All my life I was not aware of my mental disability. In many African American homes, mental health was never a topic of discussion. It was until the year 2020, that my knowledge expanded in regards to mental health. When my psychiatrist explained to me the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and recurrent depression I instantly reflected on my childhood. There were many times where I would struggle to focus and had to reread a paragraph multiple times and continue to not understand what I was reading. Also, I had days where I felt extremely unhappy and I had no control over it. As a student, I struggled so intensely, I always felt as if I had to work 20 times harder just to get by. It was difficult; however, it is through my experience that I strive for the purposes I have in the present day. Before my knowledge of mental health, my relationships did suffer in different periods of my life. There would be times that my loved ones would want to spend time with me or even talk to me, but I did not have the energy to leave out of my room due to my depression. It was difficult for others to understand because I wanted to be left alone for long periods and it negatively impacted the people I hold close to my heart. My emotions internally got so negative that I had to seek psychiatric counseling to assist in regulating negative emotions. My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs and career aspirations because it gave me the ability to understand others in a different but essential way. My career aspiration includes being a Registered Nurse. It is my experience with mental health that influences me to care for my future patients with diligence, empathy, and patience. I want to strive to understand and care for each patient individually and holistically, as opposed to trying to provide a quick fix. Because the truth is with health in general, there are no quick fixes. Health requires consistent work from the patients and the health care providers. Since I am a mental health patient, I know how it feels to desire to get the best care possible. Therefore, it is my goal to be able to allow mental health patients and others to be cared for most beneficially. Despite these challenges that I currently encounter, I continue to challenge myself to reach my full potential. My current goals are obtaining my associate’s degree in nursing and obtaining enough scholarship funds to fully cover my expenses. These goals require consistency, hard work, and determination, and I am currently doing all I can to accomplish these goals. Through my life and actions, my future goal would be to show others that nothing is impossible and that they can beat the odds regardless of what those odds are. I am fully aware that my mental disability could make my goals more difficult to accomplish. Despite this knowledge, I refuse to allow it to be an obstacle. I want people to see my life and tell themselves if she can reach her goals so can I!

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My goals for becoming a nurse can be summarized in two words: giving back. I desire to give back to my community whether that is through time or funds. Even though I am currently deciding what specialty of nursing I would want to be in, I committed myself to help others. I decided that I will not wait until I become a nurse to help others: I am doing things currently to keep that commitment. In this year alone I have given back to my community such as donating locally and volunteering time at organizations such as St. Andrews Mission. By doing this I am fulfilling a goal that will be accomplished throughout my nursing career, which is helping others and giving back. My goals for being a nurse include giving back to my community and helping others in any way I can. And while achieving my goals, I want to share my story to encourage others to never give up on their journey. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have learned that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. It is through my failure that I found inspiration to pursue a nursing degree.

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My goals for becoming a nurse can be summarized in two words: giving back. I desire to give back to my community whether that is through time or funds. Even though I am currently deciding what specialty of nursing I would want to be in, I committed myself to help others. I decided that I will not wait until I become a nurse to help others: I am doing things currently to keep that commitment. In this year alone I have given back to my community such as donating locally and volunteering time at organizations such as St. Andrews Mission. By doing this I am fulfilling a goal that will be accomplished throughout my nursing career, which is helping others and giving back. My goals for being a nurse include giving back to my community and helping others in any way I can. And while achieving my goals, I want to share my story to encourage others to never give up on their journey. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have learned that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. It is through my failure that I found inspiration to pursue a nursing degree.

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My mental health affected my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world because it challenged me to consistently work on these areas of my life. Through self-awareness, I began to learn that there are intentional steps I have to take to maintain my mental health. For instance, I currently attend therapy to discuss my depression. It is through therapy that I can healthily reflect on my past and take tangible steps to be better in the present. In addition to attending therapy, I focus on exercising and my nutrition to assist in regulating my emotions. By deciding to eat healthier foods and going for walks, I can cope with my feelings more healthily. These steps are very effective in understanding myself and redirecting the negative emotions that I previously had. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. Due to understanding the importance of mental health, I was able to take intentional steps to be mindful of my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

