Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in the Mental Health Scholarship for Women. As a current graduate student in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program, my journey to this point has been as intricately woven as the curves of San Francisco's Lombard Street. I believe that my diverse background and personal experiences uniquely position me to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program. My path has been one of continuous self-discovery, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. From a young age, I earned the moniker of the "therapist" within my friend group, cultivating essential qualities of loyalty, support, and empathy. These attributes seamlessly transferred to my role as a Senior Project Manager in the advertising field, where I became the go-to person for team members seeking guidance and solutions to their challenges. While my roles in life encompass various identities, such as a strong leader, female professional, active listener, volunteer, family member, and dog owner, they all contribute to my overarching identity as someone who is always learning and evolving. Embracing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have come to appreciate the vital role mental health plays in our lives. I personally embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, finding immense value in maintaining my psychological well-being. The events of the past several years have solidified my aspiration to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Witnessing the toll of the pandemic on individuals' mental health, I am committed to joining the field of counselors who provide essential support during these challenging times. My own therapeutic journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also inspired me to pursue a career path that aligns with my true calling. I am proud to share that I have successfully incorporated regular therapy sessions into my weekly schedule. Pursuing self-discovery and self-actualization in therapy has been transformative and has further fueled my commitment to becoming a therapist. My decision to pursue counseling has been a consistent theme throughout my career, and I am eager to bring my unique set of skills and experiences to the esteemed M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. Reflecting on my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, where I was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, I cultivated a passion for inspiring and impacting the world. The skills acquired during my journalism studies, such as listening, understanding, and articulating thoughts, align seamlessly with the qualities required for an LMFT. I am confident that my diverse educational background has equipped me with a strong foundation for success in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program. In conclusion, I believe that my winding path has been a necessary and enriching journey that uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and professional development with the support of the [Specific Scholarship Name]. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue this journey and contribute positively to the field of counseling. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie Current M.S. Counseling Psychology Student California Lutheran University

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in the Mental Health Empowerment Scholarship. As a current graduate student in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program, my journey to this point has been as intricately woven as the curves of San Francisco's Lombard Street. I believe that my diverse background and personal experiences uniquely position me to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program. My path has been one of continuous self-discovery, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. From a young age, I earned the moniker of the "therapist" within my friend group, cultivating essential qualities of loyalty, support, and empathy. These attributes seamlessly transferred to my role as a Senior Project Manager in the advertising field, where I became the go-to person for team members seeking guidance and solutions to their challenges. While my roles in life encompass various identities, such as a strong leader, female professional, active listener, volunteer, family member, and dog owner, they all contribute to my overarching identity as someone who is always learning and evolving. Embracing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have come to appreciate the vital role mental health plays in our lives. I personally embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, finding immense value in maintaining my psychological well-being. The events of the past several years have solidified my aspiration to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Witnessing the toll of the pandemic on individuals' mental health, I am committed to joining the field of counselors who provide essential support during these challenging times. My own therapeutic journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also inspired me to pursue a career path that aligns with my true calling. I am proud to share that I have successfully incorporated regular therapy sessions into my weekly schedule. Pursuing self-discovery and self-actualization in therapy has been transformative and has further fueled my commitment to becoming a therapist. My decision to pursue counseling has been a consistent theme throughout my career, and I am eager to bring my unique set of skills and experiences to the esteemed M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. Reflecting on my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, where I was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, I cultivated a passion for inspiring and impacting the world. The skills acquired during my journalism studies, such as listening, understanding, and articulating thoughts, align seamlessly with the qualities required for an LMFT. I am confident that my diverse educational background has equipped me with a strong foundation for success in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program. In conclusion, I believe that my winding path has been a necessary and enriching journey that uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and professional development with the support of the [Specific Scholarship Name]. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue this journey and contribute positively to the field of counseling. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie Current M.S. Counseling Psychology Student California Lutheran University

