The Book That Changed My Life I have read many books throughout school and my personal life, but no book has shaped me more than the Bible. To me, the Bible is more than a book that I enjoy reading. It has been a source of hope, guidance, correction, and encouragement during some of the hardest seasons of my life. It has taught me about forgiveness, perseverance, compassion, and most importantly, that a person's past does not have to determine their future. There was a time in my life when I felt very far from the person I wanted to be. I struggled with addiction for years, went through unhealthy and abusive situations, and made choices that left me feeling like I had ruined my future. Eventually, I entered a 12-month faith-based rehabilitation program in Texas. That was where my relationship with God became real to me and where reading the Bible began to change the way I viewed myself and other people. One lesson that has stayed with me comes from Romans 8:28, which teaches that God can work through all things for good. That verse became especially meaningful because there were many parts of my story that I wished I could erase. Over time, I began to understand that even though I could not change my past, God could use what I had been through to help someone else. The Bible has also taught me not to judge people solely by what I can see on the outside. Jesus repeatedly showed compassion to people who were rejected, hurting, or looked down upon by society. That has greatly influenced my decision to pursue a career in social work. I know what it feels like to need someone to see beyond your mistakes and recognize that there is still value and potential within you. I want to provide that same compassion to others. Today, I am a first-generation college student studying social work while also working full-time and raising my family. My ultimate goal is to continue my education, earn my master's degree in social work, and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hope to work with individuals and families who have experienced addiction, trauma, domestic violence, mental health struggles, and other difficult circumstances. Reading has taught me that words have the ability to change the direction of someone's life. The right words at the right time can give someone hope when they have almost none left. For me, those words were found in the Bible. My favorite book did not simply entertain me or teach me information. It helped change the way I live my life and the future I am working toward. The Bible taught me that redemption is possible, perseverance has purpose, and our hardest experiences can become opportunities to serve others. Those lessons are now at the center of the kind of social worker—and person—I hope to become.

Understanding What Was Underneath the Addiction For a long time, I thought my drug addiction was simply the result of bad choices. I told myself that I started using drugs because they were fun and that somewhere along the way, I had just lost control. I never considered that my mental health could have played a major role in the path I went down. In fact, for years I denied that possibility completely. My addiction lasted for about seven years and took me to places I never imagined I would be. I struggled with relationships, responsibilities, and believing that I could ever create a different life for myself. Eventually, I entered a 12-month faith-based rehabilitation program in Texas. I have now been in recovery since December 2020, and recovery has required me to look much deeper than simply asking myself why I used drugs. I had to begin asking what I was trying to escape from. After getting sober and receiving professional mental health testing, I learned that I have severe ADD and OCD. Suddenly, so many parts of my life began to make sense. The racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, impulsivity, overthinking, and feeling like my mind would never slow down were not things everyone experienced the way I did. For years, drugs had provided a temporary escape from a mind that I did not understand. Learning this did not remove my responsibility for the choices I made, but it helped me understand them. There is a major difference between making excuses for your past and understanding the factors that contributed to it. Understanding my mental health has allowed me to address the actual problems instead of constantly trying to silence the symptoms. One of the hardest things for me to accept was how long I denied the connection between mental health and addiction. I truly believed I was just using drugs for “fun.” Looking back, I can see that substance use became an unhealthy coping mechanism long before I realized I was coping with anything at all. That realization has completely changed the way I view people struggling with addiction and mental health. Today, I am pursuing an education in social work because I want to help people who may be fighting battles they do not fully understand yet. I know what it feels like to be judged by your behavior while no one sees what is happening underneath it. I also know how powerful it can be when someone finally listens, asks the right questions, and sees you as a person rather than a problem. My mental health struggles and addiction are parts of my story, but they are no longer the ending. I am now a first-generation college student, a mother, a full-time employee, and a full-time student working toward a career where I can help others. The life I have today once felt impossible. Perseverance, to me, does not mean never struggling. It means continuing to move forward, learning from what you have survived, and allowing those experiences to give your life greater purpose. My past taught me that sometimes the behavior we see on the outside is only a symptom of a much deeper battle. As a future social worker, I hope to be the person who is willing to look deeper.

When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during my twin pregnancy, I quickly realized that managing the condition was about much more than checking blood sugar. It became part of my daily routine and required constant attention, from monitoring what I ate to giving myself insulin every morning and every night. Even though my diagnosis is temporary, it has given me a new appreciation for the discipline, uncertainty, and emotional stress that people with chronic conditions experience every day. As a Social Work student, my goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with children and families who are facing difficult circumstances. While my primary focus will be mental health, I have learned that physical and emotional health are deeply connected. Living with gestational diabetes has shown me how overwhelming it can be to manage appointments, medications, insurance, finances, and the fear that comes with a medical diagnosis. Those challenges affect not only the individual but also their entire family. This experience has strengthened my desire to advocate for people living with diabetes and other chronic autoimmune conditions. As a social worker, I want to help patients navigate resources, connect them with financial assistance, provide emotional support, and make sure they feel heard during their healthcare journey. Many people with chronic illnesses experience anxiety, burnout, or feelings of isolation. Sometimes what they need most is someone who listens without judgment and helps them find practical solutions to the challenges they face. My own experiences have taught me that empathy cannot always be learned from a textbook. It often comes from walking through difficult seasons yourself. Having to check my blood sugar, carefully plan meals, and take four units of insulin every morning and every night has given me a greater understanding of the daily commitment that diabetes requires. Although gestational diabetes usually ends after pregnancy, the lessons it has taught me about resilience, patience, and perseverance will stay with me throughout my career. I also hope to advocate for greater access to healthcare and education for individuals living with chronic illnesses. Too many families struggle with the cost of medications, healthy food, and medical care. As a social worker, I want to help remove those barriers so people can focus on improving their health instead of worrying about whether they can afford treatment. My education is preparing me to make a difference beyond counseling alone. I want to build relationships with patients, advocate for their needs, and remind them that they are more than their diagnosis. My experience with gestational diabetes has reinforced my passion for helping others with compassion, dignity, and understanding. I hope to use both my education and my personal experiences to ensure that people living with chronic conditions never feel like they have to face those challenges alone.

Selected Paragraph (from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance") "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you; the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being." Trusting the Inner Voice: Emerson's Call to Courage Thesis: In this passage from *Self-Reliance*, Ralph Waldo Emerson argues that genuine success and fulfillment come from trusting the inner voice that God has placed within each person rather than allowing society to define who they should become. His message is not about selfishness or ignoring others, but about having the courage to live honestly according to one's convictions. The most important phrase in this paragraph is Emerson's command to "Trust thyself." At first glance, it sounds like simple advice to be confident. However, Emerson's meaning goes much deeper. He believes that every person has an inner moral compass that should guide their decisions. Instead of constantly looking for approval from other people, individuals should have the courage to listen to their own conscience. Emerson suggests that this inner voice is more reliable than popular opinion because it reflects a deeper truth about who we are. Another important idea is Emerson's statement that people should "accept the place the divine providence has found for you." This reveals that self-reliance is not simply about independence. Emerson acknowledges that each person has a unique purpose and place in life. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or wishing for different circumstances, we should recognize that our experiences can prepare us for meaningful work. This sentence also shows that Emerson believed there is a relationship between personal responsibility and divine guidance. Trusting yourself does not mean rejecting God; it means believing that God has given each person unique gifts and opportunities. Emerson also points to "great men" as examples of those who trusted themselves despite opposition. Throughout history, many influential leaders, inventors, and reformers faced criticism because their ideas challenged accepted beliefs. If they had only followed public opinion, many important discoveries and social changes would never have happened. Emerson encourages readers to understand that progress often begins with someone who is willing to think independently and remain faithful to their convictions. I believe Emerson's message is especially meaningful today. Social media constantly encourages people to compare themselves to others and seek approval through likes, comments, and trends. Many people change their opinions or hide who they really are because they fear rejection. Emerson reminds us that true confidence comes from knowing our values instead of depending on the opinions of strangers. His words encourage people to develop character rather than popularity. This passage also connects with my own educational journey. As a social work student, I have learned that many people struggle with believing they have value or purpose. My own life experiences have taught me that healing begins when people recognize their worth instead of allowing their past mistakes or other people's opinions to define them. Emerson's message reinforces the importance of helping people discover their own strength while remaining grounded in integrity and compassion. The passage also reminds me that education should be more than memorizing information. College challenges students to think critically, evaluate ideas, and develop their own understanding of the world. Close reading allows us to uncover meanings that are not immediately obvious. While the passage appears to be about confidence, a deeper reading reveals Emerson's belief that authentic living requires courage, responsibility, and faith in one's God-given purpose. Ultimately, Emerson's underlying message is that every person has the ability to live a meaningful life when they trust the truth within themselves instead of chasing society's expectations. His words challenge readers to reject conformity, embrace integrity, and confidently pursue the purpose they have been given. Although this essay was written more than 180 years ago, its message remains just as relevant today because every generation must choose whether to follow the crowd or faithfully become the person they were created to be.

One of the most important things I want to build is a strong foundation for my family. I want my children to grow up knowing Jesus, living with integrity, and understanding the importance of kindness, honesty, and serving others. I believe that the choices we make today shape the future, and I want to create a home where faith, love, and compassion are at the center of everything we do. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work because I want to build a career that allows me to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so I can work with children and families who have experienced trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, or domestic violence. I know firsthand how difficult life can be, but I also know that healing and hope are possible with the right support. Building this future has not been easy. As a full-time college student, I also work full-time while raising my family. There are long days, sleepless nights, and many sacrifices, but every challenge reminds me why I started. I want my children to see that perseverance, faith, and hard work can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. My education is helping me build more than just a career. It is giving me the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in my community. I want to advocate for children, strengthen families, and help people discover that their past does not have to determine their future. Even one caring person can change someone's life, and I hope to be that person for many people throughout my career. I also want to be an example in my community by serving others with compassion and integrity. Whether it is supporting families in crisis, encouraging children to believe in themselves, or simply being someone who listens without judgment, I want my life to reflect the values I hope to teach my own children. The future I am building is one that extends beyond my own success. I am building a legacy of faith, integrity, education, and service. I hope my children will grow up knowing that a life centered on Jesus and lived with honesty, compassion, and purpose is the strongest foundation anyone can have. Through my education and future career, I hope to help build stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for the people I have the privilege to serve.

Growing up, I learned that success is not determined by where you begin, but by the determination you have to keep moving forward. My journey has not been easy. I am a first-generation college student, a single mother, and someone who overcame years of addiction, domestic violence, and personal struggles to build a better life for myself and my family. Today, I work full-time in behavioral health while attending college full-time to earn my degree in Social Work. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced my commitment to helping others. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so I can support individuals and families who are facing addiction, trauma, mental illness, and other life challenges. I know what it feels like to believe there is no way forward, and I also know how life-changing it is when someone believes in you. That is the kind of person I strive to be every day. Outside of school and work, I believe in serving my community. I have volunteered with Remote Area Medical clinics, helping provide healthcare services to underserved populations. I have also spent years working in faith-based recovery programs and now work with teenage boys in residential behavioral health, many of whom struggle with trauma, mental health disorders, and developmental disabilities. Through my church, I continue to look for opportunities to encourage and support others. Serving people is not something I do because it looks good on a resume; it is a calling that has shaped my life. Sports also played an important role in my life. Participating in athletics taught me discipline, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance. Those lessons continue to influence how I approach my education, career, and personal life. Whether in the classroom, at work, or at home with my children, I have learned that success comes from showing up every day and giving your best effort, even when life is difficult. As a single mother raising my six-year-old son while preparing to welcome twins, finances are one of the biggest obstacles I face. Although I work full-time, balancing tuition, textbooks, childcare, and everyday living expenses is challenging. Receiving this scholarship would ease that financial burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and continue preparing for a career dedicated to serving others. Kalia D. Davis's legacy of excellence, kindness, and determination is truly inspiring. Her commitment to hard work, leadership, and encouraging those around her reflects the type of person I hope to become. I want my own children to see that perseverance, faith, compassion, and service can overcome even the hardest circumstances. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also invest in a future social worker who is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of others. I hope to honor Kalia's legacy by living a life of purpose, serving my community, and encouraging others to never give up on their dreams.

