Being a single mother has taught me that sometimes you keep going not because the path is easy or because you have everything figured out, but because someone is watching you build a life and learning from the way you do it. For me, that person is my son. He is one of my greatest motivations for continuing my education, even during the moments when balancing motherhood, work, finances, and college has felt overwhelming. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology, and my education has also allowed me to study healthcare administration and the systems that influence the quality of care people receive. My interests have grown beyond simply understanding human behavior. I have become interested in how psychology, healthcare, patient education, communication, and access to resources can work together to improve people's lives. I want my career to contribute to a healthcare system where people feel heard, respected, informed, and treated as human beings rather than simply another patient or number. My desire to help others has not existed only inside a classroom. I have completed crisis support training and volunteered with a crisis text hotline, where I learned how important it can be to simply be present with another person during a difficult moment. Sometimes helping someone does not begin with having the perfect answer. It begins with listening, remaining calm, showing compassion, and helping that person recognize that their feelings and experiences matter. Those lessons have influenced the kind of professional I hope to become. Through my studies in psychology and healthcare, I have also learned that improving people's well-being requires looking beyond a single interaction. Healthcare is affected by communication, leadership, accessibility, education, organizational decisions, and whether patients actually understand the resources available to them. I want to use my education to help make behavioral and mental healthcare more accessible and less intimidating, particularly for people who may feel overlooked or unsure about where to seek help. I am especially interested in the possibilities created by virtual services and other forms of accessible care that can reach people who might otherwise go without support. My journey through college has not been perfectly linear or easy. I have had to balance assignments with parenting, employment, financial responsibilities, and everyday life. There have been moments when finishing my degree felt incredibly far away, but each semester completed has reminded me how much I have already accomplished. Being a mother has not diminished my ambition. If anything, it has given my ambition a deeper purpose. What inspires me to keep going every day is the life I am creating for my son and myself. I want him to grow up knowing that changing direction, encountering setbacks, or taking longer than expected does not mean that you have failed. I want him to see that education can create choices, independence, and opportunities to contribute something meaningful to the world. Ultimately, I want my career to allow me to combine what I have learned about people with what I have learned about healthcare. Whether I am supporting someone individually, advocating for accessible behavioral healthcare, educating others, or helping improve the systems through which people receive care, I want my work to leave people better supported than I found them. To me, making a positive impact does not require changing the entire world at once. Sometimes it begins by changing one person's experience of it.

One of my most defining traits is my ability to observe, reflect, and deeply understand emotions, both my own and those of others. This did not come from textbooks alone, but from lived experiences that required me to navigate complex emotions, relationships, and internal challenges at a young age. Over time, I realized that this ability to self reflect and empathize with others is not just a personal strength, but a skill I can use to contribute to a more understanding and compassionate world. As a first generation college student pursuing a degree in psychology, my goal is to become a therapist and work in mental health /crisis support. I am especially passionate about helping individuals who feel misunderstood, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected. I understand what it feels like to process things internally without always having the words or support to express them, and that perspective allows me to meet others where they are with patience, openness, and without judgment. One of my unique strengths is my ability to recognize patterns in human behavior and emotional responses. I do not just listen to what people say. I pay attention to what they may be struggling to express. In a world where many people feel unseen or unheard, I believe this level of awareness is essential in building genuine connection. I plan to use this skill in my future career to create safe spaces where people feel validated, understood, and supported in their healing. Beyond one on one interactions, I also aim to contribute to a more empathetic global community through creative expression and outreach. Whether it is through social media, writing, or digital content, I want to share insights about emotional awareness, self reflection, and personal growth in a way that feels relatable and accessible. Many people are navigating internal struggles silently, and even small moments of recognition or understanding can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Being a first generation student has also shaped my perspective on resilience and responsibility. I am pursuing higher education not only for myself, but to create a better future for my family and to be a resource for others who may not have guidance or representation in academic or mental health spaces. I want to show that it is possible to grow, heal, and build a meaningful life despite challenges. Ultimately, building a more empathetic and understanding global community starts with individuals who are willing to listen, reflect, and show compassion. Through my education, my personal experiences, and my commitment to helping others, I plan to be one of those individuals. My goal is to create spaces both in person and online where people feel seen, heard, and valued, because I believe that true change begins with understanding.