All my life I was not aware of my mental disability. In many African American homes, mental health was never a topic of discussion. It was until the year 2020, that my knowledge expanded in regards to mental health. When my psychiatrist explained to me the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and recurrent depression I instantly reflected on my childhood. There were many times where I would struggle to focus and had to reread a paragraph multiple times and continue to not understand what I was reading. Also, I had days where I felt extremely unhappy and I had no control over it. As a student, I struggled so intensely, I always felt as if I had to work 20 times harder just to get by. It was difficult; however, it is through my experience that I strive to accomplish my goals despite my mental illness. Before my knowledge of mental health, my relationships did suffer in different periods of my life. There would be times that my loved ones would want to spend time with me or even talk to me, but I did not have the energy to leave out of my room due to my depression. It was difficult for others to understand because I wanted to be left alone for long periods and it negatively impacted the people I hold close to my heart. My emotions internally got so negative that I had to seek psychiatric counseling to assist in regulating negative emotions. My journey with mental illness has been challenging and surprisingly common. Many people have mental health problems and choose to not get help for them because of the stigma behind mental health. The impact I want to achieve in my lifetime is to show others that it is okay to discuss mental health and one can be successful despite these challenges. I want people to look at my life and be able to say if she can reach her goals so can I!

When I think of a role model, I think of someone who affected my life in such a positive way that I am required to change my actions and view life differently. My mother is the epitome of the previous description. My mother is my role model because she has taught me how to deal and maneuver through life with her actions. Her actions include giving and supporting those who are in need and not allowing other people’s opinion to control her life. When I am facing a dilemma, I think about how my mother may react and I follow suit. She is an amazing role model because even in opposition; she remains strong. One reason my mother is my role model is because she always gives and supports members of her community. For instance, when a family within our community is in bereavement from loss of a loved one, my mother offers support by going to the family’s house giving them food, a case of water, and monetary donations. If anyone invites her to an event or asks her to donate, she is quick to give. Usually, it is difficult to find help when needed. My mother is such a pillar in the community, she can ask nearly anyone she knows for anything and she gets the supports she needs instantly. That is how much she gives to others. It is through watching my mother give that I became generous. In this year alone I have donated to organizations such as Transformation Church and the Wesley Foundation because these organizations assist those who are in need, just as my mother does within her community. In addition, I learned through my mother not to live based on other people’s opinions. My mother has lived in a home for over twenty years. However, throughout the years, many people told her she needs to move out of the neighborhood she is living in. One time one of her closest friends stood in her living room and said,” my swimming pool is bigger than this living room.” This hurt my mother so badly because she did not like the location of where she was living, but she knew she could not afford to move. Instead of allowing other people to dictate how she lived her life, she continued to live in the house. A few years later, she was able to pay for the home in full and have complete ownership of it. This is only one example of the many times someone mistreated her. It is through watching her strength and poise when dealing with opposition that I can gain strength as well. Today, I no longer try to live based on one’s opinion of my decisions. Ironically, I experienced the same type of judgement from a former close friend. My former friend told me I am too emotional to be a nurse. It could have easily caused a lot of damage to me mentally because I valued her opinion. However, as I reflect on my mother’s life I could decide to live my life unapologetically and continue to pursue my nursing degree. One last, but important lesson I learned from my mother is to put God first. When I look at her life, there were plenty of times where she could have given up, but she prayed and God continued to make a way in her life. I truly believe that is what God is doing for me. This year has been a tough year for me, I learned a lot of things about myself that I did not know before. However, I believe that God is making a way for me to have everything I need. If I continue to give, not focus on other’s opinion, and seek God there are no limits to what I can do. Doing these things will allow me to be a role model for someone else, just as my mother is for me.

The song that inspires me is MoonZz-Navigator with restless Modern. My playlist is a list of the upbeat songs that I like to listen to. These songs help me push harder when I am running. When I run, sometimes I have a moment where I want to stop, but these songs push me to keep going.

