Growing up, my life wasn’t always easy, but I’ve learned to use those experiences to push myself forward and stay focused on my goals. I was raised by a single mother until I was in fifth grade, and even though my dad didn’t live with us, his struggles with alcoholism still affected me deeply. He started drinking before I was even born, and throughout my childhood, his addiction created a lot of emotional stress. When I was in high school, things got especially hard. During my junior year, my dad attempted suicide multiple times. I was constantly worried about him, and it became really difficult to concentrate in school. My grades slipped, and I came close to not graduating on time. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, but I managed to hold on and get through it. Things got a little better for a while. My dad stayed sober for about five years, but in 2021, when my grandpa passed away from cancer, he relapsed. Watching him struggle again after so much progress was heartbreaking, and it reminded me how important mental health support is. On top of that, my mom has dealt with depression and complex PTSD for as long as I can remember, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to manage mental illness without the right resources. Because of my parents’ mental health struggles, I’ve always felt a strong pull toward helping others who are going through similar things. That’s why I chose to study psychology. I want to be someone who can offer support to people who feel like they’re alone, and I want to work in communities that don’t always have access to affordable mental health care. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and to not have the money for therapy or other support services. I’ve been paying for college out of pocket and have had to take breaks to save up because I don’t want to take on student loan debt. It hasn’t been easy, but I know this path is worth it. Right now, I’m studying forensic psychology. I don’t know exactly what job I want yet, but I’m really excited to start a career in the field and continue making progress toward my long-term goal of getting a PhD. I want to work with underprivileged individuals, especially those who are involved in the criminal justice system, because they’re often some of the most underserved when it comes to mental health. My dream is to one day open a nonprofit clinic that offers therapy and support to people who can’t afford traditional services. I want to create a space where people feel safe and seen, regardless of their background or income. I’m also interested in policy work and hope to advocate for better mental health resources in schools, correctional settings, and low-income communities. It’s important to me that people don’t just survive, but that they have the chance to live full, healthy lives. I want to empower individuals who feel forgotten and give them the tools and support to reclaim their lives. Even though I’ve faced a lot of challenges, I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned how resilient I am, how much I care about helping others, and how determined I am to keep moving forward no matter what. I’ve also become more compassionate and understanding, especially when it comes to people who are struggling. I know everyone has their own story, and I want to be someone who listens and helps without judgment. This scholarship would mean so much to me. It would ease the financial burden I’ve been carrying and give me more time to focus on my studies and gain hands-on experience in the field. More than that, it would show me that someone else believes in me too. That kind of support is incredibly powerful, especially for someone like me who’s been doing this mostly on my own. I’ve always believed that people can grow and heal with the right support, and this scholarship would help me become someone who can offer that support to others. Looking ahead, I hope to not only build a successful career in psychology but also to inspire others who come from difficult backgrounds. I want people to know that your past doesn’t define your future, and that it’s possible to build something meaningful, even when life has been hard. I’m passionate about mental health because I’ve lived it. I know what it’s like to worry about your parents, to feel like your world is falling apart, and to have to keep pushing anyway. That’s why I care so much about this work. I’ve always had big dreams, and even though the road hasn’t been easy, I’m more determined than ever to reach them. Getting my degree is just the beginning. I want to keep learning, keep growing, and eventually earn my doctorate. I want to work in communities that need help the most, offering support that is accessible, affordable, and rooted in real understanding. I believe that everyone deserves access to mental health care, and I want to do my part to make that a reality. In the end, I just want to help people. I want to use what I’ve been through to make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether I’m working in a clinic, speaking in schools, or volunteering in underserved neighborhoods, I want to be a source of hope for people who are struggling. That’s what drives me, and that’s what this scholarship would help me move closer to. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited about where I’m going. I’m thankful for the chance to share my story, and even more thankful for the opportunity to pursue the kind of career that helps others heal. With support like this, I know I can continue turning difficult experiences into something meaningful and powerful for others. I will never stop trying to learn more, grow stronger, and help people who need someone to believe in them the way I needed someone to believe in me.

