In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Unique Unity's Executive Director Odessa Ammons, shared some of her own personal experiences, perspectives, and recommendations on this critical subject. Continue reading to learn more about the significance of this observation, the long-term impact, and how Odessa is helping to educate her family and others on the great importance of mental health. Introduction Originally from Bradenton, Florida, lived in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas for ten years, now back in the Bradenton, Florida area. mother of two daughters and a son. Coming from a family of seven, family holds great importance to me. I am the Founder and CEO of a Non-Profit Organization, Unique Unity, I inspire to create positive change in the world. I enjoy listening to music, exercising, sports, eating, and spending time with family. July is Mental Health BIPOC Awareness Month. What does that mean to you? As a black bi-racial female, I am a part of more than one under-represented and marginalized group. Recognizing my community, my people, the issues, the impact, barriers, and the issues are very important to me. What do you hope people will take away from the observance of this month? Why do you feel BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is an important time? As a community, it is my hope that Black Americans will develop an understanding and learn how to be open to issues surrounding mental health. These issues are more important in our community as opposed to other groups simply because of the added stressors that we face as a result of our inherited past mistreatments in slavery and the decades of systemic racism. It is highly important for us to take the time to bring awareness to the subject which is often stigmatized. BIPOC Mental Awareness month is a unique time because it highlights issues by bringing visibility to a subject that is hard to speak about. Thirty-One Days of attention are directed to this critical subject. There has been an avoidance in the black community regarding awareness and mental health. What specific mental health tactics/ activities/practices do you practice on a regular basis? I get creative by using several techniques to remain in a healthy place mentally and emotionally such as prayer, exercise, relaxation, meditation, reading, dancing, and art, and I found a love in making TikTok Videos- it is true therapy for me. How do you teach others the importance of mental health? I remind others of the importance of staying active, having healthy habits and hobbies, being involved, staying positive, ensuring that you are not isolating yourself from others, ensuring that you are not consumed by things or people, and letting go of things that you are unable to control. I feel strongly that everyone could use a spiritual advisor, therapist, or counselor in some capacity. In that, it is important that you create a habit that you are connected even when things are okay and going well. This way if things become overwhelming you have a relationship with someone you can trust and talk to and you have a safe place mentally and emotionally. Seeking professional help does not indicate that you are crazy or have a problem. Seeking help indicates that you love yourself and others enough to ensure you are getting assistance to be your best self. Seeking counsel is more of a strength than it is a weakness. Does mental health awareness enrichen your daily life? I find many benefits in mental health awareness because it is what gets me through day-to-day as well as difficult circumstances. If you are aware you able. If you are unaware you may be unable. Awareness equips you with tools, resources, education, techniques, and perspective that can guide you when you are faced with difficult circumstances. To learn more about BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, join us for our Mind and Body sessions/ Healing Circle, or simply contact us.

