Being a first-generation college student means stepping into unfamiliar territory with courage and determination. It means learning to figure things out on my own—financial aid, course planning, and balancing work with school—while trying to build a future that no one in my family has had the chance to experience. For me, this journey has been about breaking cycles, proving that I belong in spaces that once felt out of reach, and building a foundation for those who will come after me. Along this journey, I’ve faced more than just financial and academic challenges. I live with severe anxiety and depression, and there have been times when those struggles made it difficult to believe in myself or keep moving forward. Managing mental health while pursuing higher education can feel like an uphill battle, but it has also been one of my greatest teachers. It’s taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of caring for myself as I work toward caring for others. Those experiences have deepened my commitment to mental health advocacy and shaped my goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I know firsthand what it feels like to want help but not be able to afford it or know where to turn. Too many young people—especially teens—struggle in silence because therapy feels inaccessible or stigmatized. That’s why I want to specialize in working with adolescents and create affordable, community-based programs that provide safe spaces for them to be heard. I want to help remove the financial and emotional barriers that prevent people from seeking care, and I plan to do that by combining direct counseling with advocacy for better mental health resources in schools and local communities. Being a first-generation student also means that I carry the hopes of my family with me. My education represents more than a degree—it symbolizes progress, healing, and opportunity. I want to use what I’ve learned, both in and outside the classroom, to help others navigate the same challenges I’ve faced: financial strain, self-doubt, and mental health struggles that too often go unseen. My goal is not only to become financially independent but also to use my career to empower others to do the same—to show them that they are capable of building a stable, fulfilling life even when the odds feel stacked against them. This scholarship would be an incredible support in helping me continue that journey. It would ease the financial stress that often weighs on first-generation students and allow me to focus more on my education, clinical training, and growth. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to turning my pain into purpose—helping others heal, just as I continue to heal myself. I may be the first in my family to take this path, but I’m determined not to be the last. My dream is to show others, especially those who struggle like I have, that they are not alone—and that with compassion, resilience, and the right support, it’s possible to rewrite your story.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into unknown territory with courage, persistence, and faith in something I’ve never seen but have always believed in—a better future. I didn’t grow up surrounded by people who could guide me through FAFSA forms or college applications. Instead, I learned to navigate everything through trial, error, and determination. Every step of my journey has been about figuring things out on my own, breaking cycles, and proving to myself that my circumstances don’t define my limits. My path through higher education has not been easy. Balancing full-time work, classes, and financial responsibilities has tested me in ways I never expected. There were moments when I questioned if I could keep going—when the financial stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion felt overwhelming. But what has carried me through those moments is my “why.” I want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and dedicate my career to helping teens and young adults who face the same barriers I once did: limited access to mental health care, financial hardship, and a lack of guidance. Being the first in my family to pursue a degree means I’m building something that hasn’t existed before—a foundation. My family has always worked hard, but education wasn’t something we had the privilege to prioritize. So for me, earning this degree is not just a personal achievement; it’s a step toward creating generational stability and change. I want my future children, nieces, and nephews to see that education is not something out of reach—it’s something that can transform lives. Through my studies and therapy experience, I’ve learned how deeply mental health and financial well-being are connected. I’ve seen how people, especially teens, suffer in silence because therapy is too expensive or stigmatized. My dream is to create accessible, community-based mental health programs that meet people where they are—whether that’s in schools, local centers, or online. I want to make mental health care something that everyone can afford and feel comfortable reaching for. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in helping me reach those goals. It would relieve some of the financial strain that comes with balancing tuition, living expenses, and the cost of staying enrolled. Every bit of support brings me closer to not only earning my degree but also giving back to the communities that shaped me. It would allow me to focus more on my education and professional training, and less on the stress of how to afford it. What drives me most is the belief that my story—my struggles, my persistence, and my growth—can one day inspire someone else to keep going. I want to show others that even when the path feels uncertain, you can still build something powerful from it. I may be the first in my family to do this, but I refuse to be the last.

My name is Dee Baty, and as a first-generation college student, my journey has been guided by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. Growing up, I didn’t have a roadmap for higher education or financial stability, but I did have determination—and a strong desire to make life better not only for myself, but for those around me. These experiences shaped my passion for mental health and my decision to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Mental health has always been a subject close to my heart. I’ve seen how difficult it can be for individuals, especially teens, to access therapy or feel safe enough to ask for help. Many families, including my own, have faced barriers such as high costs, stigma, or lack of awareness about available resources. These challenges are not just statistics—they’re real people whose lives could change with the right support. I want to be part of changing that reality by helping make mental health care more affordable, approachable, and rooted in understanding. As a future LCSW, I plan to work directly with teens and young adults, providing a safe space for them to explore their emotions and build healthier coping skills. Adolescence is such a crucial period for mental and emotional development, yet it’s often when many begin to feel unseen or misunderstood. I want to specialize in school-based and community mental health services, where I can bridge the gap between students and the resources they need. By offering sliding-scale counseling, group therapy options, and school outreach programs, I hope to make therapy not only accessible but relatable—something young people feel empowered to participate in rather than ashamed of. Beyond individual counseling, I want to make an impact on a broader level. My long-term goal is to advocate for policies that prioritize mental health in education systems and expand funding for youth-centered programs. Too often, schools are the first line of defense for mental health struggles, yet they lack the funding and staff to meet growing needs. I believe that through advocacy and collaboration between schools, local clinics, and state programs, we can create a more sustainable system of care that truly supports students’ emotional well-being. Being a first-generation student has also shaped how I define success. For me, success isn’t measured solely by financial freedom—though that’s something I strive for—but by the ability to give back and open doors for others. I want to mentor aspiring social workers and help them see that compassion and advocacy can create real change. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of hope, accessibility, and empowerment in the field of mental health, which this scholarship will help me achieve. I want every teen I work with to feel seen, heard, and capable of healing. Becoming an LCSW isn’t just a professional goal—it’s a personal mission to transform pain into purpose and ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone. Through empathy, advocacy, and education, I plan to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

