My name is Makayla Tisdale, and I am currently a student at North Carolina A&T State University, pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a pediatric social worker. Attending NCAT has been a goal of mine since middle school. From the moment I learned about its history of excellence and its strong commitment to producing leaders, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Being a part of this institution is not just a milestone in my academic journey; it is the foundation for a future dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families. I have always had a natural love for working with children, inspired by my belief in their potential to overcome challenges and thrive when given proper guidance and support. Growing up, I witnessed how difficult circumstances could impact a child’s development, whether through personal experiences or observing others in my community. Those experiences motivated me to choose pediatric social work as my career path. My goal is to advocate for children, provide resources for families in need, and ensure that young people facing adversity feel seen, heard, and empowered. While I am fully committed to my academic and career goals, I face financial challenges that make it difficult to continue my education without assistance. Balancing part-time work with my studies has taught me the value of perseverance and time management. However, these efforts alone are not enough to cover the rising costs of tuition, books, and living expenses. Receiving this scholarship would help ease this burden, allowing me to focus more on excelling academically and gaining hands-on experience through internships and community involvement. Beyond financial relief, this scholarship would be an investment in my future and the futures of the children and families I hope to serve. As a pediatric social worker, I want to create safe, supportive environments where children can grow and succeed. Whether helping a family navigate resources, advocating for a child’s rights, or providing emotional support during a crisis, I am determined to make a lasting impact in the field of social work. North Carolina A&T has already shaped me into a more confident and prepared individual, and with this scholarship, I can continue to build on the foundation I have started here. The opportunity to complete my education without constant financial stress will allow me to dedicate myself fully to learning, growing, and preparing for a career that I am deeply passionate about. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is a step toward fulfilling my purpose of helping others. I am grateful for your consideration of my application and for providing students like me with the opportunity to achieve our dreams. By awarding me this scholarship, you are not only investing in my education but also in the countless lives I hope to impact as a future pediatric social worker.

My career of choice is to become a pediatric social worker, specializing in mental health services for children. I’ve always been passionate about working with children and advocating for those who may not have a voice in society, especially those from marginalized communities. As I’ve grown, I’ve seen how deeply mental health challenges can affect a child’s ability to succeed and thrive. Whether it’s the trauma of abuse, neglect, or simply growing up in an underserved environment, these experiences can shape a child’s life in profound ways. I want to be a part of the solution—helping children navigate their struggles, access resources, and ultimately build a better future for themselves. The combination of my love for children and my desire to help break down the barriers surrounding mental health care fuels my passion for pediatric social work. My journey toward this career has not been easy, and it’s come with significant sacrifices. One of the biggest sacrifices has been time. As a full-time student, I’ve had to balance my coursework with multiple jobs and volunteer commitments to gain experience in the field. I’ve worked long hours to support myself financially while also dedicating time to volunteer at local daycare centers and food pantries, which are crucial to understanding the social environments that impact mental health. This has often meant missing out on social events or downtime with friends and family. I’ve also had to manage the emotional toll that comes with working in areas that are deeply affected by poverty, trauma, and systemic injustice. At times, it feels overwhelming, but the drive to make a difference and the knowledge that I am working toward a cause I believe in keeps me going. Additionally, financially, pursuing a degree in Social Work has been a challenge. I’ve had to seek out scholarships, grants, and take on student loans to cover tuition and living expenses. It’s been a tough journey, but I know that these sacrifices are investments in my future and the future of the children I hope to help. The financial stress is real, but I’ve stayed committed to my education because I believe it is essential for the change I want to bring to the world. In all, the sacrifices I’ve made—whether it’s time, financial stability, or personal comfort—have been worth it because they are all part of the path toward making a meaningful impact. My passion for helping children and addressing the mental health challenges they face has been the driving force behind everything I do. I am committed to pushing through these challenges, knowing that my work will help shape a better, more supportive world for children in need.

