![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/ff93a237229c45a58d64db7292e7dc63e0010f26a0334ecf8ec4cc003ef007b8.webp)
Paducah, TX
Age
18
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Black/African, Hispanic/Latino
Religion
Christian
Church
Baptist
Hobbies and interests
Band
National Honor Society (NHS)
Reading
Adventure
Historical
Drama
Horror
I read books multiple times per month
US CITIZENSHIP
US Citizen
LOW INCOME STUDENT
Yes
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Gelena Rogers
755
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/ff93a237229c45a58d64db7292e7dc63e0010f26a0334ecf8ec4cc003ef007b8.webp)
Gelena Rogers
755
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hello I'm Gelena, I'm really interested in becoming a therapist and helping others. I believe in the power of mental health and want to make a positive impact on people's lives. With these scholarships, I'll be one step closer of achieving my dreams and helping people.
Education
Paducah High School
High SchoolGPA:
3.7
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Psychology, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Mental Health Care
Dream career goals:
Book Lovers Scholarship
"If you could have everyone in the world read just one book, what would it be and why?" This topic prompts us to explore a single book that can inspire understanding, empathy, and meaningful dialogue on urgent societal concerns. "The Hate You Give" by Angie Thomas is one such novel that deserves a global audience.
"The Hate You Give" is a breakthrough young adult novel that explores issues of racial injustice, identity, and the power of action. The plot centers around Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old black girl who witnesses the death shooting of her unarmed childhood friend Khalil by a police officer. Starr's path from silence to advocacy is a riveting story that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds.
One of the key reasons to push for this book's global reading is its power to foster empathy. Readers enter into the shoes of a young black woman navigating a world replete with institutional racism, microaggressions, and the dread of police violence through Starr's perspective. This interactive experience helps readers comprehend the daily struggles and dangers that marginalized populations endure, encouraging empathy and compassion.
The novel also promotes critical thinking, debate, and discussion of complicated social topics. "The Hate You Give" delves into themes such as racial profiling, police brutality, activism, and the tremendous impact these issues have on individuals and communities. Readers acquire insight into the complexities of institutional racism and its far-reaching consequences by reading and discussing these themes.
Furthermore, "The Hate You Give" underlined the significance of finding one's voice and standing up against injustice. Starr's journey from reluctant observer to courageous fighter for justice inspires readers of all ages and backgrounds to use their voices for positive change.
Furthermore, the novel initiates critical discussions regarding the role of media and narrative in molding public perception and effecting social change. The importance of controlling one's story and defying preconceptions is emphasized by Starr's uncle, a former gang member and community leader. In a media-saturated environment, "The Hate You Give" emphasizes the necessity of accurate portrayal and responsible reporting.
Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship
As readers on TikTok share their love of books and enthusiastically recommend them, the #BookTok community has swept the literary world by storm.
For my dream bookshelf, "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller would have to be the first title. A sensation of love and sacrifice, this masterfully written version of the myth of Achilles and Patroclus has touched the hearts of many readers and sparked discussions on issues of love, friendship, and the retelling of great tales.
My second favorite novel is "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo. This book has been extremely popular on BookTok. This engrossing fantasy series offers a wide array of characters as well as a complicated heist storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book's examination of atonement and rediscovered family resonated strongly with the community, including myself.
"The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang would unquestionably be my third choice. Beginning with "The Poppy War," this dark and epic fantasy trilogy has been a standout recommendation on BookTok. Kuang's investigation of war, power, and the consequences of decisions has stirred debate about historical connections and the moral quandaries confronting the protagonist, Rin.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz's "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" would be my fourth choice. With its examination of identity, friendship, and self-diversity, this coming-of-age tale has touched the hearts of BookTok readers. Aristotle and Dante's wonderfully written story has sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in literature and the necessity of varied voices.
Adam Silvera's "They Both Die at the End" is my fifth novel. This thought-provoking young adult novel examines the topic of living life to the fullest when you know your death date. The emotional effect and philosophical concepts of the book have sparked debates about morality, friendship, and seizing the day.
My last book, "The Hate You Give" by Angie Thomas would most definitely be on my ideal bookshelf. As a person of color, both the movie and the book had an impact on not just me, but also the BookTok community. Angie Thomas's stunning novel on race, activism, and police brutality made a huge impact on the BookTok community. It spurred debates on social justice, racism, and the value of utilizing literature to address serious societal issues.
