In a world where the echoes of mental health struggles reverberate through homes and communities, my desire to become a school psychologist is an unshakable calling. The current mental health crisis has not only inspired but compelled me to embark on this journey. It's a journey rooted in empathy, experience, and a profound determination to make a difference in the lives of students who are navigating the often tumultuous waters of adolescence. The urgency of my decision to become a school psychologist is deeply personal. As a mother of five, I've seen my own children face the challenges of growing up in a world where the pressures of academics, social dynamics, and self-discovery can sometimes feel overwhelming. I've witnessed firsthand how the current mental health crisis has cast its long shadow over their lives and the lives of their peers. The statistics are sobering, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide among young people. However, I refuse to be a passive observer of this crisis. Instead, I choose to be part of the solution. My decision to become a school psychologist is fueled by the belief that early intervention, emotional support, and a safe space to confide in can make a profound impact on a young person's life. The role of a school psychologist, to me, is not just a career but a vocation—a calling to be there for students during their most vulnerable moments. Through my experiences as a parent, I've realized the importance of understanding the unique needs and struggles of young minds. As my children faced academic challenges, social pressures, and moments of self-doubt, I sought to be their anchor. I became their confidante, their source of reassurance, and their advocate. I observed how this support could be transformative in helping them navigate their hurdles. It was during this journey that I discovered my passion for helping students. The current mental health crisis underscores the urgency of this mission. Students today are under immense pressure to perform academically, fit in socially, and make choices about their future. The impact of factors such as social media, peer pressure, and academic expectations can be overwhelming. Students are often left struggling in silence, their mental health suffering as a result. As a school psychologist, I want to be the listening ear, the guiding hand, and the unwavering support that students need to weather these storms. The Power of Early Intervention: The statistics are daunting. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 20% of adolescents experience a severe mental disorder at some point in their lives. The onset of many mental health conditions occurs during adolescence. The need for qualified professionals to provide early intervention and support has never been more critical. Now, let's delve deeper into the inspiration behind this journey. The current mental health crisis is not just about inspiring me; it's about compelling me to make a difference in the lives of students who need support now more than ever. In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the role of a school psychologist has become increasingly vital. The need for professionals who can provide students with the emotional support and guidance they require has never been more pronounced. In a world where the significance of mental health is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, the role of a school psychologist has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. So, what inspires me to take on this role, to become a superhero of sorts? It's the understanding that, as a school psychologist, I can make a significant impact on the lives of countless young minds. It's about becoming a source of support, an advocate for mental health awareness, and a dedicated partner in the journey of students through their academic and personal growth. The Role of a School Psychologist: A school psychologist wears many hats. They are educators, advocates, and listeners, all rolled into one. They work with students, parents, teachers, and the community to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can thrive. Academic Support: School psychologists assess the academic strengths and weaknesses of students, offering insights that can lead to more effective learning strategies. Emotional Support: One of the most critical aspects of their role is providing emotional support. School psychologists work with students who are experiencing emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties. They create a safe space for students to discuss their problems, offering guidance and strategies to help them overcome challenges. Mental Health Advocacy: School psychologists advocate for mental health awareness in schools and the broader community. They