My name is Asia Pepper and I am pursuing my master's in Counseling at Wake Forest University. As I embark on my journey to pursue my degree in counseling, I am deeply inspired by the legacy of Patrick Stanley. Patrick's dedication to learning, despite facing obstacles and setbacks, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for non-traditional students like myself who are returning to school after a hiatus. Growing up in poverty, education has always held a special significance for me. It has been a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter future. As the only person in my immediate family who will have a Master's degree, I am motivated not only by personal achievement but also by a desire to bring honor to my family and inspire future generations. My mother has always championed me in furthering my education and expanding my mind. She worked tirelessly to get her associate's degree despite being a single mother with three young children. When she married my stepfather, he was also an influence on me wanting to get my bachelor's degree and always inspired me to learn, even outside of school. Mr. Stanley's story resonates deeply with me as a non-traditional student returning to school later in life. Like him, I understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with balancing education, work, and family responsibilities. However, despite the obstacles, I am driven by a relentless determination to succeed and make the most of this opportunity. Education has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to maximizing every opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in the field of counseling. With a Master's degree, I will be better equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly those who are marginalized or underserved. Everyone deserves mental healthcare and I want to amplify this in my local community. Receiving the Patrick Stanley Scholarship would not only provide financial support but also serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to continue pursuing my educational goals. It would honor his legacy and love of learning by enabling me to further my education and make a positive impact in my community. I also am thinking about pursuing my PhD despite all of the challenges I have faced lately. I will make it work and become Dr. Pepper. As a non-traditional student returning to school years after my bachelor's degree, I am deeply inspired by his legacy and commitment to lifelong learning. With a Master's degree in counseling, I am determined to make a difference in the lives of others and honor the sacrifices of those who have supported me on this journey.

My name is Asia Pepper, and I am an adult student who decided to pursue my Master's degree in counseling to make my community and world a bit better. Navigating the difficult balance between education, work, and family responsibilities has been the foundation of my journey as a non-traditional college student. As a counseling student with a full-time job and familial obligations, I have learned the art of time management and resilience, ensuring that every moment dedicated to my education is maximized for the betterment of myself and those I aim to serve. I researched Robert "Bob" Lawyer, and from what I learned, he was a cherished figure in his community and was a poignant reminder of the importance of pursuing one's passions with unwavering enthusiasm. Mr. Lawyer's commitment to empowering individuals and improving the local community resonates deeply with me, serving as a guiding light in my educational and professional pursuits. Most of my professional work has been in nonprofits, as I grew up in poverty, and I want to pay it forward to the community that helped me get where I am. Everyone deserves economic mobility and deserve access to mental healthcare. As a non-traditional student, I have faced unique challenges and obstacles on my educational journey. Juggling full-time work and life responsibilities while pursuing higher education has required a significant amount of sacrifice and determination. However, despite the challenges, I am fueled by a profound sense of purpose and the unwavering belief that obtaining my degree is not only a personal accomplishment but also a means to effect positive change in the lives of others. I want to be a more vocal advocate for mental health rights and give care to people no matter what their socioeconomic status is. Being a non-traditional student has also shaped my future goals in profound ways. Through my experiences, I have developed a deep empathy and understanding for individuals facing similar challenges. My ultimate goal is to use my education and training in counseling to empower others to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Whether it's providing support to individuals struggling with mental health issues or advocating for underserved communities, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Time management has been essential in balancing the demands of work, family, and school. From meticulously planning study schedules to maximizing productivity during every spare moment, I have honed my time management skills to ensure no opportunity for growth is wasted. Every late-night study session and early-morning paper review is a testament to my dedication and determination to achieve my goals, especially during my internship, which is after work. I've had to prioritize my clients, letting them know they have my full attention despite my responsibilities. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide financial support but also serve as proof of the resilience and determination of non-traditional students like myself. It would enable me to further focus on my education and professional development, ultimately allowing me to carry on Mr. Lawyer's legacy of service and dedication to community empowerment. In conclusion, being a non-traditional student has shaped my educational experience and future goals in profound ways. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, pursuing my degree is a labor of love, driven by a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in my community. With the support of the Robert Lawyer Scholarship, I am confident that I can continue to forge a new path forward for myself and my family while honoring the legacy of a beloved leader.