1. In school there is always a lot to do, the best thing to do is just start. #OneDay #One Step 2. When you feel like you can wear anything you want to school #ComeAsYouAre #NotQuite 3. When you thought you were going to past your finals

My name is Kayla Coston, and I have a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and I am currently majoring in Nursing at Southwest Mississippi Community College. I will graduate in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree. Also, I desire to have a tax preparation business. It is through this business that I will educate and inform others about the importance of financial literacy. The principal task I desire to achieve during my lifetime is to help individuals become the best version of themselves through education of health and financial wellness. I believe healthy living is not merely appearing fit; it is about having a healthy mindset. If one’s mind is detrimental, their goals will never be attainable. I had to change my way of thinking before anything can happen on the scale. I previously believed that my diet and exercise plan had to be perfect and consistent. I would be so self-critical when I cheated on my diet or if I missed a workout day. These moments stunted my progress and eventually made me completely revert to dangerous habits. My primary health goal is to eat healthier, wholesome foods focusing mainly on eating more vegetables. I achieve my goal daily by tracking what I eat through a phone application called my fitness pal. It is through my fitness pal I track how many calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients that I consume daily. Doing this has had a positive impact on my mental state. I have more energy to do everyday tasks and I no longer feel sluggish after eating a meal. Also, I have lost 15 pounds so far and became more confident when I wear certain clothes. In the present day, I am nowhere near as hard on myself as I was in prior years. I see healthy living as a journey, not a destination. I have days where I do not eat the right foods. However, I challenge myself to eat healthier the next day. I no longer punish myself for past decisions. I also shifted my focus from frequent exercising to changing my diet. This shift requires a lifestyle change that includes consistency and dedication. I believe that my current mindset is the foundation of my healthy living and staying fit.

When I think of a role model, I think of someone who affected my life in such a positive way that I am required to change my actions and view life differently. My mother is the epitome of the previous description. My mother is my role model because she has taught me how to deal and maneuver through life with her actions. Her actions include giving and supporting those who are in need and not allowing other people’s opinion to control her life. When I am facing a dilemma, I think about how my mother may react and I follow suit. She is an amazing role model because even in opposition; she remains strong. One reason my mother is my role model is because she always gives and supports members of her community. For instance, when a family within our community is in bereavement from loss of a loved one, my mother offers support by going to the family’s house giving them food, a case of water, and monetary donations. If anyone invites her to an event or asks her to donate, she is quick to give. Usually, it is difficult to find help when needed. My mother is such a pillar in the community, she can ask nearly anyone she knows for anything and she gets the supports she needs instantly. That is how much she gives to others. It is through watching my mother give that I became generous. In this year alone I have donated to organizations such as Transformation Church and the Wesley Foundation because these organizations assist those who are in need, just as my mother does within her community. In addition, I learned through my mother not to live based on other people’s opinions. My mother has lived in a home for over twenty years. However, throughout the years, many people told her she needs to move out of the neighborhood she is living in. One time one of her closest friends stood in her living room and said,” my swimming pool is bigger than this living room.” This hurt my mother so badly because she did not like the location of where she was living, but she knew she could not afford to move. Instead of allowing other people to dictate how she lived her life, she continued to live in the house. A few years later, she was able to pay for the home in full and have complete ownership of it. This is only one example of the many times someone mistreated her. It is through watching her strength and poise when dealing with opposition that I can gain strength as well. Today, I no longer try to live based on one’s opinion of my decisions. Ironically, I experienced the same type of judgement from a former close friend. My former friend told me I am too emotional to be a nurse. It could have easily caused a lot of damage to me mentally because I valued her opinion. However, as I reflect on my mother’s life I could decide to live my life unapologetically and continue to pursue my nursing degree. One last, but important lesson I learned from my mother is to put God first. When I look at her life, there were plenty of times where she could have given up, but she prayed and God continued to make a way in her life. I truly believe that is what God is doing for me. This year has been a tough year for me, I learned a lot of things about myself that I did not know before. However, I believe that God is making a way for me to have everything I need. If I continue to give, not focus on other’s opinion, and seek God there are no limits to what I can do. Doing these things will allow me to be a role model for someone else, just as my mother is for me.