Mental health has touched every part of my life. It has changed the way I see people, the way I build relationships, and the reason I chose the career path I am pursuing today. While I wish my story had been different, I have learned that some of our deepest pain can become the foundation for helping someone else heal. For years, I lived in survival mode. I struggled with addiction, anxiety, depression, and the effects of domestic violence. There were days when I honestly believed that my life would never change. I carried shame everywhere I went and convinced myself that asking for help meant I had failed. Looking back now, I realize I wasn't weak—I was hurting. But when you're in that darkness, it's hard to believe there is another way to live. Everything began to change in December 2020 when I entered a twelve-month faith-based recovery program. That was the first place where I felt like someone looked beyond my mistakes and saw the person I could become. Recovery was not quick or easy. There were days I wanted to quit, days I had to face painful memories I had spent years trying to forget, and days I questioned whether I deserved a second chance. Little by little, I learned that healing isn't about pretending the pain never existed. It's about learning to carry it differently. My experiences have completely changed my relationships. I learned how important honesty, grace, and simply listening can be. I was reunited with my son after getting sober, and rebuilding that relationship became one of the greatest gifts of my life. Today I am also preparing to welcome twins into our family, and becoming a mother again has reminded me how important it is to break unhealthy cycles. I want my children to grow up knowing that mental health is something we talk about, not something we hide. I want them to understand that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness. These experiences also shaped my beliefs. I believe every person has value, even when they cannot see it themselves. I believe recovery is possible, even when it feels impossible. Most importantly, I believe mental health should never carry shame. Too many people suffer in silence because they are afraid of being judged. I know what that silence feels like, and I never want someone else to feel alone if I can help it. Today I work full-time in a residential behavioral health program with teenagers who are facing many of the same struggles I once faced. Every day I see pieces of my younger self in the kids I work with. Some have experienced trauma. Some battle anxiety or depression. Others believe no one understands them. My goal is not to "fix" them. It is to remind them that they matter and that their story is not over. I am pursuing a degree in Social Work because I want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and continue helping individuals and families affected by trauma, addiction, and mental illness. My past no longer defines me, but it has given me something I never expected: compassion that cannot be taught in a textbook. I know what it feels like to lose hope, and I know what it feels like to find it again. Mental health has shaped every chapter of my life. It has broken me, rebuilt me, and ultimately given me a purpose. If sharing my story helps even one person believe they are not alone, then every difficult step of my journey has been worth it.

Mental illness has affected my life in more ways than I ever imagined. I have experienced its impact personally, watched it affect people I love, and now work with teenagers who struggle with mental health every day. Those experiences have changed the way I see the world and inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others. Several years ago, my own life looked very different. I struggled with addiction, experienced domestic violence, and faced many challenges that left me feeling hopeless. Along the way, I also dealt with anxiety and learned how closely mental health and addiction are connected. Recovery taught me that healing is possible, but it also showed me how important it is to have people who genuinely care and are willing to walk alongside you during your hardest moments. Since becoming sober in December 2020, I have worked hard to rebuild my life one step at a time. Mental illness has also touched my family. Watching loved ones struggle emotionally has been heartbreaking because mental illness often affects everyone around the person who is suffering. Families carry the stress, worry, and uncertainty while trying to support someone they love. It has taught me that mental health is not an individual issue but something that impacts entire families and communities. Today, I work full-time in a residential behavioral health facility for teenage boys. Many of the youth I work with have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, or other mental health challenges. Some arrive scared, angry, or convinced that no one understands them. I have learned that something as simple as listening without judgment, showing consistency, and treating someone with kindness can make a real difference. Every day reminds me why mental health professionals are so important and why I want to become one. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work and plan to continue my education until I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to work with children, teenagers, and families who are navigating trauma, addiction, and mental illness. I want to help people find hope before they reach the point where they believe there is no way forward. I know what it feels like to need someone who believes in you, and I want to be that person for others. As a first-generation college student, a single mother, and someone preparing to welcome twins while working full-time and attending school, balancing everything can be challenging. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden of earning my degree, allowing me to continue pursuing the career I feel called to. Mental illness has shaped my life, but it has also given me compassion, resilience, and purpose. Instead of allowing my past to define me, I have chosen to use it as motivation to help others. My experiences have shown me that recovery and healing are possible, and I hope to spend my career helping others believe that about themselves as well.

Growing up, college always felt like something that happened to other people, not someone like me. No one in my immediate family had earned a college degree, so I didn't have a roadmap for how to get there. Instead, life brought challenges that seemed much bigger than school. I experienced addiction, domestic violence, financial hardship, and became a single mother. There were many times when I believed my future had already been decided. Thankfully, that was not the end of my story. After entering a faith-based recovery program, I rebuilt my life one step at a time. I have now been sober since December 2020, reunited with my son, and found a career that has shown me exactly where I belong. Today, I work full-time in a residential behavioral health facility with teenagers who are facing trauma, mental illness, and other difficult circumstances. Every day I see how much difference one caring adult can make in a young person's life. Those experiences have strengthened my desire to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Social Work and plan to continue on to earn my Master of Social Work so I can become licensed. My goal is to work with children, teenagers, and families who are struggling with trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, or difficult home situations. I want to be the kind of social worker who not only provides resources but also gives people hope because I know what it feels like to believe your life can never change. Being a first-generation college student has not been easy. I am balancing full-time work, raising my young son, and preparing to welcome twins into my family while continuing my education. There are many days when I go straight from work to school responsibilities, knowing that every assignment brings me one step closer to the future I want to build for my children. I want them to grow up seeing that perseverance and education can break cycles and create new opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would ease some of the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses. More importantly, it would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on worrying about how to afford the next semester. Every dollar invested in my education is also an investment in the many families I hope to serve throughout my career. My future is about more than earning a degree. It is about becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college, creating a stable future for my children, and using my experiences to help others overcome their own obstacles. I hope to show people that their past does not have to determine their future. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning that purpose into a lifelong career of serving others.

Community has always been important to me because I know firsthand how much one caring person can change someone’s life. There was a time when I struggled with addiction, trauma, and hopelessness. During that season, people invested in me, encouraged me, and refused to give up on me. Their compassion changed the direction of my life, and it inspired me to spend my own life serving others. One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community is through my work in behavioral health. I work full-time in a residential treatment program for teenage boys, many of whom have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, or autism spectrum disorder. Every day I have the opportunity to encourage young people who often feel misunderstood or forgotten. While my job includes helping with daily routines and providing support, I believe the most important part is simply showing up consistently. Sometimes a listening ear, patience, or words of encouragement can make a lasting difference in a young person's life. Before my current position, I spent more than three years working at a faith-based residential program for women recovering from addiction and other life-controlling struggles. Having experienced recovery myself, I understood many of the challenges these women faced. I was able to encourage them, celebrate their victories, and remind them that healing was possible. Watching women rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families strengthened my passion for helping others overcome difficult circumstances. Outside of work, I have also volunteered with Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics, helping provide free healthcare services to individuals who otherwise might not have access to medical care. It was rewarding to see people from different backgrounds come together to serve those in need. I have also remained active in my church, where I continue to grow in my faith while serving alongside others who are committed to supporting our community through compassion and encouragement. I believe community service is not always measured by large projects or public recognition. Often, it is found in everyday acts of kindness, showing respect, listening without judgment, and being present for someone during one of the hardest moments of their life. Those small moments can leave lasting impressions that may never fully be seen. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work with plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to continue serving children, families, and individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma. I want to advocate for people who often feel unheard while helping them find the resources and hope they need to build healthier lives. Receiving the Books for Good Scholarship would help ease the financial burden of pursuing my education while working full-time and supporting my family. More importantly, it would allow me to continue preparing for a career dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities. I hope to spend my life giving others the same compassion, support, and encouragement that once changed mine.

If someone had met me several years ago, they probably would not have imagined that I would one day be pursuing a college degree and preparing for a career helping others. My life looked very different then. I struggled with addiction, experienced domestic violence, and carried a great deal of shame and hopelessness. I believed that my past would define my future. Everything changed when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. In December 2020, I entered a twelve-month faith-based recovery program that completely transformed my life. While I entered hoping to overcome addiction, I found something much greater. I found a relationship with God. Through prayer, Bible study, and the encouragement of people who refused to give up on me, I began to understand that God's grace is greater than our mistakes. My faith taught me that no one is beyond redemption and that every person has value, regardless of where they have been or what they have done. Since then, my faith has become the foundation for every decision I make. It has carried me through challenges that once would have overwhelmed me. Today I am a full-time college student, work full-time in behavioral health, and am raising my family while pursuing my dream of becoming a social worker. There are days that are exhausting, but my faith reminds me that God has been faithful through every obstacle I have already overcome. Whenever I begin to doubt myself, I remember Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That verse has become a constant reminder that I never have to face life's challenges alone. My relationship with God has also changed the way I see other people. Instead of judging someone by their worst mistake, I try to see them the way Christ does—with compassion, patience, and hope. Working in behavioral health has shown me that many people are carrying burdens that others cannot see. Whether they are struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, or depression, everyone deserves someone who will listen without condemnation. My career goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with individuals and families facing mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma. I believe my faith will help me remain compassionate even during difficult situations. It reminds me to treat every client with dignity, respect, and unconditional kindness. While I understand the importance of evidence-based practice and professional ethics, my faith shapes the heart behind the work I do. It motivates me to serve others with integrity, humility, and genuine care. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education while reducing the financial burden of tuition and other college expenses. More importantly, it would encourage me as I continue pursuing the purpose God has placed on my life. I believe He has taken every difficult chapter of my story and is using it for something greater. My prayer is that through both my faith and my career, I can help others discover that healing, hope, and new beginnings are always possible.

Rebecca Lynn Seto's story is a beautiful reminder that every child has unique gifts and deserves to be seen, understood, and valued. If I had the opportunity to work with a child like Rebecca, my first priority would be building a trusting relationship. Before focusing on academics or goals, I would spend time learning what brings them joy, what frustrates them, how they communicate, and what helps them feel safe. Every child communicates differently, and it is our responsibility as professionals to find the best way to connect with them rather than expecting them to adapt to us. I would use a strengths-based approach that focuses on what the child can do instead of what they cannot. Depending on the child's needs, I would incorporate visual supports, structured routines, sensory-friendly strategies, assistive communication devices, and hands-on learning activities. I believe patience, creativity, and consistency are essential. Small victories deserve to be celebrated because progress is not always measured in large milestones. Sometimes a new gesture, a smile, or increased confidence is just as meaningful. Family plays one of the most important roles in a child's education and development. Parents and caregivers know their child better than anyone else. They understand their child's personality, interests, triggers, and successful coping strategies. I believe education works best when teachers, therapists, social workers, and families work together as one team. Open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals create consistency between school and home, giving children the greatest opportunity to succeed. Families should always feel like valued partners in the educational process. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work and fully intend to work in special education within the pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade setting. My long-term goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker while advocating for children and families who need additional support. Throughout my career, I want to help students overcome barriers that affect both their education and emotional well-being. I currently work full-time in a behavioral health residential program serving teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral or mental health challenges. My role has given me experience building relationships with youth who communicate, process emotions, and learn differently. I have learned that every child deserves to be approached with compassion, patience, and an individualized plan rather than assumptions based on a diagnosis. Those experiences have strengthened my passion for serving children with special needs and their families. Paying for college while supporting my family has been challenging. I am a full-time student, work full-time, and am raising my children while pursuing my degree. Although I receive some financial aid, I still face the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses. I also work hard to minimize student loan debt because I want to begin my career focused on serving others rather than struggling under overwhelming financial burdens. Receiving the Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education while preparing for a career dedicated to helping children like Rebecca reach their fullest potential.

Growing up, I never imagined that my own struggles with mental health, addiction, trauma, and loss would one day become the foundation of my purpose. There was a time in my life when I felt completely hopeless. I battled addiction for years, experienced domestic violence, and made choices that left me feeling ashamed and convinced that my future had already been decided. Along with addiction came anxiety, depression, and the emotional weight of believing that I was beyond help. Looking back now, I realize that my story could have ended very differently. Instead, through God's grace, the support of others, and my own willingness to keep fighting, my darkest years became the beginning of a calling. In December 2020, I entered a twelve-month faith-based recovery program in Texas. That decision changed my life forever. For the first time, I experienced what it meant to truly surrender my life to Jesus Christ. Recovery was not simply about becoming sober. It was about allowing God to heal the broken parts of my heart that addiction had covered for so many years. I learned that healing involves honesty, accountability, forgiveness, and faith. I also learned that mental health and addiction are deeply connected. Many people, including myself, use unhealthy coping mechanisms because they are trying to escape emotional pain they do not know how to process. Matthew 4:19 says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." That verse has taken on a completely different meaning in my life. Before recovery, I was lost. Today, I feel called to help others who believe they are beyond hope. Jesus met me in my lowest moments, and because of that, I want to meet others where they are with compassion instead of judgment. I know what it feels like to believe no one understands. I also know what it feels like when someone chooses to listen, encourage, and remind you that your life still has value. My experiences have completely changed the way I view relationships. During active addiction, many of my relationships were broken. Trust had been lost, and I often isolated myself because I believed people would never see me as anything other than my mistakes. Recovery taught me that healthy relationships are built on honesty, consistency, and grace. Rebuilding those relationships was not easy, but it showed me that healing does not happen alone. God often works through people who are willing to love, encourage, and hold us accountable. Today, I strive to be that kind of person for others. As a single mother, my son has become one of my greatest motivations to continue growing. I also have twins on the way, and becoming their mother has strengthened my desire to leave behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and service. My children remind me every day why recovery matters. They deserve a mother who is emotionally healthy, present, and committed to helping others instead of being consumed by her own pain. My personal journey also shaped my career aspirations. I currently work full-time in behavioral health with teenage boys in a residential treatment program. Every day I meet young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, mental illness, addiction, or unstable home lives. Some of them arrive feeling angry, withdrawn, or convinced that no one cares about them. Their stories remind me so much of my own. While our experiences are different, I understand what it feels like to believe your future has already been written by your past. Working in behavioral health has confirmed that I am exactly where God wants me to be. It has also shown me how important compassionate professionals are in the lives of those who are struggling. Sometimes what a person needs most is someone who listens without judgment, believes in their potential, and refuses to give up on them. I hope to be that person throughout my career. I am currently pursuing my degree in Social Work with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My dream is to work with individuals and families affected by addiction, trauma, mental illness, and domestic violence. I want to combine evidence-based practices with genuine compassion and faith-centered encouragement whenever appropriate. While professional knowledge is essential, I believe my lived experience allows me to connect with clients in a unique way. I can honestly tell someone that healing is possible because I have lived it myself. Mental health has also taught me the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding these struggles. Too many people suffer in silence because they fear being judged or misunderstood. I used to believe asking for help meant I was weak. Today, I know that asking for help is one of the bravest decisions a person can make. Whether through counseling, recovery programs, medication, faith, or community support, healing looks different for everyone. What matters most is that people know they are not alone. One of the hardest experiences in recent years was losing my stepfather after his long battle with alcoholism and cirrhosis. Watching addiction affect someone I loved reinforced how devastating substance abuse can be for entire families. It also strengthened my commitment to helping others before they reach that point. Addiction and mental illness do not only affect one individual; they impact parents, children, spouses, and entire communities. That reality continues to motivate me to pursue this calling. Receiving the Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of pursuing higher education while supporting my family, but it would also represent encouragement to continue answering the calling God has placed on my life. As a full-time student, a full-time behavioral health employee, and a mother, there are many days that feel overwhelming. Yet every challenge reminds me why I started this journey. I believe God does not waste our pain. My struggles with mental health, addiction, and trauma could have become excuses to give up. Instead, they became opportunities to grow stronger, deepen my faith, and discover my purpose. My hope is that one day I will continue serving others as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who not only provides professional support but also offers hope to people who believe they have none left. Just as Jesus called ordinary people to become fishers of men, He took someone who once felt broken beyond repair and gave her a new purpose. My greatest goal is to spend the rest of my life helping others discover that healing is possible, recovery is real, and no life is beyond redemption.