My name is Destinee, and I am a psychology major working toward a career in mental health counseling. I am a first generation college student, a single mother, and a proud member of the BIPOC community who is passionate about helping others heal. My experiences with mental health challenges have taught me that understanding and compassion can be life-changing. Those lessons have shaped my beliefs, activism, and career goals. I have personally faced moments of emotional instability, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. Balancing my education while raising my son and managing my own diagnoses has not been easy. There were times when I questioned whether I could continue, but my commitment to building a better life for my child and contributing to my community kept me grounded. Through therapy, I learned the importance of emotional regulation and the courage it takes to seek help. These experiences deepened my empathy for others who face similar struggles and made me realize how much I want to be a source of support and understanding. Volunteering with the Crisis Text Line has allowed me to make a difference while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Every conversation I have with a person in crisis reminds me that empathy and active listening can save lives. Working with individuals during their lowest moments has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure, provide validation, and guide others toward safety and hope. This role has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. It has also shown me how powerful community support can be when it is rooted in compassion and care. My goal is to become a licensed therapist and focus on trauma-informed care, particularly for individuals in marginalized communities who may not have access to affordable mental health services. I want to create spaces where people feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of judgment. My long-term vision is to advocate for mental health awareness, especially in communities where seeking therapy is often misunderstood or stigmatized. I hope to educate others on emotional well-being and help them find the strength to heal and grow. This scholarship would provide essential support as I continue balancing school, parenthood, and part-time work. Financial stability would allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, therapy training, and volunteer work. It would also help me move closer to my goal of earning my degree and becoming a professional who uplifts others through compassion and understanding. Mental health has shaped who I am and what I stand for. It has taught me patience, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for humanity. I am determined to honor Arnetha V. Bishop’s legacy by carrying forward her dedication to expanding access to mental health care and helping others build lives of stability and hope. With this scholarship, I can continue turning my challenges into purpose and my purpose into impact.

My name is Destinee, and I am a psychology major and first-generation college student pursuing my dream of becoming a licensed therapist. As a single mother, I have learned that perseverance is not just about pushing through challenges, but about finding purpose and meaning in the process. My life has been shaped by obstacles that have tested my faith, patience, and self-belief, yet every hardship has also revealed my strength and deepened my desire to help others heal. I am passionate about mental health because I know firsthand how heavy life can feel when you are struggling to hold everything together. Balancing school, parenting, and work has often been overwhelming, but it has also strengthened my ability to empathize with others. While managing my own diagnoses and health challenges, I have learned the importance of self-awareness, therapy, and compassion. These lessons have not only helped me rebuild stability for myself and my son but have also guided me toward a career that allows me to serve others through empathy and understanding. Volunteering with the Crisis Text Line has given me an incredible opportunity to support people during some of the hardest moments in their lives. Through this nonprofit work, I have learned to listen without judgment, offer comfort through words, and guide others toward safety and hope. This experience has confirmed that my purpose lies in helping people recognize their worth, even in the moments when they feel unseen. It also connects me to Mireya Manigault’s legacy because her commitment to creativity, compassion, and empowering underrepresented communities mirrors the values I hope to carry forward in my career. In the future, I plan to work in community mental health, focusing on trauma-informed care and emotional regulation for individuals who come from underserved backgrounds. I want to create programs that teach coping strategies and self-awareness to those who may not have access to therapy or mental health education. My long-term goal is to continue learning, possibly pursuing graduate studies in clinical or counseling psychology, so I can expand my reach and provide holistic, culturally informed care. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my journey. As I balance school and parenting while seeking a second job to cover living expenses, financial relief would allow me to focus more on my education and volunteer work. It would also symbolize the belief that my efforts matter and that someone sees my dedication to breaking cycles and creating change. With this support, I will continue to work hard, give back to my community, and honor Mireya’s legacy by leading with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to impact.

