My passion for pursuing a career in public service stems from a lifelong desire to uplift underserved communities, especially those affected by mental health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For the past eight years, I have dedicated my professional life to working within a nonprofit mental health and IDD authority, and I have spent even longer volunteering alongside individuals with disabilities. These experiences have shaped my deep commitment to ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or ability, has the opportunity to live a full, meaningful life through person-centered care. My personal life has also been a powerful source of inspiration. As a full-time mother to a son with physical disabilities, I intimately understand the struggles that families face in navigating complex, often fragmented support systems. These challenges have fueled my passion to advocate for equitable services and to fight for systemic change. I have seen how critical access to compassionate, tailored support is—not just for the individuals receiving care, but for their families and entire communities. Pursuing a graduate education in mental health counseling allows me to build the skills I need to make an even greater impact. Through trauma-informed approaches, evidence-based counseling practices, and advocacy training, I am learning how to serve my community more effectively and inclusively. My goal is to work within public mental health systems and nonprofit organizations where I can apply these skills directly to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness, trauma histories, and developmental disabilities. I plan to apply the skills I acquire to lead initiatives that promote true community inclusion—supporting programs that not only treat symptoms, but also empower individuals to live independently, pursue employment, develop social relationships, and engage fully with the world around them. I want to be a voice for those who are often marginalized and to help create a community where services are not just available but welcoming, affirming, and tailored to the unique needs of each person. In my local community, I envision working to strengthen trauma-informed services within public schools, expanding mental health outreach for people with disabilities, and collaborating with local businesses to create inclusive employment opportunities. I believe true public service means meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their journeys—not just offering support, but building a stronger, more compassionate community for all. Public service is not just a career path for me—it is my calling. It is how I hope to honor the resilience of those I serve and the lessons they have taught me about strength, dignity, and hope. Through education, service, and advocacy, I am committed to making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Being part of a community has profoundly shaped my sense of hope for the future. Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working in a nonprofit mental health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) authority, alongside volunteering with individuals with IDD. These experiences have shown me the incredible strength, resilience, and potential that exists within every individual, especially those in underserved populations. Through my work, I have come to believe that when people are given access to person-centered, compassionate care, they are empowered to lead fuller, more meaningful lives. This belief fuels my unwavering hope that by continuing to serve and advocate for others, we can build a more inclusive and supportive society. As a full-time mother to a son with physical disabilities, my connection to the community is also deeply personal. Navigating systems of care for my own child has given me a heightened understanding of the barriers many families face—limited access to services, systemic inequities, and the emotional toll of advocating for basic needs. These challenges have strengthened my resolve to not only fight for my son’s rights but also to help other individuals and families who often feel voiceless. Through my career and my life, I have seen firsthand how powerful community support can be in creating real, lasting change. It has made me hopeful that with dedicated individuals and organizations, we can ensure that every person, regardless of ability, is treated with dignity and afforded opportunities to thrive. One specific moment that highlights my contribution to my community took place during a community integration initiative I helped lead at the nonprofit where I work. Many of the individuals we serve had spent years isolated from the broader community, often because of stigma or lack of resources. I helped develop and implement person-centered programs aimed at integrating individuals with IDD into everyday life activities—volunteering at local businesses, participating in arts programs, attending community events, and building social networks outside of traditional care settings. By tailoring supports to the individual’s goals and preferences, rather than trying to fit them into rigid systems, we empowered them to live more independently, confidently, and joyfully. Witnessing someone’s world open up for the first time—seeing them find friendships, pursue hobbies, or secure their first job—reaffirmed my commitment to this work. It also reinforced the understanding that meaningful change happens one relationship at a time, one opportunity at a time. My contribution to my community has always been centered around creating space for individuals to be seen, heard, and supported in their journeys. Looking ahead, my hope for the future continues to grow because of the community I am part of—the individuals with IDD who inspire me with their resilience, the families who trust me to walk alongside them, and the colleagues who share the same vision for a more inclusive world. Every step forward, every barrier removed, strengthens my belief that together, we can build a future where no one is left behind.