My name is Makayla Tisdale, and I’m currently studying Social Work at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to helping others, particularly children, and I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces where marginalized voices are heard and valued. My goal is to become a pediatric social worker, specializing in mental health services, to support children in underserved communities who are facing mental health challenges. I’ve witnessed firsthand how mental health struggles can shape a child’s future, and I’m committed to helping them navigate those struggles with empathy, support, and the resources they need to heal and thrive. Growing up in a community where mental health wasn’t always openly discussed, I saw how stigma could prevent people from seeking help. I watched close friends and family members wrestle with mental health issues in silence, often feeling isolated or misunderstood. This personal experience deeply influenced my career aspirations, as I became determined to break down those barriers and make mental health care more accessible, especially for marginalized communities. I understand that mental health is often overlooked or misrepresented in communities of color, and that the lack of culturally competent care can further exacerbate the difficulties people face. I want to be part of the solution by not only offering support but also advocating for policies and practices that ensure mental health services are equitable and inclusive. Through my volunteer work, I’ve been able to see the profound impact that mental health services can have. Whether it’s helping children process their emotions through play therapy or volunteering at local food pantries, I’ve learned that mental health and well-being are deeply intertwined with social factors such as poverty, access to resources, and community support. This intersection of mental health and social justice is what drives me to pursue a career in pediatric social work. I want to be an advocate for children whose voices are too often ignored, helping them navigate their mental health challenges while also addressing the social inequities that contribute to their struggles. As I move forward in my career, I hope to work within schools, community centers, and clinics to provide mental health support to children who have been affected by trauma, poverty, or systemic injustice. I plan to approach my work with a trauma-informed lens, always prioritizing empathy and understanding while ensuring that the care I provide is both culturally competent and accessible. I want to empower children to recognize their worth, navigate their emotions, and learn coping skills that will help them grow into healthy, resilient individuals. I am passionate about shifting the narrative around mental health in marginalized communities and creating a world where mental health care is seen as a necessary and integral part of overall well-being. In essence, my personal experiences with mental health and the inequities within marginalized communities have shaped my belief that mental health care should be universal, compassionate, and inclusive. It’s these beliefs that drive my activism and career aspirations, and I am committed to using my education and future work to advocate for change, empower children, and make a lasting impact on the communities I serve.

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to engage with a diverse range of books that have shaped both my personal growth and the impact I hope to have on the world. While many of these books are not the ones commonly referenced in mainstream discussions, they have each offered me valuable lessons that align with my aspirations of becoming a pediatric social worker. From narratives about resilience to those highlighting the deep complexities of childhood trauma, these books have not only broadened my understanding of the world but have also sharpened my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need. One such book is *The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down* by Anne Fadiman. This book tells the true story of Lia Lee, a Hmong child diagnosed with epilepsy, and the tragic clash between her family’s cultural practices and the American medical system. What struck me most about this book was the cultural divide and the way it affected the health and well-being of a child. It underscored the importance of understanding and respecting cultural perspectives when working with diverse communities, something I want to incorporate into my future social work practice. It taught me that in order to effectively support children and families, we must go beyond the surface of medical or psychological issues and consider the broader cultural context in which those challenges arise. Another book that has deeply influenced me is *A Child Called "It"* by Dave Pelzer. This harrowing memoir chronicles the abuse Pelzer endured during his childhood. Reading about his resilience and the profound effects of abuse on his development brought me face-to-face with the stark realities many children face. It ignited in me a desire to advocate for children who are suffering from neglect and abuse, not only as a social worker but also as a person who believes that every child deserves a safe and loving environment in which to grow. The book reinforced my passion for children’s rights and solidified my decision to enter a field where I can actively work to address these issues. In conclusion, the books I have read have shaped my understanding of the complexities of childhood, resilience, trauma, and the role of cultural context in healing. Each book has influenced the way I want to make a difference in the world, especially for children facing adversity. They have reinforced my passion for social work and deepened my commitment to advocating for the well-being of children, ensuring that they receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Through this knowledge, I am empowered to be a more compassionate, informed, and effective advocate in my journey to make a lasting impact.

My name is Makayla Tisdale, I am a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Social Work. At North Carolina A&T, I feel a strong sense of community and support. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion allows me to embrace my identity. I am surrounded by peers and faculty who encourage me to strive for excellence and who understand the unique experiences that shape my perspective. As a Social Work major, I am learning the importance of empathy, resilience, and advocacy. These values are not only crucial in my field of study but also in everyday life. I plan to carry forth these lessons by continuing to support and uplift others, both within and outside my community. My time at North Carolina A&T so far has taught me that education goes beyond the classroom. It is about building relationships, understanding different perspectives, and making a positive impact. My future goals include becoming a licensed social worker and working with underrepresented communities to provide much-needed support and resources. I want to address issues like mental health, substance abuse, and family dynamics. I plan to leverage my education by applying the theories and practices I have learned to real-world situations. My high school and college GPAs, both 3.8, reflect my dedication to my studies and my commitment to achieving my goals. In addition to my academic pursuits, I will continue to seek out networking opportunities and professional development. I believe that building a strong network is essential for success in any field. By connecting with other professionals and staying informed about the latest developments in social work, I can better serve my clients and contribute to the field. Receiving the Ann Holiday Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor and a significant step toward achieving my goals. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns, giving me the freedom to fully engage in my education and extracurricular activities. I am committed to using the resources and opportunities provided by this scholarship to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In conclusion, being a student at North Carolina A&T State University means being part of a supportive and empowering community. It means embracing diversity, striving for excellence, and making a positive impact. I am grateful for the education and experiences I have gained so far, and I am excited to carry forth the values and lessons learned as I work toward my future goals.