No One Should Feel Alone by Anahata Suri

No One Should Feel Alone by Anahata Suri - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

No one should feel like they are struggling alone. Yet too many people, especially teenagers, face challenging times without support. I want to change that.

I am applying for this 2025 Scholarship because it will help me take the next step toward becoming a counselor. With this scholarship, I can pursue a sociology degree, equipping me with the skills to support young adults who, like many of my peers, need a safe place to be heard and understood.

My passion for transformation began in an unexpected place: the theater. As the Props Director for all my high school theater productions since freshman year, I saw how every blank set transforms into a living, breathing, world. Every performance requires collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail. Every intricate item I craft, from the aged scroll to the vintage teacup I found at a thrift store, becomes a part of something larger than myself. This same passion for transformation extends beyond the stage and into my desire to create spaces where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered.

My commitment to fostering change led me to found Care Club during my sophomore year at Boulder High School, a peer-based mental health support group. One of our members, a student who had spent her lunches alone in the library, once told me she now looked forward to our weekly meetings because she had found friends. This moment solidified my belief in the power of support and community. Motivated by this impact, I organized a school-wide writing initiative, facilitating the exchange of over 100 letters of encouragement between students and teachers. These experiences reinforced my passion for building places where people feel seen and valued.

Seeking a deeper understanding of human behavior, I pursued an internship at an online therapy education company, where I learned from experienced therapists about different counseling approaches. Inspired, I enrolled in sociology and philosophy at Front Range Community College. Studying alongside individuals of diverse backgrounds challenged my perspectives, strengthening my academic and firsthand knowledge of human emotions and interactions.

College is the next step in turning my passion into a career. Higher education will equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the mental health field. This scholarship would alleviate financial barriers, allowing me to focus on my education and continue my work helping others find support. My experiences in leadership, volunteerism, and academics have given me a strong foundation, and I am ready to take the next step.
I can picture myself in an office one day, sitting in a swivel chair with a notepad and a ballpoint pen. A client will say, “I am not alone.” And I’ll know that I’ve made a difference.