Hello, I am Alisha Jefferies of Ohio. I am a mother of two boys, a grandmother of 4, and a wife of 30yrs. I was born and raised in Ohio, but I have spent several stints residing in California; both northern and southern. I prefer Southern California most, as that is where my love for psychology and the mental health profession took root in my spirit of wanting to help others with mental health incapacities. I am the third eldest of seven children in a blended family. I did not grow up with my biological mother, as my father remarried. I gained a stepmother and step-sister, four months my senior. I have 2 biological sisters and 3 half-siblings. Of my 2 biological sisters, only me and my older sister transitioned to live with my father and his new family, while our youngest sister continued living with our mother. I can't say how I would have turned out if I continued living with my biological mother, but I often wonder if my life outcome would have been different. I wonder if I would have been more or less successful. It was hard growing up without my mother and even harder when I was not able to visit her. I grew up knowing it was difficult for my older sister to adjust to our blended family, as she remained quiet, reserved, and very intelligent in her academic studies. I guess I immersed myself in sports throughout primary/secondary school (gymnastics and tumbling were my favorite) as opposed to dwelling on why I could not grow up with, or visit my mother. The relationship I have now with my biological mother is absolutely wonderful, but I cannot say the same for my older sister. My sister, and the experience I gleaned while working in the psychology department at a very prominent hospital in Ca., are the very true reason I have gained a passion for mental health. My older sister did not fare so well in life, and what started as a mild (somewhat expected) case of postpartum depression after her second and third child, is currently full-blown psychosis. I believe my sister was initially mentally affected by not having our biological mother in our lives. Because our father was of a religion that did not allow us to wear certain clothes, date, celebrate holidays, nor watch much television, we were pretty sheltered in our teen-aged years.; only really having each other for socialization. While I and my stepsister eventually began dating, my older sister did not; she preferred to stay home and study or read a book. When my older sister finally started dating, it was a gentleman from the religion we grew up in. My sister had no experience in how to operate in a social setting because she was always by herself and never wanted to hang out with our friends. I do believe that if she had the necessary therapy of dealing with separation from our mother at a young age, and gained social skills she would not be as isolated as she is today, nor would she have stopped attending Tuskegee University. While I was working in California I came across an African American young lady who was checking herself into our office for a scheduled mental health group therapy appointment. I can't help but remember how much this young lady reminded me of my older sister. To see that young lady struggling to maintain her mental health hit me pretty hard, as I immediately thought of what my sister may be going through with her mental health struggles. To this day, in my life experiences, I have witnessed many men and women with mental health issues, and want desperately to help everyone I can. Even if it is just showing a person experiencing anxiety how to perform slow, box breathing in an effort to calm themselves down, I would openly welcome such an opportunity. How I most want to make a positive impact with my knowledge, passion, and vigor for mental health, is to advocate in removing the biased opinions regarding mental health; namely in the African-American and underserved populations of our American culture. My goal is to complete my undergraduate studies, earn a Master's degree, and work in clinical psychology. I would be most proud to work with adoption/foster agencies in helping adolescents overcome life barriers and grow into healthy, productive, and successful men and women. I am of the belief that it is never too late to pursue your heart's desires. I also believe God has placed the "gifts of help" within me to be a blessing to others. I further, firmly believe that as long as I have life, I have to live it to the fullest and to the best of my abilities. I have not yet finished my academic studies, and at times, have struggled along the way. I am extremely proud of myself for not givng up on myself, or my dreams of success in the mental health profession. I cannot wait to graduate and show the physicians/clinicians what they have shown me in my seven-year employment as their medical secretary, has made a lasting impression on me. It's the same professional impression I too want to leave for mental health achievers coming after me.