My interest in public service stems from a deep passion for mental health advocacy and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the profound impact that mental health struggles can have on individuals and families. Growing up with a mother who battled alcoholism and navigating my own experiences as a caregiver, I developed a strong understanding of how critical compassionate support can be. These experiences shaped my belief that mental health care is not just a personal issue—it is a public one. It inspired me to pursue a career in counseling, where I can work directly within the community to help individuals heal and thrive. Public service allows me to combine my personal passion for mental health with my professional aspirations. I am currently working full-time with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and through this work, I have seen how essential mental health care is for all populations—especially those who are underserved and overlooked. I am committed to providing trauma-informed, accessible, and empathetic care to individuals who have experienced adversity, trauma, and systemic barriers to wellness. Mental health should not be a privilege, yet too often it is. My goal in public service is to bridge this gap by working in community mental health centers, nonprofit organizations, and other public service settings where mental health support is needed most. I want to create spaces where individuals feel safe, validated, and empowered to work toward recovery and personal growth. By offering trauma-informed counseling, I aim to help people not only survive their struggles but also find resilience, strength, and hope. Public service, to me, means advocating for individuals whose voices are often unheard and building systems of care that prioritize emotional and psychological well-being. It means stepping into the gaps where people are falling through and lifting them up with empathy, respect, and evidence-based support. Mental health is the foundation for everything else in life—relationships, education, work, and personal fulfillment—and by improving mental health services within public systems, I believe we can create healthier, stronger communities. Receiving this scholarship would be a crucial step in helping me achieve my goals. It would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to fully dedicate myself to my graduate studies and future career. With the skills, knowledge, and training I am gaining, I plan to work in public mental health settings where I can make a real, lasting difference. I am not just pursuing a career; I am answering a calling to be a source of support, healing, and hope for those who need it most. I believe that public service through mental health care is one of the most meaningful ways to give back to the community and leave a positive impact on the world. That is the mission that drives me every day, and it is the future I am committed to building.

I believe that I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because of my resilience, my unwavering commitment to personal growth, and my deep passion for helping others. The dreams I have for my career in counseling are not just aspirations—they are a reflection of who I am and what I have overcome. They represent the lessons I have learned from my personal experiences, my desire to make a meaningful impact, and my commitment to the values of empathy, inclusivity, and trauma-informed care. As a mother to a son with physical disabilities, I’ve faced countless challenges that have tested my emotional and mental resilience. From navigating the complexities of caregiving to managing my own mental health and pursuing a graduate degree, I have learned how to balance multiple roles while maintaining a deep sense of purpose. These experiences have strengthened my determination to succeed and have taught me the importance of persistence, even in the face of adversity. My journey has been far from easy, but it has shown me that I have the strength to overcome challenges and keep moving forward toward my goals. Growing up in an environment where my mother struggled with alcoholism, I witnessed firsthand how mental health issues can impact not only the individual but also the entire family. This experience ignited my desire to pursue a career in counseling, where I could help others who were struggling with similar challenges. I believe that overcoming this difficult chapter in my life has made me more empathetic and understanding of others’ struggles, which will serve me well in my future career as a counselor. My personal experiences have deepened my commitment to providing care that is compassionate, trauma-informed, and sensitive to the unique needs of each individual. Additionally, my work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has solidified my commitment to making a positive impact in the world. I’ve seen how important it is for individuals to have access to mental health care that is tailored to their specific needs. This experience has fueled my passion for providing inclusive and accessible care to all individuals, particularly those who are underserved or underrepresented in the mental health field. I believe that my experiences in both caregiving and working in the disability sector have uniquely prepared me to support others in a way that is both empathetic and effective I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have continuously demonstrated my commitment to growth, learning, and resilience. Despite the obstacles I’ve faced, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of becoming a counselor. I understand that the path to my goals will not always be easy, but I am willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to continue pursuing my graduate education and to further develop the skills I need to be an effective and compassionate counselor. It would allow me to focus on my studies without the constant stress of financial burdens, enabling me to dedicate more time and energy to achieving my dreams. I believe that I am worth the investment because I am committed to using my education to help others, to advocate for marginalized communities, and to create a world where individuals are supported in their mental health journeys.