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship. As a current graduate student in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program, my journey to this point has been as intricately woven as the curves of San Francisco's Lombard Street. I believe that my diverse background and personal experiences uniquely position me to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program. My path has been one of continuous self-discovery, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. From a young age, I earned the moniker of the "therapist" within my friend group, cultivating essential qualities of loyalty, support, and empathy. These attributes seamlessly transferred to my role as a Senior Project Manager in the advertising field, where I became the go-to person for team members seeking guidance and solutions to their challenges. While my roles in life encompass various identities, such as a strong leader, female professional, active listener, volunteer, family member, and dog owner, they all contribute to my overarching identity as someone who is always learning and evolving. Embracing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have come to appreciate the vital role mental health plays in our lives. I personally embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, finding immense value in maintaining my psychological well-being. The events of the past several years have solidified my aspiration to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Witnessing the toll of the pandemic on individuals' mental health, I am committed to joining the field of counselors who provide essential support during these challenging times. My own therapeutic journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also inspired me to pursue a career path that aligns with my true calling. I am proud to share that I have successfully incorporated regular therapy sessions into my weekly schedule. Pursuing self-discovery and self-actualization in therapy has been transformative and has further fueled my commitment to becoming a therapist. My decision to pursue counseling has been a consistent theme throughout my career, and I am eager to bring my unique set of skills and experiences to the esteemed M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. Reflecting on my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, where I was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, I cultivated a passion for inspiring and impacting the world. The skills acquired during my journalism studies, such as listening, understanding, and articulating thoughts, align seamlessly with the qualities required for an LMFT. I am confident that my diverse educational background has equipped me with a strong foundation for success in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program. In conclusion, I believe that my winding path has been a necessary and enriching journey that uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and professional development with the support of the [Specific Scholarship Name]. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue this journey and contribute positively to the field of counseling. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie Current M.S. Counseling Psychology Student California Lutheran University

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in the Autumn Davis Memorial Scholarship. As a current graduate student in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program, my journey to this point has been as intricately woven as the curves of San Francisco's Lombard Street. I believe that my diverse background and personal experiences uniquely position me to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program. My path has been one of continuous self-discovery, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. From a young age, I earned the moniker of the "therapist" within my friend group, cultivating essential qualities of loyalty, support, and empathy. These attributes seamlessly transferred to my role as a Senior Project Manager in the advertising field, where I became the go-to person for team members seeking guidance and solutions to their challenges. While my roles in life encompass various identities, such as a strong leader, female professional, active listener, volunteer, family member, and dog owner, they all contribute to my overarching identity as someone who is always learning and evolving. Embracing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have come to appreciate the vital role mental health plays in our lives. I personally embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, finding immense value in maintaining my psychological well-being. The events of the past several years have solidified my aspiration to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Witnessing the toll of the pandemic on individuals' mental health, I am committed to joining the field of counselors who provide essential support during these challenging times. My own therapeutic journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also inspired me to pursue a career path that aligns with my true calling. I am proud to share that I have successfully incorporated regular therapy sessions into my weekly schedule. Pursuing self-discovery and self-actualization in therapy has been transformative and has further fueled my commitment to becoming a therapist. My decision to pursue counseling has been a consistent theme throughout my career, and I am eager to bring my unique set of skills and experiences to the esteemed M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. Reflecting on my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, where I was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, I cultivated a passion for inspiring and impacting the world. The skills acquired during my journalism studies, such as listening, understanding, and articulating thoughts, align seamlessly with the qualities required for an LMFT. I am confident that my diverse educational background has equipped me with a strong foundation for success in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program. In conclusion, I believe that my winding path has been a necessary and enriching journey that uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and professional development with the support of the [Specific Scholarship Name]. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue this journey and contribute positively to the field of counseling. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie Current M.S. Counseling Psychology Student California Lutheran University

