Receiving this scholarship would have a profound impact on my education, future career, and ability to give back to my community. It would ease the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and community involvement without the added stress of financial constraints. My family has always encouraged me to pursue higher education, and this scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also ensure that I can fully invest in opportunities that will prepare me for a meaningful career in psychology. Beyond financial relief, this scholarship represents an investment in my long term goal of becoming a licensed psychologist specializing in mental health advocacy. Growing up, I witnessed how mental health struggles could impact individuals and families, yet conversations about these challenges were often avoided. My mother’s experience with depression during the pandemic made me realize how essential mental health support is, especially in communities where seeking help is often stigmatized. These experiences fueled my passion for psychology and my determination to be a resource for those who feel unheard. With this scholarship, I will be able to take full advantage of research opportunities, internships, and community outreach programs that will strengthen my understanding of mental health care. These experiences will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve underrepresented communities and advocate for increased access to mental health resources. I want to work not only in a clinical setting but also in community outreach programs that promote education and early intervention for mental health challenges. My ultimate goal is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community by creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable seeking help. I hope to develop mentorship programs that connect young people with professionals who understand their struggles and can offer guidance and support. In the long term, I also want to advocate for policies that make mental health care more affordable and accessible to those who need it most. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance, it is a key stepping stone toward my ability to create meaningful change. It will allow me to focus on my education, develop as a leader in mental health advocacy, and ultimately give back to the communities that shaped me. With an opportunity like this, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my dream of helping others heal, while growing, and take control of their futures.

Growing up, my family instilled in me the importance of resilience, hard work, and community. I come from a background where mental health was not often discussed, yet I witnessed firsthand how deeply it can impact a person’s life. My mother struggled with depression during the pandemic, and my cousin’s battle with addiction after losing his mother changed the course of his life. Seeing someone I admired lose himself to untreated mental health struggles was heartbreaking, but it also ignited a passion in me to make a difference. These experiences motivated me to pursue an education in psychology. I want to help normalize mental health conversations within the Black community, where stigma often prevents people from seeking the support they need. I’ve personally seen how unaddressed trauma can alter the course of someone’s life, and I believe that with the right resources, support, and understanding, people can heal and regain control of their futures. Education is my gateway to making this impact. I plan to earn a degree in psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed psychologist specializing in mental health advocacy for underrepresented communities. I want to create safe spaces for people to share their struggles without fear of judgment and work toward solutions that acknowledge both cultural and personal challenges. Beyond that, I hope to contribute to changing the narrative around mental health, whether through community outreach, policy changes, or clinical work. I want to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a guide for those who feel lost. This education is more than just a path to a career for me, it’s a mission to help others find strength in their struggles, just as I have.

I am an active member of my community and have a strong passion for helping others. I have been involved in Tutoring Tots, where I help young students improve their academic skills and build confidence in their learning. I have also volunteered for events like back-to-school drives, ensuring children have the necessary supplies to succeed. Giving back to my community has always been important to me, and I take every opportunity to support those in need. As I enter higher education, financial support is a significant concern for me. My family has always worked hard to provide for me, but the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses is a major challenge. I plan to work part-time while in school, but even with a job, affording college will be difficult. Receiving financial assistance would allow me to focus more on my studies and continue my commitment to community service without the overwhelming burden of student debt. One of the ways I help keep children and youth safe in my community is by promoting kindness and inclusion. As a tutor, I encourage students to be supportive of one another and to speak up if they see someone being treated unfairly. I also educate younger students about the importance of respecting others and treating everyone with kindness, both in person and online. Creating a positive environment where children feel safe and valued is essential in preventing bullying. Cyberbullying is a growing concern, and I believe awareness and education are key to protecting young people online. I encourage students to be cautious about what they share on social media and to report any harmful behavior they experience or witness. Teaching children about privacy settings, blocking negative influences, and seeking help from trusted adults can make a big difference. I also remind them that words have power and that online interactions should be respectful, just like in real life. In addition to direct support, I advocate for safe online spaces by sharing resources and encouraging schools and organizations to address cyberbullying. Schools should provide guidance on digital responsibility, and parents should stay informed about their children’s online activities. By working together as a community, we can create a safer environment for children both online and offline. Overall, my community involvement has shaped me into a compassionate and responsible individual. I believe in the importance of education, kindness, and safety, and I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can. Financial support for my education would allow me to continue this work and expand my ability to help others. My goal is to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference, and I am committed to using my education and experiences to give back to my community.