How does a student make the decision to attend the right college? Finding the right college can be a difficult decision. This was the reality and story of Erianna's college journey. Erianna and her family When Erianna was in the 10th grade, she approached her mother for permission to begin preparing for Dual Enrollment. She was attending a public high school and was involved with several clubs and activities. Although Erianna was engaged on campus, she was unsure of the path she wanted to take in college and she did not even begin to look at colleges. Erianna's grades in high school were good, not stellar. She took the ACT and had a decent score, however, it was not in the top 10 percentile. At this time, Erianna's mother was working full-time and operating a Non-Profit Organization part-time and she and her sister decided to make money from home with the launch of their business RoseLynne Products. The two sold lip gloss and accessories across the United States giving them a small stream of income. This added to her busy schedule and life of Erianna. A busy 10th grader with no college plans. Almost seemed as if she would lose focus. The Point Erianna and her family wanted to choose the best college for her. They wanted to ensure that the selected college would be a good fit, affordable and offered a program of her interest. With all those considerations and factors, paying for college was a major concern. How was her family going to pay for her tuition and other expenses? Should she attend a local college to avoid extra expenses? Should she take out student loans and go into debt? Or should she go where she decides and hope for the best? Great Advice Erianna and her mother prepared her for testing that would qualify her for Dual Enrollment. Erianna was dually enrolled in her senior year in high school. COVID-19 added to the challenges and barriers associated with her making the best decision for college. Due to the COVID pandemic, Erianna and the rest of the senior class were unable to participate in all of their senior events and activities, even graduation was postponed. This created a lot of mixed emotions, concerns, fear, and doubt, and blocked the vision of being able to attend college. Erianna continued to strive toward success. She was limited in some options due to the many closures and the COVID protocols that were in place at the time of graduation. Many colleges had restrictions for applications, registration, as well as housing. Attending college during the pandemic did not seem possible. Erianna was determined to go to school. As she sat with her mother discussing college options and the altered decisions that have to be made due to COVID was stressful. As Erianna voiced her desire to attend college, she drew emotion reflecting on the many things that she was unable to celebrate and participate in due to the pandemic. In tears she told her mother, "Mom, I have worked so hard in school, maintaining good grades, perfect attendance, in clubs, on teams, in groups, dual enrollment, and more. Now that the time has come for me to grow on, the universe is telling me I can't? Well, I can and I will!" At that moment, Erianna's mother knew that she was headed on a path to a successful future. Recommendations With a love of debate and law, Erianna decided to major in Political Science and follow her desires for attending a HBCU. The goal was to ensure that Erianna had choices and funding for college. As a child Erianna had visited colleges such as Tennessee State University, FISK University, Florida A&M, Bethune Cookman, and her favorite Vanderbilt University. All though Erianna fell in love with the programs at Vanderbilt, she fell in love with the cultures at the other campuses. Despite the concerns about COVID and selecting the best college, her family was surprised by the acceptance letters and scholarship awards offered to her. Erianna resolved to pursue Political Science at Alabama A&M, which is an HBCU. Erianna was able to choose the right college for her Erianna chose to apply to different HBCU's that offered Political Science. She soon became enamored with Alabama A&M. Accepted at AAMU, never visiting the location, area, or campus prior to the acceptance and making this huge commitment. Erianna explained that she knew what she wanted educationally, and she was confident that AAMU could deliver those desires, and since she knew little about most colleges, she didn't have much fear of going to a new place. Erianna has enjoyed her experience as a Bulldog, she has been a member of SGA, and had several internships, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and more. Erianna is now in her Junior year at AAMU, she has continued to assist her mother's Non-Profit, "Unique Unity," with young adults and high school students. She is a true leader. She has worked with several students in an effort to help them prepare for college and choose the right college for them. "AAMU has been good to me, I will forever be a Bulldog. I was blessed to be able to have the opportunity to attend a college that was paid for. Yes, I worked extremely hard, but in the end, it was so worth it. I am happy to help others that want to go to college. I had a strong support system at home. My mom and step-dad were always there ensuring I was doing the right thing and keeping me on track. My mom is legit my best friend, we talk about everything and she always gives me better insight and a different perspective that keeps me motivated to keep going. I realize that everyone does not have that, so I am willing to help people get the experience that I have. College is so much more than an educational institution. College is where you find yourself, create your future foundation, and begin to evolve into the person you want to be, everyone should experience it." -Erianna R. Sanders Chose the right college for you If you need help to choose the right college for you, our team at Unique Unity can help. Contact us at any time with questions.

College Financial Literacy Basics We don't question the fact that college is expensive. However, seeking higher education is one of the best ways to create a different path toward an elevated standard of living. Education is essential and it will help you pursue a career path that you desire a nd will bring you an abundance of happiness and professional satisfaction. Continuing your education comes with added expenses, which makes financial literacy all the more important. Having the skills and knowledge of how to balance everyday living and college expenses with the costs is key – and it will help you build a foundation for a successful financial future. One great way to get started is to take advantage of online financial education resources, like the online Financial Workshops with Unique Unity. First, Let's discuss Financial Literacy, what is it? Financial literacy is achieving a level of knowledge that ensures you are able to navigate and manage various financial decisions. This can include learned skills involving debit cards and checking account usage, borrowing habits, and much more. Too many college students achieve financial literacy through the regretful trial-and-error method that causes way too much stress. However, those that seek out opportunities to gain financial literacy skills through education tend to find themselves more prepared for the unexpected circumstance that life has in store and gives them the ability to make a solid plan for their future. Why is financial literacy important for students? Things in life can come unexpectedly. Often making decisions seem to be made for us, and life goes on. But with a higher level of financial literacy, you begin to realize that you can gain more control over many financial components of your life that you previously thought were out of your control. Knowing you have a choice in financial lenders, providers, and service partners – and knowing how to make better decisions about them in a way that helps you realize your goals – is a result of financial literacy. Through the power of financial literacy, you can shop for rates on loans, manage debt and pay it down, choose the best checking accounts to fit your needs, build savings, and be proactive in moving forward in your life. Starting your path now while you’re in school, makes sense, right? We thought so too. Starting now gives you the best chance of creating a financial path that helps you get to exactly where you see yourself tomorrow and years into the future. How to get started. Being a college student means you have a busy life. We get it and we understand! Luckily, there are easy and fast ways to boost your financial literacy skills. Head over to our online financial literacy page and sign up for learning modules that help you understand credit, managing debt, and how to achieve financial success at every stage of life – including yours. Want one-on-one help? Send us a text at (941) 301-8250 or send an email to unique.unityllc@gmail.com and let us know you are interested. Unique Unity Published 2022 Author: Odessa Ammons

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