Mental health has played a significant role in shaping both my personal life and my career aspirations. As I’ve navigated the challenges of balancing work, caregiving, and my graduate studies, I’ve come to realize that my passion for mental health counseling stems not only from my desire to help others but also from my personal experiences and the lessons I've learned along the way. These experiences have fostered a deep understanding of the importance of mental and emotional well-being, and have led me to pursue a career in counseling, where I can offer support to individuals facing their own mental health challenges. Growing up in a family where my mother struggled with alcoholism, I witnessed firsthand the emotional toll that mental health issues can have on individuals and families. My mother’s refusal to acknowledge her addiction created a cycle of tension, fear, and confusion in our household. It was an experience that instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction, as well as the families who support them. This early exposure to mental health struggles has influenced my approach to counseling, particularly in understanding how trauma, substance abuse, and mental health challenges can intersect and affect the lives of individuals and their loved ones. Additionally, my work with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has further shaped my career aspirations. I’ve seen how mental health can play a pivotal role in the overall well-being of people with disabilities, and how often their emotional and psychological needs are overlooked or misunderstood. My desire to provide trauma-informed care is rooted in this experience, as I have witnessed the profound impact that understanding and addressing mental health can have on the quality of life for individuals with IDD. It has fueled my passion to advocate for better access to mental health care for individuals with disabilities, and to help create environments where their unique needs are met with empathy and respect. Through these personal experiences, I have developed a passion for providing trauma-informed care. I have seen how trauma can manifest in various forms, from addiction to emotional distress to the struggles of living with a disability. These experiences have driven me to pursue a career as a counselor where I can make a meaningful impact by providing a safe space for individuals to heal, grow, and thrive. My goal is to work with individuals who have faced trauma, whether that’s the trauma of living with a disability, coping with addiction, or dealing with the emotional scars of growing up in a difficult environment. I want to be the person who helps them navigate those challenges with compassion, understanding, and effective mental health support. In my future career as a counselor, I plan to integrate my own experiences into my practice, ensuring that I approach each client with empathy, an open heart, and a commitment to understanding their unique journey. Mental health has deeply influenced my career aspirations, shaping my passion for providing trauma-informed care and my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. This scholarship would help me continue my education and deepen my understanding of mental health so that I can better support the individuals and communities that need it most. With fewer financial burdens, I would be able to focus on my studies and further develop my skills to become the best counselor I can be. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the mental health field, helping others navigate their challenges and find healing, resilience, and hope.

My name is Claire, and I am an individual deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. I am a graduate student pursuing my master's in counseling, with the goal of becoming a trauma-informed counselor. My passion for counseling stems from my own life experiences and the desire to provide others with the support and understanding that I believe everyone deserves, especially those who have been impacted by trauma or who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a mother to a son with physical disabilities and a full-time professional supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I have gained firsthand insight into the challenges and needs of families and individuals facing adversity. These experiences have shaped my approach to mental health care, and they have fueled my desire to create a more compassionate and inclusive environment for people navigating the complexities of mental health, disability, and trauma. I have witnessed how vital it is for individuals to receive personalized, empathetic care that considers not only their mental health but also their physical and emotional well-being. This holistic approach is at the core of my career aspirations. As an LGBTQ+ individual, I am particularly sensitive to the struggles of marginalized groups and the importance of creating safe spaces for people to heal. I know how isolating it can feel to be misunderstood or unsupported, which is why I am passionate about offering a nonjudgmental space for those who may feel invisible or unheard in their own communities. My personal experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community have strengthened my resolve to advocate for mental health care that is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background or identity. In my future career as a counselor, I plan to focus on trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact that trauma has on an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical health. Trauma-informed care is not only about understanding trauma but also about ensuring that the environment and support provided are sensitive to those experiences. I want to use my education and life experiences to help individuals navigate their traumas, heal, and build healthier coping mechanisms, whether they are survivors of abuse, individuals with disabilities, or anyone who has faced significant life challenges. I envision a future where I can be a resource for my community, offering counseling that is empathetic, accessible, and empowering. I plan to work with individuals who face barriers to mental health care, particularly those who are underrepresented or underserved. Through a trauma-informed lens, I hope to help break the cycle of trauma and adversity, supporting individuals in building resilience and discovering their own strengths. My work will be grounded in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to fostering healing. This scholarship is an important step in my journey, as it will help me focus more fully on my education and future career. By alleviating some of the financial pressures I face, I will be able to dedicate more time to developing the skills I need to make the greatest impact. The opportunity to continue my studies without the burden of financial stress will allow me to grow both personally and professionally, ultimately helping me better serve the communities I care about. Through my career as a counselor, I am determined to create a lasting, positive impact by helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of trauma and mental health, fostering resilience, and providing support that is both empowering and healing. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to heal and thrive, and I am committed to making that vision a reality.