My experience with mental health, both personally and through my family, has shaped the way I see almost everything in life. It’s changed the way I treat people, the way I approach challenges, and what I want to do with my future. Growing up, my family struggled a lot with mental health. My mom has complex PTSD and depression, and my dad has battled alcoholism and suicidal ideation for as long as I can remember. He actually had multiple suicide attempts during my junior year of high school, which nearly caused me to not graduate. Even though he didn’t live with us, his struggles still had a huge impact on me. It’s hard to focus on school when you’re constantly worried about your parent’s safety. I was just trying to hold everything together the best I could. His relapse after my grandpa died of cancer in 2021 was another big moment that really hit me. It reminded me how grief, addiction, and mental illness are all so connected, and how important it is to have support through those kinds of things. Because of everything I’ve gone through, I see the world differently than I think I would have otherwise. I’ve learned that you never really know what someone else is dealing with. A person could be falling apart inside and still show up to class or work with a smile. That’s made me more empathetic and way less judgmental. I try to treat people with patience and kindness because I know what it’s like to be barely holding on. My relationships have also been shaped by these experiences. I’ve learned how important communication and emotional safety are. I tend to be very intentional with who I let close to me because I know how much other people’s mental health can affect your own. At the same time, I try to be the kind of person that others feel safe opening up to, someone who listens and doesn’t minimize what they’re going through. All of this is what pushed me toward a degree in forensic psychology. I want to work with people who don’t always have access to help, those who’ve fallen through the cracks or been dismissed. I want to create space for people to be heard, and hopefully be part of changing the way our systems respond to mental health. My goals, relationships, and understanding of the world are deeply tied to my experiences, and I wouldn’t be on this path without them.

I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare because mental health has played a huge role in my life, not just personally, but in my family as well. I’m currently studying forensic psychology, which might not be the first thing people think of when they hear “healthcare,” but mental health is healthcare. It’s just as important as physical health, and it’s often overlooked or misunderstood, especially in communities that don’t have easy access to support or treatment. Growing up, I saw firsthand how untreated mental illness can affect people. My mom has complex PTSD and depression, and my dad has struggled with alcoholism and suicidal ideation for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, he attempted suicide multiple times during my junior year. I was just trying to survive and graduate at that point, balancing my own emotions while also worrying about my family. It was a lot for a teenager to carry, and honestly, those years changed the way I looked at the world and how important mental healthcare really is. Even though my dad didn’t live with us, his relapse after my grandfather passed away from cancer in 2021 hit me hard. Watching someone you love fall back into addiction and struggle with grief, and feeling powerless to fix it, makes you think differently about what people need to heal. And a lot of that healing starts with mental health support. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to bring empathy, understanding, and advocacy to the table. I know what it’s like to fall through the cracks. I know how hard it is to ask for help, especially when you feel like you don’t have the money or the words to explain what you’re going through. My goal is to work with people who are underserved, those who are in the system, have low income, or come from families like mine. I want to help make mental health care feel less scary and more accessible, especially for people who have been told to just “tough it out.” Being a woman in this field matters to me, too. I want to be someone others can look at and think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” I want to create a safe space for people to open up and feel heard. I chose this path because I believe that healing is possible, and I want to help others believe that too. I know it won’t be easy, but I also know that the work is worth it.

