A traumatic early childhood experience inspired me to make a positive impact on the world. In 2008 my father suffered a massive stroke. As a result, my father lost the ability to speak. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to his inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Amazingly, I gradually observed his spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences once again. As a young black girl, I was inspired by his rehabilitation team which consisted of all women professionals! My father's music therapist and speech-language pathologist used techniques to help him speak once again! I knew that I could make a positive impact on the world once I passed my board certification exam and received a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree! My current working profession allows me to live the life of my dreams because I use my musical talents to heal children in the hospital setting! I currently work at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and provide Music Therapy services to children with complex medical illnesses in the intensive care units! My musical creativity allows me to provide music interventions to treat individuals with communication, motor, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Music Therapy and the world of rehabilitation have allowed me to re-invest in my personal talents. Therefore, I am continuing a postgraduate degree at the esteemed Georgia State University. I am studying communication sciences and disorders to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist. With the addition of this degree, I plan to make a positive impact by assisting individuals with communication disorders. I plan to blend both practices of speech therapy and music therapy and be a practitioner who serves my community through positive, therapeutic interventions. Upon graduating from Georgia State University, I plan on opening a private practice. My therapeutic population will include working with individuals with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. My private practice will focus on creative art therapies such as music, dance, art, and drama as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreational therapy. Utilizing a diverse field of therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. My future career plan is to build a purposeful business that positively impacts women in the world of therapy and rehabilitation. If awarded the Female Empowerment Scholarship, I would be a part of the 3% of black women in the speech-language pathology profession! Your monetary donation would allow me to serve individuals in the Atlanta community with communication disorders. My father's health journey inspired me to obtain a career in Music Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. Caring for patients means communication rehabilitation is accessible and achievable for all people of color. As a practitioner, I am committed to applying quality service to deliver effective speech practices to my community. I chose to pursue my dream career in the healthcare field to ensure that underrepresented people in my community are cared for in a safe, healing environment. My healthcare career as a Music Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist is to create a positive, accessible therapy, where people are not judged by their disabilities, but loved for their abilities!

Living the life of my dreams began when I passed my board certification examination and received a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree! My current working profession allows me to live the life of my dreams because I use my musical talents to heal children in the hospital setting! I currently work full-time to provide Music Therapy services to children with complex medical illnesses in the intensive care units at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! My musical creativity allows me to provide music interventions to treat individuals with communication, motor, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Music Therapy and the world of rehabilitation have allowed me to re-invest in my personal talents. Therefore, I am continuing a postgraduate degree at the esteemed Georgia State University. I am studying communication sciences and disorders in order to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist. With the addition of this degree, I plan to continue to live out my dream of assisting individuals with medical disorders. I plan to blend both practices of speech therapy and music therapy and be a practitioner who serves my community through positive, therapeutic interventions. My educational goals and aspirations stemmed from a traumatic family event involving my father's health journey in 2008 when he suffered a massive stroke. As a result, my father lost the ability to speak. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to his inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Amazingly, I gradually observed his spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences once again. As a young black girl, I was inspired by his rehabilitation team which consisted of black professionals! My father's music therapist and speech-language pathologist used techniques to help him speak once again! Upon graduating from Georgia State University, I plan on opening a private practice. My therapeutic population will include working with individuals with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. My private practice will focus on creative art therapies such as music, dance, art, and drama as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreational therapy. Utilizing a diverse field of therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. My future career plan is to build a purposeful business that positively impacts black people in the world of therapy and rehabilitation. If awarded the Dr. Jade Education Scholarship, I would be a part of the 3% of black women in the speech-language pathology profession! Your monetary donation would allow me to serve black people with communication disorders in the Atlanta community. Caring for patients means communication rehabilitation is accessible and achievable for all people of color. As a practitioner, I am committed to applying quality service to deliver effective speech practices to black individuals. I chose to pursue my dream career in the healthcare field to ensure that underrepresented people in my community are cared for in a safe, healing environment. My healthcare career as a Music Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist is to create a positive, accessible therapy for the black community, where people are not judged by their disabilities, but loved for their abilities!