I am different through my commitment to personal growth and my unwavering pursuit of understanding myself. One of the most significant decisions I made this year was to create a TikTok account, where I could express myself authentically and unapologetically. I didn’t know what to expect—whether I would gain views or followers—but I posted videos, embraced my uniqueness, and eventually built a small community of women who support each other. Through this platform, I share affirmations and relatable posts to inspire and uplift my followers. Over time, I created a second TikTok account dedicated to sharing inspirational quotes that motivate both men and women to feel resilient, particularly through heartbreak and tough times. Beyond social media, I actively volunteer as a crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Hotline. In this role, I provide emotional support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts, helping them navigate through their darkest moments by offering the connection and validation they need. This work has taught me the power of listening and serving others, even in the most challenging circumstances. In addition to my community service, I am a mother to a young child and three cats, and I’m currently navigating a major transition in my life. At 29, I’m embracing a fresh start, which includes searching for a new home, seeking employment, and continuing to prioritize my mental health through therapy. This process hasn’t been easy, but through perseverance and resilience, I have learned to embrace my setbacks as opportunities for growth. I show up for my son, for myself, and for others with the knowledge that I am exactly where I need to be to provide for my family. In all that I do, I aim to be unapologetically myself, use my uniqueness to create change, and support those around me. Whether it’s through social media, crisis counseling, or the way I show up for my family, I am making a difference in people’s lives, even those who may never realize it. I also remind myself that I cannot change what is not in my control, but I can write down what is. This scholarship has come at the perfect time, reminding me that the interview I have with Kohl’s tomorrow, June 7th, will go great because throughout life, I seek to serve others in genuine ways—a quality I know Kohl’s would love to have as part of their team. Additionally, it may be time to start creating extra content that encourages my followers to be unapologetically themselves because their existence can make a difference, no matter how much it weighs.

The field of healthcare is more than just a career choice for me—it is a calling deeply rooted in my passion for understanding the human mind and helping others navigate the complexities of mental health. I am pursuing a degree in psychology with the ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist, offering accessible and compassionate mental health care to those who need it most. As a first-generation student, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education without a clear roadmap. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw how financial and social barriers prevented many from seeking the help they needed, whether in education or healthcare. These experiences solidified my belief that mental health should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. My journey into psychology is fueled by a desire to bridge the gap between individuals and the mental health resources they deserve. One of my main aspirations is to provide therapy and support for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress, particularly those in underserved communities. Mental health struggles can be isolating, especially for people who lack financial or familial support. I want to create a safe space where individuals feel seen and heard, empowering them to reclaim their autonomy and build fulfilling lives. Additionally, I aim to contribute to research that explores the impact of singlehood and personal autonomy on women’s psychological well-being, furthering discussions on mental health beyond traditional frameworks. Beyond direct clinical work, I also have a strong interest in advocacy and education. I want to develop programs that increase awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention. Many people suffer in silence because they fear judgment or do not know where to seek help. By integrating psychological education into community outreach efforts, I hope to make mental health care more approachable and de-stigmatized. Receiving the Dr. Michael Paglia Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor, allowing me to focus on my education without the added burden of financial stress. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that there are people who believe in the power of mentorship and giving back—values that align with my own aspirations. I plan to pay this generosity forward by mentoring other first-generation students and advocating for mental health access. Dr. Paglia’s legacy of supporting others resonates deeply with me. Through my future work as a clinical psychologist, I hope to continue that legacy by making a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. With this scholarship, I can take one step closer to realizing that dream, ensuring that my education translates into real, lasting change in the field of healthcare.

Growing up, the idea of higher education was more of a distant dream than an expectation. In my family, survival and immediate responsibilities often took precedence over long-term academic aspirations. As a single mother navigating financial uncertainty, I made the decision to pursue higher education, not just as a personal achievement but as a way to create a better future for myself and my child. My background has shaped my resilience, deepened my sense of purpose, and clarified my vision for a career dedicated to mental health and service. One of my earliest motivations for seeking higher education was witnessing the cycle of financial instability in my family. Without a college degree, opportunities were limited, and financial hardships were common. I knew that if I wanted to break this cycle and provide stability for my child, I needed to invest in education. This realization came with immense pressure, but also with an unwavering determination to succeed despite the challenges ahead. My journey has not been easy. As a single mother, I have had to balance academics, parenting, and financial struggles. I have faced moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and uncertainty, but each challenge has reinforced my commitment to my goals. I have learned to be resourceful—seeking scholarships, volunteering to gain experience, and continuously finding ways to improve my skills and knowledge. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and taught me that success is not always about having the easiest path but about navigating obstacles with perseverance. My personal experiences with mental health challenges have also played a significant role in shaping my career aspirations. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate emotional struggles, especially when resources are limited or inaccessible. My experiences led me to volunteer as a crisis hotline responder, where I provided support to individuals in distress. This role reinforced my passion for psychology and my desire to help others heal, grow, and find hope. It also made me realize how critical accessible mental health care is, especially for marginalized communities. As a psychology major, I am committed to becoming a clinical psychologist, with a focus on therapy effectiveness and mental health stigma. My goal is to provide virtual or private practice therapy to individuals who, like me, may have struggled to find the support they needed. I want to create safe spaces where people feel understood, validated, and empowered to overcome their challenges. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education means more than just earning a degree. It is about transforming generational narratives and proving that with determination and support, new possibilities can emerge. It is about showing my child that no matter where we start, we have the power to create a different future. This scholarship would not only help alleviate financial burdens but would also serve as an investment in my ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. It would allow me to focus on my studies, gain the necessary credentials, and continue my journey of service and empowerment. My background has shaped me into a person who values resilience, service, and self-improvement. It has fueled my passion for psychology and solidified my commitment to making mental health care more accessible. With education as my tool, I am not just changing my own life I am paving the way for others who, like me, dare to dream beyond their circumstances.

