Living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an autoimmune condition has created ongoing challenges in both my daily life and my educational journey. Lupus is a chronic illness in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, often resulting in fatigue, pain, inflammation, and unpredictable flare-ups. One of the most difficult aspects for me has been the inconsistency of symptoms. There are days when I feel capable, focused, and able to complete my responsibilities, and other days when exhaustion and physical discomfort make even basic tasks feel overwhelming. This unpredictability has required me to constantly adapt and reassess what I am able to accomplish on any given day. These challenges have significantly impacted my ability to maintain a traditional work schedule while pursuing higher education. Because fatigue is one of my most persistent symptoms, I have had to learn how to carefully manage my energy throughout the day and prioritize responsibilities based on necessity and urgency. This has required me to adjust my expectations of myself and develop a more flexible yet structured approach to both work and school. I have also had to become my own advocate by planning ahead, communicating my limitations when needed, and creating routines that support consistency even when my health fluctuates. Despite these obstacles, I have remained deeply committed to continuing my education and moving toward my goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. One of the most important ways I have demonstrated resilience is by learning how to balance my health with my academic responsibilities rather than allowing my condition to define my limits. I break larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks so that I can continue progressing even on difficult days. I also carefully plan my schedule to take advantage of periods when my energy is higher. In addition, I have learned the importance of rest without guilt, recognizing that pacing myself is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of long-term success. Living with a chronic illness has also profoundly shaped my emotional growth and professional goals. It has strengthened my empathy and deepened my understanding of others who face invisible or misunderstood challenges. I have a greater awareness of how physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected, and this insight continues to fuel my commitment to the counseling profession. I want to be a counselor who not only understands psychological struggles but also respects the ways in which physical health conditions can impact a person’s emotional well-being, identity, and daily functioning. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to continue my education without the added burden of financial stress. Managing a chronic illness already requires significant emotional and physical energy, and reducing financial pressure would allow me to focus more fully on my coursework, my training, and my health. It would also provide greater stability as I work toward completing my degree and entering the counseling profession. Ultimately, I hope to transform my lived experience into purpose. I want to show others that it is possible to pursue meaningful goals even while living with chronic illness, and that resilience is often found in persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite challenges.

Something I want to build is a more accessible and equitable system of mental health care in rural communities, particularly in West Virginia. While pursuing my Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, I have become increasingly aware that many evidence-based and higher-level treatment modalities, such as trauma-focused therapy and somatic approaches, are often only readily available to individuals with private insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket. This creates a significant gap in care for individuals who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, or limited resources. Living in a rural area, I have also seen firsthand how geography compounds this issue. It is not uncommon for individuals to travel long distances to receive quality mental health care, and for some, that barrier alone prevents them from getting the help they need. I want to help build a system where access to effective, compassionate, and specialized care is not determined by income level or zip code. My goal is to build a future practice and contribute to a broader system of care that brings trauma-informed and somatic-based therapies into underserved communities. I want to be part of expanding services so that individuals in rural areas can receive the same quality of care that is often more accessible in urban or private settings. This includes advocating for the integration of higher-level modalities into community mental health agencies and increasing awareness of their effectiveness in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. On a personal level, I am also building a professional identity rooted in advocacy, empathy, and accessibility. I want to be a counselor who not only provides direct care but also works to challenge systemic barriers within the mental health field. This means supporting policies and practices that expand insurance coverage for comprehensive treatment options and ensuring that clients are not excluded from care because of financial limitations. Building this future will have a meaningful impact both on my life and my community. For myself, it represents purpose, growth, and the ability to transform my lived experience into meaningful change. For my community, it represents hope, hope that quality mental health care is possible regardless of background or income. I want individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges to feel seen, supported, and valued. Ultimately, I am building a pathway toward healing that is more inclusive, accessible, and compassionate. I hope to contribute to a future where people in rural communities no longer have to choose between affordability and quality care, but instead have access to both.