Being a single mother while pursuing higher education is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is also one of the most meaningful. Every day requires careful planning, sacrifice, and determination. I work full-time in behavioral health while attending college full-time, all while raising my six-year-old son and preparing to welcome my twin babies. As my family grows, so do my responsibilities, but so does my determination to build a better future for all three of my children. My journey to this point has not been easy. Years ago, my life looked very different. I struggled with addiction, experienced domestic violence, and faced legal challenges that made me believe I would never have a future worth dreaming about. In December 2020, I entered a year-long faith-based recovery program that completely changed my life. Through recovery, my faith in God, and the support of people who believed in me, I rebuilt my life one step at a time. I regained custody of my son, found a career helping others, and discovered a passion for social work. Today, I work with teenagers in a behavioral health residential program. Many of the young people I work with have experienced trauma, mental health struggles, or difficult home lives. Every day I see how important it is for someone to believe in them, encourage them, and remind them that their past does not have to define their future. Those experiences have strengthened my desire to become a licensed clinical social worker so I can continue helping children and families overcome obstacles similar to the ones I have faced. Balancing school, work, and motherhood is exhausting. My days often begin before sunrise and end long after my son is asleep. Between classes, assignments, work responsibilities, doctor's appointments for my high-risk twin pregnancy, and preparing for the arrival of two newborns, there is very little time left for myself. Financially, the challenges are just as overwhelming. Tuition, textbooks, childcare, transportation, groceries, medical expenses, and the cost of preparing for twins stretch every dollar I earn. I constantly weigh what my family needs today against what my education will provide for our future. My son has become one of my greatest motivations. He watches me study after work, complete assignments on weekends, and keep going even when I am exhausted. Soon, my twins will grow up seeing that same perseverance. I hope all three of my children learn that difficult circumstances do not have to define their future. I want them to know that hard work, faith, and determination can change the course of a family's life. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing a degree while supporting a growing family. It would allow me to focus more fully on my education instead of worrying about how I will pay for tuition, textbooks, and other school expenses while preparing for the birth of my twins. More than the financial support, this scholarship would remind me that others believe in the future I am working so hard to build. I want my story to show that setbacks do not have to become permanent. Recovery gave me a second chance. Education is giving me the opportunity to build a meaningful career. Motherhood gives me the purpose to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days. My goal is not simply to earn a degree but to use it to advocate for vulnerable children, strengthen families, and help others discover the same hope that transformed my own life. Being a single mother of three has already taught me resilience, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance in ways no classroom ever could. Although the road has been difficult, every late night, every challenge, and every sacrifice is bringing my family closer to a future filled with stability, purpose, and hope. I am determined to show my children that no matter where you begin, with faith and perseverance, you can build a better future.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a Social Work student, a full-time employee in behavioral health, a single mother, and someone who has overcome significant obstacles to create a better future for myself and my family. My experiences have shaped who I am today and inspired my passion for helping others who are facing difficult circumstances. My path to college has not been traditional. I am a first-generation college student, and there was a time when higher education felt completely out of reach. For many years, I struggled with addiction and experienced domestic violence, legal challenges, and financial hardship. I often felt trapped by my circumstances and uncertain about my future. In December 2020, I entered a faith-based recovery program that changed my life. Through recovery, faith, and perseverance, I learned that our past does not have to define our future. Today, I have been sober for over five years, reunited with my son, and am pursuing a degree that will allow me to serve others. I currently work in a residential behavioral health facility with teenage boys who are struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, and difficult family situations. Every day, I witness the impact that compassionate support can have on someone's life. I also see how many people simply need someone to believe in them and remind them that change is possible. These experiences have strengthened my desire to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to work with individuals and families who are facing addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and other life obstacles. I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone offers guidance, support, and hope during a difficult season. I want to provide that same support to others. One of the ways I hope to make a positive impact on the world is by helping people recognize their worth and potential. Many individuals who struggle with addiction, mental illness, or trauma feel forgotten or judged. I want to advocate for those individuals and help connect them with resources, counseling, and support systems that can improve their lives. I believe that when people receive the help they need, entire families and communities benefit. In addition to my career goals, I am passionate about serving my community. I have volunteered through church programs and Remote Area Medical clinics that provide free healthcare services to underserved populations. These experiences have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves access to care, compassion, and opportunities for a better future. As a low-income student balancing full-time work, full-time school, single motherhood, and a pregnancy with twins, I understand the value of perseverance. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my determination to create a life of service and purpose. I hope my career will allow me to make a lasting difference by helping people overcome adversity and discover hope. My goal is not only to help individuals heal but also to inspire them to believe that their future can be brighter than their past. Through social work, I hope to create positive change one person, one family, and one community at a time.

To me, selflessness is choosing to serve others even when life is difficult. It is recognizing someone's pain, offering support, and helping them see hope when they cannot see it for themselves. My experiences have taught me that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, and that belief guides both my personal life and my career goals. One of the ways I embody selflessness is through my work in behavioral health. I work full-time with teenage boys in a residential treatment facility, many of whom have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, family struggles, or feelings of hopelessness. While my role is not always easy, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside them during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Often, the most meaningful thing I can offer is simply my time, patience, and willingness to listen. I remember one young man who arrived at our facility feeling completely defeated. He was angry, withdrawn, and convinced that nobody cared about him. Over time, I made an effort to build trust with him by consistently showing up, listening without judgment, and encouraging him when he wanted to give up. Eventually, he began opening up about his struggles and started engaging in treatment. Watching him gain confidence and begin believing in himself reminded me that helping someone does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes it simply means being present when they need support the most. My desire to help others comes from my own experiences. Before entering recovery, I struggled with addiction for many years. I also experienced domestic violence and other hardships that left me feeling lost and hopeless. In December 2020, I entered a faith-based recovery program that changed my life. During that time, people invested in me when I could not see my own potential. They offered encouragement, guidance, and grace. Because of their selflessness, I was able to rebuild my life, reunite with my son, and pursue goals I once believed were impossible. Today, I try to pay that kindness forward whenever I can. In addition to my work, I volunteer in my community, including with Remote Area Medical clinics that provide free healthcare services to individuals who might not otherwise have access to care. I am also active in my church and enjoy serving others whenever opportunities arise. Selflessness is not always about sacrificing something large. Sometimes it is choosing to listen, encourage, mentor, or simply show up for someone who feels alone. Those moments can change lives because they remind people that they matter. My passion for helping others is what led me to pursue a degree in Social Work. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and help individuals and families overcome challenges such as addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles. I want to be the person who helps others find hope, just as others once helped me. I believe the greatest impact we can make is through the lives we touch. By serving others with compassion, empathy, and understanding, we have the opportunity to make our communities stronger and our world a little better each day.

Being a single parent and a college student at the same time is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. Every day requires balancing responsibilities, making sacrifices, and finding the strength to keep moving forward even when I am exhausted. While there are many challenges, the hardest part is trying to give my child the time and attention he deserves while also pursuing my education and working toward a better future for our family. I am a single mother to a six-year-old son, and I am currently pregnant with twins. In addition to being a parent, I work full-time in a behavioral health facility helping troubled teenagers and attend school full-time as a Social Work major. There are days when I leave work, help my son with his needs, complete school assignments late into the night, and then wake up the next morning to do it all over again. Time often feels like my most limited resource. One of the biggest challenges of being both a parent and a student is the constant feeling that there is never enough of me to go around. When I am studying, I worry about whether I am spending enough time with my son. When I am focused on parenting, I think about assignments and deadlines. There are moments when the responsibilities feel overwhelming, but my son is also the reason I keep going. He reminds me every day why earning a degree matters. My journey has not been easy. I am a first-generation college student, a survivor of domestic violence, and someone who overcame addiction after entering recovery in December 2020. There was a time when I never imagined I would have the opportunity to attend college. Through faith, determination, and the support of those who believed in me, I was able to rebuild my life. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Social Work because I want to help others who are facing challenges similar to those I once experienced. I want my children to grow up seeing that difficult circumstances do not determine their future. I want them to know that perseverance, education, and faith can change the course of a person's life. Earning my degree is about more than my own success; it is about creating stability and opportunity for my family. It is about breaking cycles and building a legacy that my children can be proud of. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden that comes with balancing school, work, and parenthood. As I prepare for the arrival of twins while continuing my education, every dollar matters. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. It would help cover educational expenses and move me one step closer to earning my degree. Most importantly, this scholarship would be an investment in the future of my children. By completing my education and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will be able to provide greater financial stability for my family while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My dream is to show my children that no obstacle is too great when you are willing to work hard, stay determined, and never give up on the future you want to create. Every challenge I face today is building the foundation for a better tomorrow. For me, education is not just a personal goal—it is a pathway to a brighter future for my entire family.

Bishop Mozell Haymon believed that "life begins with sobriety," and that statement deeply resonates with me because my life truly began again when I found recovery. For seven years, I struggled with addiction. During that time, I lost pieces of myself, my self-worth, my peace, and hope for the future. I also experienced domestic violence, legal troubles, and the pain of being separated from my son. There were many moments when despair felt stronger than hope. Looking back, I can see that addiction affected every part of my life and made it difficult to imagine a future beyond survival. In December 2020, I made the decision to enter a 12-month faith-based recovery program in Texas. It was one of the hardest choices I have ever made, but it was also the most important. For the first time, I was forced to confront my past, take responsibility for my choices, and begin the process of healing. More importantly, it was there that I developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My faith became the foundation of my recovery and gave me the strength to keep moving forward when I wanted to quit. The greatest example of choosing courage over despair was deciding to stay in recovery even when the process was painful and uncertain. Recovery required me to be honest with myself, rebuild relationships, and trust that God had a purpose for my life. Instead of allowing my past to define me, I chose to believe that my story could be used to help others. Today, I have been sober since December 2020. I have reunited with my son, become active in my church, and built a life that once seemed impossible. I work full-time in behavioral health with troubled teenagers, many of whom are facing challenges similar to those I experienced. Every day, I have the opportunity to encourage young people who feel hopeless and remind them that change is possible. Recovery has shaped both who I am and what I want to do with my education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work with plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to help individuals and families who are struggling with addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and difficult life circumstances. I understand firsthand how important it is to have someone who believes in you when you cannot yet believe in yourself. As a single mother, full-time student, full-time employee, and someone currently expecting twins, life is busy and often challenging. However, recovery taught me perseverance, discipline, and gratitude. It taught me that difficult circumstances do not determine a person's future. Sobriety gave me a second chance at life. It transformed my relationship with God, restored my family, and inspired my career path. I hope to spend the rest of my life helping others discover the same hope and healing that recovery gave to me. Through my education and future work as a social worker, I want to be a source of encouragement for those who are still fighting their way back from addiction and despair, proving that no life is beyond redemption.

