My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. From a young age, I was always "different" in the way I presented my gender. I refused to wear dresses or anything "girly", I wanted to be called male names, and even male pronouns. When I entered school though I had to conform more than I ever had, I had to push down the feelings of wanting to be a boy. However, I was always strict in only wearing "boys" clothes. Most of my family supported me, my parents would buy me the clothes I wanted and even allowed me to get short haircuts. They called me a "super major tomboy" and that's what we went with for all of my childhood. It wasn't until 2020 during the pandemic lockdowns that I actually came to terms with being transgender, thanks to social media and my supportive partner. I had finally found an identity that felt right, Transmasculine Non-Binary. Being in FL, it was scary to come to terms with this and the fact that I would have to come out to so many people, especially throughout my academic journey. It was easy at the beginning, simply putting my pronouns in my Zoom name. Eventually, I would have in-person classes though, and would have to face telling classmates and professors my pronouns. It was hard at first, but now being so confident in my identity and myself (thanks to medically transitioning) it comes more naturally. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstands and stigmatizes these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations.

From a young age, I have been driven by an innate desire to help others, often serving as a confidant and advisor to friends and peers. This natural inclination has been a guiding force in my life, leading me to realize during high school that a career in therapy would be the most fulfilling path for me. Since then, every step in my academic career has been taken towards the goal of becoming a therapist. \ Beyond academics, I seek opportunities to apply my expertise in practical settings. Since the Summer of 2023, I have worked at Connected Pathways Coaching (CPC). This role began as an internship. In this internship, I performed various tasks, including writing research articles, creating social media content, and hosting body double sessions for clients. In February 2024, I was promoted to an Executive Function coaching position, my current position. This role involves advanced training in executive functioning and academic coaching. I now provide one-on-one coaching to clients, helping them develop strategies to manage their executive function challenges. My work as an Executive Function coach has been particularly rewarding as it allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. While my position at CPC differs from that of a psychotherapist, it provides me with valuable skills that are directly applicable to counselling psychology. For instance, I regularly employ multiple micro-skills of counselling, such as observation, attending, and questioning. Additionally, I frequently utilize rapport-building techniques, ethical and multicultural competencies, and strong listening skills. These experiences have prepared me to effectively support clients and address their unique needs. My long-term goal is to work in the counselling psychology field, ideally within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I understand the importance of having professionals who share similar backgrounds and experiences. I am committed to being that support for others. I believe that creating an inclusive and supportive environment is essential for fostering queer mental health and well-being. My personal experiences and professional aspirations have fueled my passion for working with marginalized communities and advocating for social justice in the psychology practice.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations. In conclusion, this scholarship would not only support me financially but also validate my efforts and aspirations. It would be an acknowledgment of my hard work and determination to overcome personal and systemic barriers. I am confident that with this support, I can continue to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations.