Mental health has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. My experiences with it have influenced the way I see the world, how I navigate relationships, and the career path I want to pursue. Through personal struggles and witnessing the effects of mental health challenges on those around me, I’ve learned that taking care of the mind is just as important as taking care of the body. One of the biggest moments that changed my perspective on mental health was losing my Nana in eighth grade. She was one of the most important people in my life, and her passing hit me harder than I expected. At first, I didn’t know how to deal with the grief. I felt numb, unmotivated, and disconnected from everything, and my grades started slipping because I just didn’t have the energy to care. I didn’t recognize it as depression at the time, I just knew that something felt off. It wasn’t until I turned to prayer that I started to feel like myself again. That experience taught me the importance of acknowledging emotions instead of suppressing them. It also made me realize that mental health struggles aren’t always obvious, which has made me more empathetic toward others who may be suffering in silence. My understanding of mental health deepened even more during the pandemic when I watched my mom struggle with depression. The uncertainty of everything took a toll on her, and I could see how much it affected her daily life. It was hard watching someone I love go through that, and it made me wish there were more accessible resources and conversations about mental health, especially in the Black community. Seeing her eventually push through and prioritize her well being was inspiring, but it also reinforced my belief that mental health support shouldn’t be something people have to figure out alone. These experiences have shaped not only my beliefs but also how I approach relationships. I’ve become more intentional about checking in on the people I care about, knowing that someone can look fine on the outside while struggling internally. I also value open communication and emotional support more than ever because I know how much of a difference it can make when someone feels heard and understood. At the same time, I’ve learned to set boundaries and protect my own peace, recognizing that my mental well being is just as important as anyone else’s. All of this has influenced my decision to pursue a career in psychology. I want to help normalize conversations about mental health, particularly in communities where it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Too many people suffer in silence because they feel like they have to be "strong" or because they don’t have access to the right resources. I want to change that by becoming a psychologist who not only provides support but also works to break the stigma surrounding mental health. My journey with mental health has shaped me in ways I never expected. It has taught me resilience, deepened my compassion for others, and given me a clear sense of purpose. I know firsthand how much mental health impacts every aspect of life, and I’m committed to using my experiences to help others find the support and understanding they deserve.

From a young age, my stepfather made sure I understood the importance of budgeting and saving money. He didn’t just tell me why financial responsibility mattered, he showed me. When I was a kid, he helped me divide my allowance into three categories: savings, spending, and giving. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I just wanted to use my money for whatever I wanted at the moment. But over time, I realized that having a plan for my money helped me stay in control rather than feeling like I never had enough. One of the first big lessons he taught me was how to distinguish between needs and wants. If I wanted something expensive, he encouraged me to save up for it instead of expecting it right away. That mindset stuck with me, and as I got older, I became more intentional with my spending. In high school, I got my first job as a cashier at Wendy’s, and that was my first real taste of managing my own income. I applied what I learned as a kid by setting aside a portion of every paycheck for savings instead of spending it all immediately. Because of this, I never found myself completely broke, and I developed a habit of thinking ahead financially. Aside from budgeting, I also became aware of how financial struggles can impact people’s lives. Seeing how financial instability and emotional struggles could derail someone’s potential made me even more determined to stay on top of my own financial well-being. Looking ahead, I plan to use what I’ve learned about finances to set myself up for success. I want to build good credit, avoid unnecessary debt, and develop multiple streams of income. My long-term goal is to become a psychologist and work to make mental health more accessible in the Black community. Financial security will play a big role in that because I want to be in a position where I can support myself without feeling overwhelmed by money stress. I also want to be able to help my family if they ever need it. I’ve seen firsthand how financial struggles can affect people mentally and emotionally. That’s why I believe having financial literacy is just as important as any other life skill. Thanks to the lessons my stepfather taught me early on, I’ve been able to develop a responsible mindset with money, and I plan to keep applying those lessons as I work toward my future goals.

