I chose the Counseling Psychology program at the University of St. Thomas because it offers the ideal blend of academic excellence, clinical training, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its focus on underserved populations, particularly immigrant and displaced communities, aligns with my passion for providing empathetic, culturally responsive care. With faculty specializing in generational trauma, I am eager to explore its impact—an issue deeply personal to me as the child of a Holocaust survivor. My mother’s trauma shaped my childhood and contributed to my own mental health struggles. Witnessing how unprocessed trauma affects individuals and families across generations has fueled my commitment to helping others heal. This program also allows me to continue working as a mental health practitioner, providing hands-on experience that reinforces my academic training. Staying close to my support network further strengthens my ability to succeed. Returning to school after two decades of personal growth and recovery was not an easy decision. My battles with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder led to repeated hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and time in group homes. Despite these challenges, I graduated from medical school at the top of my class and entered a psychiatry residency at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. However, the combination of my mental health challenges and my mother’s sudden death forced me to leave residency and focus on recovery. Over time, I reclaimed my independence, transitioned off disability, and recommitted myself to serving others. Now, as a Mental Health Practitioner at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I support individuals facing severe mental health and substance use challenges. I also volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to advocate for mental health services, reduce stigma, and share my story. These experiences have deepened my understanding of systemic barriers in mental health care and strengthened my resolve to drive change. The University of St. Thomas program will allow me to integrate my lived experience with clinical training. I have seen how generational trauma ripples through families, leaving deep emotional scars. As the child of a Holocaust survivor, I am determined to help individuals and families affected by such trauma, particularly immigrants and displaced people. I plan to incorporate this focus into my clinical practice and research, ultimately providing holistic, compassionate care to those most in need. Balancing work and school has been challenging but invaluable. Working as a mental health practitioner while studying allows me to immediately apply my learning in real-world settings, sharpening my skills and deepening my understanding. This experience has strengthened my resilience, time management, and ability to navigate high-pressure situations—critical qualities for a future clinical psychologist. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to complete my education and become a clinical psychologist who integrates research, clinical practice, and advocacy. I am committed to improving mental health care for marginalized communities, and this program will equip me with the skills to create lasting change.

Rebuilding Lives Through Mental Health Advocacy When my mother was a child, strangers hid her from the Nazis, saving her life—but not her spirit. Though she survived the Holocaust, its wounds never left her. Depression and hopelessness settled over her, shaping my childhood. Trauma does not end with one generation; it echoes. I, too, struggled with major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, caught in a legacy of suffering I had no words for at the time. Despite this, I pursued medicine, driven by a need to heal others. I graduated at the top of my class and entered psychiatry residency at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. But untreated mental illness eroded my foundation, making it impossible to continue. Leaving residency was devastating—a loss not just of a career, but of identity, purpose, and the future I had envisioned. For years, I cycled through hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and group homes, unsure if I would ever rebuild my life. Recovery was not a moment; it was a thousand small decisions to keep going. Through therapy and support, I slowly reclaimed my strength. At 52, I returned to school, pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology, determined to transform my struggles into a force for change. This time, I chose clinical psychology over psychiatry—not because I abandoned my dream, but because I found a deeper one. As a psychologist, I could form genuine, sustained therapeutic relationships, focusing not just on treatment but on healing. While working at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I met a client struggling with bipolar disorder and suicidal despair. He believed his life had no meaning—a pain I understood all too well. Rather than offering empty reassurances, I shared part of my journey, not to compare, but to show that healing is possible. Over time, we worked on coping strategies, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts. Months later, he told me, “Your faith in me gave me the strength to rebuild my life.” That moment reaffirmed what I now understand to be true: understanding and human connection are as powerful as any treatment. My work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has further cemented my belief in the power of shared experience. After a presentation on my recovery journey, a young woman approached me, her voice shaking. She confided that stigma had kept her from seeking help, but hearing my story gave her the courage to take that first step. Her words—“You made me feel understood”—reminded me why I chose this path. Mental illness isolates, but connection restores hope. These experiences have shaped my mission: to eliminate barriers to mental health care. I plan to establish a nonprofit providing accessible, trauma-informed mental health services to marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and underrepresented minorities affected by generational trauma. By integrating evidence-based therapy with culturally competent, patient-centered care, I aim to create spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to heal. The Daniel V. Marrano Memorial Scholarship is not just financial support—it is an investment in breaking stigma, expanding access to care, and transforming hardship into impact. Like Daniel, I understand the challenges of living in a world that misunderstands mental health struggles and has limited resources. With this scholarship, I will continue my education, refine my skills, and work to ensure that no one must navigate their struggles alone. Just as I have rebuilt my life, I am committed to helping others do the same—turning pain into purpose, despair into resilience, and isolation into hope.

