Mental Self-Enhancement by Jada

Mental Self-Enhancement by Jada - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I didn’t have many Black role models in my educational environment. The majority of my teachers were White, and it was rare to find someone who truly understood my lived experience as a Black student. This changed when I met Mr. Smith, my SEI (self-enhancement inc.) mentor, during high school. He became the first Black mentor I had in the education system, and his impact on me has been profound.

Mr. Smith not only provided academic guidance but also made me feel seen and understood in ways I hadn’t experienced before. His openness about his own battles with mental health was incredibly validating for me. Having lost my father to suicide during my early teenage years, I struggled with my own grief and mental health challenges. Mr. Smith's vulnerability and willingness to share his experiences gave me permission to acknowledge my pain and seek help when I needed it. He normalized mental health struggles in a way that was both empowering and healing.

In addition to providing mentorship on academic matters, Mr. Smith gave me emotional support and guidance that I had not received elsewhere. He took the time to listen and understand my feelings, showing me the value of seeking help, talking about mental health, and navigating life’s challenges with resilience.

Mr. Smith’s mentorship helped me navigate the difficult years following my father’s death and middle school struggles. He taught me how to approach education with perseverance and helped me see that my mental health was just as important as my academic success. His belief in me, especially during moments when I doubted myself, made all the difference. I’ll always be grateful for Mr. Smith's influence and the impact he had on my educational journey, helping me become a more empathetic and self-aware individual.