work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging students to seek help when they need it. They play a key role in identifying students who may be at risk and providing the necessary support. Crisis Intervention: In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or school-related incidents, school psychologists play a vital role in helping students cope with the emotional aftermath. They offer counseling and support to help students and the school community recover. Collaboration: School psychologists work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a supportive network for students. They bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that all stakeholders are working together to promote the well-being of students. It's a multifaceted role that requires a deep understanding of psychology, education, and child development. School psychologists are more than just professionals; they are mentors, guides, and a source of unwavering support for students. The decision to become a school psychologist is rooted in my personal journey as a parent, and it's fortified by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of emotional support and advocacy for young minds. Personal Experience: My journey into the world of school psychology began as I witnessed the emotional challenges my own children faced. From academic struggles to the intricate web of social dynamics, I became their anchor, their confidante, and their advocate. As I helped my children navigate these tumultuous waters, I realized that this support wasn't just beneficial; it was absolutely crucial. I watched them grow, learn, and thrive with the right emotional support and guidance. It was these experiences that ignited my passion for helping students facing similar challenges. The Impact of the Mental Health Crisis: The current mental health crisis further solidified my commitment to this path. The statistics are staggering: an increasing number of adolescents grapple with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Young minds are facing academic and social pressures that can be overwhelming. The urgency of addressing these challenges is evident. I was no longer content with being a supportive parent for my children alone. I felt a deep calling to make a more significant impact, to reach out to students who might not have a dedicated advocate in their lives. My goal is to be the listening ear, the supportive presence, and the advocate that these students need. Being Part of the Solution: The decision to become a school psychologist is more than just a career choice; it's a mission to be part of the solution to the mental health crisis. It's about early intervention, awareness, and creating a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive. By becoming a school psychologist, I aim to provide students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges they face. It's not just about addressing symptoms; it's about addressing the root causes of their struggles. The Power of Advocacy: As a future school psychologist, I see advocacy as a cornerstone of my role. I'm committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in schools and communities. I want to empower students to seek help when they need it, and to let them know that it's not just okay but brave to reach out for support. I also aim to collaborate with educators, parents, and the community to build a network of care that envelops the child. It's about creating a holistic approach to supporting students, ensuring that their mental health is a priority in every aspect of their lives. The decision to become a school psychologist is a profound commitment. It's a commitment to being a positive force in the lives of students, to shaping a future where mental health is as valued as academic achievement. With the support and knowledge gained from pursuing this path, I'm confident that I can make a significant impact on the lives of students in my community and beyond. As I embark on this path to becoming a school psychologist, I do so with the unwavering belief that together, with dedicated professionals, educators, parents, and communities, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of students. The current mental health crisis may cast a long shadow, but it's also casting a spotlight on the importance of mental health support and advocacy. It's time to step up, make a difference, and become the superheroes that our students need. Thank you for considering my journey and the inspiration that drives me to become a school psychologist. With your support and the knowledge I'll gain on this path, I am eager to make waves, advocate for mental health, and become a steadfast source of support for students as they navigate the often tumultuous waters of adolescence.