A New Horizon: Rebuilding Through Resilience Leaving my psychiatry residency at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital felt like losing everything—my career, independence, and sense of self. For years, I struggled with major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, excelling academically despite these challenges. But untreated mental illness forced me to abandon my dream of helping others through psychiatry. What I didn’t realize then was that this painful decision would mark the beginning of my true journey—a journey of resilience, healing, and advocacy. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up under the weight of generational trauma. My mother, hidden during the Holocaust, carried scars that shaped our family. Her struggles with depression deeply influenced my own battles with mental illness. Over two decades, I faced hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and life in group homes. Yet, despite the pain, I refused to let adversity define me. Slowly, I rebuilt my life. At 52, I made the bold decision to return to school. Pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology wasn’t just about starting a new career—it was about reclaiming my purpose. I aimed to demonstrate that age or circumstance doesn't limit transformation; it's about the willingness to heal. Anyone committed to recovery deserves second chances. Values That Drive My Work Resilience, empathy, equity, and justice guide my work. Resilience turned pain into purpose, while empathy fuels my connections with clients. My commitment to equity and justice drives my efforts to dismantle systemic barriers to mental health care, especially for underserved communities. While working at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I met a client struggling with bipolar disorder and suicidal despair. He had lost hope, believing his life was meaningless. I shared part of my story to offer him hope. Together, we worked on coping strategies, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts. Months later, he told me, “Your faith in me gave me the strength to rebuild my life.” That moment reaffirmed my belief in the power of connection and advocacy. A Future of Impact and Advocacy I am committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care, particularly for refugees and underserved communities. Inspired by my mother’s experience as a displaced child, I understand the lasting effects of trauma and the cultural barriers to seeking help. Mental health care is a right, not a privilege. To create sustainable change, I will establish a nonprofit providing low-cost, trauma-informed therapy for refugee communities. This organization will offer multilingual services and train clinicians in culturally responsive care. Additionally, I plan to launch a mentorship program for aspiring mental health professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring future providers reflect the communities they serve. Beyond direct service, I will advocate for policy reforms expanding mental health access for immigrants and low-income families. Partnering with community leaders and policymakers, I aim to remove financial and systemic barriers to care. Just as I fought for my own recovery, I will fight to ensure others receive the care they deserve. How This Scholarship Will Make a Difference Returning to school has been challenging. Balancing academics, financial constraints, and advocacy requires dedication. The Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship would ease financial strain, allowing me to focus on education and community work. More than financial support, this scholarship represents belief in second chances—a belief I will pass on to others.

Rebuilding Through Resilience: A Life Dedicated to Mental Health Mental illness is not just a professional interest for me—it is a lived experience that has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up in the shadow of generational trauma. My mother, hidden as a child during the Holocaust, carried emotional scars that shaped our family. Her struggles with depression influenced my own battle with major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Determined to help others, I pursued psychiatry at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. However, as my untreated mental illness worsened, I had to make the painful decision to leave my residency. What followed were years of hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and life in group homes. I lost my career, independence, and sense of self. Yet Judaism teaches that survival is not enough—we must rebuild. My mother endured unimaginable hardships, and I refused to let my struggles define me. With therapy and resilience, I reclaimed my life. At 52, I returned to school to pursue a master’s in counseling psychology. Though my path had shifted, my purpose remained the same: to bring healing and hope to those battling mental illness. Like Ella, I have fought relentlessly for a better future. Her determination to overcome challenges and help others inspires me, just as I strive to use my own experiences to make an impact in mental health care. We both refused to let our struggles define us, instead using them as a foundation to support others facing similar battles. Beliefs: Turning Pain into Purpose My experiences have transformed my beliefs. I no longer see mental illness as a weakness but as a source of strength and understanding. I have experienced the frustration of insufficient care, the agony of stigma, and the anxiety of reducing mental health to a mere diagnosis. This insight drives me to advocate for compassionate, patient-centered mental health care, particularly for underserved communities. While working at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I met a client battling bipolar disorder and suicidal despair. He believed his life had no meaning—a pain I knew well. I shared part of my story to offer hope. We worked on coping strategies, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts. Months later, he told me, “Your faith in me gave me the strength to rebuild my life.” That moment solidified my belief in the power of connection and empathy. Relationships: Breaking the Isolation of Mental Illness Mental illness often isolates people, but I have learned that healing happens through connection. Through my advocacy with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I share my journey to break down stigma. After one presentation, a young woman confided that stigma had kept her from seeking help, but hearing my story gave her the courage to take that first step. These moments reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no one suffers in silence. Career Aspirations: Expanding Access to Mental Health Care These experiences have shaped my goal: to eliminate barriers to mental health services. My nonprofit will focus on trauma-informed therapy, culturally competent care, and community outreach programs for refugees and underserved populations. Inspired by my mother’s experience as a displaced child, I understand the lasting effects of trauma and the cultural barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Mental health care should never be a privilege—it is a fundamental right. Sustaining Recovery: A Lifelong Commitment Recovery is about more than managing symptoms—it is about rebuilding a meaningful life. I have found strength in mindfulness, structured self-care, and a strong support system. Reading Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning helped me reframe my struggles, reminding me that adversity can shape purpose. By maintaining therapy, practicing resilience strategies, and advocating for mental health accessibility, I ensure that I remain not just stable but thriving. Ella's Gift represents more than financial support; it is an opportunity to continue the work that Ella never got to finish. With this scholarship, I will further my education, expand my advocacy, and develop the skills needed to launch my nonprofit. In honoring Ella’s spirit, I will dedicate my life to ensuring that others find the hope, support, and care they deserve. To Ella’s family, I offer my deepest gratitude. Through this scholarship, I will carry forward her light, ensuring that her passion for helping others continues to inspire and heal. I will work tirelessly to break down barriers, foster understanding, and create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles. Even in the face of adversity, we can rise, rebuild, and change lives.