My name is Dee Baty, and as a first-generation college student, my journey has been guided by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. Growing up, I didn’t have a roadmap for higher education or financial stability, but I did have determination—and a strong desire to make life better not only for myself, but for those around me. These experiences shaped my passion for mental health and my decision to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Mental health has always been a subject close to my heart. I’ve seen how difficult it can be for individuals, especially teens, to access therapy or feel safe enough to ask for help. Many families, including my own, have faced barriers such as high costs, stigma, or lack of awareness about available resources. These challenges are not just statistics—they’re real people whose lives could change with the right support. I want to be part of changing that reality by helping make mental health care more affordable, approachable, and rooted in understanding. As a future LCSW, I plan to work directly with teens and young adults, providing a safe space for them to explore their emotions and build healthier coping skills. Adolescence is such a crucial period for mental and emotional development, yet it’s often when many begin to feel unseen or misunderstood. I want to specialize in school-based and community mental health services, where I can bridge the gap between students and the resources they need. By offering sliding-scale counseling, group therapy options, and school outreach programs, I hope to make therapy not only accessible but relatable—something young people feel empowered to participate in rather than ashamed of. Beyond individual counseling, I want to make an impact on a broader level. My long-term goal is to advocate for policies that prioritize mental health in education systems and expand funding for youth-centered programs. Too often, schools are the first line of defense for mental health struggles, yet they lack the funding and staff to meet growing needs. I believe that through advocacy and collaboration between schools, local clinics, and state programs, we can create a more sustainable system of care that truly supports students’ emotional well-being. Being a first-generation student has also shaped how I define success. For me, success isn’t measured solely by financial freedom—though that’s something I strive for—but by the ability to give back and open doors for others. I want to mentor aspiring social workers and help them see that compassion and advocacy can create real change. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of hope, accessibility, and empowerment in the field of mental health. I want every teen I work with to feel seen, heard, and capable of healing. Becoming an LCSW isn’t just a professional goal—it’s a personal mission to transform pain into purpose and ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone. Through empathy, advocacy, and education, I plan to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Being a first-generation college student has profoundly shaped how I view education, opportunity, and financial independence. Growing up without a clear roadmap for higher education taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of hard work. Every step I’ve taken—from learning how to navigate financial aid to balancing full-time work while pursuing my degree—has been motivated by a desire to build a future where financial stability and purpose coexist. My experience as a first-generation student has also deepened my understanding of the emotional and financial stress that so many families face. I’ve seen how mental health often takes a backseat to survival when resources are limited. That’s why I’m pursuing a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): to help break the cycles of financial and emotional hardship that hold people back. I want to make therapy more accessible for teens and young adults who come from families like mine—those who are working hard to build a better life but need support along the way. Financial freedom, to me, isn’t just personal—it’s generational. By earning my degree and establishing a stable career, I’m setting a new foundation for my family and creating space for others to do the same. I hope to use my education not only to support my own independence but to guide others toward emotional and financial empowerment. As a first-generation college student, I’m not just chasing a career—I’m changing a legacy.

Mental health care should never be a luxury—it should be a lifeline that anyone can access, regardless of income or background. Yet too often, I see young people, especially teens, go without the help they need because therapy is unaffordable or unavailable. My goal as a future Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is to help change that by expanding affordable, youth-centered mental health services that meet teens where they are—emotionally, financially, and socially. Through my education and experience, I’ve learned that adolescence is one of the most critical times for early intervention. I plan to create community-based programs and school partnerships that offer free or low-cost therapy for teens, especially those facing systemic or financial barriers. By implementing sliding-scale payment models, group therapy options, and outreach through schools and youth centers, I hope to make counseling not only affordable but approachable for young people who may otherwise never seek help. In the long term, I want to advocate for policy reforms that increase funding for mental health professionals in public schools and expand insurance coverage for therapy. I also hope to mentor future social workers who share the same vision of equitable care. My mission is simple but vital—to make mental health support accessible to every teen who needs it, because no young person should have to choose between their financial stability and their well-being.