork in the road of his potential fate, "Either, if I stay here and fight beside the city of the Trojans, my return home is gone, but my glory shall be everlasting; but if I return home to the beloved land of my fathers, the excellence of my glory is gone, but there will be a long life left for me, and my end in death will not come to me quickly." (The Iliad IX. 411-416). For the first time, one of the heroes of The Iliad is seen considering leaving the battlefield, the place where his life and legacy revolves around. When other characters, like Paris, are seen cowering from the battle, it is portrayed negatively and as a significant character flaw. Yet when Achilleus considers it, it is framed in such a way that it is a reasonable option. The idea of honor and glory from battle is being called into question. Only a character like Achilleus could float such a claim as honor and glory, being unworthy of a short life since he, for most of the book, has been such an example what a warrior, having already won glory and honor numerous times over. He starts to contemplate dying a hero or living old and forgotten. The great insult suffered to him at the hands of Agamemnon has shaken his belief in the codes and traditions of his ancient world. The final line of this passage goes to solidify Achilleus' confidence in this belief that the war, and honor and glory as a whole, may not be worth dying for; "And this would be my counsel to others also to sail back home again, since no longer shall you find any term set on the sheer city of Ilion, since Zeus of the wide brows has strongly held his own hand over it, and its people are made bold." (The Iliad IX. 417-420). Achilleus is now othering this conclusion to his fellow warriors. Although instead of saying that he's come to a decision because of Agamemnon's insult, he instead backs up his words by saying that Zeus, the king of the gods, has cast favor to Troy and that to fight further would be both futile and an insult to the god's will. This offers more of an understandable argument to those that Achilleus may be trying to convince to give up with him. Often in The Iliad, deep human emotions or conflicts of self are attributed to the gods doing, and this is no different. Instead of Achilleus forging complex arguments about how the idea of this war, honor, and glory may be baseless, he instead invokes the will of the gods to explain that continuing the fight is not worth it — and in the world of The Iliad, this reasoning holds greater weight that any grounded argument would.

The most pivotal decision in my life was choosing to volunteer as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline, now known as 988, three years ago. I made this choice two months before leaving the Marine Corps, an organization I had joined at 18 with the intent of serving a full 20-year career. However, an injury during my first deployment ended my military career and left me searching for a new purpose and balance. During nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, I struggled with a sense of uselessness. Although I was still a Marine, I was no longer able to contribute as I once did. I tried to mentor junior Marines, but my role felt limited. My position as an Infantryman, which had once been vital, now seemed inconsequential. This sense of worthlessness deeply affected me as I sought new meaning and balance. In my time as a "wounded warrior," I was part of a special platoon for Marines unfit for duty due to medical issues. Among us were those with visible injuries and others dealing with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the latter were often ostracized and labeled as "weak-minded" or "quitters," which only worsened their conditions. Witnessing this mistreatment, I felt compelled to act. I made an effort to connect with these Marines, offering them empathy and understanding. My goal was to show them that their struggles did not diminish their value as Marines. When I occasionally took command of the platoon during the absence of senior leaders, I ensured that these Marines were not isolated and could seek necessary treatment and support. Through this, I discovered my talent for communication and support, which led me to the National Suicide Hotline, previously known as 800-273-TALK (8255). Two months before my official discharge from the Marine Corps, I began volunteering at the hotline. This role provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and allowed me to continue serving the public meaningfully outside of the military. Over the past three years, handling nearly one thousand calls and making a significant impact on many lives has been profoundly rewarding. Each weekend, after my shift, I find balance in knowing that my work may have saved lives and provided crucial support to those in distress. Now, as a student of behavioral neuroscience at Columbia University, I am grateful that my military benefits cover most of my education costs, though not all. I hope this essay offers insight into my journey and demonstrates why I would be a deserving candidate for your scholarship.