Balancing work and caregiving has been one of the most challenging yet significant aspects of my life. As a mother to a son with physical disabilities, a full-time professional, and a student pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, I have had to learn how to manage multiple responsibilities while still prioritizing the well-being of my family and myself. The experience of caregiving has not only shaped my personal life but has also deeply influenced my career goals, especially in my desire to become a trauma-informed counselor who can support others navigating similar struggles. The challenges of balancing caregiving and work are multifaceted. As a mother, I constantly advocate for my son’s medical, educational, and emotional needs, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and ensuring that he has access to the resources he needs, my schedule is often full. Add to this the pressures of a full-time job and the demands of a rigorous graduate program, and the stress can be significant. There are days when I feel stretched thin, constantly moving from one responsibility to the next, with little time to care for myself. This balancing act often requires me to prioritize the needs of others over my own, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout. However, despite these challenges, caregiving has also been a source of strength and inspiration. My son’s resilience in the face of his physical disabilities has taught me to appreciate the power of perseverance and adaptability. It has deepened my commitment to supporting others, particularly those who face unique challenges, including individuals with disabilities and trauma survivors. In my work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I have seen firsthand how essential it is to provide compassionate, person-centered care that considers both physical and emotional needs. This experience has reinforced my desire to pursue a career as a counselor, where I can integrate trauma-informed practices to support individuals who have faced adversity. Balancing caregiving and work has also shaped my approach to mental health. I understand the complexities and emotional toll caregiving can take on families, and I am passionate about helping others navigate those challenges. This has led me to focus on trauma-informed care, where I can offer a safe space for individuals to process their experiences and develop coping strategies for managing their own caregiving roles, trauma, and mental health needs. My personal experiences with caregiving have made me more empathetic and attuned to the unique needs of those I work with, as I can relate to the emotional and logistical difficulties of balancing multiple roles. The significance of these experiences in shaping my career goals is profound. They have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose to help others who are struggling with the same challenges of caregiving, trauma, and mental health. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate care that is tailored to their unique experiences, and I am committed to providing that care as a counselor. My work as a caregiver has made me acutely aware of the importance of providing holistic, trauma-informed support that addresses both the mental and physical health needs of individuals. It is my goal to use my experiences to advocate for individuals who often feel invisible or underserved, particularly those with disabilities or those who have experienced trauma. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial pressures I face, allowing me to focus more on my education and continuing my journey toward helping others navigate their own struggles with care, compassion, and understanding.

