James Turner Second Chance Scholarship

As a senior at Cathedral High School in Indiana, I am honored to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship in honor of James Turner. I understand the pain and devastation that addiction can cause, not just for the individual but for their loved ones as well. I have been personally impacted by addiction in my own family and it has shaped my desire to pursue a career in the field of mental health and informatics. In five years, I envision myself having graduated from college with a degree in Psychology and beginning my career as a mental health professional. With my background in psychology, I will be able to understand the complexities of addiction and mental health issues, and how to best support those who are struggling. Additionally, I want to use my knowledge of technology to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health resources for individuals and families affected by addiction, suicide, and self-harm. My personal journey has not been an easy one. I have struggled with a range of mental health issues including an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety. It was a painful and difficult time in my life and I was scared to ask for help. I felt like I was alone in my struggles and didn't know where to turn. But I realized that it was important to take care of myself and to seek help when needed. Through therapy, medication, and the support of loved ones, I have been able to overcome those struggles and to focus on my future. I have learned that it is important to be kind to yourself and not to be ashamed of seeking help. I have also realized the importance of community and support in overcoming difficult obstacles. Going through this challenge has taught me the importance of self-care, self-compassion and the power of resilience. It has also taught me the importance of mental health resources and support systems, and the impact that technology can have on improving access to these resources. I am determined to use my experiences and education to make a positive impact in the field of mental health and informatics, and to help others who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues. In college, I plan to study Psychology and Informatics, taking courses related to mental health, addiction, and technology. I also plan to get involved in research and volunteer opportunities that will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the field. I am confident that with my passion, dedication, and hard work, I will be able to achieve my goals and make a difference in the lives of others affected by addiction and mental health issues. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship in honor of James Turner, and I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact in the field of mental health and informatics. Thank you for considering my application.

Picture this: you’re a paramedic who is soundly sleeping after a long day of patients and transfers. You deserve, no, you need this sleep, for you’ve worked a long day, and tomorrow is another 12-hour shift. In the other room is your 14-year-old son playing Europa Universalis IV. Suddenly, you're ripped from a state of deep sleep, awoken by pounding and unpleasant words. You roll onto your back while rolling your eyes. After a sigh and a glance at the clock, you yell, “What’s the problem this time?” That was a frequent occurrence in my home for many years. I had –and still occasionally struggle with– anger issues. They have led to detention, referrals, being labeled a “cry baby” by peers, embarrassed relatives, and they have often hindered my learning ability. I had long recognized that I had a problem, but dealing with it was another story. Moreover, at times I didn’t want to shout in anger or punch my desk, yet I heard my voice echoing off the walls, and my fist ached with pain. Nonetheless, I have greatly improved -particularly in the last few years. While I still have occasional outbursts, I believe I am over the hump. Now I sometimes find myself the one watching a tantrum instead of being watched. Having had over-the-top reactions to the most minute of things for years also means I have had years to develop the skills to prevent, or bring myself down from, an outburst. When facing a challenge, or when things go wrong, I use my learned techniques to stay calm and think clearly. I have discovered such skills are lacking in many children and adults. That differentiates me from them: I try to approach problems with a calm mind and maintain that mindset. Furthermore, when I feel my anger rising, I have learned to walk away and come back later. While I may have managed to conquer a problem and change a behavior, I have an interest that has never changed: history. During one of the long winters in Indiana, I was surfing YouTube when I stumbled upon a video about history. It was far more interesting than anything else I may have otherwise watched. Since then, I have spent much of my free time watching history documentaries, reading non-fiction, exploring museums, or talking about what I have learned. My appetite for knowledge of the past is insatiable, and I greatly enjoy every minute. Moreover, spreading the knowledge to others is equally -if not more- enjoyable. Logically, a career in history is the path I have chosen. For this field, higher education is a necessity. Therefore, in 5 years, I hope to have achieved a bachelor’s degree and be completing a doctoral degree. Unfortunately, many years in higher education costs a lot of money. There is also a lot of potential for waste were I to derail my progress with an angry outburst. But, I, fortunately, work every day to completely eliminate what was once a major issue and now aim to achieve success despite my past problems. Today, I ask for help from the James Andrew Turner Second Chance Scholarship to reach my goal.