Rebuilding Through Resilience: A Life Dedicated to Mental Health Mental illness is not just a professional interest for me—it is a lived experience that has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up in the shadow of generational trauma. Hidden as a child during the Holocaust, my mother carried emotional scars that shaped our family. Her struggles with depression and hopelessness influenced my own battle with major depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Determined to help others, I pursued psychiatry at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. However, as my untreated mental illness worsened, I had to make the painful decision to leave my residency. What followed were years of hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and life in group homes. I lost my career, independence, and sense of self. Yet Judaism teaches that survival is not enough—we must rebuild. My mother endured unimaginable hardships, and I refused to let my struggles define me. With therapy and resilience, I reclaimed my life. At 52, I returned to school to pursue a master’s in counseling psychology. Though my path had shifted, my purpose remained the same: to bring healing and hope to those battling mental illness. Beliefs: Turning Pain into Purpose My experiences transformed my beliefs. I no longer see mental illness as a weakness but as a source of strength and understanding. I have experienced the frustration of insufficient care, the agony of stigma, and the anxiety of being reduced to a diagnosis. This insight drives me to advocate for compassionate, patient-centered mental health care, particularly for underserved communities. While working at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I met a client battling bipolar disorder and suicidal despair. He believed his life had no meaning—a pain I knew well. I shared part of my story, not to overshadow his struggles, but to offer hope. We worked on coping strategies, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts. Months later, he told me, “Your faith in me gave me the strength to rebuild my life.” That moment solidified my belief in the power of connection and empathy. Relationships: Breaking the Isolation of Mental Illness Mental illness often isolates people, but I have learned that healing happens through connection. My experiences have made me a more empathetic and understanding person. Through my advocacy with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I share my journey to break down stigma. After one presentation, a young woman confided that stigma had kept her from seeking help, but hearing my story gave her the courage to take that first step. These moments reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no one suffers in silence. Career Aspirations: Expanding Access to Mental Health Care These experiences have shaped my goal: to eliminate barriers to mental health services. I plan to establish a nonprofit organization providing accessible, trauma-informed care for marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and refugees. Inspired by my mother’s experience as a displaced child, I understand the lasting effects of trauma and the cultural barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Mental health care should never be a privilege—it is a fundamental right. The Autumn Davis Memorial Scholarship would provide critical support as I continue my education, training, and advocacy work. Autumn Davis’s legacy emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation of mental health professionals, and I hope to honor that mission by using my lived experience to bridge the gap between patients and providers. With your support, I will expand access to care, break stigma, and empower others to reclaim their lives—just as I have reclaimed mine.