Many people hope to have a positive impact on others throughout their lifetime. Factors such as social issues and past trauma can influence one to desire to take action to make the world a better place. In my lifetime, I desire to have a successful business to provide others with a way to earn income and build generational wealth. It is my childhood challenges that inspired my decision to be impactful to society by creating a business. I came from a town where violence, danger, and poverty were prevalent. I witnessed my mother, who was single work two jobs to care for three children. There were times she had to sneak us into work with her hoping she will not get caught and lose her job. Growing up, my mother would always tell us “make sure you go to college so you will not have to work as hard as I am working.” Watching my mother struggle to make ends meet is one reason I am so focused on providing a better life for myself and my future children because I know what it is like to live in poverty. My childhood experience plays a major role in why I desire to become a nurse and start my business. Being a nurse will challenge me in innumerable ways, but I will become a better individual through each challenge. My past influenced my desire to start my business because it created an intense passion for building generational wealth and helping other families do the same. Within the African American community, I have witnessed many families struggle to make ends meet. What I hope to achieve in my career is to have a successful business to show other African Americans that it is possible to live a life that does not include poverty and struggle. To reach my goals, I believe that it is vital to take certain actions. For my business career, I am currently working under a mentor who is a successful African American female business owner. Under her mentorship, I learn the proper way to input client information and understand the background information about tax preparation. During this year's tax season, I will work with some of her clients to gain essential experience. My mentor makes six-figures in her tax business; therefore, applying the skills I have learned from her will allow me to have a successful business of my own in the future. It is through my mentor’s encouragement, besides my childhood experience, that inspires me to start my business. Through my business, I would like to provide a different option for income to anyone open to listening. In the times we are currently living in, the percentage of poverty is on a steady rise. I know that by creating a business in the future I can play a vital part in helping those who may need employment or desire to have their own business. Many people's perspective about having a business appears as if sustaining a business is impossible. In reality, having a business can boost generational prosperity. It is my life goal to have a successful business and encourage others to do the same; just as my mentor has done for me.

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me I needed confidence, and that was the primary reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class they removed me from the nursing program and would have to wait four years before I could apply to any other nursing school. I felt ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it would not happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that my journey with self-love and acceptance was delightful would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I reflected over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way, and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. It took me taking the time to reflect healthily on my past to love and accept myself in the present. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn even though I delayed my goal of becoming a nurse it does not mean it was denied. Because of my challenging journey, I have growing determination, and failures or setbacks can not deter that. Because of understanding the importance of mental health, I could take intentional steps to be mindful of my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

My name is Kayla Coston, and I have a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and I am currently majoring in Nursing at Southwest Mississippi Community College. I will graduate in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree. Also, I desire to have a tax preparation business. It is through this business that I will be able to educate and inform others about the importance of financial literacy. The main task I desire to achieve during my lifetime is to be able to help individuals become the best version of themselves through education of health and financial wellness. I came from a town where violence, danger, and poverty were prevalent. I witnessed my mother, who was single at the time, work two jobs to care for three children. There were times she had to sneak us into work with her in hopes that she will not get caught and lose her job. Growing up, my mother would always tell us “make sure you go to college so you will not have to work as hard as I am working.” Watching my mother struggle to make ends meet is one of the reasons I am so focused on providing a better life for myself and my future children because I know what it is like to live in poverty. My childhood experience plays a major role in why I desire to become a nurse and start my own business. Being a nurse will challenge me in innumerable ways, but I will become a better individual through each challenge. My past influenced my desire to start my own business because it created an intense passion for building generational wealth and helping other families do the same. Within the African American community, I have witnessed many families struggle to make ends meet. What I hope to achieve in my career is to have a successful business to show other African Americans that it is possible to live a life that does not include poverty and constant struggle. To reach my goals, I believe that it is vital to take certain actions. For my business career, I am currently working under a mentor who is a successful African American female business owner. Under her mentorship, I learn the proper way to input client information and understand the necessary background information about tax preparation. During this year's tax season, I will be working with some of her clients to gain essential experience. My mentor makes six-figures in her tax business; therefore, applying the skills I have learned from her will allow me to have a successful business of my own in the future. It is through my mentor’s encouragement, in addition to my childhood experience, that inspires me to start my own business. Through my business, I would like to provide a different option for income to anyone open to listening. Many people's perspective about having a business appears as if sustaining a business is impossible. In reality, having a business can greatly boost generational prosperity. It is my life goal to have a successful business and encourage others to do the same; just as my mentor has done for me. There are many goals that I hope to achieve through my business. The main goal is to show others that it is possible to obtain generational wealth. These goals require consistency, hard work, and determination, and I am currently doing all I can to accomplish these goals. Through my life and actions, I desire to show others that nothing is impossible and one can beat the odds regardless of what those odds are. I am fully aware that my goals are difficult to accomplish. Despite this knowledge, I refuse to allow anything to be an obstacle. I want people to see my life and tell themselves if she can reach her goals so can I!