My name is Bek Koven, and I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for this scholarship. I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where I have maintained a GPA of 3.96. I am on track to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the summer of 2025, and I am eager to continue my education and career in this field. My long-term goal is to work in counseling psychology, specifically within an LGBTQIA+ community center. As a queer individual, I have personally experienced the need for supportive mental health resources that cater to our community's unique experiences and challenges. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and understanding mental health care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges related to my own neurodivergence. Navigating life with ADHD and ASD was often difficult, especially in an educational system and society that frequently misunderstand and stigmatize these conditions. There were times when I doubted my ability to pursue my dreams due to these challenges. However, I have worked tirelessly to overcome these doubts and the ableist attitudes that pervade many areas of life. I firmly believe that disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, can make significant contributions to the field of therapy. Our experiences can enhance our empathy and understanding of clients' struggles, allowing us to provide more nuanced and effective support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in various volunteer and advocacy work, focusing on mental health awareness and support for marginalized communities. I have worked with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, helping to create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves and seek help. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and has further solidified my desire to specialize in counseling psychology for queer communities. I am particularly interested in exploring how intersectional identities, such as race, gender, and disability, impact mental health and access to care. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and professional goals. As someone from a low-income background, financing my education has been a constant challenge. My family has been unable to contribute to my educational expenses, forcing me to rely heavily on federal and private loans. This financial burden has been a source of stress, especially as I approach my final year of undergraduate study. The scholarship would alleviate some of this pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional development. As a first-generation college student, my academic achievements are not just a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for my family. They have always emphasized the importance of education, and it would mean a great deal to them to see me succeed and graduate. I have worked diligently to maintain a high GPA, demonstrating my commitment to my education and my field. I am determined to continue this level of dedication in my future studies and career. Beyond my immediate educational goals, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. I plan to pursue further education, potentially a master's degree or a Ph.D., to deepen my expertise in counseling psychology. I am particularly interested in researching and developing therapeutic practices that are inclusive and effective for marginalized communities. My ultimate goal is to establish a practice or work within an organization that prioritizes holistic, culturally competent care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved populations

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them. Mental health is important to me because allowing it to be neglected often results in worse outcomes such as more severe symptoms, burnout, unconsciously hurting others, etc. I have worked incredibly hard to get to the place I am mentally, and it was after years of neglecting myself. When I did not take care of my mental health, I was much more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This affected not just myself, but the others around me; I would snap at others, be unable to listen to their feelings, and other hurtful things. I know now that neglecting my personal mental health is not just something that impacts my life, and I strive to avoid hurting others the way I did in the past. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or significant others, requires effort on both sides. Effort to ensure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can be there for your loved ones. Effort to develop active listening skills so that you can offer a shoulder to lean on or advice for someone in a rough patch. Effort to show your loved ones that you care about them, by showing you also care about yourself. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-care since graduating from high school. One of my first and main goals was to get my mental health under control. I knew that I needed to do this earlier than later because if I continued to neglect it, I would get to a point where I would be so burnt out that I would not be able to get myself out of that low spot. So, I made appointments with mental health professionals, got medicated, started therapy, and developed skills to cope with the stress of college and being an adult. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experiences with personal mental health, along with my identity as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my experiences.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them. Mental health is important to me because allowing it to be neglected often results in worse outcomes such as more severe symptoms, burnout, unconsciously hurting others, etc. I have worked incredibly hard to get to the place I am mentally, and it was after years of neglecting myself. When I did not take care of my mental health, I was much more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This affected not just myself, but the others around me; I would snap at others, be unable to listen to their feelings, and other hurtful things. I know now that neglecting my personal mental health is not just something that impacts my life, and I strive to avoid hurting others the way I did in the past. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or significant others, requires effort on both sides. Effort to ensure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can be there for your loved ones. Effort to develop active listening skills so that you can offer a shoulder to lean on or advice for someone in a rough patch. Effort to show your loved ones that you care about them, by showing you also care about yourself. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-care since graduating from high school. One of my first and main goals was to get my mental health under control. I knew that I needed to do this earlier than later because if I continued to neglect it, I would get to a point where I would be so burnt out that I would not be able to get myself out of that low spot. So, I made appointments with mental health professionals, got medicated, started therapy, and developed skills to cope with the stress of college and being an adult. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experiences with personal mental health, along with my identity as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my experiences.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them. Mental health is important to me because allowing it to be neglected often results in worse outcomes such as more severe symptoms, burnout, unconsciously hurting others, etc. I have worked incredibly hard to get to the place I am mentally, and it was after years of neglecting myself. When I did not take care of my mental health, I was much more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This affected not just myself, but the others around me; I would snap at others, be unable to listen to their feelings, and other hurtful things. I know now that neglecting my personal mental health is not just something that impacts my life, and I strive to avoid hurting others the way I did in the past. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or significant others, requires effort on both sides. Effort to ensure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can be there for your loved ones. Effort to develop active listening skills so that you can offer a shoulder to lean on or advice for someone in a rough patch. Effort to show your loved ones that you care about them, by showing you also care about yourself. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-care since graduating from high school. One of my first and main goals was to get my mental health under control. I knew that I needed to do this earlier than later because if I continued to neglect it, I would get to a point where I would be so burnt out that I would not be able to get myself out of that low spot. So, I made appointments with mental health professionals, got medicated, started therapy, and developed skills to cope with the stress of college and being an adult. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experiences with personal mental health, along with my identity as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.

