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Ava Deprey

2,325

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

I am a newly-turned 16 year old who is a determined, high achiever. I graduated two years early with high honors and a 4.25 gpa. I am going to Western New England University in the fall to get my BS in Psychology. I am an animal lover and volunteer/ adoption counselor at a local shelter.

Education

Western New England University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Psychology, General
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
    • Social Work
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Psychology

    • Dream career goals:

      Trauma-based Psychology; Mental Health Counseling

    • Server

      Scoop DeJour
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Basketball

    Intramural
    2016 – 20171 year

    soccer

    Club
    2016 – 20215 years

    Soccer

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 20211 year

    Research

    • Research and Experimental Psychology

      Yale — Participant
      2020 – 2023

    Arts

    • n/a

      n/a
      n/a
      2023 – 2023

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Enfield Soccer Association — Assistant coach
      2021 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      CT Cat Connection — Adoption counselor
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship
    I guess there are some people who would call me gifted. I was walking by the time I was 9 months, I was potty-trained by 14 months, and speaking full sentences by the age of two. I have always been fascinated with learning. If there was a word, I wanted to know it. If there was a concept, I needed to understand it. I was thirsty for knowledge in any way I could get it. By the time I was entering Kindergarten, I was already reading at a 6th grade level. I spent one day in there and was moved to first grade. I continued to thrive, earning straight A’s every year since then. Although this all seemed wonderful, over time I developed challenges with my mental health, as my mom's battle with her autoimmune disease worsened. I began to become grossly anxious and massively depressed. These challenges complicated day-to-day tasks that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me, they seemed like impossible feats. Despite this, I continue to thrive because I could not allow myself to fail; I was a perfectionist and failing was not an option. By the time I was in my junior year, life became very overwhelming so, I decided to graduate early. On top of my 8 courses, I took 5 online courses to ensure I met the graduation requirements. I cannot drive yet, but I will be graduating this June and attending college in the fall. My involvement with therapy and counseling was a reactive measure to my behaviors. I began therapy when in 6th grade when my outlet for my pain was through self-harm. My therapist coached me on healthy ways of dealing with stress and pain. I have been involved in a research study for Yale University in New Haven. I will be completing this two-year study this June. They have also helped me foster coping skills, and emotional regulation, among many other things over my duration there. Although gifted was a term I have heard throughout my life, I just never saw myself as anything other than me. I believe that all children are “gifted” it is just demonstrated in different ways. I was gifted in a way that made learning very easy for me, but I struggled tremendously with my mental health. Others are gifted through sports, arts, music, etc. Each person is unique and just as special as another. My role in becoming a psychologist is to help children recognize their strengths and qualities that could be the reason they are gifted. Although I knew that I had this amazing brain, my mental health challenges blocked me from seeing what everyone else did. I often struggled to see the amazing qualities that I had. I don’t want other children to feel how I did, which is why I am dedicating my career to psychology and mental health counseling. I would also like to do clinical research to find proactive ways to provide social-emotional support to children. If someone had intervened and taught me skills at an early age, maybe my struggles would not have felt so heavy and hard. That is why I have chosen this field and career, to be a support for others.
    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues and self-harm. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Johnna's Legacy Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues and self-harm. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Ruth Hazel Scruggs King Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Trever David Clark Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Grace Lynn Ross Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Another Way Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Jake Thomas Williams Memorial Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma they went through. This ideal job would allow for me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for help or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.
    Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship
    I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out. At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children, as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma. My ideal job would allow me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for advice, coping, or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life. In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.