My career goals in the field of social work are to make a positive impact and provide support to individuals, families and communities in need. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help me achieve my goals. It will also provide me with financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies and dedicate myself fully to my chosen career path. This scholarship will not only benefit me personally, but it will also enable me to give back to my community and make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I am confident that I will use this scholarship to make a positive impact on society. I am looking forward to learning and growing with the scholarship and I am excited to use the skills and knowledge I gain to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for this chance to make a difference. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. As a non-traditional student, I have chosen to pursue my education in a different way than the typical college student. I may be older, have work or family responsibilities, or have taken a break from my education before returning to school. This non-traditional path allows me to bring a unique perspective and life experience to my education. Motherhood has taught me patience, selflessness, and unconditional love. It has also shown me the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself, in order to be the best mother I can be. I have learned to be more present and appreciate the little moments in life, as well as the value of hard work and sacrifice for the well-being of my child. Motherhood has also taught me the importance of being a role model and teaching my child important values and lessons for their future. Motherhood has also taught me that there is not right or wrong way to be a mother, meaning there is no handbook given to you at the birth of your child, it’s more of a touch and go situation where u learn how to do things as you grow as a mom. It’s hard when I have to do it on my own but because I am a strong, independent , black woman and a mother I can do anything. Sometimes you can learn from your children. You and your child will grown up together and go through life together.

What is the world without social workers making a difference? I am currently studying at Liberty University to obtain my MSW. My career goals in the field of social work are to make a positive impact and provide support to individuals, families and communities in need. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help me achieve my goals. It will also provide me with financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies and dedicate myself fully to my chosen career path. This scholarship will not only benefit me personally, but it will also enable me to give back to my community and make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I am confident that I will use this scholarship to make a positive impact on society. I am looking forward to learning and growing with the scholarship and I am excited to use the skills and knowledge I gain to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for this chance to make a difference. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so.As a social worker i can make a difference in a child’s life who is enduring unforeseen circumstances at home,Give them the sense that someone does care about their wellbeing. I want to use my skills and knowledge to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those I serve. I believe that I can make a difference and help those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope to those I serve. I want to help create a sense of dignity and self-worth for those who are struggling. I want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I want to be an advocate for those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope. I want to be a force of positive change. I want to be a leader and a role model. I want to be an advocate for justice and fairness. I want to be a voice for those in need. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. Pursuing a master's degree in social work is essential for obtaining licensure as a clinical social worker and gaining the necessary skills and expertise to effectively serve clients. As I pursue my career goals in social work, I am mindful of the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way. Working with vulnerable populations can be emotionally demanding and require resilience, empathy, and self-care. Burnout and compassion fatigue are common risks for social workers, as they navigate complex ethical dilemmas and systemic barriers in their practice. However, with proper supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development, social workers can effectively manage these challenges and continue to make a positive impact on their clients and communities. In conclusion, my career goals in social work align with my passion for social justice, advocacy, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my education, gain valuable experience, and contribute to positive social change. By honoring the legacy of influential figures in the field of social work and embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. As a social worker, I hope to make a positive impact in my community by advocating for and empowering marginalized and vulnerable individuals and groups. I also hope to bring about systemic change through policy work and collaboration with other professionals in the field. My ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and just society for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Social work in the black community is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of promoting social justice and equality. It involves addressing systemic issues such as poverty, discrimination, and access to resources that disproportionately affect black individuals and families. Social workers in this field must be culturally competent and aware of the unique challenges faced by the black community in order to effectively support and empower them. It is a challenging but vital role in creating a more just and equitable society. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship.

I have overcome adversity by staying positive and determined. I remind myself to focus on the lessons and growth that come from challenging situations, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects. Through resilience and perseverance, I’ve been able to overcome challenges and come out stronger on the other side. I will be able to continue my education and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help me achieve my goals. It will also provide me with financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies and dedicate myself fully to my chosen career path. This scholarship will not only benefit me personally, but it will also enable me to give back to my community and make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work. I am looking forward to learning and growing with the scholarship and I am excited to use the skills and knowledge I gain to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. I want to use my skills and knowledge to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those I serve. I believe that I can make a difference and help those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope to those I serve. I want to help create a sense of dignity and self-worth for those who are struggling. I want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope. I want to be a force of positive change. I want to be a leader and a role model. I want to be an advocate for justice and fairness. I want to be a voice for those in need. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. Pursuing a master's degree in social work is essential for obtaining licensure as a clinical social worker and gaining the necessary skills and expertise to effectively serve clients. As I pursue my career goals in social work, I am mindful of the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way. Working with vulnerable populations can be emotionally demanding and require resilience, empathy, and self-care. Burnout and compassion fatigue are common risks for social workers, as they navigate complex ethical dilemmas and systemic barriers in their practice. However, with proper supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development, social workers can effectively manage these challenges and continue to make a positive impact on their clients and communities. In conclusion, my career goals in social work align with my passion for social justice, advocacy, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my education, gain valuable experience, and contribute to positive social change. By honoring the legacy of influential figures in the field of social work and embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship.