Rebuilding Through Resilience: A Legacy of Healing My Jewish-Ukrainian heritage has profoundly shaped both my identity and career aspirations. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up with stories of my mother’s harrowing journey—her family’s flight from Ukraine, the kindness of strangers who hid them, and the trauma that lingered. These weren’t just memories; they were lessons in chesed (kindness), emunah (faith), and Tikkun Olam—the Jewish value of repairing the world. They instilled in me an unwavering responsibility to uplift others, especially those whose suffering is unseen. Like my mother, I carried wounds shaped by circumstances beyond my control. I pursued medicine, earning my M.D. and training in psychiatry at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, determined to heal others. But untreated mental illness forced me to step away. I lost my career, my independence, and my sense of self, cycling through hospitalizations and group homes. My life, once defined by achievement, became a fight to survive. Yet, in Judaism, survival alone is never the goal—rebuilding is. The same resilience that allowed my ancestors to endure pogroms, displacement, and genocide fueled my own journey forward. I refused to let my challenges define me. I began working at mental health facilities, volunteering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and, when ready, returned to school. This time, I pursued a master’s in counseling psychology. I realized my calling was never just medicine—it was healing, in the deepest and most human sense. One evening at a crisis center, I sat with a young woman, recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital. She felt trapped in a cycle of relapse, convinced recovery was out of reach. I recognized that hopelessness because I had once lived it. I shared my story—not as a clinician, but as someone who had been where she was. Her expression softened, and she whispered, “Maybe I can recover too.” That moment cemented my belief in the power of shared experience. Stigma often surrounds mental illness, especially in immigrant and Jewish communities, where strength is revered and suffering is hidden. But historical trauma does not disappear—it echoes across generations. My mother’s past and my own struggles have given me the insight to break these cycles. As a clinical psychologist, I will merge lived experience with professional expertise to create accessible, trauma-informed care, particularly for marginalized groups. My long-term goal is to establish a nonprofit providing mental health services to immigrants and refugees, especially those, like my mother’s family, displaced by war and persecution. Jewish tradition teaches that pikuach nefesh—saving a life—overrides nearly all other commandments. I see mental health care as a form of pikuach nefesh, offering not just treatment but dignity, understanding, and hope. John Young’s legacy is one of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of a greater purpose—values I carry in my own journey. This scholarship goes beyond mere financial support; it embodies the conviction that we can transform adversity into meaningful impact. With your support, I will continue my education, refine my clinical skills, and expand my mission—ensuring that no one, regardless of background or circumstance, is left to struggle alone. Just as my ancestors rebuilt, and as John Young rebuilt after war, I too will persist—not only for myself but for those still searching for a voice, a path, and a chance to heal.

Supporting others in their mental health journeys has been at the foundation of my life’s work. My commitment stems from my own experiences with mental illness, which not only shaped my decision to become a clinical psychologist but also instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing similar struggles. During my recovery, I realized the life-changing impact of compassionate care and have since dedicated myself to providing that same support to others. As a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I’ve worked to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health through educational workshops and advocacy campaigns. By connecting individuals and families to vital resources, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community and understanding. At an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, I work directly with individuals struggling with mental illness, helping them cultivate resilience and regain stability. These experiences fuel my belief in the necessity of accessible, empathetic mental health care. Overcoming challenges such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder has provided me with unique insight into the barriers others face. These personal struggles have incited my passion for systemic change, inspiring me to address gaps in care and support those who have been marginalized by societal stigma or lack of resources. Currently, I am pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, returning to academia at age 52 after a 20-year hiatus. My studies focus on trauma and resilience, with a special emphasis on generational trauma and its effects on immigrant and displaced populations. My mother’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor profoundly shaped my understanding of how trauma reverberates across generations, motivating me to serve others with similar histories. In the future, I plan to establish a nonprofit organization that provides culturally sensitive mental health services to underserved communities. Through a combination of clinical practice, research, and education, I aim to develop innovative interventions tailored to diverse populations. Additionally, I hope to mentor aspiring mental health professionals, cultivating a new generation of compassionate advocates dedicated to dismantling stigma and expanding access to care. My ultimate goal is to foster environments where mental health is prioritized, and every individual feels empowered to seek support. Guided by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful change, I strive to help others live their best lives.

Kindness has always been a guiding force in my life, shaping both my personal journey and professional aspirations. Overcoming significant depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder revealed the profound impact of compassion. These challenges taught me that gestures of goodwill—whether grand or seemingly small—can bring hope and healing during life’s darkest moments. As a mental health practitioner at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility and a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I have embraced this ethos, striving to create meaningful, positive change for those I support. At the IRTS facility, one experience stands out. I worked with a client living with bipolar disorder who was overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts and consumed by hopelessness. He had isolated himself, convinced that his life held no purpose. Recognizing his pain, I shared my own story of recovery—how I had once felt broken and aimless but had found a way forward. Inspired by my journey, he began to open up about his struggles. Over time, I helped him develop coping strategies, practice mindfulness, and reframe his negative thoughts into more constructive