"Be brave enough to be bad at something new." My dream life is tackling things that are out of my current comfort zone. Going back to graduate school to become a school psychologist is exhilarating and also terrifying as it takes time and money to accomplish this task. I chose to go back to school to become a school psychologist to help students understand how they learn so they can be confident in their abilities as they leave the school system. My dream is to wake up in the morning excited to greet students and help them decode the complexities of their brain. I want to help students focus on their strengths and understand areas that may be challenging and why. What things are holding them back from being successful. Professionally that is my dream life. Personally my dream is taking time to be with my children and husband. Date nights each week with both to make time for each other and checking in on their well being. My dream is travel somewhere new every year and complete a home improvement project. Thank you for this scholarship opportunity to help pave the way to achieve my dream professional degree.

Redbox $1 rental. Past Due by one day. $25 overdraft bank charge to cover. $1 rental = $26 rental Living paycheck to paycheck is tough. I felt like I was in bondage to my job, my bills and my house. That $26 movie was my breaking point. I had enough of living that way and wanted a new way of living. I learned how to budget, pay off credit card debt and save money. Now I am investing, which is something I never thought I was smart enough to do. The one lesson through all of this process is regardless of how much money you make, don't spend more than you make and invest the rest. There are people who appear wealthy with fancy cars, clothes, houses and are drowning in debt. Outside appearances are deceiving. I am now ready to head back to school to help students learn how their brains work. I want to be a School Psychologist. I am applying to scholarships to lighten this financial load. I believe the benefits from this degree will impact the community around me in a positive way. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future" -Proverbs 31:25 We all face challenges in our lives that have the potential to discourage us, knock us down and prevent us from reaching our destination. A woman with courage, perseverance and passion decides to grow and keeps going through it all with strength and dignity. At the age of 1, I lost much of my hearing. I went through school learning how to overcome the obstacles of having a moderate/severe hearing loss. I struggled to hear my teachers and fellow students. I learned to read lips, read the room, laugh at the right times and fit in socially. After graduating high school, I set a course to be a teacher to help students like me. I wanted to be a voice for those who didn’t yet know how to advocate for their needs and teach them how. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 34 years old. I woke up with numbness and tingling throughout my head, which then spread to the left side of body. Some days I woke up with legs that felt like dead weights. I had goals. I had dreams. I was a mom, a teacher. I was not going to be a victim to MS. I learned to be a fighter. I spoke positively to myself. Congratulating myself for being brave. For not giving up. I have taught in the special education setting for 15 years. I am ready to expand my learning and grow my practice and skill set to help students understand how their brain works and what services will be most helpful to them and their families by becoming a school psychologist. I love that I am able to persevere, grow and help others.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future" -Proverbs 31:25 We all face challenges in our lives that have the potential to discourage us, knock us down and prevent us from reaching our destination. A woman with courage, perseverance and passion decides to grow and keeps going through it all with strength and dignity. At the age of 1, I lost much of my hearing. I went through school learning how to overcome the obstacles of having a moderate/severe hearing loss. I struggled to hear my teachers and fellow students. I learned to read lips, read the room, laugh at the right times and fit in socially. After graduating high school, I set a course to be a teacher to help students like me. I wanted to be a voice for those who didn’t yet know how to advocate for their needs and teach them how. I went on to have four babies while earning my associates and then bachelor degree in Education. Baby number two was born prematurely and faced several hurdles. When it came time to student teach in the science classroom, my mentor teacher told me not to "worry about those kids (students with special needs) because they are just going to fail." Having a hearing impairment, child with special needs and seeing the needs of other special learners has driven me to provide the best education I can for students with special needs. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 34 years old. I woke up with numbness and tingling throughout my head, which then spread to the left side of body. Some days I woke up with legs that felt like dead weights. I had goals. I had dreams. I was a mom, a teacher. I was not going to be a victim to MS. I learned to be a fighter. I spoke positively to myself. Congratulating myself for being brave. For not giving up. I have taught in the special education setting for 15 years. I am ready to expand my learning and grow my practice and skill set to help students understand how their brain works and what services will be most helpful to them and their families by becoming a school psychologist. I believe I should be considered for this scholarship because I have the courage to grow and overcome my obstacles to help other people and be a force for good in the world. Thank you for this opportunity.

Pet a kangaroo, pay off my car, sleep in a vintage yacht and work with special needs children are a few items that I have successfully tackled on my bucket list so far. My bucket list is an every changing list of dreams that become reality. Your thoughts are like magnets attracting the things you think about. My current list include sleeping in an AirBNB potato in Idaho, watching the northern lights with my sister in Alaska and earning a masters degree in Educational Psychology. I am a 16 year veteran teacher of students with special needs. Becoming a special needs teacher was added to my bucket list when my daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy. I started out wanting to teach Science, however during my student teaching my mentor teacher told me not to worry about “those kids”, students with special needs, because they would fail anyways. I decided to go back to school to get my masters in Special Education to help “those kids” and have been teaching them ever since. Now, I want to go back to school starting Summer of 2022 to earn a master’s degree as an educational specialist in school psychology. I chose an online program that allows me to continue teaching in my current role as a special education teacher. Being a school psychologist will give further depth into my understanding of the learning process and allow me to help students and their families understand their brains. I want to emphasize student strengths while working on their needs. Not only will I be able to accomplish my bucket list item, but in doing so will be able to help others around me grasp their potential and tackle items on their bucket list as well. Thank you for this opportunity.

