Being the One by Prince Zaire

Being the One by Prince Zaire - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

During the pandemic, solace was the norm, and uncertainty was everywhere; I experienced a profound encounter with being “the one.” My cousin’s journey through mental illness and a traumatic experience brought us face-to-face with the transformative power of faith and hope when I became aware of her signs of distress and initial distrust of support, which made it difficult to move beyond her silent struggles. She was in the grip of despair, battling demons that threatened to consume her. In desperation, she contemplated ending her own life. I shared personal stories of triumph over mental health challenges to help break down the isolation that accompanied her struggles. This shared journey empowered her to seek help without fear of judgment.

Helping others seek help without fear of judgment guides my academic goals. By eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health issues, we can pave the way for open conversations and a supportive culture encouraging individuals to seek mental health support to address the silent struggles many face. Together, we faced the challenges that were bigger than us and tapped into the mental health support available, and she embarked on her healing journey with a healthcare professional. I witnessed the transformative power. This experience ignited a flame, guiding me towards a calling I had never considered before a path of mental health care advocacy. I choose to pursue a psychology degree at Morehouse College to become a mental health care professional. I am passionate about mental wellness, and I see this as a calling to be an instrument of human connection and extend support to those who require healing and hope. As I embark on this chapter, my focus is driven by how being “the one” manifests even in the darkest corners of our lives. My cousin's journey saved her life and illuminated my path to restoring broken spirits and promoting mental well-being.