As a survivor of childhood abuse myself, I have always been very aware of the need for trained therapists and counselors who specialize in helping children who may be distrustful of new adults. I myself was made to go to therapy and did not trust my assigned therapist. It can be very frightening to be told to tell your truth to a new person, and children can feel like they need to keep their secrets from them. I have always had an interest in Psychology, but after leaving college during my Sophomore year in 2014 I did not think that it could ever become my profession. During the fall term of 2020 the Covid pandemic caused the loss of my employment, and I decided to take it as an opportunity to return to my education. I took a criminology course on human trafficking which would forever change the course of my future career. Learning how young girls and boys are while being groomed, abused and trafficked, it shocked me to my core. I made a decision then that I would pursue a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology so that I would be able to help these victims and survivors of human trafficking. I finished my Associates of Science degree at a community college and applied to the Honors college at Portland State University, to which I was admitted. I was also selected from thousands of applicants to become a UNST PSU peer mentor, in which I will be mentoring incoming Freshman throughout the entire year. I would like to use my experience as a mentor of students to inform my upcoming career as a counselor to survivors of abuse. To better learn how to interact with young people and gain trust in order to make an impact. Years ago I was that scared battered child in an office with a stranger being asked questions I did not want to discuss. I want to become the sort of therapist and child rights activist who inspires trust in those they work with. I want the kids and survivors who were abused as kids I help to know that I am a safe place for them. I want to be able to help them access resources they might not otherwise be aware of. I want to dedicate my life to helping abused children find their new paths in life, and give them the strength to do so. With the help of this scholarship I will be able to fund my tuition. I have not had employment since the covid pandemic caused me to be laid off and I do not have the funds to cover my living expenses and an expensive tuition bill. Your consideration of me as a recipient of the Olivia Jansen scholarship is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Hailey Robertson