My career goals in the field of social work are to make a positive impact and provide support to individuals, families and communities in need. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help me achieve my goals. It will also provide me with financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies and dedicate myself fully to my chosen career path. This scholarship will not only benefit me personally, but it will also enable me to give back to my community and make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work. I am confident that I will use this scholarship to make a positive impact on society. I am looking forward to learning and growing with the scholarship and I am excited to use the skills and knowledge I gain to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for this chance to make a difference. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. I want to use my skills and knowledge to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those I serve. I believe that I can make a difference and help those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope to those I serve. I want to help create a sense of dignity and self-worth for those who are struggling. I want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I want to be a source of inspiration and hope. I want to be a force of positive change. I want to be a leader and a role model. I want to be an advocate for justice and fairness. I want to be a voice for those in need. My career goals in the field of social work are to become a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with children and families in underprivileged communities. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering marginalized individuals and believe that social work is the perfect avenue for me to do so. Pursuing a master's degree in social work is essential for obtaining licensure as a clinical social worker and gaining the necessary skills and expertise to effectively serve clients. As I pursue my career goals in social work, I am mindful of the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way. Working with vulnerable populations can be emotionally demanding and require resilience, empathy, and self-care. Burnout and compassion fatigue are common risks for social workers, as they navigate complex ethical dilemmas and systemic barriers in their practice. However, with proper supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development, social workers can effectively manage these challenges and continue to make a positive impact on their clients and communities. In conclusion, my career goals in social work align with my passion for social justice, advocacy, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my education, gain valuable experience, and contribute to positive social change. By honoring the legacy of influential figures in the field of social work and embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship.

With my degree i plan to open a small mental health clinic for African American young men who can’t talk about their feelings at home because they are taught not to speak about how they feel and keep their emotions bottled up and I am instilling in my son that it’s okay to have big feelings when you just a little person right now. All feelings matter, no matter how big or small your feelings and emotions matter. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others. The mental health of men is even more important because they carry a lot just as women do

Being a mom is hard ,but being a single mom is even harder because everything falls on you. So sometimes you struggle and you have to be the mommy and daddy but you got to push through and do what you have to do to support the life that you created. The reason I want to continue my higher education journey is so this way my son has the opportunities in life that i didn’t have. This journey is creating a better life path for him so he will be successful in life and have a blueprint for what he will be able to accomplish in With my degree i plan to open a small mental health clinic for African American young men who can’t talk about their feelings at home because they are taught not to speak about how they feel and keep their emotions bottled up and I am instilling in my son that it’s okay to have big feelings when you just a little person right now. All feelings matter, no matter how big or small your feelings and emotions matter. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others

Being a mom is hard ,but being a single mom is even harder because everything falls on you. So sometimes you struggle and you have to be the mommy and daddy but you got to push through and do what you have to do to support the life that you created. The reason I want to continue my higher education journey is so this way my son has the opportunities in life that i didn’t have. This journey is creating a better life path for him so he will be successful in life and have a blueprint for what he will be able to accomplish in life. He may only be two years old but that means i just have a little more time to pave the path for him to succeed in life. With my degree i plan to open a small mental health clinic for African American young men who can’t talk about their feelings at home because they are taught not to speak about how they feel and keep their emotions bottled up and I am instilling in my son that it’s okay to have big feelings when you just a little person right now. All feelings matter, no matter how big or small your feelings and emotions matter. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all. After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others

Being a mom is hard ,but being a single mom is even harder because everything falls on you. So sometimes you struggle and you have to be the mommy and daddy but you got to push through and do what you have to do to support the life that you created. The reason I want to continue my higher education journey is so this way my son has the opportunities in life that i didn’t have. This journey is creating a better life path for him so he will be successful in life and have a blueprint for what he will be able to accomplish in life. He may only be two years old but that means i just have a little more time to pave the path for him to succeed in life. With my degree i plan to open a small mental health clinic for African American young men who can’t talk about their feelings at home because they are taught not to speak about how they feel and keep their emotions bottled up and I am instilling in my son that it’s okay to have big feelings when you just a little person right now. All feelings matter, no matter how big or small your feelings and emotions matter. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all. After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others