Mental health is something many people struggle with but don’t always talk about. My mom’s battle with depression during the pandemic made me realize just how important mental health is and how it affects our lives. Watching her go through such a tough time opened my eyes to how much mental health can shape someone’s identity and everyday life. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in psychology and has also changed the way I look at relationships and the world. During the pandemic, my mom, who had always been strong, began struggling with depression. Seeing her in pain made me understand how serious mental health issues can be. It motivated me to want to help others who face similar challenges. I decided to study psychology because I want to help people talk openly about their mental health and reduce the stigma, especially in communities like the Black community, where mental health is often not discussed. This experience also changed how I approach relationships. I’ve become more compassionate and understanding of what others might be going through. I’ve learned that people’s struggles with mental health may not always be obvious, and offering support can make a big difference. I try to be there for others in a way that shows I understand and care, even if they don’t speak about their struggles. Seeing my mom go through depression also helped me understand that mental health affects everyone and should be treated with the same importance as physical health. I now believe that mental health care should be more accessible and that we should talk about it openly to help reduce stigma. This experience has made me want to help change how people view mental health and work toward making support more available to everyone. In conclusion, watching my mom deal with depression has deeply impacted me. It inspired me to study psychology, improved my relationships with others, and gave me a new perspective on how important mental health is. I want to help others understand and take care of their mental health so they can live better lives.

I’ve always been someone who listens when people need to talk, and I’ve noticed how much it can help someone just to feel heard. Over the years, I’ve been there for my friends and family during tough times, offering a shoulder to lean on and encouraging them to open up about what they’re feeling. Whether it’s helping a friend deal with anxiety before a big exam or supporting a family member through a difficult situation, I’ve realized how important emotional support can be. One of the most impactful ways I’ve tried to help others is by normalizing conversations about mental health. In my friend group, I’ve made it a point to remind people that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that asking for help doesn’t make them weak. I’ve even encouraged friends to seek professional help when they need it, and seeing them take that step has been incredibly rewarding. Through my studies and future career, I plan to take this passion for helping others to the next level. I’m inspired to become a psychologist so I can provide the tools and guidance people need to navigate life’s challenges. I want to work in communities where mental health resources are limited, making sure that people who need help can access it without fear of judgment or stigma. I believe in creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and finding hope. My goal is to specialize in helping individuals cope with grief, trauma, and addiction areas that I’ve seen affect those closest to me. I want to be the person who helps others realize that their pain doesn’t define them and that it’s possible to heal and move forward. By combining my education with empathy and understanding, I hope to make a real difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, I believe that supporting others starts with being willing to listen and care. I’ve seen how much of a difference small acts of kindness and understanding can make, and I’m committed to building a career where I can continue to provide that support on a larger scale.

My cousin was always the one everyone in the family looked up to. He was a Division 2 basketball player on his way to making it to Division 1. On top of that, he got great grades and seemed like he had it all together. As kids, we were constantly compared to him because he was such a good example of what success looked like. I admired him so much and wanted to follow in his footsteps. But everything changed during his sophomore year of high school. His mom passed away, and it completely crushed him. He started smoking weed and popping pills, trying to deal with the pain. At first, it seemed like he was just struggling a little, but things got worse over time. He began failing his classes, and eventually, he quit basketball altogether. The sport that used to mean everything to him didn’t seem to matter anymore. Instead of graduating on time, he ended up finishing two years late. Now, my cousin is nothing like the person I grew up admiring. He still pops pills and looks so different from how he used to. Even the way he acts has changed. He barely comes around the family anymore, and he’s missed all of our reunions. It hurts so much to see him like this because I know how much potential he had. He could have done so many great things, but his life took such a hard turn. Seeing my cousin go through this has changed the way I see things. It made me realize how important mental health is and how much it affects everything else in life. His struggles weren’t just about the pills or the weed it was about the pain he was carrying from losing his mom and not having the support he needed to deal with it. That’s why I want to become a psychologist. I want to help people who are dealing with things like this, people who feel like they’re alone in their struggles. Mental health is such a big deal, but in a lot of families and communities, it’s something we don’t talk about enough. I want to change that. I want to make sure that people know it’s okay to ask for help and that they don’t have to go through hard times by themselves. My cousin’s story is what inspires me the most. Every time I think about how much he’s been through, it pushes me to work harder so I can make a difference. I want to help people before things get too hard for them to handle, so they don’t have to lose themselves the way my cousin did. His story is sad, but it’s also the reason I’m so passionate about what I want to do in the future.

