Hobbies and interests
Painting and Studio Art
Music
Reading
Tennis
Anime
Hiking And Backpacking
Cooking
Baking
African American Studies
Reading
Fantasy
I read books daily
Ifidon Ikharo
575
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FinalistIfidon Ikharo
575
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
My name is Ifidon Ikharo and I personally believe it is ridiculous to have to prove myself in any way, shape, or form to receive money for education that should be free.
Education
North Carolina Central University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Career
Dream career field:
Mental Health Care
Dream career goals:
Private Practice providing Family and Child Therapy to Black and Brown families.
Summer Counselor
Schoolhouse of Wonder2023 – Present1 year
Sports
Volleyball
Club2023 – Present1 year
Soccer
Club2023 – Present1 year
Tennis
Intramural2021 – Present3 years
Research
Community Organization and Advocacy
Duke and NCCU — Student Researcher2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Stop Hunger Now — Assembly Line Manager2021 – 2022
Social Change Fund United Scholarship
I would like to approach my utopia through the aspect of education. Education was one of the avenues taken by the Black Community for the empowerment and liberation of our people. HBCUs still uphold this fundamental pillar by nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and cultural pride. Along with fostering a legacy of resilience and excellence, they sculpt leaders who ignite positive change and fortify the foundation of our thriving society. I believe they are intrinsic to the success of a utopia where optimal mental health is readily received and a tool for the amelioration of the Black Community.
As a Junior at the illustrious NCCU whose past schools have all been PWI's, I have experienced the profound power of education rooted in a rich cultural heritage. In this utopia, HBCUs are thriving centers of mental health education, producing a cadre of culturally competent mental health professionals. These institutions not only equip students with the clinical skills they need but also instill a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape the mental health landscape of the Black community. I envision a campus where mental health is woven into the very fabric of student life, where counseling services are readily available and destigmatized. Support groups, led by empathetic peers and trained professionals, provide safe spaces for students to share their struggles and triumphs. This environment empowers students to seek help when needed, nurturing a culture of resilience and well-being.
In this utopia, my educational journey extends beyond the classroom. I'm engaged in community outreach programs, providing mental health resources to underserved neighborhoods. Together with fellow students and faculty, we organize workshops that empower parents and caregivers with the tools they need to nurture healthy family dynamics, breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma. As a student majoring in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Family and Child Relations, I'm acutely aware of the profound impact that early intervention can have on mental health outcomes. In this vision, I'm involved in community-based programs that identify and address mental health concerns in children and adolescents. Through play therapy and creative expression, we provide young individuals with a platform to process their emotions and develop crucial coping skills.
My passion for advocacy takes center stage in this utopia. I'm part of a vibrant community of advocates, leveraging our collective voice to effect change. Together, we lobby for increased funding for mental health services and push for policies that dismantle systemic barriers. Our activism isn't confined to campus; it reverberates through local communities, inspiring hope and catalyzing transformation.
This utopian vision is not a distant dream but a tangible reality, shaped by the experiences, aspirations, and determination of a Black college student on a mission. It's a vision where education, cultural competence, community support, and advocacy converge to usher in a new era of mental health and social justice for communities of color. Through accessible, culturally sensitive care, we pave the way for a future where optimal mental health is a birthright, not a privilege. Together, we build a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.