As I navigate my graduate studies, full-time work, and responsibilities as a mother to a son with physical disabilities, my mental and physical wellness has become an essential part of who I am and how I function. It is not only crucial for my personal well-being but for my ability to effectively support others in my professional life as well. As an LGBTQ+ individual pursuing a career in mental health counseling, I am keenly aware that self-care is foundational to providing the kind of compassionate, empathetic, and trauma-informed care that I wish to offer my future clients. To be an effective counselor, I must first take care of my own mental and physical health—something that requires intentional focus and commitment. The challenges I face in maintaining my mental and physical health as a student are substantial. Balancing the demands of my graduate program, work, and caregiving responsibilities often leaves me stretched thin. There are days when I feel like I am running on empty, where exhaustion and stress start to creep in and threaten to take over. Between keeping up with academic deadlines, attending classes, and meeting the needs of my son, it's easy to neglect my own wellness. Sometimes, it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day to take care of myself while juggling all of my responsibilities. As an LGBTQ+ woman, I've also faced unique challenges related to my identity, both personally and in my professional journey. Navigating the world as an LGBTQ+ individual while trying to balance academic, family, and work life can be emotionally and mentally taxing. It's important for me to ensure that I create spaces for myself where I feel safe, heard, and supported. Being part of a marginalized community has made me even more committed to the work I am doing—empowering others and providing a space where individuals can show up authentically without fear of judgment. However, this commitment also means I must pay attention to my own needs and prioritize wellness so I can continue advocating for others in a meaningful way. Another challenge I face is the emotional toll of my work and studies. I provide support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which requires me to be emotionally present, patient, and attentive at all times. While it is rewarding work, it can also be draining, especially when balancing the stress of school. Mental health work is inherently demanding, and I am acutely aware that to be there for my clients, I need to ensure that I am not overlooking my own mental and physical health. It’s easy to give more to others than to oneself, but I’ve learned that my ability to be effective in my personal and professional roles depends on how I take care of myself. To manage these challenges, I rely on a combination of strategies. First and foremost, I try to set boundaries. This includes carving out time for my family, my studies, and most importantly, for myself. I’ve learned to prioritize self-care by scheduling regular breaks and allowing myself time to rest, whether that’s through a walk outside, yoga, or simply sitting in silence. I’ve also embraced the importance of mental health practices like journaling and therapy, which help me process my emotions and manage stress. These tools have become critical in maintaining my emotional balance and resilience in the face of academic and personal challenges.

The decision to continue my education has been fueled by both my personal journey and my professional passion for helping others. Becoming a counselor has always been my dream, and I am driven by the deep need I feel to provide trauma-informed support for those navigating the complexities of mental health and disability. My inspiration to pursue higher education comes from my desire to empower others, particularly individuals affected by trauma and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to live fulfilling, independent lives. I want to offer them the same hope and support that I sought out in my own life. I have always known I wanted to help people. My journey, however, hasn’t been easy. Growing up in a household where my mother struggled with alcoholism, and witnessing firsthand the toll that addiction and mental health issues can take, made me aware of how vital mental health care is. My desire to pursue counseling grew stronger over the years as I recognized the absence of trauma-informed care in the lives of many people, especially in my own community. I wanted to be part of changing that narrative. The biggest obstacles I’ve faced in continuing my education have been the balance of my roles as a student, a mother, and a full-time professional. Being a mother to a son with physical disabilities means I am constantly advocating for him in every aspect of his life—from medical care to accessibility in the community to emotional and psychological support. I have to juggle appointments, school responsibilities, work commitments, and the daily needs of my family. Managing these responsibilities has been incredibly challenging, especially without the financial and emotional support I sometimes need. There are days when I feel overwhelmed and stretched thin, but the passion I have for becoming a counselor keeps me moving forward. My son’s resilience inspires me every day, and I carry that motivation with me into my studies and my career. To manage my roles as both a student and a mother, I rely heavily on time management, self-compassion, and seeking support when needed. I’ve learned to prioritize my tasks, set realistic goals, and practice flexibility when things don’t go as planned. There are times when I have to put my academic work on hold to care for my son or meet the demands of my job, but I’ve become adept at adapting and finding ways to stay on track. I also lean on my support system, including family members and friends, who help me with childcare and emotional encouragement. While I often feel like I’m balancing on a tightrope, I remind myself that my education is the key to building a better future—for myself, for my son, and for the many individuals I hope to serve in my future counseling career. Continuing my education is not just an investment in my career; it’s an investment in my ability to provide the kind of care that people in my community desperately need. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my studies, allowing me to devote more energy to my academic work, as well as continue to be the best mother and professional I can be. It would make it possible for me to focus on my passion for trauma-informed care, without constantly feeling overwhelmed by financial stress.

