My name is Gabriel Wainwright, and I’m from a small close-knit town in Arkansas. I plan to study psychology at Arkansas State University. During my years of high school I was heavily involved in several clubs and organizations that encouraged the growth of leadership and teamwork skills. I served as the vice president of my schools student council and the vice president of our Jag Career and Development club. I was also a member of the National Beta Club, Art Club, Library Club, Spanish Club, and Technology Students Association. Additionally, I was chosen by the staff as a behavioral team member, allowing me the opportunity to work closely with my peers and help create a fun, positive school environment. With being a full time student, I worked two jobs, maintaining a 3.75 GPA, graduating with magna cum laude honors. While still being in high school, I dedicated a majority of my time to community service, achieving more than the required hours needed to graduate. My experiences in giving back to my community have encouraged my desire to make a difference in the world through my career in psychology. Mental health is a crucial part of our everyday lives, and it is important that we have a healthy relationship with our mental well-being. I’ve always been intrigued with understanding how the brain functions and how the impact affects our everyday interactions. Helping others understand and navigate their mental is something I’m dedicated to doing. Because of this, I plan to obtain my Ph.D in psychology and open my own mental health center. My main goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable to receive the support they deserve. I plan to staff my center with psychologists of color and those not of color to ensure that everyone is comfortable, understood, and possibly have someone to relate to. By opening my own mental health center, I pray I’m able to provide accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services to people in need. I want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within communities of color, and encourage everyone to seek help when they need it. In conclusion, my name is Gabriel Wainwright, and I am determined to making a positive impact on the world through my career in psychology. With my love for mental health and my dedication to helping others, I’m confident that I will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of those who enter the clinic. Thank you for considering me for the Scholarship.

Throughout my life, God has helped me countless times. There have been moments when I worried about how my family would afford things or how I would achieve something, and God always made a way, making what seemed impossible, possible. I believe my faith will assist me in my career because God has never once failed me. My heart is full of love and a desire to give back. I want to move out of state and open my own mental health clinic. I am not sure how or where I will even begin, and I do not know where I will get the funding. I know God has put this career on my heart for a reason. Because of that, I have nothing to worry about. My journey to this point has been shaped by my faith. As a rising freshman at Arkansas State University, majoring in Psychology, I have always felt called to help others. In high school, I served as the vice president of the student council and participated in various clubs such as National Beta, Art, Library, Spanish, and the Technology Students Association. I was also the vice president of the Jag Career and Development club and was chosen by the staff as a behavioral team member. These experiences have taught me the importance of leadership, community service, and dedication. My faith has been my anchor through all these activities. When I felt overwhelmed by responsibilities or uncertain about my future, I turned to God for guidance. My high school GPA of 3.75 and the hours of community service I completed are testaments to the strength and perseverance my faith has given me. I have learned that with God, all things are possible, and this belief has carried me through challenging times. Looking ahead to my career, I know that my faith will continue to guide me. Opening a mental health clinic is a daunting task, but I am confident that God will provide the resources and opportunities I need. My passion for mental health stems from my desire to help others find peace and healing, much like how my faith has brought me peace. I want to create a space where people can receive the support they need, regardless of their background or circumstances. In conclusion, my faith has been a constant source of strength and guidance in my life. It has helped me overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. As I embark on my college journey and future career, I am confident that my faith will continue to assist me. I am ready to take on the challenges ahead, knowing that God is by my side.