I am submitting a video but cannot send the application without filling this field out so I will provide a transcription of the video here. video2332015235 Hello, I am Bek Koven My pronouns are they, them, and the learning disability that I have is ADHD and ASD. So this is something I've known I've had for a while. It was very apparent in my K through 12 education. I was put in the gifted program because I was. It was very interesting the experience I had because while I was technically more advanced than like the regular students, I still struggled immensely with staying on topic, focusing on things that weren't necessarily related to what I was interested in. I would get in trouble for reading too much in class if I, you know, I had finished an assignment or sometimes I didn't finish the assignment And that was something that it took a while in elementary school to take care of. And then in middle school and high school it just became more and more difficult for me to work on things and get things turned in on time and to the best of my ability. Because unfortunately my family comes from a lower class background so we could not afford to get any sort of diagnosis or treatment while I was in my K through 12 education. It wasn't until I moved to high school or sorry to university and saved up as much money as I could to get the professional help that I needed. And then I eventually got my diagnosis and started getting treated for it. And so going undiagnosed and untreated during my kids and child education made it very difficult. I was a very high achiever and this coupled with my ADHD did not mesh very well. It led to a lot of burnt out very early. Once I left high school, I was incredibly burnt out and it took a while in the beginning of college to adjust and to work with my burnout and do what I could to lessen the load. And of course, getting treatment really did help that. But I also had to, on my own, just figure out different coping mechanisms and strategies that I could use to better accommodate myself. And then I did get accommodations during college and it it has like incredibly changed my life. Having accommodations from schools but also making my own accommodations. It took a while to develop certain strategies, but now I have an amazing strategy for keeping up with my work. I use Notion and I just put all my assignments usually at the beginning of the semester and I I try to update it weekly if I get anything else but doing that I started about a year ago and it has been a game changer. I have not had any missing assignments in a very long time and it's helped me to stay on track and be able to plan out what I need to get done.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them, and I identify as a queer transmasculine individual. I have identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was young. I remember always feeling like I did not belong with most of my peers and struggling with this for most of my life. My earliest memory of a queer memory was being around nine years old and telling my family I was a boy and I wanted to be called a different “boy” name. I ended up pushing these feelings down and ignoring them to better fit in with others. I ended up identifying as a butch lesbian from around middle school age up until my senior year of high school. I was extremely proud of my butch identity but always felt there was something off, I did not feel like my true self. It was not until the year of the shutdown from Covid-19 that I finally understood my identity. I then came out as a transmasculine non-binary individual. Then in my freshman year of college, I started medically transitioning by taking testosterone. Recently, it was the 2-year mark of being on testosterone, and I can confidently say it truly saved me. I have never been happier, healthier, and confident with myself. I shared that background because my career aspirations are intertwined with my experience as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change. This scholarship would greatly benefit me because I come from a lower-class household and have had to take out several student loans to pay for my education. Having this scholarship could allow me to pay off part of these loans to better prepare me for life after my education. I thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself and my aspirations.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them. Mental health is important to me because allowing it to be neglected often results in worse outcomes such as more severe symptoms, burnout, unconsciously hurting others, etc. I have worked incredibly hard to get to the place I am mentally, and it was after years of neglecting myself. When I did not take care of my mental health, I was much more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This affected not just myself, but the others around me; I would snap at others, be unable to listen to their feelings, and other hurtful things. I know now that neglecting my personal mental health is not just something that impacts my life, and I strive to avoid hurting others the way I did in the past. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or significant others, requires effort on both sides. Effort to ensure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can be there for your loved ones. Effort to develop active listening skills so that you can offer a shoulder to lean on or advice for someone in a rough patch. Effort to show your loved ones that you care about them, by showing you also care about yourself. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-care since graduating from high school. One of my first and main goals was to get my mental health under control. I knew that I needed to do this earlier than later because if I continued to neglect it, I would get to a point where I would be so burnt out that I would not be able to get myself out of that low spot. So, I made appointments with mental health professionals, got medicated, started therapy, and developed skills to cope with the stress of college and being an adult. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experiences with personal mental health, along with my identity as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them, and I identify as a queer transmasculine individual. I have identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was young. I remember always feeling like I did not belong with most of my peers and struggling with this for most of my life. My earliest memory of a queer memory was being around nine years old and telling my family I was a boy and I wanted to be called a different “boy” name. I ended up pushing these feelings down and ignoring them to better fit in with others. I ended up identifying as a butch lesbian from around middle school age up until my senior year of high school. I was extremely proud of my butch identity but always felt there was something off, I did not feel like my true self. It was not until the year of the shutdown from Covid-19 that I finally understood my identity. I then came out as a transmasculine non-binary individual. Then in my freshman year of college, I started medically transitioning by taking testosterone. Recently, it was the 2-year mark of being on testosterone, and I can confidently say it truly saved me. I have never been happier, healthier, and confident with myself. Having the LGBTQIA+ community is a vital part of my journey, as hearing the experiences of others is largely the reason, I was able to better understand my own identity. Being able to connect with others like me is something I value immensely, especially when I did not have these individuals around me. Today I am heavily involved with both my local queer community, but also the online queer community. I always look forward to learning from others and sharing stories, as oftentimes, we do not have people around us to share our experiences with. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experience as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them, and I identify as a queer transmasculine individual. I have identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was young. I remember always feeling like I did not belong with most of my peers and struggling with this for most of my life. My earliest memory of a queer memory was being around nine years old and telling my family I was a boy and I wanted to be called a different “boy” name. I ended up pushing these feelings down and ignoring them to better fit in with others. I ended up identifying as a butch lesbian from around middle school age up until my senior year of high school. I was extremely proud of my butch identity but always felt there was something off, I did not feel like my true self. It was not until the year of the shutdown from Covid-19 that I finally understood my identity. I then came out as a transmasculine non-binary individual. Then in my freshman year of college, I started medically transitioning by taking testosterone. Recently, it was the 2-year mark of being on testosterone, and I can confidently say it truly saved me. I have never been happier, healthier, and confident with myself. Having the LGBTQIA+ community is a vital part of my journey, as hearing the experiences of others is largely the reason, I was able to better understand my own identity. Being able to connect with others like me is something I value immensely, especially when I did not have these individuals around me. Today I am heavily involved with both my local queer community, but also the online queer community. I always look forward to learning from others and sharing stories, as oftentimes, we do not have people around us to share our experiences with. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experience as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them. Mental health is important to me because allowing it to be neglected often results in worse outcomes such as more severe symptoms, burnout, unconsciously hurting others, etc. I have worked incredibly hard to get to the place I am mentally, and it was after years of neglecting myself. When I did not take care of my mental health, I was much more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This affected not just myself, but the others around me; I would snap at others, be unable to listen to their feelings, and other hurtful things. I know now that neglecting my personal mental health is not just something that impacts my life, and I strive to avoid hurting others the way I did in the past. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or significant others, requires effort on both sides. Effort to ensure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can be there for your loved ones. Effort to develop active listening skills so that you can offer a shoulder to lean on or advice for someone in a rough patch. Effort to show your loved ones that you care about them, by showing you also care about yourself. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-care since graduating from high school. One of my first and main goals was to get my mental health under control. I knew that I needed to do this earlier than later because if I continued to neglect it, I would get to a point where I would be so burnt out that I would not be able to get myself out of that low spot. So, I made appointments with mental health professionals, got medicated, started therapy, and developed skills to cope with the stress of college and being an adult. One of the skills I developed that has had a significant difference is how I organize my assignments for both school and work. I learned how to use Notion, a program that I would highly recommend to college students. Here I can input all of my assignments, sort them under different subjects, types, etc. This change has resulted in a considerably lesser level of stress when it comes to finishing assignments. I have not missed any due dates since this change and feel much less overwhelmed when trying to determine what I need to get done.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them, and I identify as a queer transmasculine individual. I have identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was young. I remember always feeling like I did not belong with most of my peers and struggling with this for most of my life. My earliest memory of a queer memory was being around nine years old and telling my family I was a boy and I wanted to be called a different “boy” name. I ended up pushing these feelings down and ignoring them to better fit in with others. I ended up identifying as a butch lesbian from around middle school age up until my senior year of high school. I was extremely proud of my butch identity but always felt there was something off, I did not feel like my true self. It was not until the year of the shutdown from Covid-19 that I finally understood my identity. I then came out as a transmasculine non-binary individual. Then in my freshman year of college, I started medically transitioning by taking testosterone. Recently, it was the 2-year mark of being on testosterone, and I can confidently say it truly saved me. I have never been happier, healthier, and confident with myself. These experiences have led to many challenges throughout my life. From an early age, I have struggled with my mental health, mainly due to the bullying I experienced as an obviously queer individual. Unfortunately, my family was extremely poor, so my parents could not afford to get mental health care for me. This resulted in my mental health continuing to decline as I could not receive counseling to help cope with the feelings with which I was dealing. I tried my best to find ways to cope on my own, but this was not sustainable, however. It was not until I left for college and started working that I was able to finally obtain professional mental health care. This health care, along with medically transitioning has resulted in a substantial improvement of my mental health. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experiences with personal mental health, along with my identity as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.

Hello. I am Bek Koven, my pronouns are they/them, and I identify as a queer transmasculine individual. I have identified as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was young. I remember always feeling like I did not belong with most of my peers and struggling with this for most of my life. My earliest memory of a queer memory was being around nine years old and telling my family I was a boy and I wanted to be called a different “boy” name. I ended up pushing these feelings down and ignoring them to better fit in with others. I ended up identifying as a butch lesbian from around middle school age up until my senior year of high school. I was extremely proud of my butch identity but always felt there was something off, I did not feel like my true self. It was not until the year of the shutdown from Covid-19 that I finally understood my identity. I then came out as a transmasculine non-binary individual. Then in my freshman year of college, I started medically transitioning by taking testosterone. Recently, it was the 2-year mark of being on testosterone, and I can confidently say it truly saved me. I have never been happier, healthier, and confident with myself. Having the LGBTQIA+ community is a vital part of my journey, as hearing the experiences of others is largely the reason, I was able to better understand my own identity. Being able to connect with others like me is something I value immensely, especially when I did not have these individuals around me. Today I am heavily involved with both my local queer community, but also the online queer community. I always look forward to learning from others and sharing stories, as oftentimes, we do not have people around us to share our experiences with. My career aspirations are intertwined with my experience as a trans and queer individual. I am working to become a Mental Health Therapist, I am currently in my undergraduate program, and am currently preparing to apply to graduate schools come Fall. I have always wanted to find a career in which I could help others in some way, and during high school, I found that being a therapist was the route I wanted to go. One important part of my career will be the focus I will have on individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is because I know how hard it is to go through life without having someone like me to help me navigate through a world in which I am seen as different. It also would have been extremely beneficial to have a queer individual to look up to as I was growing up, so I want to be this for those who are in a comparable situation. I am happy to see this becoming more common nowadays, and I cannot wait to be part of this change.