Reading Malcolm Gladwell's books has profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a career in mental health. His insightful exploration of human behavior and social dynamics has not only broadened my understanding of psychological phenomena but also ignited a deep passion for addressing mental health challenges in others as in myself. Gladwell's books, such as "Blink" and "Outliers," have illuminated the intricate ways in which our minds work and how external factors shape our decisions and behaviors. In "Blink," Gladwell delves into the concept of "thin-slicing," the ability of our brains to make quick judgments based on limited information. This exploration of rapid cognition and intuition highlights the complexities of human decision-making and the potential for unconscious biases to impact mental health. Understanding these mechanisms has made me more aware of the subtle ways in which mental health issues can manifest and how crucial it is to address them comprehensively. In "Outliers," Gladwell examines the role of environment, culture, and opportunity in achieving success. His discussion on the "10,000-Hour Rule" and the influence of upbringing on personal achievements has made me reflect on the broader context in which mental health develops. I have come to realize how crucial it is to consider factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and social support when addressing mental health issues. Gladwell's emphasis on the interplay between individual potential and external factors has reinforced my belief in the importance of a holistic approach to mental health care. Furthermore, Gladwell’s work has highlighted the power of storytelling and the need for effective communication in understanding and addressing complex issues. His ability to weave research and anecdotes into compelling narratives has inspired me to pursue a career where I can not only support individuals through their mental health struggles but also advocate for broader systemic changes. I am driven by the desire to contribute to a field where I can use storytelling to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental health literacy. Overall, Malcolm Gladwell's exploration of human behavior, decision-making, and success has provided me with valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of mental health. His work has deepened my understanding of the factors influencing mental well-being and has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in mental health. I am excited to apply these insights to make a meaningful impact in the field and to continue exploring the ways in which we can improve mental health outcomes for individuals and communities.

The most pivotal decision in my life was choosing to volunteer as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline, now known as 988, three years ago. I made this choice two months before leaving the Marine Corps, an organization I had joined at 18 with the intent of serving a full 20-year career. However, an injury during my first deployment ended my military career and left me searching for a new purpose and balance. During nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, I struggled with a sense of uselessness. Although I was still a Marine, I was no longer able to contribute as I once did. I tried to mentor junior Marines, but my role felt limited. My position as an Infantryman, which had once been vital, now seemed inconsequential. This sense of worthlessness deeply affected me as I sought new meaning and balance. In my time as a "wounded warrior," I was part of a special platoon for Marines unfit for duty due to medical issues. Among us were those with visible injuries and others dealing with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the latter were often ostracized and labeled as "weak-minded" or "quitters," which only worsened their conditions. Witnessing this mistreatment, I felt compelled to act. I made an effort to connect with these Marines, offering them empathy and understanding. My goal was to show them that their struggles did not diminish their value as Marines. When I occasionally took command of the platoon during the absence of senior leaders, I ensured that these Marines were not isolated and could seek necessary treatment and support. Through this, I discovered my talent for communication and support, which led me to the National Suicide Hotline, previously known as 800-273-TALK (8255). Two months before my official discharge from the Marine Corps, I began volunteering at the hotline. This role provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and allowed me to continue serving the public meaningfully outside of the military. Over the past three years, handling nearly one thousand calls and making a significant impact on many lives has been profoundly rewarding. Each weekend, after my shift, I find balance in knowing that my work may have saved lives and provided crucial support to those in distress. Now, as a student of behavioral neuroscience at Columbia University, I am grateful that my military benefits cover most of my education costs, though not all. I hope this essay offers insight into my journey and demonstrates why I would be a deserving candidate for your scholarship.

