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Emely Grajeda

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Travel And Tourism
  • Shopping And Thrifting
  • Music
  • Comedy
  • Counseling And Therapy
  • Mental Health
  • Tutoring
  • Volunteering
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Nutrition and Health
  • Psychiatry
  • Studying
  • Mentoring
  • Board Games And Puzzles
  • Artificial Intelligence

Reading

  • Novels
  • Academic
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Literature
  • Women's Fiction
  • Social Science
  • Social Issues
  • Politics
  • Music
  • Health
  • Literary Fiction
  • Science‎
  • Short Stories
  • Sociology
  • Family

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

As a dedicated Psychology student at UIC, I am passionate about understanding human behavior and social dynamics and using that knowledge to support individuals and communities in meaningful ways. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to pursuing a career in higher education student affairs, with particular interests in academic/career advising, mentorship, leadership, counseling, therapy, and student support services. These fields reflect my dedication to empowering individuals, especially students, to overcome challenges and achieve personal, academic, and career goals. I am sincerely grateful to Bold.org and the generous scholarship donors who make it possible for students like myself to access educational scholarship opportunities. Your support not only helps alleviate the financial burden of college but also reinforces my motivation to continue striving toward my educational goals and to give back to the community through a career rooted in service and advocacy.

Education

University of Illinois at Chicago

Bachelor's degree program

2022 – 2026

Majors:
  • Psychology, General

John F. Kennedy High

High School

2018 – 2022

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University
Majors of interest:
Psychology, General, Educational Administration and Supervision, Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time, In-Person, Hybrid
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Student Aide for New Student Advising & Registration (NSAR)

    Higher Education · UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Jun 2025 – Aug 2025

  • General Office Aide

    Higher Education · UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Aug 2024 – Present

  • Student Aide for New Student Advising & Registration (NSAR)

    Higher Education · UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Jun 2026 – Aug 2026

  • Student Aide for New Student Advising & Registration (NSAR)

    Higher Education · UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Jun 2024 – Aug 2024

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Counseling, Higher Education, Mental Health Care, Psychology, Individual & Family Services
Dream career goals:
College Advising
Work experience:
2 years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Student Life Photography Scholarship
Taylor Swift ‘1989’ Fan Scholarship
Taylor Swift, a talented American singer-songwriter with a creative and successful music career. Her ‘1989’ album from 2014 was an iconic Synth-pop genre superhit that thrilled many young individuals including myself as I was an 11-year-old in middle school. I remember as if it were just yesterday listening to ‘1989’ on my iPod, such a memorable year for Swifties, a nickname that distinguishes Taylor Swift fans. My favorite song from ‘1989’ is “Welcome to New York” which has a positive tone and mood. The meaning behind this demonstrates Taylor’s new lifestyle as she moved from Nashville, Tennessee to New York. This was an inspirational song for her as she expressed freedom, beginning a new chapter in her life. In September 2014, Taylor publicly shared her optimistic feelings about ‘1989’ and her living situation with Rolling Stone, an American news magazine focusing on music, politics, and pop culture. She simply said that she is happy and enjoys her life, album, and New York which delighted many fans. My favorite lines in the song are the following: “The lights are so bright, but they never blind me, me Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you Welcome to New York, welcome to New York” The first line shares visual imagery of the city as lights project happiness and freedom to Taylor. The second and third lines give a warm welcome to everyone living outside the city of New York as it is a place to visit and get to know new people and sites. I enjoy how Taylor sings these lines passionately as it gives a positive view of the city, encouraging everyone to travel, move to a new environment, and change some habits. New York is a large touristic city and listening to “Welcome to New York” makes me feel adventurous. I love traveling, especially to large cities during the spring and summer. I have never been to New York and the way it is portrayed in Taylor’s song and in the media makes me want to book a flight. I hope to one day visit and take pictures of the Statue of Liberty and Times Square while listening to the ‘1989’ album. “Welcome to New York” plays on an animated comedy movie called “The Secret Life of Pets” from 2016. This movie takes place in New York and demonstrates what pets do, specifically dogs when their owners are not home. During the movie, the pets casually walked in the streets and parks of New York, presenting tall, glassy, and colorful buildings. This vibrant scenery made me feel as if I were inside the film.
@GrowingWithGabby National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
@normandiealise National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
Your Dream Music Scholarship
Vivir Mi Vida is a Spanish song by Marc Anthony and is one of the many positive songs I love listening to when I am in need of motivation. This song is about living life to the fullest along with happiness and laughter. Do what makes you proud, smile, laugh, and dance. This song makes me think of how I want my future to look like. I strive to have a happy and successful life. In order to do so, I will continue my college education to become a mental health professional, specifically a behavior technician. "Voy a vivir el momento, Para entender el destino, Voy a escuchar en silencio, Para encontrar el camino". This verse received my full attention. It means "I'm going to live the moment, To understand the futurе, I'm going to listen in silence, To find thе way". I made a personal connection with the first two phrases as a college student. "I'm going to live the moment, To understand the future" is currently what I'm doing as a first year college student as I continue learning new subjects and topics to prepare for my mental health career. "I'm going to listen in silence, To find the way" tells me to avoid negative influences and advice so I can move on with my life and accomplishments. I make decisions myself and know whats best for me and my future. I don't let anyone tell me what I can or can't do. Negativity will not underestimate me or my potential. The guidance I follow comes from my family and educators.
#Back2SchoolBold Scholarship
There are so many great and helpful back-to-school tips. I specifically encourage all students at any grade level to socialize more and connect with your peers, teachers, and counselors. Build a confident relationship with everyone at school. This can help you make friends, work in pairs or groups and build strong social skills. No student is ever alone. We all have the valuable resources we need to help us academically. Remember that everyone is there to help, guide, and advise you with assignments and personal life situations.
Emely Grajeda Student Profile | Bold.org