Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship

My name is Lama Dahan, and I am a psychology student at Houston Community College, preparing to transfer to Texas State University this fall to continue working toward my bachelor’s degree. I am a proud wife, a mother of three boys, and a first-generation college student in the U.S. My journey has not been easy, but it has been filled with meaning, purpose, and a deep desire to help others. I moved to the U.S. with my husband and children to build a better future, far away from the support of extended family. Navigating life here alone, I’ve had to be strong, resourceful, and deeply connected to my values. I have always believed that the greatest good comes when we lift each other up—and that belief has guided my path as a student, mother, volunteer, and aspiring mental health professional. My passion for psychology was inspired by my own children’s struggles. My oldest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and my second son with ADHD. These diagnoses pushed me to learn everything I could so I could support them—and that turned into a passion to support others. I want to help children and families who face emotional and developmental challenges, especially those who may not have access to the resources they need. Despite the demands of being a full-time student and mother, I’ve continued to give back. I regularly volunteer at my children’s school, helping in classrooms and school events, and I work occasionally as a substitute teacher. Through these roles, I’ve connected with children, parents, and educators—listening, supporting, and doing my best to contribute. I’ve also tried to support my family financially through a small handmade jewelry and resin art business on Etsy. These efforts haven’t always been easy, especially living on a single income, but I’ve always stayed true to myself and committed to building something meaningful. What drives me is compassion—for my children, for other families like mine, and for anyone navigating life with limited resources. Through my education, I hope to become a clinical child psychologist, serving every family in need for help. I want to create a safe space where children can be heard, supported, and understood, and where parents can find strength and hope. I am honored to apply for this scholarship. It would allow me to keep pursuing this dream and make the kind of impact that reaches beyond myself—one family, one child, and one act of compassion at a time.

My family and I have struggled financially for as long as I can remember. Coming from Africa, Tanzania, to America was a transition that affected multiple aspects of our lives especially financially. The language barrier along with my parents' lack of opportunities to acquire adequate education in Africa placed a significant burden on us as we continue to navigate our new lives in America. We have spent our whole lives relying on government assistance such as food stamps and other forms of aid to thrive daily. Living in a constant state of lack has been a major driving force in my determination to pursue education and create a better future for not only myself but for my family and others within my community. My ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant and work in underserved communities, providing accessible healthcare to those who cannot afford it. I grew up watching my parents struggle with health issues and not being able to afford adequate medical care, so I understand firsthand the impact that lack of access to quality healthcare can have on individuals and families. Part of their health issues stemmed from lack of awareness and education about preventive measures and healthy lifestyle choices. Underserved communities often lack adequate healthcare resources and support, which leads to poor health outcomes and a cycle of poverty. I am currently majoring in public health and therefore i am continuously, learning about the social determinants of health and ways to address healthcare disparities especially in less privileged communities. I plan to use my knowledge and skills to provide high-quality and compassionate healthcare to individuals in these communities, advocating for their needs and promoting preventative care. Over the past years, I have participated in various educational and professional opportunities that have helped me expand my knowledge and professional skills and also allowed me to give back to my community and positively impact those around me. This past January, I traveled to Ghana as part of my school’s Jan-Term program, where I got the opportunity to experience Ghana's healthcare system firsthand by shadowing and interacting directly with both private and public health practitioners. In addition to shadowing, I got to directly assist practitioners in minor procedures such as sterilizing instruments and taking patient vitals. I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and disparities that exist in healthcare access and quality, especially in underserved communities. I am a student assistant at the Austin College’s Center for Career and Professional Development. My role includes assisting students with resume-building job or internship searching and helping prepare and set up for career-related events hosted by the center. Working at the Center has helped me gain insight into the intricacies of career development and taught me valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, and customer service. I’ve also learned how to network and connect with professionals in different fields, which will be essential for me as I pursue my own career goals. Lastly, I currently intern at The Beacon Homeless Services in downtown Houston on school breaks. Doing so gives me the opportunity to help improve the lives of those who have been affected by homelessness. My position allows me to strengthen my communication and organizational abilities, as well as my problem-solving skills, all of which will be valuable in my future endeavors. My biggest aspiration in life is to create a lifetime of financial stability for myself and my family while simultaneously creating a positive impact in the lives of those around me and I will continue to do my best to ensure my dream turns into my reality.