ones. We discussed his diagnosis, which helped him see that his illness did not define him or his future. Months later, he thanked me, saying, “Your support and belief in me inspired me to rebuild my life, just like you rebuilt yours.” Watching him transform from despair to hope reaffirmed my conviction that kindness, rooted in empathy and understanding, has the power to change lives. Volunteering with NAMI has provided additional opportunities to inspire others through compassion. During a presentation about my recovery journey, I emphasized the importance of seeking support and practicing self-kindness. Afterward, a young woman approached me, her voice trembling as she fought back tears. She explained that she had been hesitant to seek help for her mental health struggles, fearing stigma and rejection. Hearing my story, she said, gave her the courage to take that first, daunting step toward recovery. “For the first time, I felt like someone understood,” she told me. Moments like these remind me that vulnerability, when paired with kindness, can be a powerful motivator for others to seek hope and healing. Kindness also shapes my daily interactions at the IRTS. One client, living with schizophrenia, was disengaged from therapy and deeply skeptical of his ability to make progress. Noticing his passion for drawing, I encouraged him to use art to express his emotions and tell his story. Through consistent encouragement and validation of his efforts—no matter how small—I watched his confidence slowly rebuild. He eventually began participating in group therapy and even shared his aspirations with me. One day, he said, “You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” These seemingly simple moments—celebrating his creativity, reminding him of his strengths—helped reignite his sense of self-worth and possibility. In my personal life, caring for my father during his battle with cancer was another poignant reminder of kindness’s impact. Though I couldn’t change his prognosis, I focused on easing his pain through thoughtful acts: adjusting his pillows for comfort, holding his hand to reassure him, or sitting beside him in silence when words weren’t enough. These small gestures conveyed love and respect, offering him dignity and solace in his final days. Supporting him mirrored the compassion that others had shown me during my most difficult times and strengthened my commitment to sharing that same kindness with others. The lessons I’ve learned through NAMI and the IRTS have driven me to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling psychology. My goal is to combine my roles as a therapist, researcher, and educator to develop therapeutic approaches that integrate evidence-based techniques with authentic human connection and kindness. By teaching future mental health professionals how to approach their work with both skill and compassion, I hope to amplify kindness’s reach, far beyond the individuals I directly assist. The Jennifer and Rob Tower Memorial Scholarship would enable me to expand my understanding of how kindness influences mental health outcomes and create innovative, person-centered approaches to care. As I continue my studies, I remain dedicated to letting kindness guide my efforts, helping people navigate their challenges and discover new hope. By intentionally choosing kindness, we can build more empathetic, resilient communities. Whether it’s supporting a struggling client, sharing my story to inspire courage, or simply being present during someone’s most vulnerable moments, I am committed to making kindness the foundation of all I do.

Mental health isn’t just about survival; it’s about learning to thrive. Over the years, I’ve come to see mental health as a dynamic and continuous journey—one that demands self-awareness, resilience, and an integrative approach to emotional, mental, and physical well-being. My experiences with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder have profoundly shaped my life. While these challenges were overwhelming at times, they ignited my passion for helping others navigate their own struggles. Every morning, I begin my day with a simple yet grounding ritual: a quiet cup of coffee. This act may seem trivial, but it provides me with a moment of calm before I face the day’s demands. Through years of trial and error, I’ve discovered the importance of small, intentional practices—organizing my tasks into manageable steps, setting achievable goals, and focusing on self-care. These habits instill a sense of control and balance, empowering me to tackle both academic challenges and personal responsibilities. Graduate school has been both a rewarding and arduous chapter in my life. Twice, I’ve had to withdraw from courses due to setbacks requiring hospitalization, and I even took a year off to focus on my recovery. These periods of struggle were humbling, but they also became invaluable learning experiences. I’ve cultivated strategies like cognitive reframing to challenge negative thought patterns—replacing the belief that setbacks define me with the understanding that they are part of growth. Therapy, mindfulness, and a commitment to self-compassion have been integral to my journey. Today, I view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities to strengthen my resolve. Engaging in activities that foster joy and connection has been crucial in maintaining my mental health. Performing improv theater has taught me to stay present, think creatively, and embrace spontaneity. Studying languages—French, Hebrew, and Russian—has sharpened my mind and enriched my sense of curiosity. Reading fiction, biographies, and psychology texts fuels both my academic pursuits and personal growth. These passions have been instrumental in my recovery, allowing me to transition off disability, reenter the workforce as a mental health practitioner, and rebuild meaningful relationships with my loved ones. The resilience I’ve developed has not only enabled me to excel academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, but also to engage fully in student life, including participating in the peer support program. Each success, no matter how small, reinforces my belief that mental health and achievement are deeply interconnected. Prioritizing my well-being has shown me that thriving is possible even in the face of adversity. My journey has solidified my commitment to supporting others on similar paths. As I work toward becoming a clinical psychologist, I draw on both my academic training and lived experience to inform my approach. I aspire to create spaces where individuals feel understood, empowered, and capable of rebuilding their lives, just as I have rebuilt mine. My dream is to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible mental health services to underserved communities, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone. Mental health is not just a component of success; it is the foundation upon which growth and resilience are built. By embracing this truth, I’ve learned not only to manage crises but to foster meaningful connections, pursue my goals, and inspire others to thrive. My experiences have taught me that recovery is not linear, but it is always possible. With empathy, determination, and a commitment to understanding, I am eager to help others unlock their potential and find their own path to thriving.

