Child and Family Psychologist by Najah

Child and Family Psychologist by Najah - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

My career interest is to become a Child Psychologist and specialize in helping children with psychological and behavioral issues.
Psychology is very interesting to me, there are so many areas that can be explored and studied.  Child psychology is dear to my heart and something that I feel will allow me to make the biggest impact in the lives of children and families.
My younger sister has some behavioral issues which has contributed greatly to our family dynamic.  I have learned by watching her behavior and how her triggers and lack of self-control can lead to huge arguments and misunderstandings.  Once my mom found a psychologist for my sister I began to notice a gradual desire in her to change her behavior.  The psychologist was able to help her identify and take accountability for her actions and learn coping skills. I then realized that I could benefit from a psychologist as well, in learning how to manage my transition from high school student to college student; and the changes that I will encounter as I become a young adult. I think the world has allowed the discussion of mental health to be common and it gives people the freedom to ask for assistance and not feel judged. My church has a Mental Health facility that offers free mental health to the Harlem community. Living in New York City, there are so many people with mental health issues that do not seek help Or do not have access to seek help. I want to be apart of the mental health solution.
My sister and my community has greatly shaped my career interest to become a Child and Family Psychologist. Children and families are the bedrock of the community and I want to make an impact that will shatter roadblocks and provide tools to manage anything that might prevent success or authenticity. I want to be a subject matter expert in child and family psychology and gain the knowledge to identify any unique challenges that might hinder learning and life.  My dream is to have a child and family psychology practice to service children and families outside of school, but have the flexibility to work in schools as well. I believe if I can help children and families work through behavioral and psychological issues that will eliminate barriers which might impact learning.
Making a difference in contributing to the future generation by giving them the best foundation to learn, and help them navigate issues that might hinder their success.  Children striving, growing and being successful is my definition of success and what I aspire to see.