Being a first-generation college student means being the first person in my immediate family to step into a world that feels both exciting and unfamiliar. My parents and siblings all started college at different points in their lives, but none of them were able to finish. Because of that, there has never been a roadmap for me to follow. Every application, financial aid form, class registration, and academic decision has been something I have had to learn on my own. While that has been challenging, it has also made me determined to succeed. My journey to higher education has not been a traditional one. I am a single mother, I work full-time in behavioral health helping troubled teenagers, I attend school full-time, and I am currently pregnant with twins. There have been many moments when balancing work, parenting, pregnancy, and school felt overwhelming. On top of those responsibilities, I have faced personal hardships that once seemed impossible to overcome, including addiction, domestic violence, and significant life challenges that threatened to derail my future. In December 2020, I made the decision to change my life. Through faith, hard work, and perseverance, I entered recovery and have remained sober ever since. That experience taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of helping others. Today, those lessons guide both my personal life and my career goals. I am pursuing a degree in Social Work because I want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Every day, I work with teenagers who are struggling with trauma, mental health challenges, and difficult family situations. I know what it feels like to need support during life's hardest moments, and I want to be the person who helps others find hope and healing. My dream is to provide counseling and advocacy for individuals and families who feel overlooked or unsupported. What drives me is the desire to create a better future for my children and to show them that circumstances do not define a person's potential. Earning a college degree is about more than personal achievement—it is about breaking generational barriers and creating new opportunities for my family. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of balancing work, school, and raising a family while allowing me to stay focused on my education. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a social worker and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. As a first-generation student, I am not just earning a degree; I am building a legacy of perseverance, education, and hope for the generations that follow.

My long-term goal is to build a career in social work and psychology where I can help individuals and families who are struggling with addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and crisis situations. I want to work directly with vulnerable populations, especially teenagers, individuals in recovery, and families facing difficult life circumstances. My personal experiences, combined with my education, have given me a strong sense of purpose and a detailed plan for how I will achieve these goals. Currently, I am pursuing my education in social work and psychology while balancing work, family responsibilities, and financial obligations. My first goal is to complete my undergraduate degree successfully while continuing to gain hands-on experience in the field. I have already learned through practicum experiences and working with individuals in crisis that social work requires not only education, but also patience, communication skills, and emotional resilience. I plan to continue building these skills through internships, volunteer opportunities, and networking with professionals in the mental health field. After earning my undergraduate degree, my next step is to pursue graduate education so I can become a licensed clinical social worker or counselor. This will allow me to provide therapy, crisis intervention, and long-term support services. My ultimate goal is to work in rehabilitation, mental health treatment, or youth services, helping people who feel hopeless find stability and purpose again. I also hope to advocate for better access to mental health and addiction recovery resources in underserved communities. In order to achieve these goals, I have developed a realistic and structured plan. Academically, I maintain a schedule that balances coursework, studying, and field placement responsibilities. Financially, I rely on scholarships, grants, and careful budgeting to continue my education. Tuition, books, transportation, childcare, and living expenses all require careful planning. I track expenses closely and prioritize necessities while minimizing unnecessary spending. Scholarships such as this one are critical resources because they reduce financial stress and allow me to focus more fully on school and professional development. My budget planning also includes preparing for graduate school costs, licensing exams, and professional certifications in the future. In addition to financial planning, I recognize the importance of emotional and personal stability. Burnout is common in helping professions, so I plan to maintain healthy boundaries, continue personal growth, and seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. I believe long-term success in social work depends on both professional knowledge and personal well-being. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of planning ahead while still remaining flexible. Life does not always go exactly as planned, but having clear goals creates direction and motivation during difficult times. Like Joe Gilroy’s motto, “Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan,” I believe success comes from discipline, consistency, and daily effort. Every class I complete, every practicum hour I finish, and every challenge I overcome brings me one step closer to the future I want to create. My goals are not only about building a successful career, but also about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I want to use my education and experiences to help people feel seen, supported, and capable of change. With determination, education, and continued hard work, I believe I can create a career that allows me to serve others while also building a stable future for myself and my family. I would be so incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

The impact I want to make begins with helping people who feel forgotten, unheard, or stuck in difficult circumstances. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and use my education to support individuals and families facing challenges such as addiction, mental health struggles, trauma, and poverty. I believe everyone deserves access to support, encouragement, and resources that can help them build a better future, regardless of their past or current situation. My passion for social work comes from my own life experiences. Several years ago, I struggled with addiction and experienced some of the lowest moments of my life. After multiple treatment attempts, I entered a faith-based recovery program that changed everything. Through recovery, faith, and the support of people who believed in me, I was able to rebuild my life. Today, I have been sober since December 2020, work full-time in behavioral health, and am pursuing a degree in social work while raising my six-year-old son and preparing to welcome twins into my family. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges many people face. I know what it feels like to need a second chance, and I want to be the person who helps others find hope when they feel like giving up. My education is providing me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make that difference in a professional and meaningful way. Currently, I work with troubled teenage boys in a residential behavioral health program. Many of the youth I serve have experienced trauma, family instability, mental health challenges, or developmental disabilities. Every day, I see how important it is for young people to have supportive adults who listen, encourage them, and advocate for their needs. My long-term vision is to provide counseling and mental health services to children, adolescents, and families who may not otherwise have access to quality care. The people who inspire me most are those who helped me during my own recovery journey. They saw potential in me when I could not see it in myself. Their compassion taught me that one person can have a lasting impact on someone else's life. I am also inspired by my son, who motivates me to continue growing and creating a better future for my family. I want him to see that obstacles do not define us and that perseverance, faith, and education can open doors that once seemed impossible. In addition to my professional goals, I plan to continue serving my community through volunteer work. I have volunteered with Remote Area Medical clinics that provide healthcare to uninsured individuals, and I hope to expand my involvement in community outreach programs that address mental health and social service needs. My vision for the future is simple: I want to help people heal, grow, and believe in themselves. Through social work, I hope to be a source of support for those facing difficult circumstances and to create positive change one person, one family, and one community at a time. By investing in my education, I am investing in the countless lives I hope to impact throughout my career.

Working while pursuing my degree has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of time management. I currently work full-time at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys while also attending school full-time as a Social Work major. In addition to my work and academic responsibilities, I am a single mother to a six-year-old son and am currently pregnant with twins. Although the scholarship refers to part-time work, my experience has involved balancing even greater demands while remaining committed to my education and career goals. My job has strengthened my desire to become a social worker. Every day, I work with adolescents who are facing behavioral and mental health challenges. Seeing the struggles they experience motivates me to continue my education so that I can eventually become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provide counseling and support to those in need. While working full-time can be exhausting, it also gives me valuable hands-on experience that directly relates to my future career. One of the most challenging periods of balancing work and school occurred during my current pregnancy. As my pregnancy progressed, I experienced increased fatigue, morning sickness, and frequent medical appointments. At the same time, I was maintaining a full-time work schedule, completing coursework, studying for exams, and caring for my son. There were many days when I felt physically and emotionally exhausted, but I knew that giving up was not an option. To overcome these challenges, I became even more intentional with my time. I created weekly schedules, completed assignments whenever I had free moments, and stayed organized with calendars and reminders. I often studied after my son went to bed and used breaks at work to review course materials. I also learned to ask for support from family, coworkers, and professors when needed. Most importantly, I stayed focused on my long-term goal of earning my degree and creating a better future for my children. Balancing work, school, motherhood, and pregnancy has not been easy, but it has shown me how resilient I can be. These experiences have strengthened my determination to succeed despite obstacles. I am proud of the progress I have made and remain committed to completing my education so I can continue helping others while providing stability and opportunity for my growing family. This would mean so much to me and my family. Thank you for considering me in your decision. I am blessed beyond measure.

I am pursuing a degree in social work because I know what it feels like to need support, guidance, and a second chance. My life has not always been easy, but the challenges I have faced have helped shape me into someone who wants to help others feel seen, heard, and valued. I am a mother, a full-time worker, and a student working toward a future where I can serve others through social work. My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker so I can support individuals and families who are facing difficult life situations. I currently work in a behavioral health setting with teenage boys who are staying in a residential program. Many of them come from hard backgrounds, and some have experienced trauma, family struggles, mental health challenges, or a lack of support. Working with them has shown me how much young people need patience, structure, encouragement, and someone who believes they are more than their mistakes. I have also had the opportunity to see how hard it is for families when they are trying to get help for their child. This has made me even more committed to working in social work and serving communities that are often overlooked. What motivates me to work with underserved communities is my belief that everyone deserves access to help, no matter their background, income, race, family situation, or past choices. Many people are not struggling because they do not care or because they are not trying. A lot of people are fighting against barriers that have been there for generations, such as poverty, lack of mental health care, unsafe environments, limited education, addiction, and discrimination. I want to be the kind of social worker who does not judge people by where they are, but helps them see where they can go. I also believe that social work is not about “saving” people. It is about walking beside them, listening to them, and helping them find the tools and resources they need to move forward. My responsibility as a future social worker is to treat people with dignity and respect, advocate for fairness, and be a voice when people feel like they do not have one. I want to help connect underserved individuals and families to counseling, community resources, education, housing support, and other services that can help them build stability. Patricia Lee Wilson’s legacy is inspiring because she used her career to stand up for underrepresented communities and help future social workers grow. That is the kind of impact I hope to have. I want my work to make people feel less alone. I want to help young people understand that their current situation does not have to define their future. Most of all, I want to use my education, my experiences, and my compassion to bring hope and support to the communities that need it most.

Watching my grandfather live with dementia has completely changed the way I view health, family, and human connection. Before his diagnosis, he was strong, independent, and always someone our family could rely on. He was the person who remembered every birthday, told stories from years ago in vivid detail, and made everyone around him feel safe and supported. Seeing dementia slowly change him has been one of the most painful experiences my family has faced, but it has also taught me lessons that shaped both my personal life and my career goals. Dementia affects far more than memory. It changes relationships, routines, and entire families. At first, the changes in my grandfather seemed small. He would repeat stories, forget conversations, or misplace things more often. Over time, the symptoms became impossible to ignore. There were moments when he became confused about where he was or struggled to recognize familiar people. Watching someone you love slowly lose pieces of themselves is heartbreaking because the person is physically there, but the disease creates distance that no one can control. The emotional impact on my family has been significant. Dementia brought stress, sadness, and uncertainty into our lives. Family members had to step into caregiving roles while also coping with grief long before an actual loss occurs. I watched how exhausting caregiving can be, both physically and emotionally. There were moments of frustration, guilt, and helplessness, especially when my grandfather became upset or confused and we could not fully comfort him. At the same time, I also saw incredible love and resilience within my family. We learned to celebrate small moments of clarity, patience, and connection that we may have taken for granted before. My grandfather’s illness also changed me personally. It taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and communication. Dementia patients are often misunderstood because their behaviors are viewed only as symptoms rather than signs of fear, confusion, or emotional pain. I learned that sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for someone is simply sit with them, listen, and make them feel safe. Even when memories fade, human connection still matters. These experiences played a major role in my decision to study social work and psychology. I want to dedicate my life to helping individuals and families who are navigating mental health struggles, trauma, addiction, aging, and cognitive illnesses like dementia. Through studying psychology, I hope to better understand how diseases affect the brain, behavior, and emotional well-being. Through social work, I want to provide support and advocacy for families who often feel overwhelmed and alone during the caregiving process. I have also learned how important research and awareness are in diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Watching my grandfather decline made me realize how many unanswered questions still exist. Families are often left searching for resources, treatment options, and hope. Research into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has the potential to improve early detection, treatment, caregiver support, and overall quality of life for millions of people. While there may not yet be a cure, education and research can still make a life-changing difference. One of the hardest parts of dementia is that it slowly takes away independence and identity. However, my grandfather’s diagnosis has reminded me that a person’s value does not disappear because of illness. He is still deserving of dignity, respect, patience, and love. That lesson is something I will carry with me throughout my future career and my life. Although dementia has brought pain into my family, it has also inspired purpose in me. It strengthened my desire to work in fields where I can advocate for vulnerable individuals and support families during difficult times. My grandfather’s journey has shown me the importance of empathy, human connection, and perseverance. Most importantly, it has taught me that even in the face of loss and uncertainty, compassion can make an incredible difference.

One thing that makes me stand out is that I tend to avoid conversations when they are necessary. It is awkward because most people assume I am quiet, uninterested, or distant, when in reality I usually care deeply about the people and situations around me. I just overthink everything before I speak. I replay conversations in my head, worry about saying the wrong thing, and sometimes avoid difficult discussions altogether because I do not want conflict or disappointment. Growing up, this affected me in school, friendships, and even family relationships. There were times when I stayed silent even when I knew I should speak up. Group projects were difficult because I hated the pressure of communication. Even simple things like asking for help, introducing myself, or expressing my feelings felt uncomfortable. I would often convince myself that staying quiet was easier than risking embarrassment or rejection. At the same time, this “awkward” part of me has shaped who I am in positive ways too. Because I spend so much time listening and observing, I have become very aware of other people’s emotions and struggles. I notice when someone feels left out, overwhelmed, or unheard. Instead of being the loudest person in the room, I try to be the person who makes others feel safe and understood. Over time, I realized that avoiding necessary conversations can hurt both myself and the people around me. In order to grow, I had to start challenging myself to communicate even when it felt uncomfortable. That meant learning to advocate for myself, ask questions, and have honest conversations instead of avoiding them. It is still something I work on every day, but I have made real progress. One of the biggest examples of this growth came through my experiences helping others. After going through difficult personal struggles and recovery, I learned how important honest communication truly is. Healing does not happen in silence. People need support, understanding, and someone willing to listen without judgment. That realization pushed me outside of my comfort zone and inspired me to become more involved in helping others, especially young people and individuals facing challenges in their lives. What makes someone stand out is not always a talent, sport, or achievement. Sometimes it is the personal struggles they learn to overcome. My awkward thing may be avoiding difficult conversations, but it has also taught me empathy, self-awareness, and the importance of connection. It reminds me daily that growth happens when we choose courage over comfort, even in the smallest conversations.