Mental illness has shaped my life in some really profound ways. My mom's past profoundly affected me growing up as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. A non-Jewish family hid her during the war, and the trauma from those experiences affected her, and ultimately, our entire family. This unspoken legacy of pain and resilience shaped how I viewed the world and how I approached my own struggles with mental health. I started facing my own challenges in medical school, where I received diagnoses for major depression, generalized anxiety, and eating disorders. But the real turning point came when I lost my mom unexpectedly. Everything I had worked for seemed to crumble. Despite all of this, I managed to graduate with honors and start a psychiatry residency at Harvard’s Massachusetts General and McLean Hospitals. However, the weight of untreated mental illness eventually led me to make the tough decision to leave that program and focus on my recovery. That decision marked the start of some very difficult years. I spent time in hospitals and group homes, struggling to get my life back on track. I remember feeling stuck, like everyone around me was moving forward while I was just trying to survive. Slowly, with the help of therapy, medication, and a strong support network, I regained my independence. Eventually, I transitioned off disability and started to rebuild my sense of purpose. At 52, I decided to go back to school and pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling psychology. I knew I wanted to use my own experiences to help others. Working in an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility has shown me how important empathy and listening are in helping others heal. I’ll never forget a young client who, after months of isolation, finally began to open up about his dreams. It marked a pivotal moment for him and reaffirmed my motivation to pursue this work. Along the way, I’ve developed a passion for supporting underserved communities, particularly immigrants and marginalized groups. I want to start a nonprofit that provides accessible mental health care to these groups, especially since they often face unique barriers to getting the help they need. I’ve been researching mental health disparities in immigrant communities, and this scholarship would help me take the next step toward making this dream a reality. The lessons I’ve learned go beyond just my career. They shape how I relate to others—offering empathy, reducing stigma, and helping those who feel like no one understands them. I’m active in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where I advocate for better mental health education and work to reduce stigma, especially in communities that don’t often talk about mental health. This scholarship means so much more to me than just financial support. It’s a chance to turn everything I’ve been through into something that can help others. Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist will allow me to do just that—help others find the strength and hope they need to reclaim their lives, just as I have. I firmly believe that resilience and connection are the keys to healing. I’ve faced my share of challenges, and I’m determined to use my story to help others do the same.

My name is Elissa Ettinger, and my journey to a career in mental health reflects both personal triumph and a deep commitment to service. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up in the shadow of profound generational trauma. My mother’s experiences—hiding from the Nazis as a child—left emotional scars that shaped our family and contributed to my own struggles with major depressive disorder, anxiety, and an eating disorder. These challenges profoundly shaped my identity and instilled in me a mission to transform adversity into advocacy and healing for others. I initially pursued medicine, graduating with honors and entering psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. However, untreated mental illness forced me to leave my residency. That decision, though devastating, became the catalyst for prioritizing my recovery. It took years of intensive treatments, including hospitalizations and time in group homes, to rebuild my life. After two decades of perseverance, I found the strength to return to higher education, now pursuing a master’s and doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. My transition from medicine to psychology reflects both personal and professional growth. My lived experience allows me to connect with individuals who feel isolated by their struggles, offering empathy rooted in understanding. Working at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility has deepened my commitment to trauma-informed care, while volunteering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has reinforced the importance of systemic advocacy. These experiences have equipped me with the tools to address both individual suffering and larger societal barriers. My ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit organization providing culturally competent mental health care to marginalized communities, particularly the underserved, immigrants, and those impacted by generational trauma. Inspired by my mother’s journey and my own, I envision a sanctuary where individuals receive care that respects their cultural and historical contexts. This includes multilingual outreach, education to combat mental health stigma, and holistic approaches that foster long-term resilience. Financial independence has been a constant challenge throughout my journey. Rebuilding my life after leaving medicine required determination and sacrifice, and as a non-traditional student returning to school at 52, I have worked tirelessly to balance academic excellence with financial stability. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA reflects not only my passion for this work but also my belief that mental health care is a fundamental human right. I am pursuing this career not only to honor my experiences but to provide hope for others. By turning my struggles into a commitment to support others, I aim to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to heal and thrive. This scholarship would enable me to continue this journey, helping me turn my vision into a reality.