These novels cover a wide range of genres and topics that have struck a chord with the BookTok community. They've spurred debates about identity, love, friendship, justice, and the human condition. These books have become a source of connection and discussion among readers, building a sense of community and a shared enthusiasm for storytelling.
Netflix and Scholarships!
"Black Mirror" is a wonderful Netflix series that is well worth setting out a weekend to binge. "Black Mirror" is a thought-provoking and spooky anthology series that investigates the dark side of technology and how it affects society. It was created by Charlie Brooker.
The storytelling of "Black Mirror" is renowned for being thought-provoking and for its capacity to evoke our shared fears and anxieties about the future. Each episode is a stand-alone tale, frequently taking place in a dystopian future where technology is heavily utilized. Each episode will seem new and distinct thanks to the wide variety of ideas and situations that can be explored in these stand-alone narratives.
The ability of "Black Mirror" to reflect on modern society and its fixation with technology is one of its most notable features. The show poses significant queries concerning the moral and ethical ramifications of technological progress. It examines issues including personal data privacy, social media, artificial intelligence, and the effects of our world's growing interconnectedness.
"Black Mirror" has incisive and thought-provoking writing. The programs are carefully written to question viewers' preconceptions and inspire reflection. They frequently examine the unintended repercussions of technology and present difficult moral quandaries, giving viewers enough to talk about and debate after the credits have rolled.
The cast of the show is exceptionally talented, and the acting is superb. Top performers including Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Daniel Kaluutya have been drawn to "Black Mirror" because each episode presents a fresh cast of characters and situations. its performances give the story depth and authenticity, heightening its impact.
This series encourages debate and introspection. It's the kind of show that makes viewers reflect on how they view technology in their own lives and how they relate to it. If you appreciate intellectually stimulating stuff, this is a great choice for a weekend binge-watch because you'll probably find yourself having debates about its themes and consequences after watching an episode.
Additionally, "Black Mirror" is renowned for its surreal twists and tales that bend the mind. The series often defies expectations in unexpected ways, keeping you guessing until the very end. The unpredictable nature of the situation heightens the intensity of the viewing experience.
This series explores dark and scary territory, but it also has poignant insights and resonant emotional moments. The series' numerous episodes' explorations of issues like human connection, loneliness, and the effects of our decisions make it both academically and emotionally appealing.
To sum up, "Black Mirror" is a must-watch series for everyone interested in narrative development and a thorough examination of how technology affects our lives. It's a great choice for a weekend binge-watch because of its compelling narratives, superb performances, and capacity to elicit thought-provoking debates.
RonranGlee Literary Scholarship
The Allegory of the Cave in Plato's "The Republic," which highlights the path from ignorance to enlightenment through the pursuit of deeper truths, challenging accepted ideas, and realizing the difference between the world of appearances and ultimate reality, serves as a powerful metaphorical representation of the transformative power of philosophy.
A part of the book says, "Imagine this: People live under the earth in a cave-like dwelling. Stretching a long way up toward the daylight is its entrance, toward which the entire cave is gathered. The people have been prisoners since childhood, fixed in the same place, with their necks and legs fettered, able to see only in front of them, because their bonds prevent them from turning their heads around. Light is provided by a fire burning above and behind them. Also behind them, but on higher ground, there is a path stretching between them and the fire. Imagine that along this path a low wall has been built. like the screen in front of puppeteers above which they show their puppets."
In the allegorical story from Plato's "The Republic," often known as the "Allegory of the Cave," the philosopher presents a colorful and thought-provoking situation. The passage describes a strange universe where people reside in underground homes that resemble caves. Expounding on Plato's underlying meaning in this work, which acts as a potent allegory for the nature of reality, human perception, and the search for knowledge, is the main premise of this article.
The allegory begins with the idea of the inhabitants of an underground cave. These people have been held captive since they were young, their bodies restrained by fetters that stretch to their necks and legs. Their physical enslavement represents their intellectual limitations and is a metaphor for how most people are constrained from an early age by prevailing ideologies and social standards.
The cave's opening, which stretches high above and is illuminated by sunlight, is a representation of the world of appearances and sensory experience, which Plato claims to be the domain of illusion. Because they are unable to turn their heads, the inmates can only view the wall in front of them, on which items moving behind them are casting shadows. Plato believes that these shadows stand in for the skewed and superficial perception of reality that the majority of people take to be true.