I am currently pursuing my master's in counseling, and advocacy is important to me. In a society where mental health struggles are frequent and often overlooked, the role of mental health professionals cannot be overstated. With the mental health crisis being as it is, mental health professionals and advocates must pursue careers in this field to address these challenges head-on. Personally, I can attest that the path to becoming a mental health professional is often hindered by financial barriers, making it essential for scholarships like this one to provide support to those who aspire to make a difference. As a passionate advocate for mental health access, I am deeply committed to pursuing a career in counseling to help bridge the gap in mental health services and ensure that everyone has access to the supports they need. Throughout my academic journey, I have witnessed the profound impact that mental health struggles can have on individuals and communities, fueling my determination to make a difference in this field. As a college student interested in mental health, there are several actions I can take to contribute to positive change in the world. Firstly, I can actively engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the need for improved access to services. This could involve organizing educational events, participating in advocacy campaigns, and using social media platforms to amplify the voices of those affected by mental illness. Secondly, I can seek out opportunities to volunteer with organizations that provide mental health support to underserved communities. By directly engaging with individuals in need, I can gain valuable experience and insight into their challenges, informing my future practice as a counselor. Furthermore, I can strive to be an advocate for underrepresented groups within the mental health field. Being a black woman in this program and field, I have seen firsthand how there are barriers to care. Recognizing the systemic barriers and disparities, I can work towards creating more inclusive and culturally competent mental health services that meet the diverse needs of all individuals. In addition to these actions, I am committed to pursuing further education and training to enhance my skills and knowledge in mental health. Whether through advanced coursework, specialized training programs, or professional development opportunities, I am dedicated to continuously improving myself as a counselor to serve my future clients and community better. By taking these actions and dedicating myself to a career in counseling, I hope to contribute to a society where everyone has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help build a brighter future for mental health care.

My name is Asia Pepper, and I am passionate about helping. As a first-generation college student, my journey has been one of perseverance, driven by a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. From my humble beginnings, I embarked on my educational pursuits to not only better myself but also to uplift my community and promote economic mobility for those around me. I live in a city where facts say that if you grow up in poverty, you are likely to remain in poverty. I want to prove that wrong. My educational journey has been characterized by dedication and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Despite facing numerous challenges, I remained steadfast in my commitment to higher education. I am currently enrolled in a counseling program at Wake Forest University, fueled by a deep-seated desire to support and empower individuals facing various life challenges, no matter what their socioeconomic status is. This program not only aligns with my career aspirations but also serves as a testament to my dedication to helping others navigate through life's complexities. Throughout my life, especially in my program, I have actively sought opportunities to engage with my community and make a meaningful impact. In my professional career, I have been dedicated to working in nonprofits, where I have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized individuals and families. These experiences have fueled my passion for community involvement and social justice, inspiring me to advocate for those in need and work towards creating a more equitable society. In recognition of my academic excellence and commitment to counseling, I have been honored to be inducted into the counseling honor society (Chi Sigma Iota). This achievement not only serves as a validation of my hard work but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional endeavors. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I am acutely aware of the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Student loans have been a significant source of stress and anxiety for me, often looming large as I navigate my way through school and work. However, with the opportunity to alleviate some of this financial burden, I am filled with hope and possibility. The money saved by paying down my student loans will not only provide relief from the financial strain but will also enable me further to pursue my passion for community involvement and advocacy. With less debt weighing me down, I will have the freedom to dedicate more time and resources to initiatives aimed at uplifting my community and promoting economic mobility. The money saved from scholarships will not only benefit me personally but will also enable me to continue pursuing my passion for community involvement and advocacy. As I look toward the future, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that I have the resources and support to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