In my future, I aim to build a nonprofit organization providing accessible, culturally competent mental health care for marginalized communities—particularly underrepresented minorities, immigrants, displaced individuals, and those affected by generational trauma. This vision is rooted in my struggles with mental illness, my background in medicine, and my unwavering commitment to advocacy. I have faced significant mental health challenges, including major depressive disorder, severe anxiety, and an eating disorder. These struggles led me to leave my medical residency despite training at Harvard Medical School's prestigious institutions. During this time, I faced a severe depressive episode that made it impossible to continue with my medical training. While painful, this hardship became a turning point—it allowed me to prioritize recovery and regain my independence. It also sparked my resolve to merge my lived experience with my professional training to help others. As a child of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up in the shadow of generational trauma. My mother’s experiences of hiding from the Nazis left deep scars, affecting our family, and contributing to my own mental health struggles. I remember her emotional distance, shaped by the trauma she endured. These experiences have instilled in me a commitment to addressing generational trauma. I want to provide mental health services that are not only culturally sensitive but also trauma-informed, recognizing the complex pain carried across generations. Building a nonprofit will allow me to blend my personal journey with my professional expertise. Currently pursuing a master’s and doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, I am cultivating the skills needed to provide compassionate, holistic care. My medical background further enriches my ability to approach mental health with a comprehensive perspective, understanding the intersection of physical and mental health in marginalized populations. The nonprofit I envision will offer more than therapy—it will be a sanctuary for healing, empowerment, and resilience. By focusing on underserved individuals who face systemic barriers, I hope to reduce stigma, expand access to services, and break the cycle of generational trauma. One initiative I plan is a community outreach program offering culturally specific mental health education in multiple languages. This will ensure that individuals who may not seek help due to language barriers or stigma have the tools and support to begin their healing journey. My ultimate goal is to create a space where individuals, families, and communities can rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and hope. This organization will have a lasting impact—not only on those it serves but on the broader community—fostering empathy, access to care, and a shared commitment to mental health as an essential human right.

My journey with mental illness began during medical school, when I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder. The weight of these conditions grew heavier when my mother passed away unexpectedly, plunging me into profound grief. Despite these challenges, I graduated from medical school with honors and entered Harvard Medical School’s Adult Psychiatry Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. However, halfway through my residency, I found myself unable to continue my medical training. Leaving medicine—the career I had worked so hard to achieve—was one of the most painful decisions I’ve ever made. It was also one of the most necessary. Years of hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and life in group homes followed. I felt as though my life had stopped, with my pain becoming my only reality. But through these struggles, I learned one vital truth: failure is not the end; it is an invitation to rebuild. Therapy, medication, and relentless self-work helped me transition off disability, regain my independence, and ultimately pursue a new path. Today, as a graduate student in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, I use my experiences to help others discover hope and healing. At the heart of my journey is a deep need to address mental illness through openness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding it. Mental health has long been misunderstood, particularly in marginalized communities. My own struggles were compounded by the silence that enveloped mental illness in my family. My mother’s trauma, as a Holocaust survivor, passed down unspoken pain that affected us all. It took years for me to find the courage to speak about my struggles because shame wrapped around me like a cloak. That silence, that shame, is far too common. It’s why so many people suffer in isolation, afraid of judgment and rejection. To heal, we must confront mental illness head-on—without shame. By sharing my own story, I’ve learned how vulnerability can foster connection, tear down walls, and pave the way for healing. When I volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I met a mother whose anguish over her son’s mental health struggles mirrored mine. She, too, feared the judgment of family and society. I saw in her the silence I had carried for so long. And in that moment, I knew that breaking that silence was the first step toward healing—not just for her, but for all of us. This work is personal for me. I envision a future where mental health is treated as a central part of well-being, not as a weakness to hide or fear. Informed by my own experiences, I aim to establish a nonprofit that provides culturally sensitive mental health services for immigrants and those affected by generational trauma. My organization would offer not just therapy, but a community—safe spaces where people can share their stories, receive support, and find healing through the understanding that they are not alone. By offering a mix of therapeutic services, educational resources, and community-building programs, we can begin to dismantle the silence and stigma surrounding mental health. This understanding has also shaped my relationships. For years, I withdrew, fearing that sharing my struggles would make me a burden. But when I began to open up, I saw how much stronger my connections became. Today, I approach relationships with greater empathy, understanding that everyone carries burdens unseen by the world. In my work as a Mental Health Practitioner, I now offer others the same space to speak freely, without fear of judgment. My worldview has shifted, too. I no longer see mental illness as an isolated issue, but as a societal one. The stigma surrounding mental health is one of the greatest barriers to healing. It’s why so many people suffer in silence, never reaching out for help. It’s why I am committed to advocating for mental health parity, especially in underserved communities. Through open conversation, we can shift cultural perceptions and dismantle harmful stereotypes about mental illness. One of the most transformative moments of my recovery came when I facilitated a NAMI workshop. Afterward, a participant said to me, “Hearing you speak gave me hope that I can make it through this, too.” Her words were a reminder of why I do this work: to provide a voice for those who feel unheard, to show others that their stories matter, and to help break the silence that too often surrounds mental illness. I have learned that mental illness, though deeply challenging, can also be a source of profound strength. It has shown me resilience, deepened my empathy, and inspired me to help others find the courage to share their stories. My journey is ongoing, but I am committed to using it as a tool to help others. Through my clinical work, advocacy, and future endeavors, I will continue to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, helping to create a world where everyone feels safe seeking help—no matter their background, their story, or their struggles. In every conversation I have, every story shared, and every person I support, I strive to be part of the solution—helping to break the chains of stigma and foster understanding, one person at a time.