What I find most challenging about being both a single parent and a full-time graduate student is balancing the demands of both roles while still trying to show up fully in each. Graduate-level coursework requires focus, time, and emotional energy, while parenting requires the same things in very different and equally important ways. The hardest part is the constant feeling of dividing myself, trying to be fully present for my son while also meeting deadlines, preparing for class, and staying engaged in my academic work. There are moments when I have to choose between school responsibilities and being present for my child’s activities, and I have had to learn how to manage the guilt that comes with those decisions while remaining committed to both roles. Another challenge has been the lack of downtime. As a single parent, I do not have the option to step away from responsibilities when I become overwhelmed. While I am grateful that my mother and grandmother are sometimes available to help, the primary responsibility ultimately falls on me. Balancing work, parenting, and graduate studies requires a high level of discipline, time management, and flexibility. Over time, I have learned how to prioritize what is most important in the moment and accept that everything does not have to be perfect in order to be meaningful and effective. One of the most important lessons I have learned is how to set boundaries so that I can be fully present with my son during family time without the constant pressure of school weighing on me. Although these challenges are significant, they have also strengthened my resilience, determination, and sense of purpose. My child is one of my greatest motivations for continuing my education. I want him to see that he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to and to learn from both my strengths and my past mistakes. I also want to model perseverance, growth, and the importance of education through my actions. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to continue my education with less financial strain and stress. Reducing the burden of tuition and related expenses would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and my family, rather than constantly worrying about how to balance finances, work, and school. It would also provide greater stability as I work toward completing my degree and obtaining licensure as a professional counselor. Most importantly, this support would directly impact my child’s future. By completing my degree and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I will be able to provide a more stable financial foundation and greater long-term opportunities for my family. Beyond financial stability, I also hope to show my child that perseverance through adversity can lead to meaningful purpose and success. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me continue building a life that reflects healing, growth, and possibility for both of us. In addition, this journey has taught me to value resilience in a deeper way and to trust my ability to adapt under pressure. It has strengthened my commitment to creating a stable, healthy future while also helping others do the same through my work in mental health counseling.

Today I am 36, a mother, a fiancée, and a graduate student in a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. My journey has been shaped by significant challenges related to substance use disorder, as well as resilience, recovery, and a commitment to change. I struggled with addiction to prescription pain medication from age 17 until 30. My substance use escalated, and I eventually became involved with fentanyl, deepening my addiction and leading to one of the lowest points in my life. I was emotionally and physically exhausted, disconnected from my identity, and overwhelmed by shame. My relationships were severely impacted, my family no longer trusted me, doors were locked, and my relationship with my child was strained to the point I feared losing custody. I struggled to maintain employment because I could not function without substances, affecting my punctuality and reliability. I also faced legal consequences, including possession charges, after being pulled over with drugs in my vehicle. At that time, my life felt unmanageable, and I could not continue on that path. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I needed help and entered my fifth detox and third rehabilitation program. This time, something shifted in me. While in treatment, I began to actively engage in my recovery by asking counselors for assignments and tools that could help me create meaningful change. I began to confront the underlying thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that had contributed to my addiction rather than only focusing on stopping substance use. After completing a 28-day inpatient program, I transitioned into a 16-week intensive outpatient program and participated in counseling twice a week. Through consistent treatment, self-reflection, and support, I began rebuilding my life and repairing relationships. As I progressed in my recovery, I experienced a profound shift in purpose. I realized that I wanted to help others who were going through similar struggles and offer them the hope that I had begun to find. This realization led me to enroll in West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program to pursue my master’s degree and work toward becoming a licensed counselor. Since returning to school, I have continued to grow both personally and professionally. This field of study has challenged me to remain self-aware, as the process of learning about mental health often brings attention to areas of personal growth that still require work. I view this as an important part of my development rather than a setback. Moving forward, my goal is to become a counselor specializing in substance use and co-occurring disorders. I am also passionate about expanding access to trauma-informed and somatic therapies in underserved communities where addiction rates are higher and access to care is limited. I hope to bridge the gap in services by advocating for and providing treatment options more accessible through private insurance, ensuring that individuals who rely on Medicaid or other government-supported insurance are not excluded from evidence-based, intensive care. I am deeply committed to creating a therapeutic environment that is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and grounded in respect and understanding. I want clients to feel safe enough to be honest about their struggles and supported enough to believe that meaningful change is possible. Most importantly, I hope to use my lived experience to instill hope in others. I want those struggling with addiction to see recovery is possible, that purpose can be rebuilt, and that their past does not define their future. to help others find healing, stability, and meaning in their lives, just as I have begun to do in my own.