My story is a little messy, but it’s made me who I am. I was raised by a single mom until I was in the fifth grade, and even though she did everything she could for me, she struggled with depression and complex PTSD. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot, but she made sure I had what I needed and always pushed me to keep going, even when life got hard. My dad wasn’t around much, but even from a distance, his struggles with alcoholism and mental health had a big impact on me. He was in and out of my life, and though he was sober for about five years, he started drinking again after my grandpa (his dad) died of cancer in 2021. His relapse hit hard, and it brought back a lot of the pain we thought we had left behind. Back when I was in high school, my dad attempted suicide several times, and it shook me to my core. I was in my junior year, trying to keep my grades up and make plans for my future, but honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d even graduate. I felt like I was carrying the weight of everyone around me. But I did graduate, and even though my path hasn’t been straight, I’ve kept going. I’ve had to stop and start college a few times because I’ve been paying for everything myself. I didn’t want to take out loans and drown in debt, I’ve seen what financial stress can do to people. So I’ve worked, saved, and kept coming back to school because I know this is what I’m meant to do. Those early experiences are what pushed me toward psychology. I wanted to understand why people act the way they do, why mental illness affects families the way it does, and how I could help. I’m currently pursuing a degree in forensic psychology, and my dream is to earn my doctorate. I want to work with people who’ve been overlooked, those who can’t afford therapy, who’ve been through the system, or who feel like no one really sees them. I’m passionate about helping people, especially those who’ve been through things like I have. Getting this scholarship would be another step forward, one more reason to believe I can actually achieve this dream and it would help me to start giving back the way I’ve always wanted to.

My inspiration for pursuing a career in public service comes from my own life and the challenges I’ve seen my family go through. I’ve witnessed firsthand what happens when people don’t have access to proper mental health care, and I’ve felt the frustration of watching people I love struggle with trauma, addiction, and mental illness without the support they need. My dad battled alcoholism for most of my life, and though he had a few years of sobriety, he relapsed after my grandfather passed away from cancer in 2021. His relapse and several suicide attempts during my teenage years deeply affected me and made me realize just how many people are silently suffering. My mom, who raised me on her own until I was in fifth grade, also struggles with depression and complex PTSD. These experiences shaped my path. I decided to pursue forensic psychology because I want to be part of the solution, to help people like my parents, who were hurting but didn’t know where to turn. Public service feels like the most natural and meaningful way I can give back. I know what it’s like to grow up in a home where mental health wasn’t talked about or treated, and I want to break that cycle for others. Through my education in forensic psychology, I’m learning about the intersection of mental health and the legal system, and how trauma can influence behavior. I plan to use these skills to work with underprivileged communities, especially those involved in or affected by the criminal justice system. Whether it’s by providing mental health evaluations, creating community outreach programs, or working in schools or clinics, I want to be someone who offers support, understanding, and real tools for healing. A big part of my future goals involves offering affordable or free mental health services to people who typically fall through the cracks, low-income families, youth in crisis, and individuals dealing with substance use or trauma. I don’t just want to work in public service, I want to build trust in communities that have every reason not to trust the system. This career isn’t just something I chose, it’s something I feel called to. I’ve lived the impact that a lack of support can have, and now I want to be the support that someone else needs. Public service gives me the chance to turn pain into purpose, and my education is the key to making that happen.

I decided to pursue a STEM-related field because I’ve always been interested in understanding people, especially what drives their behavior, how trauma shapes lives, and why some people fall through the cracks while others find a way to survive and thrive. Forensic psychology, which combines psychology with elements of law and science, felt like the perfect fit. It gives me the chance to use research, data, and science-based practices to help real people, especially those impacted by the criminal justice system or underserved in traditional mental health settings. My passion for this field is deeply personal. I grew up in a home affected by mental illness and addiction. My dad struggled with alcoholism, and his issues started before I was even born. He eventually became sober for five years, but after my grandfather died of cancer in 2021, he relapsed. His addiction led to several suicide attempts, especially during my high school years, which made it hard for me to focus and almost caused me to not graduate. On top of that, my mom has complex PTSD and depression. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for people to get the help they need, especially when they don’t have money or access to the right resources. These experiences are a big part of why I chose this career. I want to help people who’ve experienced trauma and mental health challenges, especially those who are often forgotten by the system. Whether it’s through therapy, rehabilitation programs, or community-based services, my goal is to make mental health care more accessible and equitable. I believe in second chances, and I want to be part of creating systems that recognize people’s potential instead of just their problems. When it comes to community service, I’m especially interested in providing support to people who can’t afford traditional mental health care. In the future, I’d love to work in community clinics, schools, or even develop outreach programs for youth and adults dealing with trauma, addiction, or involvement in the legal system. I want to be someone who helps others feel seen and supported, just like I wish someone had been there for my family during the hardest times. Pursuing a STEM field like forensic psychology isn’t just about a career for me, it’s about using science and compassion together to make a real difference. I want to help create a world where mental health care is treated like the essential support it is, not a luxury.

