Investing in Change: My Commitment to Transforming Mental Health Care in America by Faith

Investing in Change: My Commitment to Transforming Mental Health Care in America by Faith - May 2025 Scholarship Essay

If money were no object, I would use everything I’ve learned in school and in life to help rebuild one of the most broken systems in America: our health care system—specifically, mental health care. The more I study psychology and reflect on my personal experiences, the more I realize how deeply this country is in need of compassionate, affordable, and accessible mental health services. My goal isn’t just to work within the system—I want to transform it.

My interest in mental health isn’t something that appeared overnight. It was born from a lifetime of witnessing and experiencing the consequences of untreated mental health issues. I grew up in a single-parent home, where survival often came before self-care. My mother, strong and determined, struggled under the weight of responsibility, financial pressure, and emotional exhaustion. There was no space or time to talk about feelings. There was certainly no access to therapy. And for me, as a child recovering from a brain injury that resulted in essential tremors, the emotional toll was immense.

Throughout school, I gravitated toward psychology and health sciences—not just because I wanted answers for my own experiences, but because I wanted to understand how to help others. I learned about the brain, behavior, trauma, and coping mechanisms. But what stood out the most wasn’t the science—it was the injustice. In class, we learned about mental health treatments, therapy models, and best practices, but the reality is that most Americans don’t have access to these resources.

Today, millions of people suffer in silence due to the high cost of mental health care, lack of culturally competent providers, and the stigma that still surrounds emotional vulnerability. If I had the financial means, I would change this. I would start by opening nonprofit community mental health centers in underserved areas. These centers would offer free or sliding-scale therapy, group counseling, educational workshops, and trauma-informed care. I’d make sure they were staffed not only by trained professionals but also by people who understand the lived experiences of the communities they serve.

Beyond direct care, I would invest in mental health education. In school, I learned that prevention is just as important as treatment. We should be teaching mental health literacy in every classroom, from elementary school through college. Kids should know how to name their emotions, manage stress, and seek help without shame. If I could, I would fund programs that bring therapists into schools, train teachers in emotional support strategies, and create peer mentorship groups where students can support one another in healthy ways.

Additionally, I’d invest in making therapy more inclusive. Too often, people from marginalized communities are overlooked or misdiagnosed. I’ve learned how essential cultural competency is in effective care. That’s why I’d use what I’ve learned in school to develop training programs for mental health professionals to better understand diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Everyone deserves to feel seen, respected, and understood when they ask for help.

Of course, none of this change happens without policy. With unlimited resources, I’d advocate for systemic reform. I’d use what I’ve learned about research, data, and human behavior to influence lawmakers and push for legislation that makes mental health care a basic human right, not a luxury. I’d fight for insurance coverage that includes therapy and psychiatric services. I’d push for mental health screenings to become part of standard medical checkups. I’d campaign for the destigmatization of mental illness, not only in the media but also in the language we use every day.

All of this connects to what I’m studying—and who I want to become. My dream is to earn a degree in psychology, specialize in clinical or trauma-informed care, and become a licensed therapist. But I don’t want to stop there. I want to use my voice, education, and experience to build something bigger than myself. I want to help reshape the way our country approaches emotional well-being. I want to show people that healing is not only possible—it’s something they deserve.

Personally, I know what it’s like to feel unseen. I know what it’s like to be told your future is limited. I was told I’d never do everyday things like button a shirt or apply makeup due to my tremors. But I proved that wrong. Now, I’m determined to prove something else: that we can build a mental health care system that works for everyone. That we can care more deeply, act more boldly, and reach more people—if we have the right resources and the courage to use them.

Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that vision. It would not only help fund my education but affirm that my passion, voice, and mission matter. It would allow me to continue learning, growing, and preparing to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. I don’t need endless money to care—but I do need support to build the future I believe in.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and for supporting students who want to change the world for the better.