The most pivotal experience I have had in my life that has set me on a path towards a career in mental health was my decision to volunteer as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline three years ago, now simply known as 988. I did so two months prior to exiting the Marine Corps, an organization I enlisted in the day I turned 18 and fully expected to serve out my full 20 years until retirement. That was until my first deployment overseas, where I would suffer a grave injury during a training exercise that would ultimately end my career in uniform. In the following nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, my life was very much out of balance. I was still a Marine, but I was unable to contribute to the Corps. I tried my best to pass down knowledge and mentor junior Marines coming up behind me, although my days in the field were over, and as an Infantryman, that meant I had very limited use to my team, and that uselessness really got to me at moments during my search for new meaning, purpose, and balance. As a long-term "wounded warrior," I was placed into a special platoon of Marines, also unfit for duty due to medical concerns. There were many like me with broken bones and limited mobility, but there was also a large group of Marines that had no physical scars or ailments. I soon learned these were mental casualties. For one reason or another, they mentally could not bring themselves to safety and carry out their duties; many had had their rifles unassigned to them since they would no longer be trusted to carry a weapon again. I also, unfortunately, soon learned these Marines were ostracized from the rest of the platoon. Labeled "weak-minded" or "quitters," with very little regard to how these labels would make their condition worse, push them closer to the edge. I simply could not stand to see this. I built up a rapport with many of them and tried to ensure that they had at least someone who understood what they were going through, which didn't make them any less of a Marine. We were all unfit for duty in one way or another in that platoon, and we were all still Marines at the end of the day. Later, when I would become intermittently in command of that Platoon as the senior leaders went on to other duties or were on leave, I would ensure these Marines would be left alone and would not be inhibited from seeking treatment and attending their appointments. I found myself having quite the knack for speaking to these Marines, finding the right words and things to say. I realized there was a place where I could use people with this skill and hone them. That was the National Suicide Hotline, at the time 800-273-talk (8255), now known simply as 988. Two months before exiting the service with a medical discharge, I would begin working on the line. This gave me a purpose to follow and feel proud of after my time in the Marines was officially over. I always believed public service was needed in a person's life to balance out the more selfish desires that we all have. The hotline was a way for me to meaningfully continue my service to the public outside of uniform. Now, three years later, after nearly one thousand calls and countless lives changed, including my own. Working the hotline brings me balance every weekend when my shift is over. Knowing that if I accomplished nothing else that week, at least I knew I helped someone in need who may not be with us in this world otherwise. I now study behavioral neuroscience at the prestigious Columbia University, where my military benefits thankfully cover most of my school costs but not everything. I hope this essay, this one vignette into my life, makes you consider me for your scholarship.

The most pivotal way I have contributed to my community was volunteering as a call operator for the National Suicide Hotline, now known as 988, three years ago. I made this decision two months before leaving the Marine Corps, where I had enlisted at 18 with the intention of serving a full 20-year career. However, an injury during my first deployment ended my military career and left me grappling with a loss of purpose and balance in my life. During my nearly two years of surgeries and physical therapy, I was still a Marine, but I could no longer contribute to the Corps as I once did. Although I tried to mentor junior Marines, my role felt limited and my sense of worth diminished. As a member of a special platoon for Marines unfit for duty due to medical issues, I encountered both physical and mental casualties. Some Marines had visible injuries, while others suffered from mental health issues. Unfortunately, these individuals were often ostracized and labeled as "weak-minded" or "quitters," which only exacerbated their struggles. Determined to help, I built rapport with these Marines, offering understanding and support. I made sure they were not isolated and that they could seek treatment without hindrance. I found that I had a knack for speaking with them and providing the right words of encouragement. This experience led me to the National Suicide Hotline, formerly 800-273-TALK (8255) now simply 988, where I could use my skills to make a difference. Starting two months before my medical discharge, volunteering at the hotline gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It allowed me to continue serving the public in a meaningful way outside of the military. Over the past three years, handling nearly one thousand calls and making a positive impact on countless lives has been deeply fulfilling. Each weekend, after my shift, I find peace in knowing that my work might have saved lives and provided critical support to those in my community in need, often my veteran community as well. Currently, I am studying behavioral neuroscience at Columbia University and I hope to continue on to become a doctor, hopefully a psychiatrist with a specialty in working with veteran populations. I am lucky that my military benefits cover most of my school costs but not all. I hope this essay offers a glimpse into my life and demonstrates why I would be a worthy candidate for your scholarship.