A vital experience inspiring me to give back my strengths to the Black community involved my father's health journey in 2008. My strong, confident, able-bodied father suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, the entire right side of his body was paralyzed. This caused physical restrictions such as walking delays, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited, due to the inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Gradually, I observed him regaining spoken language skills, from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences once again! During recovery, he regained speech production with the help of his Speech-Language Pathologist and Music Therapist on the clinical rehabilitation team at the Shepherd's Center, in our community of Atlanta, GA. My father was treated by the medical rehabilitation team, which consisted of a black Speech-Language Pathologist and a black Music Therapist. My father's healthcare experience shaped my career plans to become a healthcare practitioner for the black community! The care from his black rehabilitation team influenced my clinical beliefs of unconditional empathy for black patients and families in your community. As a practitioner, I will strive to care for my community by advocating for black patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that black families with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society to live their most remarkable quality of life. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies and, in the future, open my private practice! My therapeutic population will include working with black people with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. My private practice will focus on creative art therapies (music, dance, art, drama) and speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Utilizing a diverse field of therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. My future career plan is to build a purposeful business that positively impacts black people in the world of therapy and rehabilitation. I also hope to create partnership opportunities with other black professionals who share a common goal of serving black children and adults in Atlanta communities. If awarded the ProjectGiveBack Scholarship, I would be a part of the 3% of black women in the speech-language pathology profession! Your monetary donation would allow me to serve black people with communication disorders in the Atlanta community. Ultimately, the black community supported my father's health journey in his greatest time of need, inspiring me to obtain a career in speech-language pathology. I am currently a full-time graduate student at Georgia State University, studying communication sciences and disorders. I am also a Board Certified Music Therapist providing music therapy services to children in the inner city pediatric community hospital at Hughes Spalding Atlanta. When providing services to black children, goals included promoting self-expression, positive coping, and improving academic development through music interventions. My healthcare purpose is to open a private practice as a medical speech-language pathologist and music therapist to assist individuals in the black community with communication disorders! Caring for patients means communication rehabilitation is accessible and achievable for all black people. As a practitioner, I am committed to applying quality service for our community that delivers effective speech practices to black families. I chose to pursue a career in healthcare to ensure that underrepresented black people in the Atlanta community are cared for in a safe, healing environment. As a person of color, I will utilize my clinical speech expertise to care for others that identify as Black in Atlanta. My journey into the healthcare field allows a safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring black people in my community accomplish healthy communication today, to restore active language tomorrow. My healthcare career as a Music Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist is to create a positive, accessible therapy for the black community, where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

A vital experience that makes me want to bring positive change to my community involved my father's health journey in 2008 when he suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, the right side of his body was paralyzed. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. During recovery, he regained speech production with the help of his Speech-Language Pathologist and Music Therapist on the clinical rehabilitation team at the Shepherd's Center, in Atlanta, GA. Positive community support during my father's health journey inspired me to obtain a career in SLP. Presently, I am a Board Certified Music Therapist providing services to children in intensive care units at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. I am also a full-time graduate student at Georgia State University. My healthcare purpose is to open a private practice as a medical SLP to assist individuals in my community with communication disorders. I chose to pursue a career in the healthcare industry to ensure that patients in my community are cared for in a safe, healing environment. My passion is representing and investing in my underrepresented community of Atlanta, to ensure equal opportunities are accessible in the world of therapy and rehabilitation. My father's healthcare experience shaped my career plans to become a positive healthcare practitioner for my hometown community. During recovery, my father received care from our community rehabilitation center. I will strive to care for others in my hometown by advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into their community. My journey into the healthcare field allows a safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring clients in my community accomplish healthy communication today, to restore active language tomorrow.

My experience with mental health began with my father's journey in 2008 when he suffering a cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my father's mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work because of his disability. His income was lowered, so we had to move out of our brand new house and back into our older house to be able to afford the bills. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. As adults, we began to distance ourselves from our father, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with him is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health journey truly inspired me to obtain a career in Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the Speech-Language Pathologist and Music Therapist. This entire experience influenced my spiritual beliefs to have an abundance of empathy, understanding, and grace. My relationship with my father is now stronger because of the medical team's compassion and awareness regarding his traumatic brain injury. I hope to be an advocate for those facing mental health problems by providing authenticity and truth. Breaking down the stereotypes about individuals living with mental health challenges, allows individuals to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Moving forward in the field of therapy, I hope to achieve a Master of Science degree, with a concentration of Communication Sciences and Disorders, to practice as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both practices of music and speech therapy in order to help individuals affected by mental health disorders! Presently, as a Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapist, my purpose is to ensure that individuals like my father, who are suffering from mental illness, successfully assimilate into society to live their greatest quality of life!