I am uniquely deserving of this award because of the combination of my passion for mental health care, my personal experiences, and my unwavering commitment to supporting others through trauma-informed counseling. I have faced and overcome many challenges in my life, which have shaped me into the person I am today—someone who is deeply empathetic, resilient, and driven to make a difference in the lives of others. This scholarship would enable me to continue on my path toward becoming the counselor I’ve always dreamed of being. My “why” for pursuing higher education stems from my lifelong desire to help people, particularly those who have experienced trauma. As a woman who has lived through my own family’s struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and the complexities of caregiving, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of accessible, compassionate mental health care. I’ve witnessed how trauma can shape a person’s life in profound ways, and I want to be part of the solution—helping survivors of trauma and individuals with disabilities reclaim their sense of power, self-worth, and resilience. Having been raised in a family where mental health was rarely discussed and where my mother’s battle with alcoholism created significant challenges, I know the impact of neglecting emotional well-being. I have worked tirelessly to create a different narrative for myself and for my son, who has physical disabilities. This journey has sparked a profound passion within me to create spaces where others, particularly those affected by trauma, can feel seen, understood, and empowered to heal. Every experience I’ve faced—whether personal or professional—has reinforced my desire to be a counselor who provides trauma-informed, empathetic care to those in need. I have been working full-time supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and in this role, I’ve seen how deeply mental health care is needed in underrepresented communities. The emotional toll caregiving and advocating for others takes is significant, but it has also taught me invaluable skills in resilience, compassion, and emotional intelligence. My experiences as a mother and a professional have deepened my commitment to understanding and applying trauma-informed practices that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment. Pursuing higher education is essential to furthering my ability to provide this kind of care. It’s not just about achieving academic success; it’s about gaining the knowledge and tools necessary to support people through their most difficult and vulnerable moments. I am motivated by a deep desire to not only heal but to prevent further trauma through the provision of education, empowerment, and community. This scholarship would allow me to continue my graduate studies in counseling and build the foundation for my future work as a trauma-informed counselor. It would relieve some of the financial burden that comes with balancing school, work, and caregiving, allowing me to focus more on my education and the impact I can have on my community. I am uniquely deserving of this award because I am committed to making a real difference in the world of mental health care, and this scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to do so. My “why” for pursuing a higher education is simple: to help others heal, to advocate for those who have been overlooked, and to create a space where trauma survivors can feel heard, valued, and empowered to move forward

I have chosen to pursue a degree in mental health counseling because I believe deeply in the power of healing, and I know from experience how vital trauma-informed care is for those who have experienced pain, loss, and violation. As a woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a mother, and someone with lived experience navigating complex trauma within my family system, I have seen how mental health care is not just about treatment—it’s about justice, safety, and restoration. I am especially passionate about supporting survivors of sexual assault and those carrying the weight of unresolved trauma. Far too often, their stories are dismissed, minimized, or misunderstood. Trauma leaves invisible wounds, and when left unaddressed, it can shape every part of a person’s identity, relationships, and self-worth. I want to be the kind of counselor who helps others reclaim their voice and autonomy. My goal is to create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where clients are met with empathy, not judgment—where their stories are honored, and their healing is guided by compassion and choice. As a trauma-informed counselor, I am committed to shifting the way mental health care is delivered. I want to challenge outdated systems and advocate for practices that recognize the full impact of trauma on the brain, body, and spirit. I want to work with survivors of sexual assault and marginalized individuals who often fall through the cracks—because I know what it feels like to be unseen, and I want to make sure no one has to feel that way alone. Being a woman in the healthcare field means carrying not only my education and clinical skills but also my empathy, intuition, and strength into every room I enter. It means showing up with authenticity and using my lived experience as a foundation for connection and trust. I believe women bring a unique kind of leadership to healthcare—one that values collaboration, emotional intelligence, and community. As I grow into my role as a counselor, I intend to lead with these values and uplift others, especially women and girls who have experienced trauma. This work is not just my career—it is my calling. Mental health is health, and it deserves the same urgency, respect, and resources as any other form of care. By pursuing this degree, I hope to be part of the movement that transforms mental health care into something more accessible, more inclusive, and more human. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education while balancing full-time work and caregiving responsibilities. More than that, it would help me continue showing up for the people who need someone in their corner—someone who believes in their capacity to heal and empowers them to believe it too.