Growing up, I never imagined how difficult life could become. I battled addiction for seven years, lost myself in places I never thought I would be, and spent time in numerous treatment centers trying to survive. There were moments when I felt like my future was gone and that I would never become the person or parent I wanted to be. But instead of allowing those struggles to define me, I used them as motivation to completely rebuild my life. Today, I am sober, reunited with my son, and pursuing higher education so I can create a stable and meaningful future for both of us. My journey has given me a level of determination, resilience, and perspective that many people never have to develop. I know what it feels like to lose everything, which is why I refuse to waste the second chance I have been given. What gives me an advantage over other applicants is not that my life has been easier, but that I have already overcome obstacles that could have destroyed me. I have learned discipline through recovery, compassion through hardship, and perseverance through every setback I survived. While many people talk about ambition, I have had to live it every single day just to rebuild my life and continue moving forward. I deserve this scholarship because I am not only working toward a degree, but toward breaking generational cycles and creating a better future for my family. As a parent, every class I complete and every goal I achieve matters not only to me, but to my son, who is watching me fight for a different life. Education represents stability, opportunity, and purpose for us both. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to continue focusing on my education and career goals. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that people can overcome their past and still build something meaningful. I want my story to prove that no matter how far someone falls, they are still capable of rising again and making a positive impact on the world around them.

Olivia Rodrigo’s music stands out because she turns emotional experiences that many people struggle to explain into something honest and relatable. One lyric that resonates deeply with me is from her song “drivers license”: “I still hear your voice in the traffic, we’re laughing over all the noise.” While my life experience is different from a teenage heartbreak story, the feeling of holding onto memories while trying to move forward connects strongly to my own journey. My life has been shaped by both responsibility and rebuilding. I am a mother to a six-year-old son, and I am currently expecting twins. Being a parent while also pursuing my education has required me to constantly balance emotional, physical, and academic demands. There are moments when I feel pulled in every direction—trying to be present for my child, stay committed to my studies, and prepare for the future of my growing family. In those moments, I relate to Olivia’s ability to capture emotional overwhelm in simple but powerful imagery. Another lyric that speaks to me is from “hope ur ok”: “She wore long sleeves 'cause of her dad.” That song, while telling a different story, reflects something I understand deeply—the way people carry hidden struggles while still trying to move forward in life. I have faced significant challenges in my own past, including years of addiction and the process of rebuilding my life afterward. Recovery taught me that healing is not immediate or linear. It is something you work through quietly while still trying to show up for the people who depend on you. Like Olivia’s storytelling, my journey has included parts that are not always visible on the surface. What makes Olivia Rodrigo’s music meaningful is not just the sadness or heartbreak she writes about, but the honesty behind it. She gives language to emotions that are often difficult to express, especially for people who are still growing and trying to figure out who they are. That honesty reflects my own experience as a student and a parent. There are days when I feel like I am trying to rebuild my life while also building a future for my children at the same time. Her song “brutal” also connects to the reality of juggling responsibilities in a world that often feels overwhelming. The lyric “I’m so insecure, I think that I’ll die before I drink” captures the pressure of feeling like you are not doing enough or not moving fast enough in life. As a student and mother, I often struggle with that same pressure—wondering if I am balancing everything correctly or if I am falling behind. But like Olivia’s message throughout her music, I am learning that growth is messy, and it does not have to look perfect to be meaningful. Overall, Olivia Rodrigo’s music reminds me that emotions do not have to be hidden or minimized to be valid. My journey has included struggle, recovery, motherhood, and resilience, and through it all I am learning to embrace both my challenges and my progress. Her lyrics reflect the idea that it is okay to feel deeply while still moving forward, and that message continues to encourage me as I pursue my education and build a better future for my children.

Growing up and stepping into adulthood has not followed a traditional path for me. I am currently a mother to a six-year-old son, and I am also preparing to welcome twins into my family. Being responsible for children while continuing my education has shaped every part of my academic journey, from how I manage my time to how I define success for myself. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is balancing school responsibilities with the demands of parenting. There are days when assignments, appointments, and childcare all overlap, and I have had to learn how to stay organized and persistent even when life feels overwhelming. I cannot always study in a quiet environment or follow a perfect schedule, but I have learned to use small pockets of time and to stay committed even when progress feels slow. My children are my motivation. Every assignment I complete is not just for me, but for their future stability and opportunities. My journey has also included personal struggles that have shaped my outlook on education and life. In the past, I faced years of addiction, and it impacted my ability to stay focused on my goals. It was not until I entered a faith-based rehabilitation program that I began to rebuild my life. Through that process, I learned discipline, accountability, and the importance of having a support system. Reconnecting with my son was a turning point that gave me a clear reason to keep moving forward. Education became more than a goal—it became part of my recovery and my responsibility as a parent. Coming from this experience has made me more determined to succeed in school, even when it is difficult. I have learned that setbacks do not define a person, but persistence does. Being a parent has strengthened my sense of purpose, and it has also made me more empathetic toward others who are trying to improve their circumstances while carrying heavy responsibilities. In the future, I plan to give back to my community by supporting individuals who are facing struggles similar to mine. I want to volunteer with programs that help parents in recovery, especially those who are trying to rebuild their lives while caring for children. I also hope to mentor young mothers and single parents who are continuing their education, showing them that it is possible to move forward even when life feels unstable. If possible, I would like to one day work with or help create support programs that provide resources such as childcare assistance, recovery support, and educational guidance. My experiences have taught me that strength is not about having a perfect path, but about continuing forward despite challenges. As I continue my education, I carry my children with me as my inspiration and my responsibility. I am committed to building a better future for them while also using my experiences to uplift others in my community.

For seven years, my life was controlled by addiction. During that time, I lost parts of myself that I never thought I would lose. Addiction affected my relationships, my mental health, my confidence, and my ability to believe that I could ever have a stable future. I went through numerous treatment centers, trying repeatedly to get sober, but each time I struggled to maintain recovery. Addiction made me feel trapped in a cycle that I could not escape, no matter how badly I wanted my life to change. One of the hardest parts of my addiction was the impact it had on my relationship with my son. Addiction does not only hurt the person struggling; it affects the people who love them most. There were moments filled with guilt, shame, and heartbreak because I knew I was not the mother or person I truly wanted to be. Deep down, I never stopped wanting a better life, but addiction made it difficult to see a way forward. Everything began to change when I entered a twelve-month faith-based rehabilitation program. For the first time, I found more than temporary sobriety—I found hope and purpose. Through that program, I rebuilt my relationship with God and met Jesus in a way that completely transformed my life. My faith gave me strength during the moments when recovery felt impossible. Instead of seeing myself only through my past mistakes, I began to believe that healing and restoration were possible. Recovery has not simply been about staying sober. It has been about rebuilding my life, learning healthier ways to cope, and becoming the person I was meant to be. One of the greatest blessings to come from my recovery has been reuniting with my son. That experience reminded me why continuing forward matters so much. Today, my relationship with him motivates me every day to keep growing and making positive choices. My struggles with addiction have also shaped my educational and career goals. I want to work in a field where I can help individuals and families who are facing addiction, trauma, mental health struggles, or difficult life circumstances. I understand firsthand how hopeless addiction can feel, but I also understand the power of recovery, support, and second chances. I want others to know that their past does not define them and that healing is possible. Addiction taught me resilience, humility, and compassion for others. It showed me how important support systems, faith, and encouragement can be during someone’s darkest moments. Although my journey has been difficult, it has given me a deeper purpose. Today, I move forward with gratitude, determination, and hope for the future. I am proud of how far I have come, and I hope to use my experiences to make a positive impact on the lives of others who are still fighting their own battles.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced during school has been balancing academics with personal responsibilities and emotional stress while still trying to stay focused on my future. Like many students, I quickly realized that college is not just about attending classes. It requires financial stability, time management, emotional resilience, and the ability to continue moving forward even during difficult moments. There were times when the pressure of school, work, and personal struggles felt overwhelming, but those experiences ultimately shaped me into a stronger and more determined person. As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education has often felt unfamiliar and intimidating. I did not grow up with a roadmap explaining financial aid, course planning, internships, or career preparation. I had to learn many things on my own while balancing outside responsibilities. Financial stress has been one of the most difficult obstacles throughout my education. The rising costs of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and everyday living expenses have forced me to constantly think about how I would continue paying for school while also managing personal obligations. At times, these pressures affected my confidence and made me question whether I would realistically be able to complete my education. However, instead of giving up, I used those challenges as motivation to work harder and stay focused on my goals. I learned how to manage my time carefully, prioritize responsibilities, and remain disciplined even when things became stressful. I also learned the importance of asking for help and building support systems when needed. Another major challenge I faced during school was emotionally balancing difficult life experiences while trying to remain academically successful. Through both personal experiences and my field placement work, I have witnessed the impact that trauma, instability, mental health struggles, and family hardships can have on individuals and families. During my social work practicum, I worked closely with teenage boys in a residential setting, many of whom came from extremely difficult environments. I helped with intakes and saw firsthand how emotional it was for families to leave their children for ninety-day treatment stays. Those experiences were heartbreaking at times, but they also strengthened my passion for helping others. Even while carrying emotional stress from both my personal life and the realities of working with vulnerable populations, I stayed committed to my education because I know how important this career path is to me. Instead of allowing challenges to stop me, I used them to grow in empathy, resilience, and determination. I learned that success is not defined by having a perfect or easy path. Success is continuing forward despite obstacles. Because of these experiences, I have become deeply passionate about helping individuals facing mental health struggles, trauma, and difficult life situations. My educational and career goals are centered around making a positive impact in healthcare and social services by supporting people who often feel unheard or overlooked. I want to help create environments where people feel safe, supported, and respected regardless of their background. In addition to academics, I have stayed involved in experiences that allow me to grow professionally and personally. My practicum placement gave me valuable hands-on experience communicating with clients, assisting with intakes, and observing how treatment programs support youth in crisis. These experiences strengthened my communication skills, professionalism, and ability to remain compassionate under pressure. I believe I should be considered for this scholarship not because my path has been easy, but because I have continued pushing forward despite challenges that could have easily discouraged me from pursuing higher education. I have worked hard to stay committed to my goals while balancing financial stress, emotional hardships, and the responsibilities that come with being a first-generation student. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden associated with college and allow me to continue focusing on my education and career goals. More importantly, it would serve as encouragement that hard work, resilience, and dedication truly matter. My goal is to use my education to help others navigate difficult moments in their lives and remind them that their circumstances do not define their future. The challenges I have faced throughout school have taught me perseverance, empathy, and strength. They have shown me the value of education and the importance of continuing to move forward even when the journey is difficult. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am determined to continue using my experiences to create a meaningful and positive impact in the lives of others. I would beyond grateful for this opportunity.

Growing up impacted by incarceration changed the way I view stability, responsibility, and perseverance. When someone in your family is incarcerated, it affects far more than just one person. It creates emotional stress, financial struggles, and feelings of isolation that many people around you may not fully understand. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me negatively, they motivated me to work harder and build a future focused on helping others who are facing difficult situations. One of the biggest things I learned from these experiences is the importance of resilience. There were times when life felt uncertain and overwhelming, especially while trying to focus on school and maintain a sense of normalcy. Watching my family navigate the emotional and financial impact of incarceration taught me how quickly life circumstances can change. It also taught me empathy. I learned not to judge people only by their mistakes or circumstances because everyone has a story and many people simply need support, guidance, and second chances. These experiences have strongly influenced both my academic goals and career ambitions. I am pursuing a career focused on helping vulnerable individuals and families, especially those dealing with trauma, mental health struggles, or difficult life transitions. Through my education and field experiences, I have become passionate about supporting people who often feel unheard or overlooked. I want to be someone who helps individuals rebuild confidence, find resources, and believe that their future can be different from their past. As a student, balancing personal challenges with academics has not always been easy, but those struggles have strengthened my determination. They have taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of continuing forward even during hard times. I understand firsthand how important support systems and opportunities can be for people affected by incarceration. In the future, I hope to use my career to advocate for individuals and families who are struggling and help break cycles that often continue across generations. I want to create positive change by offering compassion, encouragement, and practical support to those who may feel forgotten by society. My experiences have shaped me into someone who values resilience, education, and service to others, and they continue to motivate me every day to work toward a meaningful career where I can make a difference.