My experience with mental health, both my own and what I’ve seen in my family has shaped almost every part of my life, including my decision to pursue a career in forensic psychology. Growing up, mental health wasn’t just an abstract idea or something we talked about in health class. It was real, messy, and present every day in my home. My father struggled with alcoholism for as long as I can remember. He wasn’t around a lot when I was growing up, but even from a distance, his addiction affected me. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I carried a lot of stress, fear, and confusion through those years. Then in high school, things got worse, my dad attempted suicide multiple times during my junior year. That kind of trauma at such a critical time in life had a huge impact on me. I came very close to not graduating, not because I didn’t care about school, but because my mental and emotional bandwidth was just completely stretched. It’s hard to focus on homework when you’re constantly wondering if your parent is safe. My mom, who raised me mostly on her own until I was in fifth grade, also deals with complex PTSD and depression. Watching her try to manage her own mental health while still trying to be there for me showed me just how strong she is, and also how badly our system fails people who are trying to get better but don’t have resources or support. These experiences didn’t just make me interested in psychology; they made me passionate about it. I want to work with people who’ve been through trauma, who feel overlooked or misunderstood, especially in under-resourced communities. Mental health should never be a privilege, it should be something everyone has access to, regardless of income or background. Studying forensic psychology gives me the tools to understand how mental health intersects with things like the legal system, incarceration, and violence. I want to be someone who can advocate for people who often don’t get a second chance or a fair shot at healing. My hope is to one day provide mental health services that are accessible and affirming to people who usually get left out of the conversation. This isn’t just a career path for me, it’s a way to give meaning to what I’ve been through, and to use those experiences to help others feel seen, supported, and safe.

Cancer affected my family in a really personal way when my grandfather (my dad’s dad) passed away from it in 2021 during the COVID epidemic. My grandpa was someone who held our family together in a quiet, steady way. Losing him was hard on all of us, but it hit my dad especially hard. At the time, my dad had been sober for about five years. His relationship with alcohol had been a struggle for most of my life, but those years of sobriety had given me a version of him I hadn’t really known before, more present, more peaceful. When my grandpa died, it felt like the ground fell out from under him. Not long after, he relapsed. Watching someone you love spiral back into something they fought so hard to escape is heartbreaking. It’s painful to feel helpless, to want to fix it and not be able to. His relapse brought back a lot of old wounds for me, memories from high school, the stress and fear I used to carry every day, and the emotional toll that comes with loving someone who’s hurting but not in a place to heal. It reminded me how grief, when it’s not supported or processed in a healthy way, can reopen old patterns and pain. Through that experience, I’ve learned a lot about compassion. People don’t just break down out of nowhere, there’s always a story behind it. I’ve learned how important it is to check on the people who seem like they’re “doing better,” because healing isn’t always a straight line. I’ve also learned how deeply loss and mental health are connected. When we talk about diseases like cancer, we often focus on the physical toll, but the emotional toll it takes on loved ones can be just as heavy, especially when there isn’t support in place. That experience strengthened my passion for mental health and made me even more committed to the path I’m on. I’m currently studying forensic psychology because I want to work with people who’ve gone through trauma and loss, especially those who don’t have access to mental health care. I believe everyone deserves support, no matter their background or income. Receiving this scholarship would help me stay focused on that mission and continue pushing forward, not just for myself, but for the people I want to help one day. Thank you for believing in students like me.