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My mental health affected my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world because it challenged me to consistently work on these areas of my life. Through self-awareness, I began to learn that there are intentional steps I have to take to maintain my mental health. For instance, I currently attend therapy to discuss my depression. It is through therapy that I can healthily reflect on my past and take tangible steps to be better in the present. In addition to attending therapy, I focus on exercising and my nutrition to assist in regulating my emotions. By deciding to eat healthier foods and going for walks, I can cope with my feelings more healthily. These steps are very effective in understanding myself and redirecting the negative emotions that I previously had. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. Due to understanding the importance of mental health, I was able to take intentional steps to be mindful of my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My mental health affected my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world because it challenged me to consistently work on these areas of my life. Through self-awareness, I began to learn that there are intentional steps I have to take to maintain my mental health. For instance, I currently attend therapy to discuss my depression. It is through therapy that I can healthily reflect on my past and take tangible steps to be better in the present. In addition to attending therapy, I focus on exercising and my nutrition to assist in regulating my emotions. By deciding to eat healthier foods and going for walks, I can cope with my feelings more healthily. These steps are very effective in understanding myself and redirecting the negative emotions that I previously had. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. Due to understanding the importance of mental health, I was able to take intentional steps to be mindful of my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

All my life I was not aware of my mental disability. In many African American homes, mental health was never a topic of discussion. It was until the year 2020, that my knowledge expanded in regards to mental health. When my psychiatrist explained to me the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and recurrent depression I instantly reflected on my childhood. There were many times where I would struggle to focus and had to reread a paragraph multiple times and continue to not understand what I was reading. Also, I had days where I felt extremely unhappy and I had no control over it. As a student, I struggled so intensely, I always felt as if I had to work 20 times harder just to get by. It was difficult; however, it is through my experience that I strive for the purposes I have in the present day, such as starting my own business. Before my knowledge of mental health, my relationships did suffer in different periods of my life. There would be times that my loved ones would want to spend time with me or even talk to me, but I did not have the energy to leave out of my room due to my depression. It was difficult for others to understand because I wanted to be left alone for long periods and it negatively impacted the people I hold close to my heart. My emotions internally got so negative that I had to seek psychiatric counseling to assist in regulating negative emotions. My experience with mental health plays a major role in why I desire to start my own tax preparation business. One of the main reasons why I struggled with anxiety and depression was because of my constant worry about the future. There would be constant times where I would worry excessively about becoming financially independent. In the present day, I have learned to put my mental health as a priority to slowly silence those fears. I grew to learn that focusing on my mental health will in turn assist me in developing my business. I have many goals for my business that I am looking forward to achieving. The goals I have for my future business include being able to educate and inform others about the importance of financial literacy. Within the African American community, I have witnessed many families struggle to make ends meet. What I hope to achieve in my career is to have a successful business to show other African Americans that it is possible to live a life that does not include poverty and constant struggle. For my business career, I am currently working under a mentor who is a successful female business owner. Under her mentorship, I learn the proper way to input client information and understand the necessary background information about tax preparation. During this year's tax season, I will be working with some of her clients to gain essential experience. My mentor makes six-figures in her tax business; therefore, applying the skills I have learned from her will allow me to have a successful business of my own in the future. Because of my mentor’s encouragement, I would like to provide a different option for anyone open to listening. Many people's perspective about having a business appears as if sustaining a business is impossible. In reality, having a business can greatly boost generational prosperity. It is my life goal to have a successful business and encourage others to do the same; just as my mentor has done for me. These goals require consistency, hard work, and determination, and I am currently doing all I can to accomplish these goals. Through my life and actions, I desire to show others that nothing is impossible and one can beat the odds regardless of what those odds are. I am fully aware that my mental disability could make my goals more difficult to accomplish. Despite this knowledge, I refuse to allow it to be an obstacle. I want people to see my life and tell themselves if she can reach her goals so can I!