Caregiving has been a core part of my identity for as long as I can remember. I am a mother to a son with physical disabilities, and I also work full-time supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My life is a constant balance of meeting the needs of others with compassion, patience, and advocacy—both professionally and personally. At home, caregiving means managing medical appointments, advocating for accessibility in schools and the community, and creating an environment where my son feels valued, empowered, and understood. It also means navigating moments of emotional overwhelm, answering questions no parent ever wants to face, and celebrating the small victories that others might overlook. My son is my greatest teacher. He has taught me how to slow down, how to listen deeply, and how to fight fiercely for those I love. At work, I provide direct support and case management to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I help them access resources, ensure their rights are protected, and work closely with families to create person-centered care plans that prioritize mental and emotional well-being. I show up for my clients not just as a professional, but as someone who truly understands the invisible weight of caregiving and the strength it requires. Caregiving has shaped every part of who I am. It has taught me resilience in the face of burnout, clarity in moments of crisis, and deep empathy for others navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. It is the reason I am pursuing my master’s degree in counseling. I have always wanted to be a counselor, but through caregiving, I’ve come to understand that I don’t just want to help others—I want to be a trauma-informed advocate, a voice for those whose needs are often ignored, and a source of hope and safety for those who feel unseen. My lived experiences—as a mother, a caregiver, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the daughter of an immigrant father and a mother who struggles with alcoholism—have given me a unique perspective on healing. I approach mental health from a place of lived understanding, and I carry that into my counseling work with passion and purpose. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous support as I continue my graduate studies. Balancing school, full-time work, and caregiving is not easy. Financial strain is very real, and this scholarship would relieve some of that burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and clinical training. More importantly, it would be an affirmation that caregivers like me—who often put others first—deserve support and recognition as we pursue our own dreams. This scholarship is not just about money. It’s about making it possible for me to become the counselor I am meant to be—for my son, my clients, and the communities I serve

Mental health is not just important to me—it is central to who I am, what I have overcome, and what I hope to give back to others. As a graduate student in a counseling master’s program, a full-time worker supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an LGBTQ+ woman, and a mother to a son with physical disabilities, mental health plays a crucial role in every space I navigate. My passion for advocating for mental well-being stems from both personal and professional experience. It is rooted in the life I have lived and the healing I strive to help others find. I grew up in a home marked by chaos and resilience. My father immigrated from Italy at 18 without a high school diploma and worked tirelessly to support our family, often without the resources or language to advocate for himself. My mother, although she attended college, has struggled with alcoholism for as long as I can remember. Her drinking began in the afternoons and would often continue into the early hours of the morning. As a child, I remember watching the transformation each day—the shift in her tone, her mood, her presence. My grandparents tried to intervene, but any attempt to help was met with threats of isolation. She would say that if they continued pushing, they wouldn’t see me or my sisters again. Her addiction left emotional scars that shaped the way I understand mental health today—not as an abstract concept, but as something that deeply affects families, relationships, and identity. Despite this, I always knew I wanted to be a counselor. I wanted to be the kind of support I needed when I was younger. That desire stayed with me, even as I became a mother at a young age. My son, who lives with physical disabilities, has taught me so much about patience, strength, and the emotional depth that comes with caregiving. Raising him while working full-time and pursuing graduate school has been incredibly demanding, but it has also deepened my empathy and commitment to mental health advocacy. In my community, I advocate for mental health in multiple ways. At work, I support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accessing services that honor their autonomy and emotional well-being. I help families understand that behavioral challenges often stem from unmet emotional needs, and I work to build bridges between them and the professionals who can help. At home, I’ve built a space where my son and I talk openly about feelings. I am teaching him what I wasn’t taught—that it’s okay to cry, to ask for help, and to need rest. In my graduate program, I’m the peer who speaks up about the emotional toll of our work, who checks in on classmates who seem overwhelmed, and who isn’t afraid to normalize therapy and vulnerability in academic spaces. Mental health matters because people matter. My life’s mission is to help others feel seen, safe, and supported. This scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial burden of graduate school but also empower me to continue becoming the counselor I needed when I was growing up—the counselor I’m proud to be becoming today.