Mental health is super important to me, especially as a student, because I’ve seen firsthand how much it can affect everything, your motivation, your ability to focus, how you show up in class, and even how you see yourself. Back when I was in high school, I was dealing with a lot at home. My dad had struggled with alcoholism for most of my life, and during my junior year, things got really serious. He attempted suicide several times, and that period was incredibly heavy for me. I was just a teenager trying to make it through school, but I was constantly overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally drained. My grades slipped, and I honestly wasn’t sure I would graduate. Somehow, I did...but it wasn’t easy. Years later, in 2021, my dad’s drinking got worse again after my grandfather passed away. Watching someone you love relapse after years of sobriety was heartbreaking, and it brought up a lot of old emotions I thought I’d already dealt with. Mental health challenges don’t just go away with time, they have layers, and they affect everyone around them. That experience pushed me even more to prioritize my own mental well-being and reminded me why mental health needs to be talked about openly and without shame. Now, as a college student, I make it a point to care for my mental health and advocate for others to do the same. I try to show up for people in my life by being honest about what I’ve gone through and encouraging them to be real about what they’re feeling, too. Even just having conversations with friends or classmates about therapy, stress, or burnout can make a difference. I’ve found that when one person opens up, it gives others permission to do the same. My passion for mental health is also the reason I’m studying forensic psychology. Both of my parents have struggled with their mental health, my dad with addiction and my mom with depression and PTSD. Growing up around that gave me a deep understanding of how important support is, especially in underprivileged communities where resources can be hard to find. I want to work with people who often get overlooked, who can’t afford therapy or don’t know where to start, and give them a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Mental health matters. Everyone deserves to feel safe, cared for, and respected—and I want to spend my life helping make that possible.

I’m currently studying forensic psychology because I’ve always wanted to do something that truly makes a difference, especially for people who’ve been overlooked or misunderstood by society. My interest in mental health and the justice system comes from personal experience. My dad struggled with alcoholism for most of my life, it started before I was even born. He was sober for about five years, but after my grandpa passed away in 2021, he relapsed. His drinking was never something that just stayed in his own life—it affected all of us, even though he didn’t live with us. When I was in high school, especially during my junior year, he went through several suicide attempts. It was terrifying and heartbreaking, and it took a major toll on my mental health and my schoolwork. My grades slipped, and there were moments when I wasn’t sure I’d even graduate. I kept going because I didn’t want to give up on myself, but it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. I was raised by a single mom until she married my stepdad when I was in fifth grade. My mom has her own struggles (she lives with depression and complex PTSD) and I’ve watched her fight through so much to take care of us. Seeing both of my parents deal with their mental health in different ways shaped how I see people. It taught me that pain looks different for everyone, and that sometimes the people who need the most help are the ones who’ve been pushed aside. That’s why I want to work in forensic psychology. I want to work with people who are justice-involved, who’ve dealt with trauma and addiction, and who can’t afford the kind of mental health care they deserve. Whether it’s doing evaluations, connecting people to resources, or helping build more humane alternatives to incarceration, I want to be part of creating change. People can’t heal if they don’t have access to support. I want to offer that support in places where it’s needed most. I know what it’s like to feel like no one understands—and I want to be someone who does. This scholarship would not only help me financially, it would be a reminder that others believe in the path I’ve chosen—and in me. I’ve carried so much of this journey on my own, and your support would mean more than words can say.

I was raised by a single mom who’s been fighting depression and complex PTSD for as long as I can remember. Even though my dad didn’t live with us, his alcoholism and repeated suicide attempts during my high school years had a huge impact on me. It was hard to focus on homework when I didn’t know if my dad was alive or in the hospital. My grades dropped. There were moments I didn’t think I’d make it to graduation. But I did. And I kept going. Since then, I’ve been putting myself through college. I’ve had to stop and start several times to save up money because I’m doing this without loans—I’ve seen what debt can do, and I’m determined not to let it hold me back. It’s been frustrating at times, but I’ve never lost sight of my goal: to build a stable future and live a life that feels meaningful and secure. I’m majoring in psychology because of everything I went through with my parents’ mental health struggles. I’ve seen what happens when people don’t get the help they need—and I want to be someone who helps break that cycle for others. That’s why I chose this path. I want to understand, to support, and to give back in a way that’s real and lasting. This scholarship wouldn’t just ease a financial burden—it would give me the chance to keep moving forward without having to hit pause again. Personally, it would bring me peace of mind. Professionally, it would bring me one step closer to finishing my degree and building a future that isn’t shaped by instability or fear. I’ve faced a lot, and it hasn’t been easy. But I’m still here. Still showing up. Still believing in myself. I hope you’ll believe in me too.