All my life I was not aware of my mental disability. In many African American homes, mental health was never a topic of discussion. It was until the year 2020, that my knowledge expanded in regards to mental health. When my psychiatrist explained to me the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and recurrent depression I instantly reflected on my childhood. There were many times where I would struggle to focus and had to reread a paragraph multiple times and continue to not understand what I was reading. Also, I had days where I felt extremely unhappy and I had no control over it. As a student, I struggled so intensely, I always felt as if I had to work 20 times harder just to get by. It was difficult; however, it is through my experience that I strive for the purposes I have in the present day. Before my knowledge of mental health, my relationships did suffer in different periods of my life. There would be times that my loved ones would want to spend time with me or even talk to me, but I did not have the energy to leave out of my room due to my depression. It was difficult for others to understand because I wanted to be left alone for long periods and it negatively impacted the people I hold close to my heart. My emotions internally got so negative that I had to seek psychiatric counseling to assist in regulating negative emotions. My experience with mental health influenced my beliefs and career aspirations because it gave me the ability to understand others in a different but essential way. My career aspiration includes being a Registered Nurse. It is my experience with mental health that influences me to care for my future patients with diligence, empathy, and patience. I want to strive to understand and care for each patient individually and holistically, as opposed to trying to provide a quick fix. Because the truth is with health in general, there are no quick fixes. Health requires consistent work from the patients and the health care providers. Since I am a mental health patient, I know how it feels to desire to get the best care possible. Therefore, it is my goal to be able to allow mental health patients and others to be cared for most beneficially. Despite these challenges that I currently encounter, I continue to challenge myself to reach my full potential. My current goals are obtaining my associate’s degree in nursing and obtaining enough scholarship funds to fully cover my expenses. These goals require consistency, hard work, and determination, and I am currently doing all I can to accomplish these goals. Through my life and actions, my future goal would be to show others that nothing is impossible and that they can beat the odds regardless of what those odds are. I am fully aware that my mental disability could make my goals more difficult to accomplish. Despite this knowledge, I refuse to allow it to be an obstacle. I want people to see my life and tell themselves if she can reach her goals so can I!

All my life I was not aware of my mental disability. In many African American homes, mental health was never a topic of discussion. It was until the year 2020, that my knowledge expanded in regards to mental health. When my psychiatrist explained to me the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and recurrent depression I instantly reflected on my childhood. There were many times where I would struggle to focus and had to reread a paragraph multiple times and continue to not understand what I was reading. Also, I had days where I felt extremely down and I had no control over it. As a student, I struggled so intensely, I always felt as if I had to work 20 times harder just to get by. It was difficult; however, it is through my experience with my disability that I strive for the purposes I have in the present day. My goals in life include studying nursing and becoming a business owner. I want to be an example to others when one is aware of my life story. Through my life and actions, my future goal would be to show others that nothing is impossible and that they can beat the odds regardless of what those odds are. The goal of becoming a nurse is very challenging. It takes passion, desire, and hard work to get there. I am fully aware that my mental disability could make my goals more difficult to accomplish. Despite this knowledge, I refuse to allow it to be an obstacle. I want people to see my life and tell themselves if she can reach her goals so can I!

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed. I fell into a pattern of overthinking that my mother, who worked so hard for me to get into college, will see me as a failure. In my mind, I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22; therefore, it was difficult to accept that I would no longer be in nursing school. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My mental health affected my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world because it challenged me to consistently work on these areas of my life. Through self-awareness, I began to learn that there are intentional steps I have to take to maintain my mental health. For instance, I currently attend therapy to discuss my depression. It is through therapy that I can healthily reflect on my past and take tangible steps to be better in the present. In addition to attending therapy, I focus on exercising and my nutrition to assist in regulating my emotions. By deciding to eat healthier foods and going for walks, I can cope with my feelings more healthily. These steps are very effective in understanding myself and redirecting the negative emotions that I previously had. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. Due to understanding the importance of mental health, I was able to take intentional steps to be mindful of my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