There was a time when I questioned my place in this world, but becoming a mother changed everything. It was in that moment that I made a promise to myself; I would never allow depression to convince me that leaving this earth was an option. That commitment to life was my first step toward resilience, but the journey was far from easy. As a single mother, navigating college while battling depression and coping with the loss of my father felt like an impossible challenge. Some days, the weight of my emotions made even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. But despite the hardships, I pushed forward, not just for myself but for my child. I wanted to build a future where I could not only survive but thrive. That determination led me to complete community college, a milestone that felt like more than just an academic achievement, it was proof that I had the strength to endure. However, my greatest realization came when I stepped into the role of a volunteer crisis counselor. Supporting others in their darkest moments forced me to confront my own past struggles while also recognizing my ability to help others navigate theirs. I listened to people on the verge of giving up, offering them words of comfort, validation, and hope. In many ways, I saw reflections of my former self in their voices, and in helping them, I reaffirmed my own belief that life is worth fighting for. This experience also taught me an invaluable lesson about balance. While I found deep fulfillment in emotionally supporting others, I also learned the importance of setting boundaries. I came to understand that I do not need to fix or complete others; my role is to support them in a healthy and professional manner. In the past, I carried the weight of others’ pain as if it were my own, but I now realize that true support does not mean sacrificing my well-being. Resilience is not just about endurance it is about knowing when to take a step back, when to recharge, and when to trust that someone else may be better suited to step in. Through these experiences, I have come to understand my purpose: to help others find their strength, just as I found mine. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist with a private practice, creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. I want to provide more than just therapy; I want to instill the belief that they can overcome, that they can heal, and that their lives hold value. Ultimately, my hope is to inspire others to embrace resilience, not as a burden, but as a tool for transformation. If I can help even one person recognize their own inner strength and choose to keep going, then every struggle I have faced will have been worth it.

Being a mother and a student is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a single mother and psychology student at Park University, I navigate the daily demands of parenting while pursuing higher education to build a better future for my child and myself. My journey is fueled by resilience, determination, and a deep desire to break generational cycles and make mental health more accessible to those who need it most. What Inspired Me to Continue My Education My decision to return to school was not easy, but it was necessary. I have always been passionate about mental health, emotional resilience, and human behavior, but life’s responsibilities delayed my academic journey. After experiencing emotional challenges, financial struggles, and the weight of single parenthood, I realized that education was my path to stability and empowerment. I was also inspired by my child, who looks up to me as a role model. I want to show them that perseverance and self-investment matter—that despite challenges, it is possible to chase dreams and build a meaningful life. Returning to school was not just about my personal growth but about creating a legacy of strength, resilience, and knowledge for my family. Obstacles I Have Faced Balancing motherhood and academics has been an uphill battle. Time management is one of my biggest challenges, as I juggle coursework, parenting, and financial responsibilities. Late-night study sessions, early mornings preparing for school, and the constant shift between "student" and "mom" roles can be overwhelming. Beyond the logistical challenges, I have also faced emotional and mental health struggles. The weight of single parenthood, coupled with academic pressures, can be isolating. However, I have actively sought therapy and mental wellness strategies to navigate these struggles, ensuring that I remain strong for both myself and my child. This experience has further fueled my passion for psychology and reinforced my long-term goal of becoming a virtual or private practicing clinical psychologist. How I Manage My Roles as a Student and Mother Successfully balancing school and motherhood requires discipline, adaptability, and self-care. I have developed structured routines that allow me to focus on coursework while remaining engaged in my child's life. I also lean on a support network of mentors and student communities, finding encouragement in shared experiences. Additionally, I integrate my psychology studies into my personal life, applying mental health and self-care principles to create an emotionally supportive environment for my child. These strategies not only help me manage stress but also reinforce the importance of mental well-being—both in my home and in my future career. The Impact of This Scholarship Receiving the HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College would ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my education without sacrificing time with my child. It would support my mission to expand mental health accessibility and create digital resources for underserved communities. Ultimately, I want my journey to be a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of education. With this scholarship, I will not only achieve my academic dreams but also set an example for my child and other mothers pursuing their goals against all odds.