When I was five, my aunt passed away suddenly. After that, my cousin moved in with us, and things changed a lot at home. It was hard for both of us to adjust. She was upset about losing her mom, and she took out her anger on me. We argued a lot, and at school, where my mom couldn’t step in, she would pick on me even more. It was tough because my mom, who was raising me alone, now had to take care of my cousin too. My mom had to work longer hours to support us, so she wasn’t home much. She left early and came back late, so we didn’t see her a lot. It was hard for her to help us solve our problems. I felt alone and confused, and my cousin’s grief made everything harder for me to understand. Eventually, my cousin started going to therapy. I didn’t really know what therapy was, but I noticed that it helped her. She started to act differently and was less angry. I decided to try therapy too, and it ended up helping me in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me how to understand my feelings and deal with the problems we were having. Over time, my cousin and I became close. We stopped fighting and started to support each other. This experience made me want to become a psychologist. Seeing how therapy helped my cousin and me made me realize how important mental health support is. I want to help people, especially in the Black community, where mental health is not always talked about or accepted. Going to college is the first step to achieving my goal, but it’s expensive. My mom has always worked hard to take care of me, but money has always been tight. This scholarship would help take some of the financial pressure off and allow me to focus on my education. It would help me get closer to my dream of becoming a psychologist and helping others the way therapy helped me.

A Passion for Psychology and Community Impact - Karleigh Sumler At 17 years old, I am a high school student with a deep passion for psychology and community outreach. From a young age, I have always aspired to make a difference in the world around me. Whether it was volunteering at school events or helping neighbors in small ways, I’ve always felt a sense of fulfillment when contributing to my community. Over time, that desire has evolved into a focus on understanding people and finding ways to address the challenges they face. Growing up, I was fascinated by the human brain. I remember watching documentaries about how the brain works and being amazed by its complexity. At first, I wanted to become a neurosurgeon. I was drawn to the idea of studying the brain’s physical structure and finding ways to help people recover from injuries or diseases. However, as I got older, my perspective began to shift. I started noticing how mental health struggles were affecting the people around me, especially in the Black community. It was heartbreaking to see how issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma often went unnoticed or untreated due to stigma and a lack of resources. Conversations about mental health were rare, and when they did happen, they were often dismissed or misunderstood. That’s when I realized that my true interest wasn’t just in the physical brain but in the psychological and emotional aspects of how people think and feel. This realization led me to explore psychology, and I quickly became passionate about it. I want to help normalize conversations about mental health, especially in the Black community, where it’s often overlooked. I believe that understanding the mind is just as important as understanding the body, and I want to be part of the change that makes mental health care more accessible and acceptable. My dream is to become a psychologist who not only helps individuals but also works to create programs and initiatives that educate and empower communities. I want to provide a safe space for people to express themselves and find healing. I believe that mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, and I am determined to make an impact by helping others understand its importance. Through psychology and community outreach, I hope one day to inspire change and contribute to a better future where mental health is a top priority for everyone.