In 2017, my nursing teacher told me that I needed confidence and that was the main reason I failed her class. Upon failing her class I was kicked out of nursing school and I would have to wait four years before I was able to apply to any other nursing school. At the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed because I already had plans to graduate in Nursing at the age of 22. Seeing that it was not going to happen the way I wanted it, led me to a season of depression. To say that the redirection was a delightful experience would be far from the truth. It was a daily process of questioning God about my purpose and if it would be worth it to try again. However, as time passed, I began to reflect over my two semesters in nursing school and I realized that I was not ready for the responsibilities that came with being a nurse. In all honesty, I lacked confidence in myself and I did not have a humble spirit. I expected things to go my way and I did not work as hard as I could have. It was upon this self-actualization that influenced me to become who I am today. My mental health affected my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world because it challenged me to consistently work on these areas of my life. Through self-awareness, I began to learn that there are intentional steps I have to take to maintain my mental health. For instance, I currently attend therapy to discuss my depression and I focus on my nutrition to assist in regulating my emotions. These steps are very effective in understanding myself and others around me. I am most thankful for failing nursing school because of the strength I gained from the rejection. I have grown to learn that even though my goal of becoming a nurse was delayed it does not mean it was denied. I have a growing determination that can not be deterred by failures or setbacks. Due to understanding the importance of mental health, I was able to take intentional steps to be mindful of my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My experience also made me learn that failures are a part of life and are necessary for one’s growth. I am no longer ashamed of my past; instead, I use it as part of my story to inspire others.

My name is Kayla Coston, and I have a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and I am currently majoring in Nursing at Southwest Mississippi Community College. I will graduate in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree. Also, I desire to have a tax preparation business. It is through this business that I will be able to educate and inform others about the importance of financial literacy. The main task I desire to achieve during my lifetime is to be able to help individuals become the best version of themselves through education of health and financial wellness. I came from a town where violence, danger, and poverty were prevalent. I witnessed my mother, who was single at the time, work two jobs to care for three children. There were times she had to sneak us into work with her in hopes that she will not get caught and lose her job. Growing up, my mother would always tell us “make sure you go to college so you will not have to work as hard as I am working.” Watching my mother struggle to make ends meet is one of the reasons I am so focused on providing a better life for myself and my future children because I know what it is like to live in poverty. My childhood experience plays a major role in why I desire to become a nurse and start my own business. Being a nurse will challenge me in innumerable ways, but I will become a better individual through each challenge. My past influenced my desire to start my own business because it created an intense passion for building generational wealth and helping other families do the same. Within the African American community, I have witnessed many families struggle to make ends meet. What I hope to achieve in my career is to have a successful business to show other African Americans that it is possible to live a life that does not include poverty and constant struggle. To reach my goals, I believe that it is vital to take efficient actions. I am preparing myself to become a nurse by planning to work in the hospital, consulting with a therapist, and focusing on my mental and physical health. The day-to-day demands of a nurse are challenging and it requires a healthy mind and body. I am currently seeing a therapist to take charge of my mental health because I desire to be the best nurse I can be. I understand that I will not be able to care for patients adequately if I am not the best version of myself. For my business career, I am currently working under a mentor who is a successful African American female business owner. Under her mentorship, I learn the proper way to input client information and understand the necessary background information about tax preparation. During this year's tax season, I will be working with some of her clients to gain essential experience. My mentor makes six-figures in her tax business; therefore, applying the skills I have learned from her will allow me to have a successful business of my own in the future. I am applying for this scholarship for assistance in completing my associate’s degree in two years. Being a college student, it is challenging to meet the demands of school and trying to pay for school. There are many scholarships that I am not eligible to apply for since I am a non-traditional student. Obtaining this scholarship will greatly help me accomplish my future goals because it will ease the financial burden. I appreciate your organization for allowing me to be eligible for a scholarship as a black woman. Again, thank you for your consideration and support as I continue to strive for my goals to be a successful nurse and business owner.

My three favorite places to shop online are amazon, target, and eBay. Thank you for the opportunity!

