From Anxiety to Aspirations by Sydney

From Anxiety to Aspirations by Sydney - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I was 11 years old, my parents had to tie my shoes and carry me to the car to get me to go to school. I had crippling anxiety; it was like a crushing freight train that paralyzed my social abilities. When I got to school, I felt sick all day and would sit in the nurse's office. I did not understand what was happening to me, nor did my parents. Eventually, we learned I had anxiety.

I recall a lot during this period in my life, but I mostly remember the kindness of people. So many people went above and beyond to help me. This was when I understood what service to others looks and feels like. It's a selfless act of kindness. My school nurse let me sit in her office until I was comfortable. My school principal came out to my parents' car and coaxed me inside the school so I wouldn't be absent every day. My friends saw I was struggling and encouraged me.

My experience with anxiety gave me a passion for helping others, empathy for everyone around me, and a desire to become a psychiatrist someday. I will head off to college this fall, where I plan to study psychology. After undergraduate school, my goal is to go to medical school. One of the challenges I had when I was struggling with anxiety was finding local mental health help. The doctors and counselors in this area are limited; most had waiting lists for months to get in. At the time, my family and I did not know what was happening to me. I went from being easygoing to someone who refused to attend school. We needed help immediately, not months from now. The need for more mental health doctors in suburban and rural areas is high; I hope I can one day be one of those doctors. This is a big motivation for me to stay focused on my goals. I clearly remember how urgent my need was then and feeling helpless that I couldn't get help immediately. I appreciate your consideration.