Living in a single-parent household has undoubtedly shaped my career goals and has motivated me to pursue them relentlessly. Growing up in a single-parent household has instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. It has also provided me with valuable life lessons and experiences that have shaped my aspirations and ambitions. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and sacrifices made by my mother to provide for our family. This experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work and dedication. It has also taught me the importance of having a clear vision and setting clear goals. Living in a single-parent household has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and independence. I have had to take on various roles and responsibilities from a young age, which has taught me how to be resourceful and proactive. This has prepared me for the challenges that come with pursuing my career goals. One of the most significant impacts of living in a single-parent household on my career goals is my desire to empower and support others. Witnessing my mother's struggles has inspired me to become a successful professional who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I firmly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving success, which is why I plan to pursue a career in education. During my time at college, I plan to seize every opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in my chosen field. I will actively participate in class discussions and seek guidance from professors and mentors. Additionally, I will take advantage of internships and volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience and make valuable connections in my field. After college, I plan to pursue a master's degree in education. This will allow me to deepen my understanding of the education system and broaden my skill set. Additionally, I aim to establish a career in teaching at a low-income school or in an underserved community. Living in a single-parent household has not only shaped my career goals but has also taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. Despite the obstacles and challenges I have faced, I have remained determined to succeed. I believe that my experience growing up in a single-parent household has equipped me with the necessary tools and mindset to overcome any obstacles that come my way in the pursuit of my career goals. In conclusion, living in a single-parent household has had a profound effect on my career goals. It has instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. It has also motivated me to pursue a career that empowers and supports others. During my time at college and beyond, I plan to make the most of every opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge, ultimately making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed to have encountered many women who have inspired me and played a vital role in shaping my education and career journey. One such woman in my life who stands out is my mother. Her unwavering support, dedication, and determination have inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do. My mother is a woman of immense strength and resilience. She has always believed in the power of education and has worked tirelessly to ensure that my sister and I received the best possible education. From a young age, I witnessed my mother's unwavering commitment to her education. She worked tirelessly to complete her studies, even while working a full-time job and taking care of our family. My mother's educational achievements have had a profound influence on me. She has instilled in me the value of continuous learning and the importance of pursuing knowledge. Her determination and perseverance have taught me to never give up on my dreams. My mother's example has motivated me to pursue my own education and to strive to excel in my chosen field. In addition to my mother, I have been fortunate to have a mentor who has made a significant impact on my career and education journey. This inspiring woman is a role model who has not only guided me but also supported me throughout my professional journey. My mentor is a passionate and dedicated professional who has achieved tremendous success in her field. She has a true passion for her career and is genuinely interested in helping others reach their full potential. She has consistently gone above and beyond to provide guidance and support to me, both personally and professionally. One of the most valuable things my mentor has done for me is to help me set and reach my goals. She has helped me identify my strengths and areas for improvement and has provided me with valuable advice and resources. With her guidance, I have been able to develop effective strategies and achieve milestones that I never thought possible. Moreover, my mentor has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. She pushes me to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and take risks. Her belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to take risks and venture into new territories. In conclusion, the women who have inspired me on my education and career journey have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. My mother's unwavering support and dedication to her education have taught me to strive for excellence in everything I do. My mentor's passion for her career and commitment to my professional development have provided me with guidance, support, and inspiration to reach my goals. I am forever grateful for the influence and inspiration these incredible women have imparted on me.

1. This is my senior year and I am planning on going for my masters in Fall of 24. Baby boy is growing fast we recently lost a lot of our clothing and furniture due to a water pipe bursting in the apartment next to ours so we are currently displaced but I’m trying everything possible to make ends meet for him. But when we go back in January for the Spring semester of 23 I have 4 classes left to pass until graduation in May. Being a mom is hard ,but being a single mom is even harder because everything falls on you. So sometimes you struggle and you have to be the mommy and daddy but you got to push through and do what you have to do to support the life that you created. The reason I want to continue my higher education journey is so this way my son has the opportunities in life that i didn’t have. This journey is creating a better life path for him so he will be successful in life and have a blueprint for what he will be able to accomplish in life. He may only be two years old but that means i just have a little more time to pave the path for him to succeed in life. 2. To me being a part of the HBCU community means that I am apart of history. I am taking the opportunity to be a part of the legacy that was founded by Episcopal clergy in 1867 for the education of freed slaves. These men and women paved the way for us to make something of ourselves just as they did. I am proud to be attending a HBCU. HBCUs not only offer students a quality education but also culture and history. I love the fact that I can be apart of history and a part of our culture. Being apart of the culture means learning the History and Heritage. Black culture is rooted in the historical experiences of African people and their descendants, including the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and the civil rights movement 3. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others