I have a former student named Miriam. We met in 2017 when I began my first year of teaching at an all girls public charter school. Miriam was my brilliant 7th grade scholar! She didn’t always love my chorus class, but she always made sure she was my top soprano section leader. The true epitome of a scholar. Although my own career has taken a different path out of education and into healthcare (God bless all the teachers), I continued to keep in contact with Miriam throughout the years. She shared with me that she was also interested in a healthcare profession. When she was a junior in high school I made her a list consisting of the top 20 healthcare professions based on her interests. Her mom called me immediately, in tears, thanking me for providing that information to her. Her mom said that since she's been my student, I've been mentoring and caring about her ever since. I told her that I'll always care about Miriam! Even though she’s no longer my student, I feel like her success is a reflection of my influence. We narrowed down the list to her top five schools, then she ultimately decided on her favorite profession: Optometry. Did I go to medical school? No. Is Miriam more than capable of exceeding in a highly qualified medical profession? Absolutely! It is our responsibility to push our children to be better than us! Our future generation of children deserve more than “good enough". I am so excited for Miriam’s story. She proudly accepted a full ride scholarship to Emory University. I hope to mentor and impact many more lives to come!

My father's significant rehabilitation journey inspired me to practice bravery and live boldly through tough times. Therefore, I am pursuing an additional degree in communication sciences and disorders. In 2008, a scary, heartbreaking experience changed my perspective regarding health and rehabilitation. This significant event involved my own father's health journey. He suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident, resulting as a stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to a lack of understanding of expressed language and the inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Remarkably, I observed his gradual restoration of spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences, because of the rehabilitation services provided by his speech and music therapist on the clinical healthcare team. I now live boldly to pursue my healthcare purpose as a medical Speech-Language Pathologist assisting individuals on their rehabilitation journey. My father's healthcare experience allowed me to be brave and optimistic through tough times. The bravery and care from his SLP and Music Therapist changed my clinical perspective of unconditional empathy for patients and families. As a practitioner, I will strive to care for others by advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society to live their most remarkable quality of life. My perspective of the healthcare and rehabilitation field allows a bold, safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring clients are brave enough to accomplish healthy communication today, and restore active language tomorrow.

I believe higher education should be affordable for all students, and the Bold Financial Literacy Scholarship ensures students are financially capable of achieving success. I am a graduate student at Georgia State University, studying communication sciences and disorders to practice as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). When deciding to attend graduate school, I realized the harsh tuition expenses for SLP graduate programs. I do not believe students should accrue an exuberant amount of college debt to receive a quality education. Therefore, I think it's important everyone has the opportunity to receive an education, regardless of financial status. Lessening the burden of college debt will expand everyone's access to a college education. Reducing debt associated with higher education allows students incredible opportunities to give back to their University after graduation. Alumni would be more inclined to donate to their alma mater if they had the financial freedom to do so. I accrued debt during my undergraduate career, and that finance lesson allowed me to understand the importance of applying for scholarship and grants as a student. This finance lesson also taught me to give back to my community while also providing active students with scholarship opportunities. The Bold Financial Literacy Scholarship provides students fundamental tools to succeed as healthcare professionals. As a future healthcare practitioner, I am committed to scholarship programs that value student success through affordable educational options.

My father's significant rehabilitation journey inspired me to remain optimistic through tough times, and to obtain an additional degree in communication sciences and disorder. In 2008, a scary, heartbreaking experience changed my perspective regarding health and rehabilitation. This significant event involved my own father's health journey. He suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident, resulting as a stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to a lack of understanding of expressed language and the inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Remarkably, I observed his gradual restoration of spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences, because of the rehabilitation services provided by his speech and music therapist on the clinical healthcare team. I am now optimistic that my healthcare purpose is to become a medical Speech-Language Pathologist to assist individuals on their rehabilitation journey. My father's healthcare experience allowed me to stay optimistic through tough times. The optimism and care from his SLP and Music Therapist changed my clinical perspective of unconditional empathy for patients and families. As a practitioner, I will strive to care for others by advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society to live their most remarkable quality of life. My perspective of the healthcare and rehabilitation field allows an optimistic, safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring clients accomplish healthy communication today, to restore active language tomorrow.

I am a Board Certified Music Therapist providing services to children in intensive care units at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! I am also a full-time graduate student at Georgia State University. My father's significant rehabilitation journey inspired me to obtain an additional degree in communication sciences and disorder. In 2008, a vital experience changed my perspective regarding health and rehabilitation. This significant event involved my own father's health journey. He suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident, resulting as a stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to a lack of understanding of expressed language and the inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Remarkably, I observed his gradual restoration of spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences, because of the rehabilitation services provided by his speech and music therapist on the clinical healthcare team. My healthcare purpose is to become a medical Speech-Language Pathologist to assist individuals on their rehabilitation journey. My father's healthcare experience changed my perspective for becoming a healthcare practitioner. The care from his SLP and Music Therapist changed my clinical perspective of unconditional empathy for patients and families. As a practitioner, I will strive to care for others by advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society to live their most remarkable quality of life. My perspective of the healthcare and rehabilitation field allows a safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring clients accomplish healthy communication today, to restore active language tomorrow.