“I don’t understand why this has to be so hard for me.” “I can’t learn like other people do.” “Why do I have to be different?” I am a 16 year veteran teacher of students with special needs. These are some of the comments I hear as students struggle to understand how their brains work and why they are differently abled than their peers. I started out wanting to teach Science, however during my student teaching my mentor teacher told me not to worry about “those kids”, students with special needs, becuase they would fail anyways. I decided to go back to school to get my masters in Special Education to help “those kids” and have been teaching them ever since. Now, I want to go back to school starting Summer of 2022 to earn a master’s degree as an educational specialist in school psychology. I will choose an online program that allows me to continue teaching in my current role as a special education teacher. Being a school psychologist will give further depth into my understanding of the learning process and allow me to help students and their families understand their brains. I want to emphasize student strengths while working on their needs. The program at Eastern Washington University is online and begins summer 2022. The total costs for two accelerated years is $46,331. I would use the scholarship funds to pay for tuition to attend. I have three girls in college right now and a high school student at home. I value education and money is tight at home because of we have so many in school right now. Seeking ways through scholarships for everyone in our family to further their education. I have Multiple Sclerosis (RRM) and a hearing impairment if there are scholarships that center around that. I have found ways to work through these challenges to accomplish the things I want to do in life and continue to love and help those around me in whatever capacity I am able. Being in school give prime opportunity for outreach and service. Thank you for giving this opportunity and your consideration of me as a scholarship recipient.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future" -Proverbs 31:25 We all face challenges in our lives that have the potential to discourage us, knock us down and prevent us from reaching our destination. I have persevered through many trials with strength and dignity. At the age of 1, I lost much of my hearing. I went through school learning how to overcome the obstacles of having a moderate/severe hearing loss. After graduating high school, I set a course to be a teacher. I went on to have four babies while earning my associates and then bachelor degree. Baby number two was born prematurely and faced several hurdles. This shaped my desire to shift my focus from being a science teacher to a special education teacher. When it came time to student teach, my mentor teacher told me not to "worry about those kids (students with special needs) because they are just going to fail." Having a hearing impairment, child with special needs and seeing the needs of other special learners has driven me to provide the best education I can for students with special needs. I have taught in the special education setting for 15 years. I am ready to expand my learning to help students understand how their brain works and what services will be most helpful by becoming a school psychologist. I am a woman of wonder because I overcome my obstacles to help other people.

"Listen More, Talk Less" Instead of feeling like the world needs to hear every opinion we have, we take a moment to listen and open our perspective and understanding of others and their situation. Relationships thrive when both sides feel validated. Listening validates people. You can use the information you learn from listening to better understand someone's behavior and possibly relate to their situation. Listening will help us gain knowledge to better our lives. On the flip side the other party who is listened too will feel cared for and respected. You may not agree with their views, but people appreciate the effort you put forth to validate their thoughts. It is a powerful tool for all relationships. When we are quiet we allow our mind the space it needs to process, think and be creative. The words we choose to speak can pack a powerful punch when they are well thought out. Once words are shared you cannot take the back, so make the meaningful and helpful. If we all listened a little more, we would find a kinder and more compassionate community.

“I don’t understand why this has to be so hard for me.” “I can’t learn like other people do.” “Why do I have to be different?” I am a teacher of students with special needs. These are some of the comments I hear as students struggle to understand how their brains work and why they are differently abled than their peers. I want to go back to school starting Summer of 2022 to earn a master’s degree as an educational specialist in school psychology. I will choose an online program that allows me to continue teaching in my current role as a special education teacher. Being a school psychologist will give further depth into my understanding of the learning process and allow me to help students and their families understand their brains. I want to emphasize student strengths while working on their needs. The program at Eastern Washington University is online and begins summer 2022. The total costs for two accelerated years is $46,331. I would use the scholarship funds to pay for tuition to attend. I have three girls in college right now and a high school student at home. I value education and money is tight at home because of we have so many in school right now. Seeking ways through scholarships for everyone in our family to further their education. While earning my master's in school psychology, I will continue to work as a special education teacher. When I earn my degree I will continue to work in the public school system as a school psychologist until I retire. School Psychologist are needed for many reasons and now more than ever with the aftermath of COVID. School psychologist not only assess academic achievement but offer family and school support. Students have complex academic and emotional needs and a school psychologist can help bridge the understanding for students and the people who support them. After receiving my training I will be able to help in crisis situations. I can provide and share with support staff ways to provide a safe and positive environment that fosters learning and growth. Educating the student and support staff with positive practices and strategies will enable a child a lifetime of learning opportunities. Parents and students can advocate for themselves as they graduate from the public education system. Performing functional assessments will help the school based team understand the behaviors and attach measurable data. Our goal is to figure out the why of the behavior. With this why we can use Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports to improve various aspects of a student's life with developmental disabilities so they can be successful in school and post school life. By earning a degree as an educational psychologist, I hope to share the knowledge gained from my schooling and education with students, families and staff to improve the quality of life for students with disabilities.