I am a single mother of a 2 year old little boy, I am a senior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 24 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

I am a single mother of an 2 year old little boy, I am a senior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

Mental health has played a huge role in my life the past couple of years. I started my freshman year of college my anxiety got worse and so did my depression. It was so bad that I begged my mom to let me transfer somewhere closer to home and she said no. She had no idea what i was going through at the school from the stress of classes to the issues i was having with other females on campus and even my roommate. My depression almost got the best of me one night on campus my friend caught me about to start cutting again because i didn’t know know to deal with the stress and the bullying that i was going through at the time. I switched roommates about 3 times because each situation was worst than the last one. The separation anxiety from being away from my family and just the anxiety from being on my own broke my spirit. But then i found groups on campus that were religious and it brought me closer to god. I started praise dancing and joined a group called IOP where we ministered the songs of Zion. My mental health issues have made me who i am today and made me change my path of study from Elementary Education to Psychology. I have seen family members go through the same things that I went through and it was a bit different for them because of their gender. So knowing what they went through because of the gender card also made me change my major so I can be someone who makes a difference in the field of psychology. As a male he was told to suck it up and let stuff roll off his back like a duck in water. His mental health was not taken seriously, and he tragically took his own life because nobody took his mental health seriously when she would talk about his feelings. I now have a 1 year old little boy that is my pride and joy. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I’ll use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. The stereotype for a man lis to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all. They are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These morals are what I will instill into my son when he can understand his feelings and can express himself to myself or others.

I have over come many adversities through out my college career. I have been betrayed by ones I called friends that could have landed me in a position of being incarcerated for something I had no involvement with whatsoever. I got away from those people and I started working on myself and focusing on school instead of hanging out, partying and living the stereotypical college lifestyle. I missed deans list by a hair my first semester of freshman year of college. Ever since the Spring Semester of 2018 to this current semester I have made Deans list and Provost list multiple times. Another adversity that I have over come is loosing my grandmother. She was my light , the rope to that pulled the rock out of the hard palace. She would act as my paper editor for my reports to make sure I had the best possible outcome. She was my favorite person in the world, she always made sure that my mental health was always in tact. So when I graduate I will make sure that I can be that for others. I will continue that legacy of her caring about one’s mental health with my degree and give back to my community. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. The general stereotype for a man according to society is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". These young boys will know that it is okay for them to feel emotions. I am ready to work hard to my this dream happen because I have a 18 month old son and he will know that his emotions and feelings matter. He will know that it is okay to express yourself anyway you see fit that is not violent toward people or animals. Right now he is a little person with big feelings, I never want him to be a big person with little feelings because society say’s because he’s a man he can’t show how he feels. Society creates these boundaries for the young men of the world who try to uphold these misogynistic beliefs. My degree will go to great use. The overall goal is to make sure that every young black male or female can be who they are and have a strong mental health. Mental health is more important than these designer clothes or shoes or cars. You can become depressed because your mental health is not in a good place because of negativity around you. This space will allow no negativity only positivity around the minds of the people who come to the center for help.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others. These events have influenced me to make a change because I want my son to be able to have the same experience as the little white boy next to him in the classroom. As a black boy in America he has a target on his back and he is automatically stereotyped because of the color of his skin and i will not sit back and let this cycle of oppression and racism and affirmative action to keep going. Especially if I can be the one to help make that change starting in my own child’s life because he will then help create an example for the next little black boy down the block or in the same classroom as him. There were many of times where I was a victim for racism in the classroom. I’ve had teachers tell me I would never be anything in life , I wouldn’t even graduate from high school because i was dumb. This was coming from an African American female teacher but she constantly praised the little white children in the class. It kind of sucked because i was the only black child in the classroom. So I’m going to take my experiences and help other young children overcome the stereotypes that are placed on them from the moment they come through that birth canal based on the color of their skin. Especially the little black boys of my community.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