The classic novel Forest Gump embodies how anything is possible no matter what obstacles come your way. Personally, this inspired me as a child when facing adversity within the classroom. At an early age, I was exposed to bullying because of my love for reading. I remember finishing my school work early just so I had extra time in the day to read my books. This caused other children to be intimidated by my isolation. Books became my friend, so I confided in them every day. In middle school, I went to the library and picked up the book Forest Gump for the first time. Instantly, I was attracted to Forrest's confidence as a person. He was put down in every way, yet his ignorance was truly a blessing for him. His oblivion was a shield of protection from others being unkind to him. An emotional moment for me was to read his story, then watch the story expressed as a film, exposing all of his accomplishments. I immediately bought the DVD and constantly watched this hilarious, yet heartfelt film. Forest Gump was bullied because of his incompetence, and I was bullied because of my inquisitiveness. I connected to his character in every way. To this day, I constantly quote the book! Whether it's uplifting, "My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on", or a funny yet true quote such as, "Stupid is as stupid does." Anyone can relate to this novel, and for that reason, I've chosen Forest Gump as my favorite book! "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get". I sure hope I get this scholarship award to pursue graduate school as a future Speech-Language Pathologist!

My greatest achievement to date is obtaining a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree and passing my board certification examination. I currently provide Music Therapy services to children with complex medical needs in the ICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! In my current profession, I can use my talents to heal others through music! Musical creativity allows me to provide music interventions to treat individuals having communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social disabilities. Music Therapy and the world of rehabilitation, have allowed me to re-invest in my personal talents. Therefore, I am continuing a post-graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. I plan to blend both practices of speech and music therapy to continue to be a practitioner who serves the Atlanta community through positive, therapeutic interventions. A vital experience shaping my healthcare career involved my father's health journey in 2008 when he suffered a massive cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, the right side of his body was paralyzed. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and communication disorders. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was limited due to a lack of understanding of expressed language and the inability to produce words because of slurred speech. Remarkably, I observed his gradual restoration of spoken language skills improve from pronouncing nonsense syllables to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production with the help of his speech and music therapist on the clinical rehabilitation team. At my father's rehabilitation center, he was cared for by receiving assistive techniques from the medical team. My father's healthcare experience shaped my career plans and taught me to become a healthcare practitioner. The care from his SLP and music therapist influenced my clinical beliefs of unconditional empathy for patients and families. As a practitioner, I will strive to care for others by advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. I aim to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society to live their most remarkable quality of life. My journey into the healthcare field allows a safe, maximal healing environment, ensuring clients accomplish healthy communication today, to restore active language tomorrow. Presently, I am beginning my second year of graduate school for a three-year program. I feel that the leadership and supervision within my program have given me adequate career preparedness and success. I have obtained practical early intervention service skills from specific training programs at Georgia State University. My goal is to transfer my knowledge directly to schools, families, and community partners. In the future hope to create and continue partnership opportunities with other professionals in the Atlanta community who share a common goal of providing the best quality of healthcare services to the community. The goals I have already obtained at Georgia State include collectively brainstorming ideas with students in the interdisciplinary team of Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. So far, my graduate school experience has taught me how to be a public servant and an active worker. In the near future, I will dedicate a lifetime commitment to caring for others and valuing the healing of hospitalized children. I am a board-certified music therapist and a future speech-language pathologist. My future goal in healthcare includes delivering high-quality, therapeutic services to the community while creating an exceptional environment that serves as a responsive resource to my patients. My therapeutic goal is to build positive relationships with my clients while implementing accessible and reliable tools. Allowing individuals with permanent disabilities the opportunity to succeed in a safe environment maximizes the goal of therapy. My time as a music and speech therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

I am committed to the value of helping and healing others, which will never be a monetary factor. As a graduate student studying speech-language pathology, I will ensure the Youssef University’s College Life Scholarship scholarship will assist my tuition payments and textbooks for class. My future endeavor mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the monetary contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My career dreams allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. If awarded, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly by 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces, as we are intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in an underrepresented community, while ensuring others have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where they are often disadvantaged. My career plans include building a purposeful business that achieves success in the world of therapy and rehabilitation.