“I can’t learn like other people do.” I am a teacher of students with special needs. Students struggle to understand how their brains work and why they are differently abled than their peers. I want to go back to school starting Summer of 2022 to earn a master’s degree as an educational specialist in school psychology. I will choose an online program that allows me to continue teaching in my current role as a special education teacher. Being a school psychologist will give further depth into my understanding of the learning process and allow me to help students and their families understand their brains. I want to emphasize student strengths. The program at Eastern Washington University is online and begins summer 2022. The total costs for two accelerated years is $46,331. I would use the scholarship funds to pay for tuition to attend. I have three girls in college right now and a high school student at home. I value education and money is tight at home because of we have so many in school right now. Seeking ways through scholarships for everyone in our family to further their education. I have Multiple Sclerosis and a hearing impairment and have found ways to work through these challenges to accomplish the things I want to do in life. I will be an example to my students. Being in school give prime opportunity for outreach and service. Thank you for giving this opportunity and your consideration of me as a scholarship recipient.

"Ohh.... I'd love to but I'm really busy". I would truly mean that as I would try to cram so many things into a single pre-pandemic day. From sun up to sun down I was on the go and being busy was once "cool". During the pandemic I was forced to slow down. Engagements, parties, concerts, vacations and life put on hold. I sat in my house with my children and pets and wondered what to make of it all. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning laughing and playing games. Hiking outdoors was brought back again with a renewed passion and appreciation. Baking and learning how to craft the perfect shortbread cookie from an online chef. I learned to appreciate the little things again. As the pandemic continued and life began to pick up speed again I noticed I didn't cram my days with activities like I once did. It was no longer cool to pack a day full to the brim. I now feel full and complete filling my day with activities that fill me with peace and happiness that are not just time fillers, but soul fillers. Thank you for the new outlook.

Phone notification shared I had 34 miles left on the 100 mile Cote d'Azur trail, commonly known as the French Riviera. Pit stops include the alluring Saint Tropez, Cannes and Monaco. I have never been to Europe, however over the pandemic, have had the opportunity to travel virtually to Greece, Netherlands and England through an online fitness challenge connected to my watch. I get to see the google map location for each stretch of the journey. On the days I have felt unmotivated to get out and enjoy the fresh air, this program has pushed me mentally to get outside and meet my pre-determined fitness goal. Being outside boosts my spirits and gives me energy. I find joy in the sensory overload of breathing fresh air, hearing the birds sing and seeing the cloud formations. I feel invigorated when I spend time outdoors soaking in all the gifts that mother nature has to offer. I accept and share my gratitude for the experience. I am truly happy being outside as I am given time to be mindful and reflect on my day. I see how the little things work together to become truly magnificent wonders. Nature is my favorite place to be and grateful for the simple pleasures found there. I look forward to someday physically experiencing the places I have visited virtually for my online fitness journey. Until then I will enjoy the fresh air in Washington State while virtually stepping in other countries.

When will you see him next? I get asked this questions several times a week by colleagues, friends and family. My husband, a Canadian citizen, and I married before the pandemic hit in October 2019. Our plan was to move in together and as soon as the year was over. COVID hit, borders closed and plans changed. I am now here in the states working towards a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and my husband is working in Canada. We have had to learn patience as our plans have been interrupted and sometimes feel out of our control as we wait for COVID restrictions to ease. Patience is a virtue people say they want to have but when you it comes down to it we rarely want to go through the hard lessons that teach patience. Often times life doesn't go according to the timeline we laid out and this may create anger or bitterness. Patience is accepting the circumstances of our situation. It is living in the now and finding things to be thankful for in the present moment. Patience is important to me because there are lessons buried in the time spent waiting. By learning patience we roll with the set backs in life as we look to find the blessings around us and the lessons to be learned. While I await being reunited with my husband, I recognize the value of having someone worth waiting for, technology that allows us to facetime daily, our health, the children we are lucky to raise, and the opportunity to go to college and continue learning. Thank you for your patience and time in reading my submission. Debbie

Are you a member of the smile maker club? Creating smiles in others, whether it be random acts of kindness or intentional, creates happiness in ourselves. I am at my happiest when I have created happiness in others. Ways to bring smiles to just about anyone include: sharing a kind word, baking a treat, letting someone go in front of you at the store, cleaning without being asked, and complimenting a stranger. Often times I do not have to be there to even see the smile and I feel happy. Some ways this has happened for me: paying for the toll for the person behind me, leaving money at the vending machine, or paying for someone's meal as I leave the restaurant. There are many things that bring me joy in life such as chocolate, shoes, walk outside, and watching comedies, but the most fulfilling thing that makes me happy is being a smile maker. Thank you for reading my submission and your generous scholarship opportunity.