Returning to school while completing my master’s degree has been both a rewarding and demanding experience, requiring significant adjustment, discipline, and intentional balance. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning to fully online coursework. While online learning offers flexibility, it also requires a high level of self-motivation, organization, and time management. I had to quickly learn how to structure my own schedule, stay on top of deadlines without in-person reminders, and create an environment at home that allowed me to focus and be productive. Another major challenge has been balancing my roles as a student, mother, partner, and full-time employee. Each of these roles requires time, attention, and emotional presence. As a mother, I am actively involved in my child’s daily life, including school responsibilities, soccer practices, basketball games, and various camps. These activities are important to me, and I want to be fully present for them, which means carefully planning my academic workload around family commitments. At the same time, I am working full time, which adds another layer of responsibility and structure to my week. Managing work obligations alongside graduate-level coursework has required me to become highly organized and intentional with my time. I often find myself completing readings, assignments, and papers during evenings or early mornings, and learning to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and level of urgency. One of the more difficult aspects of this balancing act has been learning how to create boundaries between school and family life. In the beginning, I often felt pressure to constantly be “doing school,” even during family time. Over time, I have learned that it is just as important to step away from coursework and be fully present with my family. I now intentionally schedule time for family activities without allowing school stress to interfere, understanding that maintaining those relationships is essential to my overall well-being and success. Despite these challenges, I have developed strong time management skills, resilience, and adaptability. I use structured planning tools, set realistic daily goals, and remain flexible when unexpected events arise. I have also learned to extend myself grace when things do not go perfectly, recognizing that progress in both school and life is not about perfection, but persistence. Overall, returning to school has required me to grow in ways I did not anticipate. While it is often overwhelming to juggle multiple responsibilities, it has also reinforced my commitment to my education and my long-term career goals. Each challenge has strengthened my ability to manage stress, prioritize effectively, and remain focused on becoming a mental health counselor who understands firsthand the complexity of balancing life’s many demands.

Mental health is deeply important to me as a student because it directly influences how I learn, grow, and show up for others. Pursuing a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling requires not only academic effort, but also emotional awareness, self-reflection, and the ability to manage stress in healthy and sustainable ways. My own lived experience has shown me how closely mental health is tied to resilience, decision-making, and overall well-being. As I continue my education, I am especially aware that understanding my own mental health helps me develop the insight, stability, and empathy needed to support future clients effectively and ethically. In addition to its impact on academic performance, mental health shapes how students engage with their environment and persist through challenges. Graduate-level training in counseling can be emotionally demanding, often requiring students to sit with difficult topics such as trauma, grief, addiction, and systemic barriers. Because of this, maintaining mental wellness is not optional, it is essential. I have learned that when I prioritize my mental health through reflection, support systems, and healthy coping strategies, I am better able to remain present in my coursework and more intentional in my personal growth. I also recognize that mental health is foundational to success in both academic and personal life. When individuals feel supported, regulated, and understood, they are better able to engage in learning, build meaningful relationships, and pursue their goals with confidence. Conversely, when mental health is neglected, it can create barriers that affect motivation, focus, and self-esteem. This understanding continues to motivate me to prioritize emotional wellness in my own life while also learning how to help others do the same in my future work as a counselor. In my community, I advocate for mental health through both formal and informal efforts. I volunteer in recovery and harm reduction initiatives where I help distribute Narcan and support individuals impacted by substance use disorder. In these spaces, I focus on meeting people with compassion rather than judgment, reinforcing that support, dignity, and recovery are possible for everyone. These experiences have strengthened my belief that mental health care must be accessible, non-stigmatizing, and rooted in empathy. I also engage in everyday conversations with peers, family members, and community members about addiction, trauma, and mental health in order to help reduce stigma. Whether it is encouraging someone to seek counseling, listen to their own needs, or simply validating their experiences, I aim to normalize the idea that mental health deserves attention and care. Through my academic program, volunteer work, and personal relationships, I strive to be an advocate who listens without judgment, educates when possible, and supports others in accessing care. I also hope to contribute to broader community change by advocating for expanded treatment options in underserved areas, particularly for individuals covered by Medicaid and Medicare. My goal is to help reduce barriers to trauma-informed and holistic care. Ultimately, mental health is central to both who I am as a student and who I am becoming as a future counselor. It guides how I learn, how I connect with others, and how I hope to contribute to my community. I am committed to continuing this work in a way that promotes understanding, healing, and long-term wellness for others as well as myself.