An important life lesson I've learned involves my fathers mental health journey. In 2008, he suffering a massive cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my fathers mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work and was put on disability. Since his income was lowered, we had to move out of our brand new house, and move back into our older house that we had yet to sell. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. Overtime, we began to distance ourselves from our father as adults, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with our father is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health journey truly made me stronger as a person which inspired me to obtain a career in Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. This entire experience influenced my spiritual beliefs as far as having an abundance of empathy and understanding. My relationship with my father is now stronger because of this compassion and awareness from his traumatic brain injury. I hope to be an advocate for those facing mental health problems by providing authenticity and truth. Breaking down the stereotypes to allow those living with mental health challenges allows individuals to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

Continuing education in the healthcare field of Speech-Language Pathology stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my specific healthcare purpose is to become a medical pediatric SLP ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the Melaninwhitecoats Podcast Annual Scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the black community, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans include building a purposeful business that achieves success in the world of therapy and rehabilitation. I am committed to the value of helping and healing others, which will never be a monetary factor. As a student, I will ensure this scholarship will assist my tuition payments and textbooks for class. My future endeavor mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the monetary contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My career dreams allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. As a board-certified music therapist and a future speech-language pathologist, I strive to deliver the highest quality of service to the community, while creating a special environment that serves as a responsive resource. My goal is to build positive relationships with my clients, while implementing accessible and dependable tools. Allowing individuals with permanent disabilities the opportunity to succeed in a safe environment, maximizes the goal of therapy. My time as a music and speech therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability! Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, LPMT, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

My fathers journey of mental health began in 2008 when he suffering a cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my fathers mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work and was put on disability. Since his income was lowered, we had to move out of our brand new house, and move back into our older house that we had yet to sell. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. Overtime, we began to distance ourselves from our father as adults, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with our father is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health truly inspired me to obtain a career concerning Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. This entire experience influenced my spiritual beliefs as far as having an abundance of empathy and understanding. My relationship with my father is now stronger because of this compassion and awareness from his traumatic brain injury. I hope to be an advocate for those facing mental health problems by providing authenticity and truth. Breaking down the stereotypes to allow those living with mental health challenges, allows individuals to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Moving forward in the field of therapies, I hope to achieve a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders degree, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies in order to help those affected by mental health disorders, in the most therapeutic way possible. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and neurologic music therapist, my purpose is to ensure that individuals, such as my father, who are suffering from mental illness, successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life.

My fathers journey of mental health began in 2008 when he suffering a cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my fathers mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work and was put on disability. Since his income was lowered, we had to move out of our brand new house, and move back into our older house that we had yet to sell. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. Overtime, we began to distance ourselves from our father as adults, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with our father is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health truly inspired me to obtain a career concerning Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. This entire experience influenced my spiritual beliefs as far as having an abundance of empathy and understanding. My relationship with my father is now stronger because of this compassion and awareness from his traumatic brain injury. I hope to be an advocate for those facing mental health problems by providing authenticity and truth. Breaking down the stereotypes to allow those living with mental health challenges, allows individuals to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Moving forward in the field of therapies, I hope to achieve a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders degree, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies in order to help those affected by mental health disorders, in the most therapeutic way possible. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and neurologic music therapist, my purpose is to ensure that individuals, such as my father, who are suffering from mental illness, successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life.

I consider myself an intellectual and creative innovator. These projects include releasing my first EP on all major platforms, titled, "A Singing', Swingin', Christmas". I am inspired by jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, and Darlene Love. In my Holiday EP, I showcased my vocal talents by singing stylistic jazz Holiday Music. The music was even live recorded by The Etowah jazz Society, a local jazz band in my community. This album was so inspiring for me as a vocalist and musician, to have something to give to others as a gift of music. I plan to continue to release classic jazz albums to uplift my self, and for others! Personally, I hold a board certification to use my musical talents to heal others though music! My musical creativity allowed me the opportunity to obtain my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy! I provide music interventions to treat individuals having communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social disabilities. Music is an amazing motivating tool! I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. I plan to blend both practices of speech and music therapy in order to help the community in the most therapeutic way possible. As a rising musician and vocalist, I love to use my musical talents to heal others. In 2008, my father suffered a massive stroke. As a result, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. My future aspirations include committing to the value of helping and healing others. I need this scholarship to continue to deliver the highest quality of service to the community, while creating a special environment that serves as a responsive resource. My goal is to build positive relationships with my clients, while implementing accessible and dependable tools through music. Allowing individuals with permanent disabilities the opportunity to succeed in a safe environment, maximizes the goal of therapy. My time as a music and speech therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