Growing up, I learned early that many people struggle in silence. Some families do not have access to healthcare, support, or someone willing to truly listen to them. Seeing this made me want to build a career where I could help people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has not always been easy, but it has taught me resilience, compassion, and determination. I am currently pursuing a career in healthcare and social services because I want to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. Being a first-generation student means that I have had to figure out many things on my own. There were times when balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities felt overwhelming. Even through those challenges, I stayed committed to my education because I know it can create opportunities not only for myself, but also for the people I hope to serve in the future. My experiences have helped me understand how important support systems are, especially for people facing trauma, mental health struggles, poverty, or difficult life situations. My passion for helping others has continued to grow through my studies and field experiences. During my social work practicum, I had the opportunity to work closely with teenage boys in a residential setting. Many of them came from unstable environments and were struggling emotionally and mentally. I assisted with intakes and witnessed the difficult process of families dropping their children off for ninety-day stays. Those moments were emotional and eye-opening because I saw how deeply people need compassion, patience, and guidance during times of crisis. Instead of judging people for their struggles, I learned how important it is to meet them with understanding and support. In the future, I hope to continue working in healthcare and mental health services where I can advocate for individuals who often feel unheard. I want to help create environments where people feel safe asking for help and where quality care is accessible regardless of someone’s background or financial situation. Too many people avoid seeking medical or mental health care because of fear, stigma, or lack of resources. I want to be part of changing that. The story of Catrina Celestine Aquilino inspires me because she dedicated her life to helping others and believed everyone deserved care and justice. I admire how she used her education and experiences to make a difference in multiple communities. Like Catrina, I hope to use my career to help people beyond my immediate circle and create positive change wherever I can. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial stress of pursuing my education and allow me to continue focusing on my goals. More importantly, it would encourage me to keep pushing forward in a career centered on helping others heal, grow, and feel supported. I hope to spend my life making people feel seen, valued, and cared for, especially during the moments when they need it most.

Returning to school as a parent is not just about enrolling in classes—it is about rebuilding your life while carrying the full responsibility of raising a child. For me, going back to school as a single mother has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding decisions I have ever made. There was a time when continuing my education did not feel possible. Life responsibilities took priority, and like many parents, I had to focus on providing stability first. Returning to school later meant stepping into an unfamiliar space where I had to relearn how to be a student while still being a full-time parent and employee. Unlike traditional students, I do not have the ability to focus solely on school. My time is divided between work, parenting, and coursework, and each role requires my full attention. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is time. There are only so many hours in a day, and most of them are already spoken for. My days are structured around my child’s needs first—making sure they are cared for, supported, and present in their own life. After that comes work, where I am employed full-time in a behavioral health facility. By the time I sit down to focus on school, I am often physically and mentally exhausted. Many nights, I stay up late completing assignments after my child has gone to bed, knowing I will have to wake up early and do it all over again. Financial stress is another major challenge. As a single parent, I am responsible for all of our expenses while also trying to pay for school. There is no extra support to fall back on, which makes every decision feel heavier. I have had to learn how to manage limited resources while still investing in my future. There are moments when it feels overwhelming, but I remind myself that this is temporary and that the long-term outcome will be worth it. Despite these challenges, returning to school has also been incredibly empowering. It has shown me that I am capable of more than I once believed. I am currently pursuing a degree in social work while working in the behavioral health field with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. This work has given me a clear sense of purpose and has reinforced why I came back to school in the first place. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor, helping children and families navigate challenges and build healthier lives. Returning to school is not just about earning a degree—it is about creating a better future for my child and for the people I will serve. Being a parent has made this journey harder, but it has also made me stronger. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. I am not just going back to school for myself—I am doing it to build a life that reflects hard work, determination, and the belief that it is never too late to start again.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a single mother, a full-time worker in the behavioral health field, and a college student pursuing a degree in social work. I don’t just go to school for myself—I go for my child, for the life I want to build, and for the people I hope to help one day. That is my “why.” Being a single mother has changed everything about how I see the world. Every decision I make carries more weight because it doesn’t just affect me—it affects my child. There are days when I feel exhausted trying to balance work, school, and parenting all at once. There are nights when I stay up late finishing assignments after putting my child to bed, knowing I still have to wake up early and do it all over again. It’s not easy, and there are moments when it feels overwhelming. But giving up has never been an option for me. What makes me uniquely deserving of this award is not just the challenges I face, but the way I continue to push through them. I am building a future from the ground up while carrying the full responsibility of raising a child on my own. I don’t have the luxury of focusing on just school or just work—I have to do both, while still being present as a mother. Despite that, I continue to show up, stay committed, and keep moving forward. My decision to pursue higher education comes from a deeper purpose. I work in a behavioral health facility with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. Through this work, I’ve seen how important it is to have compassionate, trained professionals who truly care. I want to be that person for others. I want to help individuals who feel misunderstood, unsupported, or overlooked. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor. I want to help children and families navigate difficult situations, build confidence, and develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. I believe early support can change the direction of someone’s life, and I want to be part of that change. But my “why” always comes back to my child. I want to create a life where we are not constantly struggling. I want to show my child what perseverance looks like. I want them to grow up knowing that no matter how hard life gets, they can keep going and achieve their goals. I am not just working toward a degree—I am working toward breaking cycles and creating new opportunities for our future. This journey has not been easy, but it has made me stronger, more determined, and more focused. I am not just pursuing higher education for a career—I am pursuing it to create a better life, to give back to others, and to prove that even in the face of challenges, it is still possible to succeed.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, pursuing higher education has not always felt like a clear or easy path. There have been moments where I had to figure everything out on my own, without guidance or financial stability. However, those challenges have shaped my determination and strengthened my commitment to building a better future—not only for myself, but for others as well. I chose to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in mental and behavioral health, because of both my personal experiences and the work I do every day. I currently work with teenage boys in a behavioral health facility, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. Through this experience, I have seen how critical it is to have compassionate, trained professionals who can support individuals in a meaningful way. I have also seen how often people fall through the cracks due to a lack of resources, access, or understanding. Mental health is an area of healthcare that is still deeply stigmatized and underserved, especially in low-income communities. Growing up, I saw how difficult it can be for families to access care, and how untreated mental health challenges can impact every aspect of a person’s life. These experiences are what led me to social work. I want to be part of changing that reality by helping individuals feel seen, supported, and understood. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor, focusing on children and adolescents. I want to help young people learn how to manage their emotions, process trauma, and build confidence in themselves. Many of the individuals I work with now did not receive early support, and I see how that has affected their development. I want to be part of providing that early intervention so that more individuals have the opportunity to thrive. In the future, I also hope to advocate for better access to mental health services, particularly for underserved and low-income populations. Healthcare should not be something that is only available to those who can afford it. I want to help bridge that gap by connecting individuals to resources, supporting families, and being a voice for those who often go unheard. Being a first-generation college student has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of perseverance. There are challenges that come with navigating higher education without a roadmap, especially while balancing work and financial responsibilities. However, these experiences have only strengthened my drive to succeed and to use my education to create meaningful change. Ultimately, I chose healthcare because I want to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to be someone who not only provides care but also creates a sense of hope. My degree will not just be a personal achievement—it will be a tool that allows me to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Recovery, to me, means choosing to live—even on the days when it feels hard. It’s not just about being clean; it’s about learning how to face life without running from it. For a long time, I used substances to numb pain, avoid emotions, and escape things I didn’t know how to deal with. Recovery forced me to face all of that head-on. Being clean for over a year has changed my life in ways I didn’t think were possible. Recovery means waking up with a clear mind. It means being present for my child, my work, and my future. It means taking responsibility for my choices and learning healthier ways to cope when life gets overwhelming. Some days are still hard, but I no longer turn to old habits—I’ve learned how to sit with those feelings and move through them. Recovery also means growth. It pushed me to go back to school, pursue a degree in social work, and build a life that has purpose. I now work in behavioral health, helping others who are struggling, and I use my past as a reminder of how far I’ve come. Recovery gave me my life back—and I don’t take that for granted.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. I am also a single mother, and balancing school, work, and parenting has been one of the most challenging but meaningful experiences of my life. Being a single parent has deeply impacted my academic journey. There are times when I am exhausted, trying to manage work responsibilities, school assignments, and being present for my child all at once. I don’t have the luxury of focusing on just one thing—everything has to be balanced carefully. Financially, it can also be difficult, as I am responsible for supporting my household while paying for school. Despite these challenges, becoming a parent has also been my biggest motivation. My child is the reason I continue pushing forward, even on the hardest days. I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to work in healthcare, specifically in mental and behavioral health. I currently work with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. This experience has shown me how important it is to have compassionate and trained professionals in this field. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor, helping children and families navigate challenges and build healthier lives. Being a single parent has not stopped me—it has made me stronger, more determined, and more focused on creating a better future.

Higher education is more than just a degree to me—it is a way to break cycles, create stability, and build a future that looks different from the past. As a low-income student, a single mother, and someone working full-time, pursuing higher education has not been easy. There have been many moments where I have had to ask myself difficult questions: Do I focus only on working to make ends meet, or do I continue pushing forward with school, even when it feels overwhelming? I have chosen to keep going, because I know that education is the key to the life I want to build. I am currently pursuing a degree in social work while working in the behavioral health field. I work with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. This job has given me real-world experience and has shown me how important it is to have trained, compassionate professionals in this field. I see every day how much of a difference the right support system can make in someone’s life. Without education, I would not be able to grow into the role I truly want—to provide deeper, more meaningful support as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Attending higher education is what will allow me to turn my passion into a career that creates lasting impact. My goal is to work as a therapist or school counselor, focusing on children and adolescents who are struggling with mental health challenges. I want to help them understand their emotions, build confidence, and develop healthier ways to cope. Many of the individuals I work with now did not receive the support they needed early on, and it has affected their development. I want to be part of changing that by providing early intervention and guidance. Beyond direct care, I also want to advocate for better access to mental health services. Coming from a low-income background, I understand how difficult it can be to access care. Many families simply cannot afford therapy or do not know where to turn for help. I want to help bridge that gap by connecting individuals to resources and advocating for more accessible and affordable services. Education will give me the knowledge, credentials, and opportunities needed to make that kind of impact. My work and volunteer experiences outside of school have already shaped the path I am on. In addition to my job, I have volunteered in a special education classroom and participated in community service efforts that support underserved populations. These experiences have taught me that people are not defined by their circumstances—they are often limited by a lack of opportunity and support. That belief continues to motivate me to keep going, even when the path is difficult. Financially, pursuing higher education is one of the biggest challenges I face. As a single mother, I am responsible for providing for my child while also investing in my future. There are times when it feels like I am being pulled in multiple directions, but I remind myself why I started. I am doing this to create a better life—not just for myself, but for my child and for the people I will serve in the future. Higher education is not just helping me achieve my goals—it is preparing me to help others achieve theirs. My impact will come through the work I do, the people I support, and the change I advocate for. I may have started with limited resources, but I am determined to use my education to create opportunities, support others, and make a lasting difference.

Making a positive impact on the world, to me, is not about doing something huge all at once—it is about showing up every day for people who need support, understanding, and care. My goal is to make that impact through my work in the mental health field, especially with individuals who are often overlooked, misunderstood, or underserved. I currently work full-time in a behavioral health facility with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. Every day, I see how much of a difference one person can make in someone’s life. These young people are often labeled by their behaviors instead of being understood for what they are going through. I try to be someone who listens to them, encourages them, and helps them feel seen. Sometimes the impact is small—helping someone get through a difficult moment or recognize their progress—but those moments matter more than people realize. In addition to my work, I have volunteered in a special education classroom and participated in community service efforts that support individuals who lack access to resources. These experiences have shown me that many people are not struggling because they are incapable, but because they do not have the support they need. That realization has shaped my purpose. I want to be part of creating systems and environments where people are given the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or challenges. I am currently pursuing a degree in social work, and my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). In the future, I plan to work as a therapist or school counselor, focusing on children and adolescents. I want to help young people learn how to manage their emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. I believe early support can change the direction of someone’s life, and I want to be part of that change. I also plan to advocate for better access to mental health services, especially in underserved communities. Too many families cannot afford care or do not know how to access it. I want to help bridge that gap by connecting people to resources, raising awareness, and being a voice for those who feel unheard. My impact will not just be through direct care, but also through advocating for long-term change. As a single mother, I understand what it feels like to face challenges and still keep going. That perspective has made me more compassionate and determined to help others who may feel overwhelmed or alone. I want to show people that their circumstances do not define them and that they are capable of building a better future. Overall, I plan to make a positive impact by combining compassion, service, and advocacy. I may not be able to change the whole world at once, but I can change someone’s world—and that is where real impact begins.