My name is Gabriel Wainwright, and I am a rising freshman at Arkansas State University (ASU), majoring in Psychology. My career goal is to become a neuropsychologist, a psychologist who studies the relationship between behavior, emotion, and cognition, and how the brain functions. I have faced significant adversity in my journey, particularly stereotypes, biases, and representations as a young black female. These challenges have only strengthened my resolve to achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to the field of neuropsychology. Growing up, I often felt the weight of stereotypes and biases. As a young black woman, I have faced assumptions about my capabilities and potential. People often underestimated me, which was disheartening. However, these experiences fueled my determination to prove them wrong. I worked hard in school, achieving a high school GPA of 3.75 and going above and beyond the required hours of community service. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to excellence and my desire to break down barriers. In high school, I was actively involved in various clubs and leadership roles. I served as the vice president of the student council, where I learned valuable leadership and teamwork skills. I was also a member of the National Beta Club, the Art Club, the Library Club, the Spanish Club, and the Technology Students Association. Additionally, I was the vice president of the Jag Career and Development Club and was chosen by staff as a behavioral team member. These experiences helped me develop a well-rounded perspective and a strong sense of community. My interest in neuropsychology stems from a fascination with the brain and its impact on behavior and cognition. I am particularly interested in understanding how different factors, such as trauma or neurological disorders, affect mental processes and behavior. By studying neuropsychology, I hope to contribute to the development of effective treatments and interventions for individuals with these conditions. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I want to be part of the solution. At ASU, I plan to immerse myself in my studies and take advantage of opportunities for research and hands-on experience in the field of psychology. I am eager to learn from experienced professors and collaborate with my peers. I also plan to continue my involvement in community service and leadership roles, as I believe these experiences are essential for personal and professional growth. In conclusion, my career goal of becoming a neuropsychologist is driven by my passion for understanding the brain and helping others. Despite facing adversity in the form of stereotypes and biases, I have remained determined and focused on my goals. My experiences in high school have prepared me well for the challenges of college and beyond. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am committed to making a positive impact in the field of neuropsychology. Thank you for considering my application for the CareerFitter Scholarship.

In a difficult period of my life, I was fortunate enough to receive relentless support from an exceptional individual in my hometown of Star City, Arkansas. This person demonstrated to me the incredible power of love and support, and their influence on my life is something for which I will always be grateful. As a student at Star City High School, I have personally witnessed the transformation that one devoted person can bring to someone's life. Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance and support of an extraordinary individual - my career guidance counselor, Roberta Thomas. Her expertise and unrelenting dedication have played a vital role in shaping my path and helping me navigate the obstacles and opportunities that I have encountered. I am truly appreciative of Ms. Thomas's impact on my life and for all that she has done to help me achieve my goals. From the very beginning, Ms. Thomas has been there for me every step of the way. She has provided me with guidance, support, and endless amounts of encouragement, even when I have doubted myself. Ms. Thomas has an incredible ability to see my potential and never fails to offer words of encouragement and advice. She has taught me the importance of prayer, reminding me to always turn to faith no matter how big or small of a problem. Thanks to her steadfast support, I have been able to pursue my dreams with confidence and overcome any obstacle that comes my way. Ms. Thomas has been a valuable source of inspiration and guidance throughout my journey, and I am permanently grateful for her presence in my life. Ms. Thomas has been instrumental in shaping my character and academic dreams, with her rigorous dedication to instilling values of respect and positivity in her students. Over the years, I have found Ms. Thomas to be a constant source of comfort and guidance, providing me with a secure and supportive space where I can voice my thoughts and concerns without judgment. Her words of wisdom, encouraging me to seek reassurance in prayer and to have faith that difficult times will eventually pass, have been a true inspiration and have helped me navigate some of the toughest challenges in my life. Despite her struggles, Ms. Thomas never fails to radiate positivity and uplift the spirits of those around her. Her infectious optimism and staggering support have been priceless to me, and I am beyond grateful for all that she has done to help me become the person I am today. Ms. Thomas is truly a one-of-a-kind educator and human being, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her, forever someone I’ll look up to.

I am extremely grateful for the Joan Free Thompson scholarship as it would greatly benefit my education by providing financial aid for various expenses such as books, tuition fees, and other necessities. Being a recipient of this scholarship would open up new opportunities and allow me to focus solely on my studies without the added stress of financial burden. The Joan Free Thompson scholarship would offer me educational opportunities that would be unattainable otherwise. It would allow me to attend a top-tier university or study abroad, gain diverse perspectives, and expand my global awareness. Additionally, it offers networking opportunities and connections to professionals in my field of interest, which would give me a boost in my career in psychology. This scholarship would grant me financial independence, allowing me to focus solely on my studies and utilize opportunities like research and internships. The Joan Free Thompson scholarship would eliminate the need for multiple jobs or loans, empowering me to express my full potential. This scholarship can offer me valuable resources, such as specialized workshops, conferences, and research grants, to enhance my education in psychology. Additionally, the program's mentorship component will connect me with an experienced psychologist who can guide me throughout my academic journey. The Joan Free Thompson scholarship will provide financial assistance, new opportunities, valuable resources, and experienced mentorship. With it, I can fully dedicate myself to becoming a successful neuropsychologist.