Hello, I am Alisha Jefferies of Ohio. I am a mother of two boys, a grandmother of 4, and a wife of 30yrs. I was born and raised in Ohio, but I have spent several stints residing in California; both northern and southern. I prefer Southern California most, as that is where my love for psychology and the mental health profession took root in my spirit of wanting to help others with mental health incapacities. I am the third eldest of seven children in a blended family. I did not grow up with my biological mother, as my father remarried. I gained a stepmother and step-sister, four months my senior. I have 2 biological sisters and 3 half-siblings. Of my 2 biological sisters, only me and my older sister transitioned to live with my father and his new family, while our youngest sister continued living with our mother. I can't say how I would have turned out if I continued living with my biological mother, but I often wonder if my life outcome would have been different. I wonder if I would have been more or less successful. It was hard growing up without my mother and even harder when I was not able to visit her. I grew up knowing it was difficult for my older sister to adjust to our blended family, as she remained quiet, reserved, and very intelligent in her academic studies. I guess I immersed myself in sports throughout primary/secondary school (gymnastics and tumbling were my favorite) as opposed to dwelling on why I could not grow up with, or visit my mother. The relationship I have now with my biological mother is absolutely wonderful, but I cannot say the same for my older sister. My sister, and the experience I gleaned while working in the psychology department at a very prominent hospital in Ca., are the very true reason I have gained a passion for mental health. My older sister did not fare so well in life, and what started as a mild (somewhat expected) case of postpartum depression after her second and third child, is currently full-blown psychosis. How I most want to make a positive impact with my knowledge, passion, and vigor for mental health, is to advocate in removing the biased opinions regarding mental health; namely in the African-American and underserved populations of our American culture. My goal is to complete my undergraduate studies, earn a Master's degree, and work in clinical psychology. I would be most proud to work with adoption/foster agencies in helping adolescents overcome life barriers and grow into healthy, productive, and successful men and women. I am of the belief that it is never too late to pursue your heart's desires. I also believe God has placed the "gifts of help" within me to be a blessing to others. I further, firmly believe that as long as I have life, I have to live it to the fullest and to the best of my abilities. I have not yet finished my academic studies, and at times, have struggled along the way. I am extremely proud for not givng up on myself, or my dreams of success in the mental health profession. I cannot wait to graduate and show the physicians/clinicians what they have shown me in my seven-year employment as their medical secretary, has made a lasting impression on me. It's the same professional impression I too want to leave for mental health achievers coming after me. Many thanks for the nomination and consideration of the Shine Your Light College Scholarship.

Alisha Jefferies Essay Submission for Impact Scholarship April 9, 2021 Hello, my name is Alisha Jefferies from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a 50 year old mother of two boys, Cairo (30), and Norman (13). I am a wife and grandmother of 4 (Oakland, Memphis, Aspen, and Zyaire). I am a sister, friend to all, and a loving woman of God. I am the third eldest of seven children born to Jesse Gibson and Deborah Davis. I am from a blended family, and my step-mother, Angela Gibson has been a vital part in my life development/success since I was 2 years old. I enjoy reading, cleaning, praying, candles, spending quality time with family/friends, and helping others wherever/whenever I can. I have worked for our counties Job and Family Services going on 8 years, and I truly enjoy helping families in our communities obtain sustainability with food, medicaid, and cash assistance. Prior to working for Hamilton County JFS, I worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Paramount, California from 2001-2008. Working as a medical secretary for the department of psychiatry for seven years, sparked my interest and passion of wanting to pursue a professional career in mental health. I have been an active board member of the Winton Place Youth Center for four years now, and I am very proud of the work we have accomplished. The WPYC center is a neighborhood youth organization geared towards bettering the lives of under-served community children. The youth center offers after school tutoring to school aged children, with an emphasis on long-term educational/academic/life success. WPYC also offers summer camp activities that allow children to experience educational/recreational outings, opportunities to volunteer, give back to others, and make new friendships. Because the WPYC is a non-profit organization, I am heavily involved with fund raising efforts that allow the organization to thrive, and maintain as a pillar of hope/comfort for the communities and families we serve. I am also a member of Greater St. John AME Zion church for the past 9 years. I head our local Parent Body Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society; and currently operate in the capacity of District Superintendent of our Juvenile Missionary Society, Buds of Promise; ages 1-12 years old. I have committed myself to working towards completing my professional achievement goal of becoming a licensed clinical adolescent mental health therapist, and strongly believe it is never too late to accomplish personal goals/dreams. I also have a desire to establish a non-profit young men/women's Christian mentoring program. Sky's The Limit & Sky's The Limit 2 Giving Back will be a double functioning program with a transcendence module allowing young men and women opportunities to partner with like minded youth, mentoring peers, and professional adults in accomplishing their dreams/goals while reaching back to help others achieve life/academic success. While building this non-profit program, I am researching, and learning quite a bit regarding 501 (c) 3 processes, specific organizational program requirements/compliance, and overall structural dynamics of successfully establishing and operating a non-profit agenda. I gained my Associates of Arts degree in Psychology from Cincinnati State College, and have seven credit hours to complete at the University of Cincinnati to obtain my Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology. I am most interested in completing my Capstone course, and beginning the work of a professional mental health advocate. I plan to complete Graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, or Wright State University (PsyD), and obtain my MBA/PsyD in psychology. My five year time line will consist of me gainfully employed with Children's Hospital (Cincinnati, or Los Angeles), and helping young men and women with mental health disparities; with a strong focus on African American mental health wellness. I will be forever grateful if I were considered for the financial scholarship opportunity to assist with completing my undergraduate studies in psychology. I look forward to completing my academic journey to success, being very proud of myself for doing so, and having the ability to bless others. Many thanks for the consideration, Respectfully submitted, A. Jefferies