My name is Asia Pepper, and I am passionate about helping. As a first-generation college student, my journey has been one of perseverance, driven by a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. From my humble beginnings, I embarked on my educational pursuits to not only better myself but also to uplift my community and promote economic mobility for those around me. I live in a city where facts say that if you grow up in poverty, you are likely to remain in poverty. I want to prove that wrong. My educational journey has been characterized by dedication and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Despite facing numerous challenges, I remained steadfast in my commitment to higher education. I am currently enrolled in a counseling program at Wake Forest University, fueled by a deep-seated desire to support and empower individuals facing various life challenges, no matter what their socioeconomic status is. This program not only aligns with my career aspirations but also serves as a testament to my dedication to helping others navigate through life's complexities. Throughout my life, especially in my program, I have actively sought opportunities to engage with my community and make a meaningful impact. In my professional career, I have been dedicated to working in nonprofits, where I have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized individuals and families. These experiences have fueled my passion for community involvement and social justice, inspiring me to advocate for those in need and work towards creating a more equitable society. In recognition of my academic excellence and commitment to counseling, I have been honored to be inducted into the counseling honor society (Chi Sigma Iota). This achievement not only serves as a validation of my hard work but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional endeavors. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I am acutely aware of the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Student loans have been a significant source of stress and anxiety for me, often looming large as I navigate my way through school and work. However, with the opportunity to alleviate some of this financial burden, I am filled with hope and possibility. The money saved by paying down my student loans will not only provide relief from the financial strain but will also enable me further to pursue my passion for community involvement and advocacy. With less debt weighing me down, I will have the freedom to dedicate more time and resources to initiatives aimed at uplifting my community and promoting economic mobility. Additionally, I am committed to using the money I can save to support my family and loved ones, who have supported me tirelessly throughout my journey. Whether it's helping with household expenses or simply easing the financial burden on my parents, I am determined to pay forward the support and love that I have received. The money saved from paying down my student loans will not only benefit me personally but will also enable me to continue pursuing my passion for community involvement and advocacy. As I look toward the future, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that I have the resources and support to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I've always been goal driven, and a huge goal is paying off my student debt! I am employed full-time, which is how I am currently addressing my undergraduate student debt. I am also seeking to have my federal loans forgiven through the PSLF waiver. I have only worked in public service/nonprofits. My long-term plan to pay off to debt is through education. I am currently pursuing my master's in counseling at Wake Forest University. Being a professional counselor will help me achieve goals I've only dreamed of. I will not only be able to pay more on my student loans but I'll be able to take care of my family. Professionally, I will make more as a counselor than where I am currently working.

My goal is to shake up the field of counseling. I am currently seeking my Masters in Counseling because my community needs me. My professional work has been in nonprofits, specifically poverty and education. Even though we worked toward a goal of equity, I noticed that Mental Health care was still a luxury. From working with activists, community leaders, and people in poverty, I saw that they often didn't prioritize their mental health. In many cases, this is because it was inaccessible. Doing this kind of work takes a lot out of you, especially the more you learn how systems work. Being in a "helping profession" is noble but I felt I could do more. I've had periods of time in my life where therapy was accessible and helped me work through tough issues and grief. I want to give this to people in black and poverty communities. My goal is to be able to provide free and discounted care to people in these communities. Growing up in both of these communities, I saw how much people suffered mentally. Being in survival mode will do this. Having healthy coping mechanisms can help, along with finding resources. Since I've been learning in this field, I've realized how underrepresented BIPOC counselors are. Black counselors make up less than 5% of the field. People should have the right to meet with a counselor that not only looks like them but can understand where they're coming from. Cultural competency still has a long way to go. Even in my textbooks, I've noticed disparities and stereotypes that are not based on data. Once I achieve my goal of becoming a counselor, I want to give care but I also want to do research. I want to be a part of studies that go in-depth about how poverty affects BIPOC communities mentally and how underdiagnosed BIPOC communities are for mental illness. Personally, it took me years to get diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Now that I know, I have the tools to address it. My brother had the diagnosis of a "learning disability and mental retardation." Many years later, we now know that he is on the autism spectrum. I could have told doctors this. My brother is brilliant and learned everything quickly. This is because the DSM does not consider race or culture in diagnosis. I want to advocate for mental health care to be seen as something that should be a right. We should all have the right to physical and mental health care. We should be able to get our bodies and minds taken care of. This advocacy will be the basis for my work. To quote Viktor Frankl, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” I believe everyone has a purpose and the potential for greatness. I want to help people in forgotten and marginalized communities know this. They say it only takes one person to care for your life to be changed.