My Journey from Saxophone to Piano- Karleigh Sumler I started playing the saxophone in 4th grade, and honestly, I didn’t think much of it at first. I joined band because it seemed fun, and the saxophone just looked cool. At the beginning, it was all about learning the basics how to hold the instrument, how to make a sound, and how to read music. It started to seem repetitive but as I progressed, I started to get the hang of it. Over time, though, I started to enjoy it more. I liked the way the music came together and how it felt to actually play songs. When I got to high school, I joined the marching band right away. I was so excited to be part of something bigger. Marching band was a huge commitment, but it was worth it. Spending hours practicing in the heat, memorizing music, and learning how to move in sync with the group was tough, but it also taught me how to push myself. My section became like a second family, and I learned the importance of teamwork and showing up for the people counting on me. I stayed in band for three years, and it became a big part of who I was. Every game, competition, and parade reminded me why I loved music. But by my junior year, I started feeling like I wanted something different. I still loved playing the saxophone, but I wanted to try something new, something that was more of a challenge. That’s when I decided to start learning piano. Switching to piano during my senior year was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. At first, it was so frustrating. Playing with both hands felt impossible, and I kept messing up the rhythm. But the more I practiced, the more I fell in love with it. Unlike band, where I was always part of a group, playing piano felt personal. It was just me and the keys, and I could express whatever I was feeling through the music. Now, I can’t imagine my life without the piano. It’s become my favorite way to relax and be creative. I’ll always be grateful for my time in marching band it shaped who I am, taught me so much, and pushed me to grow. But piano has opened up a whole new side of music for me, and I love it more than anything.

When my Nana passed away during my 8th-grade year, it was one of the hardest things I’d ever gone through. My Nana and I were really close, and I loved her deeply. She was one of the most important people in my life, and I always felt safe and happy around her. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself, and I didn’t know how to handle it. I was overwhelmed by sadness and didn’t feel motivated to do anything, including my schoolwork. My grades started to slip because I was too depressed to focus or care. I felt like I was carrying a weight that was too heavy to lift on my own. At first, I didn’t know how to move forward. Everything felt hopeless, and I couldn’t see a way out of the pain. But then, I decided to turn to prayer. I had always believed in God, but during that time, I started praying more sincerely, asking Him for strength to get through the days. I prayed every night, asking God to help me find peace with my Nana’s passing and give me the strength to keep going, even when it felt impossible. Through prayer, I began to feel like I wasn’t alone in my struggle and that God was with me, guiding me through the darkness. As I continued to pray, I slowly felt a shift within myself. My faith gave me a sense of comfort, like I was supported by something greater than myself. It was a reminder that I didn’t have to face everything on my own. With time, I came to terms with my Nana’s death, and while I still missed her deeply, I began to feel a sense of peace. I realized that she would want me to keep going, to try my best and not give up on school or myself. As I became more grounded in my faith, I found that I could focus better on my studies. My grades started to improve, and I felt proud of myself for working through such a difficult time. I knew my nana would be proud of me as well. Losing my Nana taught me that faith can be a powerful tool in overcoming life’s challenges. Through this experience, I learned that while hardships are bound to happen, having faith and trusting in God’s plan can help us find strength to keep moving forward.

In the Black community, mental health issues are often overlooked or not taken seriously. There’s a strong stigma around discussing feelings or admitting to struggles, and many people believe that showing emotions or seeking help is a sign of weakness. This belief creates pressure to handle everything on one’s own, and it reinforces the idea that therapy is only for people with severe problems. Unfortunately, this mindset can discourage people in the Black community from speaking openly about mental health challenges, and it stops many from seeking help or counseling when they’re struggling. I want to become a psychologist because I believe it’s essential to help change this mindset. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and everyone should feel comfortable taking care of it. I want to work toward making therapy feel normal and acceptable in the Black community, and I want to help people realize that it’s okay to reach out for support. Life can be difficult, especially with issues like family problems, job stress, or even discrimination and inequality. Therapy provides a safe place for people to understand their feelings, cope with stress, and improve their mental well-being, and everyone deserves access to that kind of support. In my career, I hope to break down the stigma around mental health by spreading awareness, educating others, and making therapy feel accessible and relevant. It’s important to have mental health professionals who understand their clients’ backgrounds, cultures, and struggles. Sometimes it can be hard to relate to a therapist who doesn’t understand your experiences, so I want to bring that cultural understanding into my work. This way, people in the Black community can feel that their concerns and feelings are genuinely understood. I believe that if more people in the Black community hear about therapy’s benefits and see others embracing it, they’ll start to feel more comfortable with it themselves. I want to be part of the movement that shows therapy as a regular part of self-care, like exercise or eating well. By making mental health support more common and accessible, I hope to create a future where people don’t feel ashamed to seek help. Everyone deserves a space to feel supported and heard. Through this work, I want to help people realize that caring for their mental health is a vital part of their overall well-being and that there’s no shame in getting help when need be.