Hello, my name is Deborah Sloan Burt, I am a 64-year-old retired widow and United States Army Veteran. Although it was not my plan to retire so early, effective 12/15/2017 was my last day in Corporate America. My husband, Ordained Minister Eddie Oquendel Burt was still working and very active in Ministry. He was the Director of the 3M Ministry at our Church (New Seasons Church) in Spring Valley and we planned I would begin to support him full time and we looked forward to our life in ministry. In the 3M Ministry, we helped believers discover their spiritual gifts and identify ways for them to serve in the church and in the community. I loved the work we did in the ministry. We were also members of the prayer ministry and had just started a Bible Study Life Group in our home called "The Great Commission", also there were plans to plant another NSC Church in our area. But on January 30, 2018, I became a widow, my husband was killed in a traffic accident on his way to work, I was devastated and lost and cried out to God asking what my life would be after this. After retiring from my corporate job with plans to support my husband full-time in ministry, this was a very difficult time in my life. I prayed and fasted while waiting for the Lord to give me direction, I waited and I waited while trying to pick up the pieces of my shattered life. When God answered He directed me toward counseling, which is what I believe is my life's purpose. I know it's what I am meant to do because I am helping people and helping people is one of the desires I've had since childhood. After, my husband transitioned, my youngest son had just earned his bachelor's degree and was able to relocate in support of his mom. I'm so grateful for my two sons, my youngest son being able to move back has helped me so much. Because of his support, I was able to go to school to become a registered substance abuse counselor and upon completion, I received an externship for several months in a Faith-based treatment facility helping substance abuse patients. Afterward, I obtained a full-time job as a substance abuse counselor in a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) facility. I have since become certified. God is ordering my steps. I am grateful. I want to help more people which is why I am now attending Seminary in a Masters Level Counseling Psychology Degree Program and need financial assistance to help support my academic pursuit. I want to become a Christian Psychologist and conduct research to help those less fortunate but primarily focus on helping veterans. I have a heart for veterans. My husband was a veteran as well. I will be honored to receive the Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship after reading her story and viewing the heartwarming emotional videos. I pray for her continued strength. I feel empowered when I see others who have struggled with loss emerge triumphant. We are all here to help one another survive losing loved ones grow stronger through devastation and learn to thrive and that is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The Bible teaches in the Book of John, " Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (New King James Version John 15:13). Thank you for considering me for this scholarship opportunity. God Bless!