My fathers journey of mental health began in 2008 when he suffering a cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my fathers mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work and was put on disability. Since his income was lowered, we had to move out of our brand new house, and move back into our older house that we had yet to sell. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. Overtime, we began to distance ourselves from our father as adults, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with our father is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health truly inspired me to obtain a career concerning Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. This entire experience influenced my spiritual beliefs as far as having an abundance of empathy and understanding. My relationship with my father is now stronger because of this compassion and awareness from his traumatic brain injury. I hope to be an advocate for those facing mental health problems by providing authenticity and truth. Breaking down the stereotypes to allow those living with mental health challenges, allows individuals to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Moving forward in the field of therapies, I hope to achieve a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders degree, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies in order to help those affected by mental health disorders, in the most therapeutic way possible. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and neurologic music therapist, my purpose is to ensure that individuals, such as my father, who are suffering from mental illness, successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life.

A film showcasing hard work and dedication, Forest Gump truly embodies how anything is possible, no what obstacles may come your way. Personally, this inspired me as a child who faced adversity within the classroom. I was exposed to bullying at an early age because of my love for reading. I remember finishing my work early, just so I had extra time in the day to read my books. This caused other children to be intimidated by my isolation. Books became my friend and I confided in them every day. In middle school, I went to the library and picked up the book Forest Gump. Instantly, I was attracted to his confidence as a person. He was put down in every way, yet his ignorance was actually a blessing for him. His oblivion was shield of protection from others being unkind to him. To read his story and see all of his accomplishments, and then to watch the story being exposed in a film, was an emotional moment for me. I immediately bought the DVD and was constantly watching this hilarious, yet heartfelt film. Forest Gump was bullied because of his incompetence and I was bullied because of my inquisitiveness. I connected to his character in ever way. To this day, I constantly quote this movie, whether it's uplifting such as, "My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on", or a funny yet true quotes such as, "Stupid is as stupid does." Any one can relate to this film in any way, which is why I've chosen Forest Gump as my favorite film! "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get". I sure hope I get this scholarship ward for graduate school!

My fathers journey of mental health began in 2008 when he suffering a cerebrovascular accident. As a result of his stroke, he was paralyzed throughout the right side of his body. This caused physical delays such as walking, limited use of his right hand, and overall spatial issues. He was also diagnosed with expressive aphasia, meaning his communication was weak, due to lack of understanding language and being unable to produce words because of his slurred speech. This took an immense toll on our family of four, and my fathers mental health suffered because of his traumatic brain injury. My father's personality changed right before our eyes. We knew this man as a kind, laid back, easy going, selfless person, become someone who was verbally and mentally abusive. We helped my father day to day in every way that we could, but I think he could not accept the new changes that were happening to his body. He could no longer work and was put on disability. Since his income was lowered, we had to move out of our brand new house, and move back into our older house that we had yet to sell. I know that he was feeling as if he could no longer take care of his family, and that was causing him a lot of self pity, stress, and anger. My father knew that his aggressive behavior was affecting our family, but he could not seem to find the strength to receive help. Overtime, we began to distance ourselves from our father as adults, which put an unhealthy strain on our relationship. Thankfully, he eventually received help and counseling from psychological professionals, and our relationship with our father is better than ever! He is stronger, healthier, and mentally happier. My heart is overflowed with joy to see him this way! My fathers mental health truly inspired me to obtain a career concerning Speech Language Pathology. At my fathers treatment center, remarkably, I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. Moving forward in the field of therapies, I hope to achieve a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders degree, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies in order to help those affected by mental health disorders, in the most therapeutic way possible. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and neurologic music therapist, my purpose is to ensure that individuals suffering from mental illness, successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life.

I consider myself an intellectual and creative innovator. These projects include releasing my first EP on all major platforms, titled, "A Singing', Swingin', Christmas". I am inspired by jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, and Darlene Love. In my Holiday EP, I showcased my vocal talents by singing stylistic jazz Holiday Music. The music was even live recorded by The Etowah jazz Society, a local jazz band in my community. This album was so inspiring for me as a vocalist and musician, to have something to give to others as a gift of music. I plan to continue to release classic jazz albums to uplift my self, and for others to feel the Holiday spirit. Personally, not only do I sing, I also dance, act, and also hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others! My musical creativity made me obtain my degree in music therapy! I provide music interventions to treat individuals having communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social disabilities. Music is an amazing motivating tool! I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. I plan to blend both practices of speech and music therapy in order to help the community in the most therapeutic way possible. My future ambitions include committing to the value of helping and healing others. I strive to deliver the highest quality of service to the community, while creating a special environment that serves as a responsive resource. My goal is to build positive relationships with my clients, while implementing accessible and dependable tools. Allowing individuals with permanent disabilities the opportunity to succeed in a safe environment, maximizes the goal of therapy. My time as a music and speech therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