Mental health is deeply personal to me as a student because of my own journey with mental illness and recovery. Struggling with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder profoundly shaped my academic and personal life. These experiences taught me that mental health is not just a set of symptoms to be managed but an essential aspect of who we are, requiring care, compassion, and understanding. A pivotal moment in my mental health journey was the decision to leave my psychiatry residency at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. After years of working toward a career in psychiatry, I realized my mental health struggles needed my full attention. The sudden death of my mother compounded these challenges, leading to the painful yet necessary decision to step away from my career for the sake of recovery. This decision marked the beginning of a long period of healing, reflection, and eventual renewal. During this time, I not only worked to improve my own mental health but also grew deeply committed to mental health advocacy. I now serve as a Mental Health Practitioner at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, where I provide psycho-education and support individuals facing severe mental health challenges. In addition, my volunteer work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) allows me to advocate for better mental health services, combat stigma, and share my story to inspire others. These roles allow me to connect with others on a personal level, helping them feel understood and supported. At the University of St. Thomas, I am surrounded by faculty who specialize in issues such as generational trauma, something that is particularly meaningful to me as a child of a Holocaust survivor. My mother’s emotional scars, combined with the generational trauma passed down through my family, have deeply influenced my personal struggles. This background fuels my desire to work with marginalized communities, including new immigrants and displaced people, who often face unique and compounded mental health challenges. For me, mental health is not only crucial for academic success but is integral to maintaining balance as a student. While my past struggles with mental illness could have been seen as obstacles, they have become sources of strength. Managing my mental health allows me to stay focused and organized, making it possible to thrive academically. By prioritizing my well-being, I am able to remain fully engaged in my studies and contribute meaningfully to the St. Thomas community. Through my personal experiences, I have come to understand that effective mental health care is not just about managing symptoms—it is about offering holistic, compassionate care that recognizes the individual’s unique circumstances. As I work toward becoming a clinical psychologist, I am dedicated to providing care that is not only scientifically sound but also culturally sensitive and empathetic. In all aspects of my life, I advocate for mental health by sharing my story, educating others, and offering support. My journey has shaped my identity and deepened my commitment to ensuring others receive the care and compassion they deserve. I am excited to continue this work, both as a student and as a future clinician.

Helping people living with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders, along with advancing the understanding of mental health disorders and their treatments, is both my passion and my dream. I began my journey in medical school and residency at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. My goal was to become an academic psychiatrist and researcher, but my struggles with severe major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an eating disorder prevented me from completing my residency. This setback was devastating, but it also laid the foundation for my resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy. For over 20 years, I faced significant challenges living with mental illness. My condition required numerous hospitalizations, intensive treatments, and periods of living in assisted living facilities and group homes. In 2010, I was declared disabled. Despite these obstacles, I was determined to recover. Through resilience, motivation, and the support of skilled therapists and psychiatrists, I transformed my life. Today, I manage my mental health, live independently, work full-time, and have reclaimed a life of purpose. Currently, I work as a Mental Health Practitioner at an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, where I support individuals facing severe mental health challenges. I also volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to advocate for mental health services and reduce stigma. Additionally, I mentor medical students, teaching them how to build rapport and trust with patients. These roles are fulfilling, yet I feel I have more to offer. My greatest aspiration is to serve people with mental illness and substance use disorders as a healthcare professional, educator, and researcher. Returning to psychiatry was not an option, so I pursued a similar dream by enrolling at the University of St. Thomas to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology. However, financial difficulties interrupted my progress a year ago, making it impossible to continue paying tuition. Despite this setback, my passion for helping others remains undiminished. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education by covering tuition, books, and research expenses, enabling me to fulfill my dream of becoming a licensed Clinical Psychologist. With this qualification, I could make an even greater impact on the lives of those I serve, advance the understanding and development of therapeutic interventions through research, and teach others aspiring to become psychotherapists. My lived experience with mental illness gives me a unique perspective and connection with the people I work with, and I am deeply committed to helping them achieve stability, hope, and purpose. This scholarship would not only help me reach my fullest potential but also enable me to create lasting, meaningful change in the lives of individuals who deserve compassion, understanding, and effective care. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my passion, resilience, and dedication to this field and to use my experiences to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.