Where Psychology Meets Purpose by Zoey

Where Psychology Meets Purpose by Zoey - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I get to college, I plan to major in psychology. I chose this path because of my long-standing and deeply rooted-fascination with how people think, feel, and behave. Along with how both life experiences and the inner workings of the brain shape those processes. My decision to pursue psychology goes beyond academics; it’s a personal calling that has been shaped by real-life experiences that have opened my eyes to the complexity of the human mind and the power of emotional resilience.

A pivotal moment in my life came during my junior year of highschool, when my mom had a stroke. I was in the car with her when it happened, she crashed into a construction site, and from that moment on, everything changed. My mom faced both physical and cognitive challenges, and our family dynamic shifted dramatically. With my older siblings focused on their own lives and my dad working long hours to support us, I suddenly became her primary caregiver. I took on responsibilities like driving her to appointments, managing household tasks, and offering emotional support. It was a heavy burden to carry, especially while trying to maintain strong grades and keep up with schoolwork. There were times I felt overwhelmed and alone, but I also witnessed my mom’s resilience. I spoke with her doctors, especially her neurologist, and saw firsthand just how powerful the human mind is: its fragility, its strength, and its incredible ability to heal.

This experience taught me more than any textbook could. I learned about patience, empathy, and perseverance, both in my mom and in myself. It made me want to understand the brain on a deeper level. I began exploring psychology through videos, articles, and college-level dual enrollment courses like Psych 001, Psych 002, and Statistics. I became fascinated by cognitive and behavioral psychology, and I knew I wanted to pursue a path where I could make a real difference in people’s lives with my desire to understand the social sciences. At school, I found purpose in helping others. I’ve been in mental health clubs since freshman year but during my junior year I became a Lead Peer Wellness Advocate for my school community. In this role I received training to support peers dealing with emotional struggles and worked on initiatives to raise awareness to reduce the stigma about topics like mental health, toxic relationships, and other wellness topics. I led events, facilitated presentations, and even hosted webinars with over a hundred students .One of my favorite moments was when a conversation at a stress management table turned into a meaningful, open discussion between students who felt heard and supported. That experience reminded me how powerful connection and compassion can be. It also deepened my understanding of how emotions influence behavior, one of the many reasons I’m passionate about studying psychology.

I plan to major in psychology because it perfectly connects my personal experiences, academic interests, and passion for helping others. Supporting my mom through her stroke recovery and advocating for mental health in my school community showed me how powerful and complex the human mind can be and how much I care about it. These experiences inspired me to learn more about how the brain influences behavior and how emotional struggles can be understood and treated. In college, I look forward to studying psychology through research, campus wellness involvement, and internships that deepen my knowledge. My ultimate goal is to become a neuropsychologist so I can help people navigate mental and emotional challenges with care. I chose psychology because I want to turn the hardships I’ve faced and my passion into a lifelong purpose of helping others heal, grow, and thrive.