Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship

My name is Alicia Montejo. I am excited to share my story and aspirations with you. Growing up in rural North Carolina, I developed a deep appreciation for mental health early in my life. Now, as I stand at the threshold of higher education, I am eager to take the next step in my journey and make a lasting impact on the world around me. From an early age, I found myself captivated by the impact that mental health has on every aspect of life. I grew up witnessing the impact of mental illness on myself, my family and my community. Through witnessing the challenges of mental illness, I knew I wanted to improve my community's quality of life. This passion led me to pursue a bachelors degree in psychology. Throughout my academic journey, I have not only excelled in my coursework despite challenges, but also actively sought opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-life scenarios. Whether through research projects, community engagement, or shadowing at mental health clinics, I have consistently sought to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship holds immense significance for me as it represents more than just financial support. If awarded this scholarship, I intend to utilize the funds judiciously to cover tuition, further research in the field of psychology, and assist my local community. This support will not only ease the financial burden on my family but will also provide me with the freedom to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities, enabling me to make the most of my educational experience. Looking to the future, my ideal career envisions me as a licensed clinical therapist. I am drawn to the prospect of increasing mental health awareness among marginalized youth. Whether it's innovating new solutions to address rising mental illness rates among youth or contributing to groundbreaking research in psychology, I am committed to making a tangible and positive difference. Beyond personal fulfillment, my ultimate goal is to contribute to positive change on a global scale. I aspire to make mental health education accessible to all communities in America. By combining my passion for psychology with a commitment to social responsibility, I aim to be a catalyst for transformative change. Whether through sustainable initiatives, community outreach programs, or advancements in technology, my vision is to leave an indelible mark that resonates far beyond the confines of my professional endeavors. In conclusion, the Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship represents not just a financial boost but a pivotal stepping stone in my journey towards realizing my dreams and effecting meaningful change. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. I am eager to leverage this support to propel myself towards a future where I can contribute positively to the world around me. Thank you for considering my application.

I have been working towards a Ph.D. in Psychoneuroendoimmunology since the fall of 2020. It took me 22 years to be able to go to college, having to lose almost everything after a divorce and bankruptcy at the age of forty. I fell in love with the knowledge I was gaining and being able to find beauty in what most would consider not worth the time. As of right now, my studies are taking me deeper into understanding the human brain. A feat that until I began college, would have never thought twice about. My passion is understanding the disease of addiction, including substance abuse as my husband is terminally ill due to his own years of unchecked alcoholism. Being able to reach people, especially at the high school and adolescent age prior to them experiencing addiction is a life goal. Helping physicians, mental health providers, and communities understand the impact of early childhood trauma and how it plays a leading role into addictions even developing is the direction I am heading. They say knowledge is power, I choose to be the spark that helps ignite global social change so we stop needlessly losing our loved ones to their various vices. Currently, my work, schooling, and family keep me busy enough to not extend my time to extracurricular activities. Although my time is constricted at the moment, I am a Boy Scout Leader, having earned my Wood Badge, the highest leadership merit award they have. I have also taken the time to become a certified first responder for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Currently, I am one of two individuals certified to administer Narcan at Independence High School if a student or otherwise presents with opioid overdose symptoms. As a full-time employee with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, a full-time student at both the University of North Carolina Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College, and a full-time mother and caregiver, receiving this scholarship will help relieve the burden of cost for my educational expenses. I was just informed that I no longer qualify for financial aid as my husband’s miniscule Social Security Disability payments count toward my yearly eligibility income. I will not be able to continue my educational journey without the help and support of scholarships such as this. It took me twenty-two years after I graduated high school to be able to attend college. I was just accepted into the highly competitive upper division of the Bachelor of Science Public Health program at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, I refuse to quit now