The fire that is blazing far above and behind the inmates serves as the allegory's focal point. The only source of light in the cave is this fire, which also lights the items that throw shadows on the wall. These items, which move between the fire and the inmates, are comparable to the physical world and the transitory sensory experiences that people have. The captives mistake these illusions for the ultimate truth because they are preoccupied with the shadows and unaware of the flames and items behind them.
The most significant addition is made by Plato, who also includes a corridor that connects the captives to the fire and a low wall that resembles the screen of a puppet show. Puppeteers are working with various props behind this wall, throwing shadows on the cave wall. This exemplifies how trickery and deceit continue to keep the captives ignorant. The puppeteers stand for those who direct and sculpt the social narratives that affect people's lives and keep them mired in delusion.
As Plato continues to develop the allegory, his underlying point becomes more and more obvious. According to his argument, the inmates of the cave stand in for the uneducated members of society, whose understanding of reality is restricted to the shadows on the cave wall. Their intellectual and physical limitations reflect the limitations of tradition and conformity that prevent many people from challenging the status quo and pursuing more profound truths.
The philosopher's ascent out of the cave represents his or her quest for knowledge and enlightenment. According to Plato, the only way to get true wisdom is to free oneself from the bonds of ignorance and move toward the world of Forms, which stands for the highest actuality and truth. This ascension involves a readiness to turn away from the shadows on the cave wall and to ponder the delusions of the corporeal world.
The "Allegory of the Cave" by Plato is essentially a profound commentary on reality, perception, and the quest for truth. It emphasizes the idea that the majority of people are ignorant and enthralled by the illusory shadows of the sensory world. Plato's main argument is that real enlightenment is attained by overcoming these delusions, accepting reason, and looking for the greater truths that exist outside of the cave.
The power of education and philosophy to free people from ignorance and lead them to a deeper comprehension of reality is also highlighted in this allegory. As a philosopher, Plato sees himself in the position of a liberator, someone who can assist others in breaking free from their intellectual and perceptual chains and setting out on the path to enlightenment.
In conclusion, Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" is a timeless and powerful philosophical narrative that invites contemplation of the nature of reality and the pursuit of knowledge. Through the vivid imagery of the cave, prisoners, shadows, and the path to enlightenment. Plato conveys his belief in the transformative power of philosophy and critical thinking. This allegory continues to resonate with contemporary discussions on perception, truth, and the quest for deeper understanding, making it a foundational text in the history of philosophy.
VonDerek Casteel Being There Counts Scholarship
Hello, my name is Gelena Rogers, I am seventeen years old and becoming a therapist is my dream career. I want to help people overcome their challenges and lead happier lives.
My ultimate professional objective is to work toward becoming a skillful and compassionate therapist who can make a difference in the lives of those dealing with mental health problems. Wanting to become a therapist, my goal is to foster an accepting atmosphere where patients can explore their feelings, learn coping mechanisms, and experience healing. My career choice is motivated by my desire to assist people in navigating the intricacies of their psychological lives and enhancing their general well-being.
Because I am so passionate about helping people and offering assistance to those dealing with mental health challenges, I think I should be awarded the scholarship. I haven't been able to volunteer at counseling facilities because I reside in a small town where there aren't any locations to do so, but I plan to when the opportunity arises. The financial support I would receive from this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and gain real-world experience through internships and specialized training, which would be a game changer for me. I believe that by using this scholarship, I will be able to significantly improve the lives of people who most need it.
I could use this scholarship a lot while I work toward becoming a therapist. The first benefit would be a reduction in the cost of receiving a good education. For prospective therapists, the expense of tuition, books, and other educational materials is frequently a substantial barrier. I would be able to concentrate more on my academics, clinical experience, and establishing a solid foundation in the profession if I were to be awarded this scholarship. I would also have the chance to attend conferences, invest in more training, pursue certificates that would advance my professional competence, and attend them thanks to this grant.
I am genuinely passionate about assisting others in overcoming their psychological obstacles, which is why I selected the counseling area. I became motivated to change things after seeing how my family, including my mother, were affected by mental health difficulties. I can help reduce the stigma of mental health and advance an environment that values emotional well-being by training to be a therapist. Additionally, the profession of therapy offers a dynamic and rewarding career path that promotes personal development, lifelong learning, and the chance to have a profoundly good impact on people's lives. Being able to support people during their most vulnerable times and lead them toward personal development and healing is a privilege.