Substance use disorder has profoundly shaped my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and guided my professional goals. While it represents one of the most challenging periods of my life, it ultimately served as a turning point that fostered growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose and direction. During active addiction, I lost my sense of identity, purpose, and hope. Recovery challenged me to rebuild my life from the ground up, teaching me resilience, accountability, and self-compassion. Through that process, my perspective on substance use disorders changed completely. I understand firsthand that addiction does not define a person's worth, character, or potential. Instead, I believe that with the right support, treatment, and opportunities, recovery is possible. These beliefs now guide both my personal life and my professional goals. Recovery has also transformed my relationships in meaningful ways. I have learned the value of honesty, accountability, healthy communication, and vulnerability; qualities that have strengthened my relationships with family, friends, and those I serve. These experiences have also shaped the type of counselor I hope to become: someone who creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal. Most importantly, my experience with addiction inspired my career path. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling because I want to provide others with the same hope and support that changed my life. My goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. I also hope to expand access to higher levels of behavioral health care in my hometown of Buckhannon by advocating for treatment modalities that are often unavailable to individuals covered by Medicaid and Medicare, including somatic therapies and trauma-focused interventions. Throughout my recovery, I have remained committed to serving my community through volunteer work and harm reduction initiatives. These experiences have reinforced my belief that meeting people where they are, with compassion instead of judgment, can save lives and create opportunities for lasting recovery. Every interaction reminds me that healing begins when people feel respected, supported, and given hope. My past has become my greatest source of motivation. Rather than allowing addiction to define my future, I have chosen to let recovery shape it. Every class I complete, every volunteer opportunity I embrace, and every step I take toward becoming a counselor is driven by the desire to help others discover that recovery is possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also allow me to continue transforming my lived experience into a career dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. I hope my story demonstrates that even our greatest struggles can become our greatest strengths when we choose to use them in the service of others.

My interest in art therapy grew from my own experience as a client. While pursuing my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at West Virginia Wesleyan College, I began working with a counselor who incorporated art therapy into our sessions. Before that experience, I viewed art primarily as a creative outlet and a skill I had developed during nearly a decade as a graphic designer. Although I had always appreciated the creative process, I had never considered how powerful art could be as a therapeutic intervention. Experiencing art therapy firsthand completely changed my perspective and inspired me to pursue additional training so I can offer the same opportunity for healing to others. During my counseling sessions, I discovered that creating art allowed me to express thoughts and emotions that I struggled to communicate verbally. There were times when words felt inadequate, yet putting colors, shapes, and images on paper helped me better understand my experiences and process difficult emotions. The artwork often revealed feelings I had not fully recognized, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with my counselor. This experience taught me that healing does not always happen through talking alone. Sometimes creativity provides a pathway to emotions that are otherwise difficult to access, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, anxiety, or overwhelming life experiences. My background in graphic design naturally complements my passion for becoming a mental health counselor. For nearly ten years, I used art to communicate ideas, solve problems, and tell stories. As I transitioned into the counseling profession, I realized those same creative skills could become valuable therapeutic tools. Rather than creating art for commercial purposes, I now hope to use creativity to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and discover new ways of expressing their emotions. Combining my artistic background with evidence-based counseling approaches feels like the perfect intersection of my past experiences and my future career goals. As a future Licensed Professional Counselor, I plan to integrate art therapy into my clinical practice to create a safe, supportive, and client-centered environment. I believe art therapy can benefit individuals across the lifespan, particularly those who struggle to express themselves through traditional talk therapy. Children, adolescents, trauma survivors, and individuals recovering from substance use disorders may all find creative expression to be a less intimidating and more accessible way to process difficult experiences. Art therapy also encourages self-awareness, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and resilience while empowering clients to communicate in ways that feel authentic to them. Ultimately, my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care that recognizes every client's unique strengths and needs. My own experience with art therapy demonstrated that healing can occur through creativity just as powerfully as through conversation. Receiving specialized training in art therapy will allow me to expand my clinical skills and better serve the individuals and families I hope to work with throughout my career. This scholarship would help me continue my education and bring together my lifelong passion for art and my commitment to improving mental health outcomes. I hope to give future clients the same sense of hope, understanding, and healing that art therapy has given me.