Acorn phone application, Dave Ramsey, and Think and Grow Rich book by napoleon

My name is Kayla Coston, and I have a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and I am currently majoring in Nursing at Southwest Mississippi Community College. I will graduate in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree. Also, I desire to have a tax preparation business. It is through this business that I will be able to educate and inform others about the importance of financial literacy. I believe that through accomplishing my goals, I will be able to help individuals become the best version of themselves through education of health and financial wellness. I came from a town where violence, danger, and poverty were prevalent. I witnessed my mother, who was single at the time, work two jobs to care for three children. There were times she had to sneak us into work with her in hopes that she will not get caught and lose her job. Growing up, my mother would always tell us “make sure you go to college so you will not have to work as hard as I am working.” Watching my mother struggle to make ends meet is one of the reasons I am so focused on providing a better life for myself and my future children because I know what it is like to live in poverty. My childhood experience plays a major role in why I desire to become a nurse and start my own business. Being a nurse will challenge me in innumerable ways, but I will become a better individual through each challenge. My past influenced my desire to start my own business because it created an intense passion for building generational wealth and helping other families do the same. Within the African American community, I have witnessed many families struggle to make ends meet. What I hope to achieve in my career is to have a successful business to show other African Americans that it is possible to live a life that does not include poverty and constant struggle. To reach my goals, I believe that it is vital to take efficient actions. For my nursing career, not only am I in school but I plan on working in the hospital to gain essential experience. For my business career, I am currently working under a mentor who is a successful African American female business owner. My mentor makes six-figures in her tax business; therefore, applying the skills I have learned from her will allow me to have a successful business of my own in the future. I am applying for this scholarship for assistance in completing my associate’s degree in two years. Being a college student, it is challenging to meet the demands of school and trying to pay for school. There are many scholarships that I am not eligible to apply for since I am a non-traditional student. Obtaining this scholarship will greatly help me accomplish my future goals because it will ease the financial burden. I appreciate your organization for allowing me to be eligible for a scholarship as a black woman. Again, thank you for your consideration and support as I continue to strive for my goals to be a successful nurse and business owner.

I am intensely terrified of heights, my friends challenged me to do something different, so indoor skydiving was the option. I never back down from a challenge!

Many people may go through circumstances that cause them to need financial assistance. Life can contain many unforeseeable moments that can affect a person in every aspect of life. This year alone has executed those moments in my life and it has been challenging to maneuver and find possible solutions. In spite of the challenges, I remain determined to accomplish my goals and responsibilities by pursuing different options. One of the main financial circumstances that has greatly affected me financially is the Covid-19 pandemic. At the beginning of this year I had a goal to work to cover my finances for school, but that came to a halt as a result of the coronavirus. On April 11,2020, I got a call from my mother who sounded very frightened. She persisted to tell me that she tested positive for the coronavirus. She continued on to tell me that she also had severe symptoms such as fever, cough, loss of taste, and muscle and body aches. On one night she could not get out of her bed because she was dealing with an intense amount of pain, but she did not know or understand why she was in pain. In addition, she did not want to tell me because she did not want to scare me, so I did not know that she had any symptoms until she called me while I was at work. At that moment, I was faced with a difficult dilemma. I had to leave my job because I would be putting the public at risk cause I was in close contact with my mother since we lived together. Also, I had to take care of my mother, the doctor told me that she had to be quarantined and everything she came in contact with had to be cleaned. At the time I was working 40 hours a week to help pay for other responsibilities and also trying to save for school. My mother was not able to offer help because now, she was not able to work. This was one of the most difficult and frightening time of my life because I had no idea what was going to happen next or how I was going to receive any amount of money to handle my finances. During this difficult time, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive unemployment for a couple of months. It was not more than what I was making, but it was better than not receiving anything at all. After my mother started to see relief with her previous symptoms I started to look for employment. I have applied to over thirty different jobs and I have been struggling to receive a call return. In an attempt to receive some financial aid, I have applied for over forty scholarships. In spite of my efforts, I have not received any opportunity for employment or any scholarships; however, I will not stop trying to reach my goals. One may think that I have not overcame my challenges merely cause I am experiencing the challenges currently. However, I have learned to overcome these challenges by understanding that it is a factor of life. Even though I have these challenges, I overcome them by never giving up and coming up with possible solutions. The challenges I have faced play into my goals for the future cause it continues to give me strength to never be afraid to fail.