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in the Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship. As a current graduate student in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program, my journey to this point has been as intricately woven as the curves of San Francisco's Lombard Street. I believe that my diverse background and personal experiences uniquely position me to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program. My path has been one of continuous self-discovery, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology. From a young age, I earned the moniker of the "therapist" within my friend group, cultivating essential qualities of loyalty, support, and empathy. These attributes seamlessly transferred to my role as a Senior Project Manager in the advertising field, where I became the go-to person for team members seeking guidance and solutions to their challenges. While my roles in life encompass various identities, such as a strong leader, female professional, active listener, volunteer, family member, and dog owner, they all contribute to my overarching identity as someone who is always learning and evolving. Embracing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have come to appreciate the vital role mental health plays in our lives. I personally embarked on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, finding immense value in maintaining my psychological well-being. The events of the past several years have solidified my aspiration to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Witnessing the toll of the pandemic on individuals' mental health, I am committed to joining the field of counselors who provide essential support during these challenging times. My own therapeutic journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also inspired me to pursue a career path that aligns with my true calling. I am proud to share that I have successfully incorporated regular therapy sessions into my weekly schedule. Pursuing self-discovery and self-actualization in therapy has been transformative and has further fueled my commitment to becoming a therapist. My decision to pursue counseling has been a consistent theme throughout my career, and I am eager to bring my unique set of skills and experiences to the esteemed M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. Reflecting on my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, where I was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, I cultivated a passion for inspiring and impacting the world. The skills acquired during my journalism studies, such as listening, understanding, and articulating thoughts, align seamlessly with the qualities required for an LMFT. I am confident that my diverse educational background has equipped me with a strong foundation for success in the M.S. Counseling Psychology program. In conclusion, I believe that my winding path has been a necessary and enriching journey that uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the M.S. Counseling Psychology program at California Lutheran University. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education and professional development with the support of the [Specific Scholarship Name]. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue this journey and contribute positively to the field of counseling. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie Current M.S. Counseling Psychology Student California Lutheran University

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship. My name is Allison (Allie) Michie, and I am a recent addition to California Lutheran University's M.S. Counseling Psychology program, having commenced my studies in the fall as part of the Thousand Oaks campus cohort. My academic journey includes a B.A. in Journalism: Print & Online from San Francisco State University, with a Minor in Labor Studies. Previously immersed in advertising and finance, I have redirected my career path to pursue my lifelong aspiration of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My decision to enroll in the Counseling Psychology (MFT) program is rooted in my passion for making a meaningful and positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. Observing the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the physical and mental well-being of our society has further fueled my commitment to this path. My professional background in Project Management has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe will contribute to my success as an LMFT. In this role, I facilitated collaboration across diverse teams, ensuring adherence to processes, protocols, and a healthy work-life balance. Colleagues often turned to me for support, seeking both a sympathetic ear and practical solutions to their challenges. My journalism background has instilled in me the significance of building and maintaining trust, a principle that has transcended both my academic and professional endeavors. This theme of trust is integral to my approach to fostering therapeutic relationships with future clients. Throughout my journey, I have come to appreciate the importance of establishing boundaries in various aspects of life. This realization has led me to the pivotal decision to pursue a career in counseling, and I am eager to contribute to the legacy of esteemed counselors who have graduated from California Lutheran University. I am grateful for your time and consideration of my application for the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship. I am excited about the prospect of continuing my academic journey and contributing to the field of counseling. If you have any inquiries regarding my application, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you for this opportunity. Sincerely, Allison (Allie) Michie

One of the greatest joys, and challenges, in my life has been the continuous discovery of who I am, what I aspire to, and where my path will lead. To give you a visual, this path has been as winding as the curves of San Francisco’s famous Lombard Street. To answer who I am, what I aspire to, and where I’m headed, it is important that I provide some clear background on my sinuous journey and how it brought me here; on the path to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with California Lutheran University. The aspiration to expand my professional and personal achievements into the world of counseling is rooted in the very core of who I have always been: a confidant. From a very young age, I became labeled the “therapist” of my friend group. I have had the great honor of being the go-to resource when it comes to talking through difficult situations and understanding foreign feelings. Taking on such an awesome responsibility, while still growing into an adult, was difficult, but I would not be who I am without it happening at such a formative time. In fact, this became one of my most cherished answers to who I am: I am a loyal, supportive, and caring friend who will always show up when needed. These character traits have also carried into my professional career as a Senior Project Manager in the Advertising field. My colleagues and I would often joke that half of my job was being there to listen to the team’s frustrations and help them to develop ways of working through those issues. To say that was not in the job description would be an understatement. All joking aside, it was a part of the job from which I felt the