If money was not an issue, to put simply, I would use my time to better those within my community. I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist! I provide music interventions to treat individuals having communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social disabilities. Music is an amazing motivating tool! As a rising musician and vocalist, I love to use my talents to heal others. In 2008, my father suffered a massive stroke. As a result, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist. This experience inspired me to obtain a degree in music therapy, in order to heal others with communication disorders. I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. Unfortunately, tuition is causing a financial strain to continue my passion, which is hindering me from being financially able to afford graduate school. I yearn to continue my education in communication sciences and disorders in order to obtain a career as a speech therapist. If money was not an issue, I would continue my studies at Georgia State University, serving the underrepresented community in Atlanta, GA. I am committed to the value of helping and healing others, which will never be a monetary factor. I strive to deliver the highest quality of service to the community, while creating a special environment that serves as a responsive resource. My goal is to build positive relationships with my clients, while implementing accessible and dependable tools. Allowing individuals with permanent disabilities the opportunity to succeed in a safe environment, maximizes the goal of therapy. My time as a music and speech therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist! I provide music interventions to treat individuals having communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social disabilities. Music is an amazing motivating tool! In these pictures, you will see patients of mine benefitting from the treatment of music therapy. We sang, danced, and used instruments to help their needs such as building a greater quality of life for hospitalized children. My mission as a music therapist is to create an accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disability!

I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a bright young black woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for entrepreneurship, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my business purpose is to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the Mary Jo Huey Scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans include building a purposeful business that achieves success in the world of therapy and rehabilitation.

I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a bright young black woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for entrepreneurship, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my business purpose is to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the RushOrderTees Young Entrepreneurs Scholarshipp, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans include building a purposeful business that achieves success in the world of therapy and rehabilitation.

I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed Georgia State University in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a bright young black woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for entrepreneurship, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my business purpose is to ensure that my clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans include building a purposeful business that achieves success in the world of therapy and rehabilitation.

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for opening a business, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. My educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Philadelphia Black Entrepreneurs Grant, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity become my own businesswoman, by opening and owning a private practice. The grant would also allow me to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans and aspiration to build a new business is purposeful, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation. Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

Everyday, and I am thankful that my father is alive. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. My fathers traumatic experience has shaped my academic career thus far. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. If awarded the Giving Thanks Scholarship, my fathers legacy will continue with me, and I will make effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. Although my fathers traumatic event was devastating to the fullest, everyday I am thankful that he is still here with me. His experience has shaped my future clinical practice to allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for opening a small business, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. My educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. If awarded the Support Small Businesses Scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity become my own businesswoman, by opening and owning a private practice. As an intellectual and creative innovator, I sing and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person with a disability is the ultimate way to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of business owners, while ensuring the small business community has equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans and aspiration to build a new business is purposeful, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation.

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and the role of education in my life, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. My newfound perception resulted in furthering my education in life concerning rehabilitation therapies. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Justricia Scholarship for Education, my goals and expectations include expanding my education of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. Although the moment my father suffered a stroke was devastating to the fullest, the experience has shaped my future clinical practice to allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration. Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008, which completely changed my persecutive on life. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. My newfound perception resulted in studies concerning rehabilitation therapies. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Nikhil Desai "Perspective" Scholarship, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. Although the moment my father suffered a stroke was devastating to the fullest, the experience has shaped my future clinical practice to allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration. Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. My fathers traumatic experience has shaped my academic career thus far. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Taylor Price Financial Literacy for the Future Scholarship, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. Although my traumatic event was devastating to the fullest, the experience has shaped my future clinical practice to allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents and dreaming to achieve a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice. If awarded the Undiscovered Brilliance Scholarship for African-Americans, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any woman of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. As a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation, I am preparing myself to achieve my career plans and passion through therapy. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to better those around me by ensuring that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience today consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. In UGA’s MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My career dreams allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to achieve a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice. If awarded the Impact Scholarship for Black Students, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any woman of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. As a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation, I am preparing myself to achieve my career plans and passion through therapy. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. In UGA’s MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My career achievements allow a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice! My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for opening a private practice, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the African-American Entrepreneurs Grant, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans and aspiration to build a new business is purposeful, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation.

