My Plan For My Future by Nikiya

My Plan For My Future by Nikiya - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

My strongest desire is to help people heal psychologically, emotionally, and mentally. I’ve always been fascinated by the workings of the mind, the emotions people struggle to express, and the issues we don’t always see. My goal isn’t just to understand these struggles but to offer the care and advice that can truly change lives. Whether through psychology, psychiatry, or another form of healing, I want to create an environment where people feel heard, seen, and empowered to work through their pain. My goal is ultimately to help people but I also want to help my mom retire stress-free and learn more about myself throughout the process as well.
I’ve already started putting in the work to turn this vision into reality. I’ve been challenging myself as a student, pushing through tough coursework so I’ll be ready for whatever comes next. I take every chance to learn, observe, and grow, knowing that helping others will come from my own experiences and the knowledge I build along the way. Outside of class, I sit down with myself to reflect on human nature, the habits that shape us, and how I can use my understanding to make a real difference. I seek out hard conversations, educate myself in ways that broadens my perspective, and dive into experiences that force me out of my comfort zone because I know that before I can heal others, I have to truly understand myself.
In the future, I’ll keep stepping it up. I want to gain hands-on experience whether through internships, research, or volunteer work that lets me connect with people on a deeper level. I know personal growth is just as important as professional growth, so I’ll continue to challenge my own fears and learn every lesson life throws my way. My goal isn’t just to have a successful career, it's to make a real impact and to be a helping hand of healing in a world that needs it. With each step, I’m getting closer to making that happen, through my involvement in my community, my strive for excellence, and more to come. While in college I strive to continue to make a difference.