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Darrel cooper

605

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Driven by compassion and purpose, I am on a mission to become a licensed clinical social worker and ultimately build a business that empowers others to heal, grow, and thrive. My passion for mental health and community support fuels my academic journey and personal vision. I believe in turning empathy into action and dreams into blueprints and with every step. I’m preparing to create a space where care and entrepreneurship come together to make a lasting impact.

Education

Walden University

Master's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Social Work

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Social Work
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civic & Social Organization

    • Dream career goals:

    • Behavioral Health Tech

      Cape Fear Valley
      2018 – 20257 years

    Sports

    Football

    Varsity
    2009 – 20134 years

    Research

    • Psychology, General

      Livingstone college — researcher
      2016 – 2017

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Agape church — Youth assistant
      2023 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Entrepreneurship

    Lotus Scholarship
    Growing up in a single mother household, I experienced firsthand the challenges that come with financial limitations and the emotional strain of trying to make ends meet. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for me and my sibling, juggling multiple jobs to ensure that we had what we needed. Despite her exhaustion, she always emphasized the importance of education, compassion, and resilience. Witnessing her strength and determination shaped my values and motivated me to pursue a path of service. Through these experiences, I came to realize the profound impact that mental health and emotional well-being have on individuals and families. My mother, while a source of immense strength, also faced emotional challenges, and I saw how critical it was for people to have access to support. This fueled my desire to help others, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, who may face the same struggles but lack the resources to navigate them. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to provide therapy and support for individuals dealing with emotional and mental health challenges. I am passionate about advocating for those who are often overlooked and helping families in crisis. Becoming an LCSW will enable me to create a positive, lasting impact by addressing the emotional needs of underserved communities and helping people build resilience. Currently, I am working towards this goal by pursuing a degree in social work. I am also volunteering with local community organizations that provide mental health services to vulnerable populations, which has given me valuable insights into the needs of individuals and families in my community. Additionally, I am seeking internships and mentorships with experienced LCSWs to gain hands-on experience and continue to grow professionally.
    LeBron James Fan Scholarship
    LeBron James is often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport. For many, including myself, his skills and accomplishments have placed him in the conversation of being the greatest player of all time, rivaling the legendary Michael Jordan. While the debate between LeBron and Michael Jordan will likely persist for years to come, there’s no denying that LeBron has established himself as a player whose greatness transcends the basketball court. His unmatched skills, leadership, and influence both on and off the court make him a true icon in sports history. His basketball IQ is exceptional, allowing him to control every aspect of the game, from scoring to playmaking to defense. He can drive to the basket with power, shoot from the perimeter, and has an incredible passing vision that often leaves fans in awe. What sets LeBron apart is not just his physical attributes, but his ability to adapt and improve his game over time. Whether it's refining his jump shot, developing a consistent 3-point shot, or enhancing his leadership on the court, LeBron's work ethic and drive for perfection are key factors in his sustained excellence over the years. LeBron’s influence extends far beyond his basketball skills. He has demonstrated incredible leadership both on and off the court. As a player, LeBron has led multiple teams to championships, including the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, where he delivered a historic victory in the NBA Finals. He is known for elevating the level of play of his teammates, turning average players into formidable contributors in high-stakes games. His leadership is not just tactical, but emotional and mental as well. LeBron has been a calming presence in the locker room, instilling a sense of belief and unity that propels his teams to success. His "I PROMISE School" in Akron, Ohio, which offers free education and resources to at-risk children, is just one example of how LeBron has used his success to make a lasting impact. His role as a father to his children also highlights his character. LeBron is often seen spending quality time with his family, and his open admiration for his mother, wife, and kids demonstrates his commitment to being a positive role model, both on and off the court. While Michael Jordan’s dominance in the 1990s left an indelible mark on basketball, LeBron’s consistency and longevity in the NBA have allowed him to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in history. LeBron’s impact goes beyond just his championships and accolades. He has helped change the way the game is played, influencing future generations of athletes with his focus on versatility and basketball intelligence. In terms of accolades, LeBron has been named to numerous All-NBA teams, has won multiple MVP awards, and has made a significant number of All-Defensive teams. He is also the only player in NBA history to record over 35,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, and 9,000 assists an incredible feat that highlights his all-around ability. With four NBA championships and countless other records, LeBron’s place in basketball history is firmly established. In conclusion, LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His unmatched skills, leadership qualities, and influence both on and off the court make him a true icon of the game. His success, both as a player and as a leader in his community, makes him a role model to millions around the world, proving that greatness goes beyond just scoring points it’s about how you lead, inspire, and impact the world.
    Michael Pride, Jr/ProjectEX Memorial Scholarship
    The journey to becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is not just a career path for me it’s a calling rooted in compassion, purpose, and a deep desire to help others heal. As I pursue this dream, I am committed to building a business that empowers individuals and communities to thrive emotionally and mentally. With every step I take, I am more certain that this is my life’s work: to create a space where mental health care and entrepreneurship intersect, making a lasting impact on those who need it most. My passion for mental health was ignited by personal experiences and the realization that many individuals especially in underserved communities lack access to quality mental health support. I have seen firsthand how mental health struggles can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to their career to their sense of self-worth. What became clear to me was the need for empathy-driven care that not only addresses immediate crises but also provides long-term support and resources for personal growth. In my journey, I have actively sought out opportunities to volunteer and engage with my community in ways that align with my passion. Whether it’s working with local support groups, advocating for mental health awareness, or simply offering a listening ear, I’ve seen how meaningful a small act of care can be. These experiences have only solidified my commitment to this field and my belief that through compassion, we can make real change. To achieve my vision of becoming an LCSW and eventually building a business that bridges the gap between mental health care and community empowerment, I am currently pursuing a degree in social work. I am focused on gaining both the academic knowledge and the practical experience necessary to succeed in this field. Along with my coursework, I am committed to internships and fieldwork that will give me hands-on exposure to different populations and challenges in the mental health space. Building a business that incorporates mental health care, community development, and entrepreneurial principles will take time, resources, and careful planning. This scholarship would play a pivotal role in supporting my education and relieving some of the financial burdens that come with pursuing a graduate degree. By alleviating some of these costs, I will be able to focus more on my studies and less on financial strain, enabling me to dedicate myself fully to my mission. This scholarship is not just a financial assistance; it is a critical stepping stone in my journey to becoming an LCSW and a social entrepreneur. By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to continue my academic pursuit without interruption, attend essential training programs, and gain the certifications required to launch my future business. More importantly, it will allow me to dedicate more time and energy to the people I aim to serve, giving me the tools I need to create a space that fosters mental wellness, growth, and healing for individuals who need it most. As I take the next steps in my journey, I am guided by my passion to help others and my belief that mental health care is a fundamental pillar of a thriving community. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to realizing my vision: a business that not only provides emotional support but also empowers individuals to take control of their mental and emotional well-being. I am committed to turning my dreams into a reality and using my education and entrepreneurial spirit to build a lasting legacy of healing and empowerment.
    Darrel cooper Student Profile | Bold.org