Stop the Stigma by Gabrielle

Stop the Stigma by Gabrielle - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could create meaningful change globally, it would be for Mental Health Awareness. As a senior in high school, it can be really challenging being a young teenager while also trying to figure out my future. The pressure of my parents, teachers, and people around me can make it harder for me to continue. It gets overwhelming knowing that everyone is expecting me to be great and have amazing grades, but still live my life as a teenager. Most kids now don’t feel comfortable talking to their parents or other loved ones about their problems. Mental Health is a crucial discussion, and it should be talked about more, especially in places where kids can feel judged by their peers. People tend to think of Mental Health as an afterthought when it really is something that can make or break a person. This specific stigma needs to stop before it gets too late. To raise awareness about mental health, I would first approach this by making it more well-known in my school, as most kids don’t have access to resources. I would organize workshops for kids to have the chance to speak to Health Advocates about their problems and have them give ideas on how to navigate through them. I would create support groups for everyone and have monthly meetings where we can discuss ways to not feel discouraged or even defeated. Through my efforts, I can help establish a safe space where teenagers like me can feel comfortable talking about something that is usually ignored.