Faith has been the foundation that has carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. It is not just something I believe—it is something I live every day. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and honestly lost, but my faith gave me something to hold onto when everything else felt unstable. It reminded me that even in my lowest moments, I was not alone, and that my life still had purpose. As a single mother, a full-time worker in the behavioral health field, and a college student, life can feel overwhelming at times. There are days when I am exhausted and unsure how I will keep going, but my faith is what grounds me. It teaches me to keep showing up, to keep pushing forward, and to trust that the work I am putting in now will lead to something greater. My faith has shaped my mindset—it has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of serving others with compassion. I am very involved in my church community, and it has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. My church is more than just a place I attend—it is where I have learned the true meaning of service, humility, and love. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to support others, build meaningful relationships, and grow spiritually. Being surrounded by people who encourage me and hold me accountable has helped me stay focused on my goals, even when life becomes challenging. My faith has directly influenced my decision to pursue higher education, specifically in social work. I believe that I am called to help others, especially those who are struggling with mental health challenges or difficult life situations. In my current job, I work with teenage boys in a behavioral health facility, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other emotional or behavioral challenges. This work is not always easy, but it is meaningful. I try to show up for them with patience, understanding, and compassion—values that are deeply rooted in my faith. There have been moments in my life where I could have given up or chosen a different path, but my faith pushed me to keep going. It reminded me that my struggles were not the end of my story. Instead, they were preparing me to help others who are facing similar challenges. I want to be someone who makes a difference, not just through my career, but through the way I treat people and the impact I have on their lives. In addition to my faith, my child has been one of my biggest motivations to pursue higher education. I want to create a better life for us, but I also want to set an example. I want my child to see that no matter what obstacles we face, we can overcome them with hard work, determination, and faith. I want to show them that education is valuable and that it can open doors to opportunities that once felt out of reach. Looking toward the future, I plan to continue my education and become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My goal is to work as a therapist or school counselor, helping children and families navigate challenges and build healthier, more stable lives. I also want to advocate for better access to mental health services and support systems, especially in underserved communities. Faith has shaped every part of my journey—who I am, what I value, and where I am going. It has taught me to lead with integrity, to serve others with compassion, and to keep moving forward even when the path is difficult. I truly believe that I am walking in my purpose, and I am committed to using my education and my life to make a positive impact on others. Instagram: estelle1212_

My name is Heather Smith, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. As a woman, a single mother, and someone who has faced personal challenges, my decision to pursue a career in healthcare is deeply personal. I did not choose this path just because I wanted a career—I chose it because I know what it feels like to need help and not always have it. Healthcare, especially mental health care, is often overlooked, underfunded, and misunderstood. Through both my life experiences and my work, I have seen how deeply this affects individuals and families. I currently work with teenage boys in a behavioral health facility, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. These young people are often labeled by their behaviors instead of being understood for what they are going through. Working with them has opened my eyes to how important compassion, patience, and advocacy are in healthcare. As a woman in this field, I believe I bring a unique perspective shaped by empathy, resilience, and lived experience. I understand what it feels like to carry responsibilities while still trying to heal and grow. I understand what it means to show up for others even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences have made me stronger, but they have also made me more compassionate toward others who are struggling. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor, focusing on children and adolescents. I want to help young people learn how to understand their emotions, cope with challenges, and feel confident in who they are. I believe early intervention can change lives, and I want to be part of that change. I also want to advocate for better access to mental health care, especially for underserved communities that often fall through the cracks. Being a woman in healthcare also means breaking barriers. Women have historically had to fight for space, respect, and leadership in this field. I want to be part of the generation that continues to push forward—not just by succeeding for myself, but by opening doors for others. I want to show young girls, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds, that they are capable of building meaningful, impactful careers in healthcare. Financially, pursuing this path is not easy. As a single mother, I am balancing work, school, and providing for my child. There are moments when it feels overwhelming, but I remind myself why I started. I am doing this not only to create a better life for my family, but to help others who feel lost, unheard, or unsupported. Healthcare is more than a profession to me—it is a way to give back, to advocate, and to create change. As a woman in this field, I hope to lead with compassion, strength, and purpose. I want to be someone who not only provides care but also makes people feel seen, valued, and understood during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t recognize myself anymore. Addiction didn’t happen all at once—it crept in slowly, quietly, until it took over everything. It affected my choices, my relationships, and the way I saw myself. I wasn’t just struggling with substances; I was struggling with pain I didn’t know how to handle. For a long time, I felt stuck in a cycle that I didn’t think I could break. Addiction is isolating. It makes you feel like you’re alone, even when you’re surrounded by people who care about you. I carried a lot of guilt and shame during that time. I knew I was capable of more, but I didn’t feel strong enough to change. There were moments when I questioned if I would ever get out of that place in my life. It’s hard to explain what that feels like unless you’ve lived it—the constant battle in your mind, knowing you want better but feeling like you’re losing control. What changed for me wasn’t one single moment, but a series of realizations. I knew I had to choose a different path—not just for myself, but for my child. Becoming sober was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It meant facing everything I had been avoiding. It meant learning how to cope without numbing myself. It meant rebuilding my life from the ground up. Sobriety didn’t magically fix everything, but it gave me clarity. It gave me the chance to become the person I knew I could be. Today, I am sober, and I am proud of that. I’ve learned how to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of running from them. I’ve learned how to be present, how to take responsibility, and how to keep moving forward even on hard days. Now, I am working full-time in the behavioral health field while pursuing my degree in social work. I work with teenage boys, many of whom struggle with mental health challenges and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When I look at them, I see pieces of my past—the confusion, the frustration, and sometimes the pain they don’t know how to express. Because of my experiences, I am able to connect with them in a way that goes beyond just doing my job. I understand what it feels like to struggle, and I want to be someone who helps them find a better path earlier than I did. I want to use my education to help others who are dealing with addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work directly with individuals who feel lost, just like I once did. I want to be a safe place for people—to show them that change is possible, even when it feels impossible. I come from a low-income background, and continuing my education while supporting myself and my child is not easy. But I refuse to let my past define my future. My story is not one of failure—it is one of growth, resilience, and second chances. Sobriety gave me my life back. Now, I want to spend my life helping others find theirs.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. I am also a single mother, which has shaped my resilience, work ethic, and deep sense of purpose. My experiences—both personal and professional—have led me to pursue a career focused on serving individuals with special needs, particularly those who are often misunderstood or overlooked. In my current role, I work with teenage boys in a behavioral health facility, and the majority of the individuals I serve are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) along with other emotional or behavioral challenges. This work has been life-changing for me. It has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to supporting individuals with special needs. Every person communicates, learns, and experiences the world differently. Some of the youth I work with struggle to express themselves or regulate their emotions, but through patience, consistency, and understanding, I have seen them make meaningful progress. One of the biggest things I have learned is how often society is not designed to support individuals with special needs. Many of the challenges these youth face are not because of their diagnoses, but because of a lack of resources, understanding, and inclusion. This has motivated me to want to be part of the change. I do not just want to work with individuals—I want to advocate for them and help create environments where they feel supported and valued. In addition to my work, I have volunteered in a special education classroom, where I saw how impactful individualized support can be. That experience showed me that when students are given the right tools and encouragement, they can succeed in ways that might not be possible in a traditional setting. It also reinforced my belief that inclusion is not just important—it is necessary. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work closely with children and adolescents who have special needs, especially those with ASD and behavioral challenges. I want to provide mental health support, teach coping skills, and help individuals build confidence and independence. I also plan to advocate for better access to services, including early intervention programs, family support resources, and inclusive education systems. As a single mother, I understand what it feels like to navigate challenges without always having the support you need. This has made me more compassionate and driven to help others who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. I want to be someone who not only provides care but also empowers individuals and families to feel confident in their abilities and supported in their journey. Overall, I plan to make a positive social impact by combining direct support with advocacy. I want to help individuals with special needs live full, meaningful lives while also working toward a future where society is more inclusive, understanding, and accessible for everyone.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. As a single mother, I have learned how to balance responsibility, resilience, and determination every day. My life has been shaped by service—both through my career and through my deep involvement in my church and community. Service has always been an important part of who I am. I am very involved in my church community, where I have had the opportunity to support others through encouragement, mentorship, and simply being present for people during difficult times. My church has taught me the importance of compassion, faith, and giving back, not just when it is convenient, but consistently. Whether it is helping with outreach, supporting families in need, or being part of a strong, uplifting community, my faith has guided me to live a life focused on serving others. In addition to my church involvement, I work full-time in a behavioral health facility with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health challenges. In this role, I serve as a mentor and support system for youth who often feel misunderstood or overlooked. I help them navigate their emotions, build routines, and develop healthier ways to cope with challenges. This work is not always easy, but it is meaningful. I have learned that service is not always about big gestures—it is often found in small, consistent actions like listening, encouraging, and showing patience. I also have experience volunteering in a special education classroom, where I saw firsthand how important it is to meet individuals where they are. That experience taught me that everyone has unique strengths, even if they learn or communicate differently. It reinforced my desire to continue working with individuals who have special needs and to advocate for more inclusive and supportive environments. I plan to use my education in social work to continue serving others on a larger scale. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and work as a therapist or school counselor, especially for children and adolescents. I want to provide mental health support to those who may not have access to it, particularly in underserved communities. I also hope to advocate for better resources and policies that support families, individuals with disabilities, and those struggling with mental health challenges. Financial need is a significant part of my journey. As a single mother, I am responsible for providing for my child while also working toward my degree. There are many challenges that come with balancing these responsibilities, but they have only strengthened my commitment to creating a better future for my family and the people I hope to serve. I believe I embody a life of service through my daily actions, my faith, and my commitment to helping others grow and succeed. Through my education and future career, I will continue to serve by supporting, advocating for, and uplifting those who need it most.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in the behavioral health field. As a single mother, I balance my education, career, and raising my child, which has shaped my resilience and determination. My decision to pursue a career connected to healthcare and health science comes from both my personal experiences and the work I do every day with individuals who need mental and emotional support. I currently work in a behavioral health facility with teenage boys, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other mental health challenges. This experience has opened my eyes to how important mental health care is and how often it is overlooked. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many individuals struggle to access the care they need. I have seen firsthand how a lack of resources, support, or understanding can impact a person’s development, behavior, and overall well-being. At the same time, I have also seen how the right care, structure, and support can completely change someone’s life. Being in this field has confirmed that I want to dedicate my life to helping others through healthcare, specifically in mental health. I chose this path because I want to be someone who makes people feel seen, heard, and supported, especially during their most difficult moments. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and eventually work as a therapist or school counselor. I want to help children and adolescents learn how to manage their emotions, build confidence, and navigate challenges in a healthy way. Early intervention is so important, and I want to be part of providing that support before problems grow larger. In addition to my work, I have also volunteered in settings that serve individuals without access to healthcare, which has deepened my understanding of how social and economic factors impact health. Many families simply cannot afford the care they need, whether it is physical or mental health services. This has inspired me to not only work directly with individuals but also advocate for better access to healthcare and resources in underserved communities. As a single mother, I understand what it feels like to face challenges without always having the support you need. This has made me more compassionate and driven to help others who may feel overwhelmed or alone. I want to create a safe and supportive environment for the people I work with, where they feel valued and understood. The difference I hope to make through my future career is to help break the stigma around mental health and ensure that more individuals have access to the care they deserve. I want to be an advocate, a support system, and a source of hope for those who are struggling. Healthcare is not just about treating illness—it is about improving quality of life, and that is exactly what I hope to do every day in my future career.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work while working full-time in a behavioral health facility. I am also a single mother, balancing school, work, and raising my child, which has shaped my determination and deepened my sense of purpose. My journey into this field has been driven by both my personal experiences and my passion for helping individuals who need extra support, especially those with special needs. In my current role, I work with teenage boys in a behavioral health setting, and a large majority of the youth I work with are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This experience has had a profound impact on me. I have learned that every individual communicates, learns, and processes the world differently. Some of the teens I work with struggle to express their emotions or regulate their behaviors, but that does not mean they do not understand or feel deeply. Being part of their daily lives—helping them build routines, manage challenges, and celebrate small victories—has shown me how important patience, consistency, and compassion truly are. My interest in working with individuals with special needs also grew through my volunteer experience in a special education classroom. During that time, I saw firsthand how powerful individualized attention and encouragement can be. Students who may struggle in traditional classroom settings can thrive when given the right support and teaching methods. I learned that progress does not always look the same for everyone, and even the smallest achievements can be incredibly meaningful. This experience taught me the importance of meeting people where they are and recognizing their unique strengths rather than focusing only on their limitations. I plan to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs by continuing my education and becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My goal is to work closely with children and adolescents, particularly those with ASD and other developmental or behavioral challenges. I want to help create safe, supportive environments where they feel understood, valued, and capable. I also hope to advocate for better access to services and resources, especially for families who may not have the financial means or knowledge to navigate the system. Financial need is a very real part of my journey. As a single mother, I am responsible for providing for my child while also working toward my degree. Balancing these responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, but it has only strengthened my commitment to building a better future for both of us. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease some of the financial burden but also allow me to focus more fully on my education and professional growth. Overall, my experiences in both volunteer and professional settings have confirmed that this is the field I am meant to be in. Working with individuals with special needs is not just a career choice for me—it is a calling. I am committed to making a lasting impact by supporting, advocating for, and empowering those who deserve to feel seen, included, and valued every day.