Continuing education with a STEM degree, concerning MEd Communication Sciences and Disorders at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience and STEM degree consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Black Students in STEM Scholarship, my goals and achievements include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based science research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My statement of purpose allows a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow.

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman,, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies and public health, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice. If awarded the Black Students in Public Health grant, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any woman of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. Please see my statement of purpose below, to provide further clarification to my career plans and education pathway, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation. Thank you, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist Statement of Purpose Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If accepted into UGA’s MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion is parallel with Dr. Sandie Bass-Ringdahl, regarding theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as endowed SLP professors Dr. Katy O’Brien and elected ASHA fellow Dr. Anne Marcotte, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My statement of purpose allows a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow.

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice. My business population will consist of adults with developmental disabilities at a rehabilitation day program. The private practice will also focus on creative art therapies (Music, Dance, Art, Drama), as well as speech, occupational, physical, and recreation therapy. Using all of the therapies under one umbrella will ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation for opening a private practice, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. If awarded the scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any person of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. My career plans and aspiration to build a new business is purposeful, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation.

As an Atlanta musician, I am investing my personal talents to continue a post graduate education at the esteemed University of Georgia in the field of Speech Language Pathology. As a 5’10” tall 26 year old woman, my educational background includes obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. I am now a Board Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Neurologic Music Therapist. I am continuing in the field of therapies, by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, in order to practice as a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist. I plan to blend both studies of music and speech therapies, and will one day open my own private practice. If awarded the Opportunity for Black Women Scholarship, the monetary donation would allow me the opportunity to be one more person of color in a field that is predominantly 90% white women. Black women deserve to be in educational clinical spaces too, as we are the intellectual and creative innovators. Personally, I sing, dance, and hold a board certification to use my talents to heal others. I believe that using your platform to help any woman of color is the ultimate way to advocate for black women who are tirelessly pursuing college degrees. My passion is to represent and invest in the value of black women, while ensuring we have equal opportunity to succeed in a world where we are often disadvantaged. Please see my statement of purpose below, to provide further clarification to my education and career plans and achievements, as a woman of color whose voice will be heard through the world of therapies and rehabilitation. Thank you, Calia Howse, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology at the esteemed University of Georgia, and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If accepted into UGA’s MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion is parallel with Dr. Sandie Bass-Ringdahl, regarding theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as endowed SLP professors Dr. Katy O’Brien and elected ASHA fellow Dr. Anne Marcotte, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. My statement of purpose allows a safe, maximal healing environment, which ensures clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow.

Continuing education concerning Speech Language Pathology and my driving motivation of studies and research, stems from my father suffering a cerebrovascular accident in 2008. As a result of his stroke, he was diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Remarkably, each week I observed his restoration of spoken language gradually function from pronouncing nonsense syllables, to speaking complete sentences. During recovery, he regained speech production again from the clinical rehabilitation team, specifically, the speech language pathologist and music therapist working at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Presently, as a Board Certified Music Therapist and college graduate from the prestigious Georgia College & State University, my purpose is to ensure that clients with speech and communication disorders successfully assimilate into society, to live their greatest quality of life. Professionally, I have mastered 3 significant components promoting a client's developmental and psychological growth: Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathetic Understanding. The benefits of a client-centered, eclectic approach includes a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies customized to fit the specific needs of the client. This ensures the most effective techniques are being integrated into treatment, contributing to the clients therapeutic growth and success. My clinical experience consists of providing therapeutic interventions with adults & children in a variety of settings: hospital care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, educational classrooms, and memory care facilities. As a music therapy intern at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, I co-treated alongside the speech therapist as part of the rehabilitation team. A patient diagnosed with Broca's aphasia benefitted from Melodic Intonation Therapy. This intervention increased expressive language by allowing the client with a traumatic brain injury to musically facilitate speech production. Additionally, in the classroom setting, clinical interventions included treatment plans and S.M.A.R.T. goals specific to the Individual Education Plan. If awarded the Black Medical Students Scholarship, my goals and expectations include expanding my knowledge of critical thinking by emphasizing evidence-based practices and binding them to real world applications. I directly plan to contribute to the program by affording Neurologic Music Therapy interventions of speech and language, sensorimotor, and cognitive rehabilitation assessments. My passion includes theoretical understanding of cognition and communication while also staying current with the advancement of new technologies in hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices. My mission aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all. As a stimulus specialist, I am committed to the contribution of applying evidence based research, quality service to clients and families, and delivering the best communication sciences and disorder practices. As a Board Certified clinical therapist, I will ensure a safe, maximal healing environment, where clients accomplish healthy speech today, to restore active language tomorrow.