most personal gratification. To have developed myself as a person whom my colleagues feel comfortable coming to and to be able to offer them real solutions to their problems is an incredible feeling. I take a great deal of pride in that aspect of my role. As I’m sure you are aware, the traits given to us by our friends, co-workers, and family do not completely, or fully, define who we are. While I am this type of friend and co-worker, I am also a strong leader, a female professional, an active listener, a volunteer, a family member, a dog owner, and a driven, hard worker. I am a person who is always learning. I am a person who is constantly setting out to improve and discover more about myself. I am also a person who has often regretted this need for personal discovery at the moment, only to find gratitude for the outcome later. Most importantly, I am now a graduate student starting the journey to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. It will come as no surprise that my decision to become an LMFT solidified over the course of the past three years. Navigating the “new normal” that COVID-19 brought is no easy feat and I applaud all of us as we continue to work through it. Personally, I have had the pleasure of learning that I can find some of the best people in the darkest of times, calling many of them my closest friends. On the other end of this, I have come to the painful realization that not everyone I meet will stay with me in each chapter of my life. These are small but important lessons that I am not certain I would have learned without the events that have occurred since March 2020. During the pandemic, a spotlight was placed on society and the importance of strong physical health. As of May 18th, 2022, the CDC reports that a grand total of 998,512 people in the United States have died from COVID-19. Knowing that number continues to grow each day, I have begun to wonder just how many of those individuals have a family member, friend, or co-worker who found their mental health impacted by that loss every hour, and every minute since they’ve passed. This leads me to answer the question of who I aspire to be. I aspire to be an LMFT and to join the growing field of counselors lending their support to society, as we continue to work through the toll the pandemic is taking on our psyche. The one statement that I believe wholeheartedly to be true during this uncharted time in history is this: The individual need for mental health resources and advocates during COVID-19 is tantamount. While I have found myself among the shrinking few who have not known someone who died from the virus, I can only begin to guess at the emotional toll it has taken on those who have. Over the past year, I have begun to focus on my own mental health, and the need to begin taking part in therapy has become crystal clear. I am proud to say that I have almost two full years of therapy and feel so much better for it. In fact, my therapist is the person who inspired me to take the leap of faith to finally begin my pursuit to become a therapist myself. Seeking therapy will remain a constant practice throughout the rest of my life and is an integral part of maintaining the health of my psyche. Personally, I have started to grapple with the purpose of my life and whether the path that I am on is actually contributing to my own happiness. Further, I have recently come to accept that my chosen career path has not given me the personal fulfillment I am seeking in life. As I continue to cope with that, I have learned that putting my desire to become a therapist on hold has not helped my happiness or contributed to my sense of purpose, rather it has given me constant thoughts of “what if?”. At each stage of my career thus far, I find that I am being re-routed in the direction of becoming a licensed counselor. With this discovery, I have found another answer to the question about who I aspire to be: I aspire to be a person who connects with others through therapy. I aspire to be the person helping people navigate their lives, as a guiding light of positivity. Just as I have highlighted who I am, and who I aspire to be, I invite you to join me on the discovery of where my path in life will lead. During my undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University, I had the pleasure of meeting an incredible group of women through membership in the local chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation. AGD is an international women's organization with one clear vision: Inspire the Woman. Impact the World. I took this vision with me when we participated in philanthropic events, like The Princess Project, local beach clean-ups, and food drives. My time with AGD also helped me to become a better journalist as I pursued my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism: Print & Online. I took this vision of inspiration and impact with me when I carried out research and interviews for my articles during my time as a reporter for SFSU’s Golden Gate Xpress, as well as during my internships with KRON4 News. The skills I obtained through my time with AGD and within the journalism program clearly carry over to the skills needed to become an LMFT. By inspiring myself, I have begun to pursue a career in counseling that offers the opportunity to impact the world around me. In addition to that, I learned that journalists need to listen, digest, and understand information, utilize evidence-based facts in their research, and clearly articulate their thoughts. LMFTs need to listen, digest, and respond to patients in a clear manner to help them work through emotionally challenging times in their lives. In addition, LMFTs from California Lutheran University are taught to use evidence-based practice to navigate a patient's psyche. While the journalism program may not have focused on a person’s psyche, I believe that that part of my education focused a great deal on understanding personalities and developing a trust-based relationship with my sources. I believe that that experience is extremely important to becoming a successful LMFT and will set me up to understand even more as I dive deeper into the program. My undergraduate career was a hands-on experience that utilized many different practices to send me into the world as an educated woman, and journalist, ready to find her path. I believe that California Lutheran University’s M.S. in Counseling Psychology program has many of these same opportunities and I am excited to have the chance to experience them firsthand. In summary, while my path to pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at California Lutheran University may have been winding down, I believe it has been the necessary route for me to reach this point in my life. With this opportunity, I plan to bring a joyous, more-importantly curious, attitude to the program. I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to what my future brings.