Going to college represents the realization of a long-held dream and a vital step toward creating a brighter future for myself and my family. As a minority student with a 3.8 GPA, I understand the unique challenges that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds face in pursuing higher education. My Hispanic heritage, rooted in my mother’s background, has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to break cycles of poverty and create opportunities for future generations. I believe that education is not only a pathway to personal success but also a means to uplift my community. I am currently studying forensic psychology, a field that deeply resonates with me due to my personal experiences. Growing up, I witnessed my father’s ongoing struggles with mental health and addiction, which ignited my passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind. His journey, marked by both his battles and his current struggles with addiction, has motivated me to pursue a career that not only offers me a fulfilling path but also allows me to advocate for mental health awareness and support systems. I aspire to contribute to the fields of psychology and social justice, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who face similar challenges. My goal is to help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues and to promote accessible resources for those in need. However, the financial burden of college has led me to start and stop my education multiple times, as taking classes back-to-back has often been financially unattainable for me. Each pause in my education has added layers of stress and uncertainty, making it difficult to maintain momentum toward my degree. This scholarship would be invaluable in alleviating some of that financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns. It would enable me to take the necessary steps toward completing my degree without the constant worry about how to pay for it. Through my education, I hope to not only achieve my academic goals but also become a role model for others in my community. I want to show that, despite the challenges we face, a college degree can be a powerful tool for change. Earning my degree will empower me to break the cycle of hardship in my family and inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. I envision myself engaging with youth in my community, sharing my story, and encouraging them to seek help and embrace education as a means to a better life. In conclusion, going to college is not just about personal achievement for me; it’s about using my education as a vehicle for change, advocating for mental health, and uplifting my community. This scholarship would greatly assist me in achieving these aspirations and empower me to make a lasting impact in the lives of others who may face similar struggles.

Growing up in a low-income household, the idea of attending college often felt like a distant dream. As a member of an underrepresented minority, I’ve faced numerous obstacles that could have easily deterred me from pursuing higher education. However, my passion for forensic psychology and my commitment to social justice drive me to overcome these challenges. I was raised by a single mother until I was 12, and her unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping my determination. However, my father has battled severe depression and alcoholism for most of his life, and his struggles have profoundly affected our family dynamic. Throughout my childhood, he was often unable to participate in my life, which created a void and left me feeling isolated. During high school, his mental health crises intensified, culminating in several suicide attempts. These experiences not only impacted my emotional well-being but nearly caused me to not graduate. I often found it difficult to concentrate on my studies amid the emotional turmoil his struggles caused in our family. It was through these challenges that I developed a deep interest in psychology, particularly in understanding the complexities of the mind and how mental health intersects with justice and societal issues. My father’s struggles inspired me to turn my pain into purpose. This passion fueled my desire to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology at Arizona State University, where I am currently enrolled. My goal is to continue my studies with a focus on social justice issues within the field of psychology. I aim to advocate for mental health awareness and to support marginalized communities. I believe that understanding the psychological factors behind criminal behavior can lead to more compassionate and effective approaches to justice. By pursuing advanced studies, I hope to contribute to a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic and career goals. Financial support will alleviate some of the burdens associated with tuition and living expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. Additionally, it will provide me with the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects that can enhance my learning experience and better prepare me for a career in psychology. Ultimately, my journey is not just about overcoming obstacles but about using my experiences to uplift others facing similar challenges. With this scholarship, I hope to continue my education and work towards a future where mental health resources are accessible to all, breaking the cycle of stigma and silence. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to the field of psychology and create a positive impact on my community.