Mental health is a topic that deeply interests me, not only because of my academic pursuits but because of my personal journey. As a single mother and psychology student at Park University, I have experienced firsthand how emotional resilience, access to mental health support, and community resources can transform lives. My goal is to become a virtual or private practicing clinical psychologist, providing mental health services that are accessible to those who need them most. What draws me to psychology is its ability to heal, empower, and break cycles of trauma, particularly within underserved communities. I have volunteered for a crisis hotline, offering emotional support to individuals in distress, and I create digital self-help content focused on self-love, resilience, and emotional well-being. These experiences have reinforced my belief that mental health should not be a privilege—it should be a right. Growing up in a community where mental health was often overlooked, I witnessed how untreated emotional struggles could lead to cycles of pain, self-doubt, and even generational trauma. Many individuals, especially in marginalized communities, hesitate to seek therapy due to financial barriers, stigma, or lack of representation in the mental health field. This gap in access is what fuels my passion. I want to provide mental health support to those who may not feel seen or heard, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond my studies and advocacy, I also participate in therapy to work through my own traumas. This personal journey has given me greater insight into the power of healing and self-awareness, making me even more committed to helping others navigate their emotional struggles. I believe that effective psychologists not only study human behavior but also engage in their own self-reflection and healing. Receiving this scholarship would relieve financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my education and outreach efforts without the stress of financial instability. It would provide me with the opportunity to further develop my mental health content, expand my digital resources, and work toward opening a virtual practice. My long-term vision is to create culturally competent therapy services that empower individuals to break free from trauma and reclaim their well-being. Education is my pathway to breaking barriers, creating impact, and uplifting others. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning my passion into meaningful action and bringing much-needed change to mental health advocacy.

Mental health is often overlooked in BIPOC communities, where systemic barriers, cultural stigma, and generational trauma create a cycle of emotional suppression and untreated psychological distress. My journey into psychology was born out of both personal experiences and my deep desire to help break these cycles. As a BIPOC psychology student and single mother, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that mental health struggles bring, especially when resources are scarce. My goal is to become a virtual or private practicing clinical psychologist, making therapy and mental health education more accessible to underserved communities. Growing up, I witnessed how generational trauma affects families—how unspoken pain gets passed down and manifests as self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional withdrawal. Many people suffer in silence because mental health struggles are either misunderstood or dismissed. My passion for psychology grew as I began to educate myself on emotional regulation, self-love, and resilience, leading me to volunteer for a crisis hotline to provide emotional support for individuals in distress. This experience reinforced my commitment to helping others navigate their struggles with understanding, validation, and psychological resources. However, my journey is not just about helping others—it is also about healing myself. I actively participate in therapy to work through my own traumas, recognizing that personal growth and self-awareness are essential to becoming an effective psychologist. Therapy has allowed me to break cycles of emotional suppression, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and truly understand the transformative power of mental health support. It has deepened my empathy and strengthened my belief that everyone, regardless of background, deserves access to healing. BIPOC individuals often lack access to culturally competent mental health care, and this lack of representation discourages many from seeking help. That is why I have also taken steps to create digital content that promotes self-love, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. Through interactive quizzes, self-care worksheets, and educational content, I strive to make psychology more relatable and accessible for those who may not have access to therapy. My work is centered around empowering people, particularly women of color, to take control of their emotional well-being and break free from unhealthy cycles. Receiving the Good Vibes Only Scholarship would allow me to further my education and expand my outreach. With financial support, I can continue my studies without financial strain, develop digital mental health resources, and work toward opening my own virtual therapy practice. My long-term vision is to create an online space where BIPOC individuals feel safe, understood, and supported in their healing journey. Mental health should not be a privilege—it should be a right. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to bringing healing and empowerment to those who need it most.