An unpopular opinion that i have is that mental health of young men in the black community is not talked about enough, accepted, or even considered to be an issue that needs to be talked about . I am a single mother of a 1 year old little boy, I am also a senior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

What inspires me in my community is the lack of mental health resources that are provided to the black community. The mental health of our young black men to be exact.I have a son who is a little black boy that will grow into a young man and his mental health is another reason that inspires me to help my community. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother, I am terrified to send my son into a world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them if are they okay or anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. The stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation, I plan to start a non-profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgment attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to me or others.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. I struggle with anxiety and chronic depression and still dealing with postpartum depression and bipolar disorder and multiple personality disorder as well. Trying to deal with my mental illnesses is hard when you’re in school and recently had a baby. Especially when you’re a single mom and everything is on you. I’ve learned that I just need to take it one step at a time. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for adolescents to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. Especially the African American men in society.The stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the African American community that crying or showing emotion makes you weak. After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others. I will use my mental illnesses to help other cope and make changes to their lives to overcome the obstacles of mental illness because u is is a topic that is very under looked when it comes to a persons health it’s always just assessing their physical health not their mental or psychological health. Dealing with these illnesses and having a child is not easy because you don’t think about yourself but you think about your child and how your mental health is affecting them because you are their first teachers in life. God forbid my son does carry a gene of mind of mental illness but if he does carry that gene i will be there to guide him through it and others as well if they need it.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that if his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I have help from the village that I do have around me, and I am so very grateful for them. I do not think that I would have made it as far as I have from 2018 starting at a school that was in the middle of nowhere to transferring to a new school, changing majors a few times and then getting pregnant at 21 and still deciding to finish school without taking time off. Having a son is wonderful, but having a Black son is terrifying because of the world we live in. Young black boys aren't able to just walk around free and do as they please. They have a target on their backs just because of the color of their skin. As a mother I am terrified to send my son into the world that is so hateful towards people who have a little more pigmentation than the person to their right or left. These young men's cognitive state is never in question when the police pull guns on them or their peers. No one asks them are they okay and anything, the first comment from anyone even elders in the black community is " what did you do for them to target you" or " they must have been doing something" when in all actuality all they are guilty of is walking while black. So, I plan to give back to the community once I obtain my degree. Giving back to the community is a priority but giving back to the Black community is an even bigger priority. Giving back to the black community is important because there are not many things given to the black community especially the young men in the community. I am a psychology major, and I plan to use my degree to start programs for African American adolescent males to help them express their feelings and get an understanding of their mental health. They stereotype for a man in general is to be strong and not show emotions at all. It is a general idea in the male mind that crying or showing emotion makes them weak and not a man at all, sometimes they are told to "stop being a sissy and stop all that crying". After graduation I plan to start a non- profit organization that allows young black men to come and express how they feel with no judgement attached to them. This program will also allow them to learn about their mental health as well. We will teach them that mental health doesn't make you a sissy or weak, we will teach that their mental health is important, and they are also important. These will be the morals and mission statement of the program. These morals are also what I will instill into my son when he is old enough to understand his feelings and be able to express himself to myself or others.

I am a single mother of a 6-month-old little boy, I am also a junior at Saint Augustine's University in North Carolina majoring in psychology. I am hard working and just trying to excel in life and become successful enough to put my son through school when it's his time. I want to be able to show him that If his mommy goes to school full time while being pregnant during the spring of 22 semester and pushed forward and graduated with him on my hip and show him that he wasn't a setback or a mistake. I want him to know he helped me get through the tough years of school. I want to be able to help young students who are in the same situation I found myself in last semester which resulted in the greatest blessing. I want to be able to be that role model for my son when it is time for him to go to school and he is struggling and ready to give up he can look back and say " my Mommy didn't give up so I'm not either" The only thing that stands in the way of my future is myself doubt when it comes to certain things, I get frustrated and be ready to give up with the task at hand. To remove this block from my success I plan to push harder and become a better scholar. I also plan to change my study habits. I plan to not wait so late to study and not cram before a test or exam. I will get rid of all the distractions when it comes to study time. I also plan to study longer and come up with a different method to help me study. I have a proficient way of studying but I feel as though I can improve my methods and it will be beneficial to myself and others who plan to come to my study groups. My study groups have been successful and my peers that have attended them have done well in classes that they were struggling with, and I was able to help them pass the class with flying colors according to the professors who were instructing the class commended me for starting a study group for those who wanted to participate and actually benefit them. So my plan to change my study habit can possibly help other and myself.