One of the most important social issues I am working to address is the lack of access to mental health support, especially for vulnerable populations like teenagers and underserved communities. Mental health is often overlooked or stigmatized, yet it affects every part of a person’s life—how they think, feel, and function daily. Through my education, work experience, and volunteer efforts, I am actively working to be part of the solution. I currently work full-time in a behavioral health facility for teenage boys who are struggling with serious emotional and behavioral challenges. Many of these young men come from difficult backgrounds, including trauma, neglect, or unstable home environments. In my role, I help guide them through daily routines, build trust, and support their emotional growth. While I am not yet a licensed counselor, I act as a consistent, supportive presence in their lives. Sometimes, something as simple as listening without judgment or encouraging them during a tough moment can make a real difference. This experience has shown me how critical early mental health intervention is and how easily these needs can go unmet. In addition to my work, I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to expand my ability to advocate for and support individuals facing mental health challenges. My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and eventually work as a school counselor or therapist. I am especially passionate about helping children and adolescents, because early support can change the entire direction of a person’s life. By continuing my education, I am preparing myself with the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. I have also been involved in volunteer work through organizations that provide care to underserved populations. For example, I have volunteered with mobile clinics that serve individuals without insurance, helping connect people to resources they might not otherwise have access to. Experiences like this have reinforced how deeply connected mental health is to other social issues, such as poverty, lack of healthcare access, and unstable living conditions. Addressing mental health means also addressing these broader systemic challenges. As a single mother, I understand firsthand how overwhelming life can become without the right support systems. This perspective drives my commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and valued. I want to be the kind of professional who not only provides services but also advocates for better policies, increased access to care, and reduced stigma around mental health. Addressing mental health is not something that happens overnight, but I am committed to being part of that change every day—through my work, my education, and my service to others. I believe that by investing in people and meeting them where they are, we can create stronger, healthier communities.

Choosing to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector is not just a professional goal for me—it is deeply personal. For over three years, I worked at a nonprofit organization in Texas that supported adult women struggling with life-controlling issues. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the power of compassion, structure, and community in helping individuals rebuild their lives. That experience didn’t just shape my career path—it changed me as a person. Many of the women I worked with came from backgrounds filled with trauma, addiction, abuse, and instability. At first, I saw how broken and defeated they felt. But over time, I also saw something incredible: growth, healing, and hope. I watched women who once felt like they had nothing begin to rediscover their worth and purpose. Being part of that journey showed me that real change is possible when people are given support, guidance, and someone who truly believes in them. My own life experiences have also played a major role in my decision to pursue this path. I understand what it feels like to struggle, to feel uncertain about the future, and to need support in order to move forward. Because of that, I have developed a deep passion for helping others who may feel stuck or overlooked. I want to be someone who not only listens but also helps guide people toward healing and stability. I am currently pursuing a degree in social work because I want to continue serving vulnerable populations, especially women and families. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and work within nonprofit organizations that focus on mental health, recovery, and family support. I believe that nonprofits play a critical role in filling gaps that other systems often overlook, especially for individuals who may not have access to resources otherwise. Through my future work, I hope to create a positive impact by providing both emotional support and practical tools for change. I want to help individuals develop coping skills, rebuild their confidence, and create healthier lives for themselves and their families. I also hope to advocate for better access to mental health services and support systems within underserved communities. What drives me most is knowing that even small actions can make a big difference. Sometimes, simply showing someone that they are seen, heard, and valued can change the direction of their life. I want to continue being that source of encouragement and support for others. The nonprofit sector may not always be the easiest or most recognized path, but it is one of the most meaningful. I am committed to dedicating my career to serving others, creating change, and helping individuals realize that their past does not define their future. Through my work, I hope to continue making a lasting impact—one person, one family, and one community at a time.

My decision to pursue a degree in mental health comes from both my personal experiences and the work I do every day. I have seen firsthand how deeply mental health can affect a person’s life, their relationships, and their future. These experiences didn’t just shape my perspective—they gave me a purpose. There was a time in my life when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of where I was headed. I struggled with making decisions that didn’t reflect who I truly wanted to be, and I found myself stuck in cycles that felt impossible to break. During that time, I experienced how powerful it is to have someone who listens without judgment and offers guidance with patience and understanding. That kind of support can truly change a life. When I finally made the decision to seek help and begin healing, it opened my eyes to how important mental health care really is. Today, I work in a behavioral health facility with teenage boys who are struggling with their own challenges. Every day, I see pieces of my past in their stories—the confusion, the hurt, and the desire to be understood. Working with them has only strengthened my passion for this field. I have learned that mental health support is not just about treatment; it is about connection, trust, and helping people see that they are capable of change. Even small moments, like a conversation that helps someone feel heard, can make a lasting impact. Being a mother has also played a major role in my decision. I want to build a life that not only supports my child but also shows him the importance of compassion, resilience, and helping others. I want him to see that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can turn your experiences into something meaningful. Pursuing a degree in social work allows me to do that while creating a stable and purpose-driven future for my family. What drives me most is the desire to give back. I know what it feels like to struggle, and I know what it feels like to begin healing. That perspective allows me to connect with others in a real and genuine way. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker so I can provide support to individuals and families who feel overwhelmed, just like I once did. I want to be someone who helps others find hope, build strength, and realize that their story does not end where their struggle begins. Mental health professionals play a critical role in creating healthier communities, and I want to be part of that change. This path is not just a career for me—it is a calling rooted in my experiences, my growth, and my commitment to helping others live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

My journey as a single mother pursuing higher education has been filled with both challenges and purpose. Every step toward my degree represents not only a personal goal but also a commitment to building a better future for my son. While the path has not always been easy, it has been deeply meaningful because I know that the sacrifices I make today will create opportunities for both of us tomorrow. Balancing motherhood, work, and college has required discipline, resilience, and faith. As a single parent, there is no one to share the daily responsibilities or the financial pressures that come with raising a child. Many days are spent carefully balancing my schedule between work, classes, assignments, and making sure my son has the love, support, and stability he deserves. There have been moments when exhaustion and financial stress made continuing school feel overwhelming. However, those same challenges remind me why I started this journey in the first place. My experiences in life have shaped my passion for helping others. There was a time when my own life lacked direction, and I struggled to see a future beyond survival. In December 2020, I made the decision to seek help and entered a year-long faith-based recovery program in Texas. That decision changed the course of my life. Through that program, I found healing, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. My faith became the foundation that helped me rebuild my life and begin pursuing goals that once seemed impossible. Today, I work in behavioral health with teenage boys, many of whom struggle with trauma, behavioral challenges, and developmental differences such as autism spectrum disorder. Working with these young people has strengthened my desire to pursue a degree in social work and eventually become a counselor. Many of the students I work with feel misunderstood, unheard, or overlooked. Being able to support them and encourage them to believe in themselves is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. As a single mother, one of my greatest motivations is the example I set for my son. I want him to grow up seeing that perseverance and education can transform lives. I want him to know that even when life is difficult, it is still possible to pursue dreams and build a better future. Every late night spent studying, every class completed, and every obstacle overcome is a reminder that the path I am walking is bigger than just me. The most fulfilling part of this journey is knowing that my education will allow me to help others who are facing challenges similar to those I have experienced. My goal is to become a counselor who works with individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and behavioral health challenges. I want to help people find hope and restoration in situations that may feel impossible. Education represents freedom and opportunity for my family. It represents stability for my son and the ability to build a life that is rooted in purpose, service, and compassion. By continuing my education, I am not only improving my own future, but also creating a foundation of strength and possibility for the next generation.

Education is important to me because it represents transformation—not only for my own life, but for my family and the generations that come after me. As a first-generation college student, I am stepping into a world that no one in my immediate family has experienced before. While that journey comes with challenges, it also comes with a deep sense of purpose. I know that every class I complete and every goal I reach is helping build a new path for my family’s future. Growing up, education was always encouraged, but financial limitations and life circumstances often made higher education feel out of reach. Like many first-generation students, I had to learn how to navigate college largely on my own. There were times when I questioned whether I truly belonged in an academic environment, but those moments also strengthened my determination. Instead of letting uncertainty stop me, I chose to view it as motivation to keep moving forward. My journey has not been traditional, but it has been meaningful. Life experiences, including hardship and personal growth, have shaped my desire to pursue a degree in social work. Today, I work in behavioral health with teenage boys who are navigating trauma, behavioral challenges, and developmental differences. Many of the young people I work with feel misunderstood or forgotten. Being able to support them and help guide them toward healthier futures has confirmed that I am on the path I am meant to follow. Education has given me the tools to better understand people, advocate for those who need support, and become a stronger role model for my own child. As a single mother, my education carries even greater meaning. I want my son to grow up seeing that perseverance, hard work, and faith can lead to real change. I want him to understand that no matter where someone begins in life, they can build a future through determination and learning. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education also means that I am helping change what is possible for the generations that follow. The legacy I hope to leave is one of resilience, compassion, and opportunity. I want my journey to show younger family members that college is achievable and that education can open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. Beyond my own family, I hope my education allows me to leave a broader legacy through my work in social services and counseling. My goal is to help individuals who feel lost, struggling, or overlooked find hope and direction. Many people facing addiction, trauma, or behavioral challenges simply need someone who believes in them and is willing to walk beside them through the process of healing. Through my career, I want to be that person for others. Education is not just about earning a degree for me—it is about creating change. It is about breaking cycles, building stability for my child, and helping others find their own path toward healing and growth. The legacy I hope to leave is one where my son, my family, and the people I serve know that perseverance and compassion can truly transform lives.

My journey toward becoming a social worker and counselor has been shaped by personal experiences that taught me the devastating impact addiction can have on individuals and families. These experiences also showed me the power of restoration, compassion, and support. Today, I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to help others find hope and healing, especially those who feel trapped in circumstances similar to ones I once faced. For many years, addiction surrounded my life in different ways. I experienced firsthand how destructive substance abuse can be—not only for the individual struggling with it but also for the people who love them. One of the most painful examples of this was watching my stepfather battle alcoholism for more than thirty years. Alcohol slowly took a toll on his health, eventually leading to cirrhosis of the liver. Losing him to a disease caused by addiction was heartbreaking, but it also opened my eyes to how powerful and dangerous addiction truly is. My stepfather’s life and death became a turning point in how I view addiction and recovery. Instead of seeing people with addictions as failures, I began to understand them as individuals who often carry deep pain, trauma, and unmet needs. His story taught me that addiction is not simply about poor choices—it is often connected to suffering that has never been properly addressed. This realization helped shape my desire to work in behavioral health and to approach people with empathy rather than judgment. My own life experiences have also influenced this path. There was a time when I struggled to see a clear future for myself. I spent years making decisions that led me down a difficult road, including legal trouble and unhealthy environments. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew something had to change. In December 2020, I made the decision to seek help and entered a twelve-month faith-based recovery program in Texas. That program changed my life. During that year, I began rebuilding my life from the inside out. I learned discipline, accountability, and most importantly, how to heal emotionally and spiritually. Through that experience, my faith in Jesus became a central part of my restoration. I learned that transformation is possible when someone is willing to do the work and accept support. That realization is something I carry with me every day, especially in my current role working in behavioral health with teenage boys. Many of the students I work with struggle with trauma, behavioral challenges, and developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. Some have already experienced hardships that most adults would struggle to process. My long-term goal is to become a counselor who specializes in helping individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and behavioral health challenges. I want to work with young people and families who feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Too often, individuals facing these struggles feel misunderstood or forgotten. I want to be someone who listens, advocates, and helps them rebuild their lives step by step. The loss of my stepfather reminds me that addiction can take lives and devastate families, but it also reminds me why this work matters so deeply. His story, my own recovery, and the students I work with today have all shaped my passion for helping others heal. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education so that I can expand the impact I hope to make in the behavioral health field. My goal is not only to earn a degree but to use my experiences to help others find hope, restoration, and a path forward.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it directly affects my ability to learn, persist, and grow—both academically and personally. As someone balancing college, full-time work in behavioral health, and parenting, I have learned that mental health is not separate from success; it is the foundation of it. Without emotional well-being, even the most motivated students can struggle to stay engaged, focused, and hopeful. Throughout my educational journey, I have faced periods of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Like many students, I once believed that pushing through without acknowledging these challenges was a sign of strength. Over time, I learned that ignoring mental health needs only makes obstacles heavier. As a student, mental health determines how effectively I manage stress, respond to setbacks, and show up consistently for my responsibilities. Recognizing and prioritizing mental health has allowed me to develop healthier coping strategies, maintain balance, and continue pursuing my degree with purpose rather than burnout. My commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond my own experiences. I work in behavioral health with adolescents, many of whom face significant mental health challenges, trauma, and neurodevelopmental differences. The majority of the students I support are on the autism spectrum, and many have experienced misunderstanding, stigma, or exclusion. Through this work, I see firsthand how damaging silence around mental health can be—and how powerful empathy and support can be in helping individuals feel safe, capable, and valued. In my community, I advocate for mental health by modeling openness and compassion. In professional settings, I support students by validating their experiences, encouraging emotional expression, and promoting coping skills that foster self-regulation and resilience. I strive to create environments where asking for help is normalized rather than stigmatized. Sometimes advocacy looks like providing resources or guidance; other times, it simply means listening without judgment. I have learned that presence itself can be a form of support. Within my personal life, I advocate for mental health by prioritizing honest conversations at home. As a parent, I believe it is essential to model emotional awareness and self-care. I want my child to grow up understanding that mental health matters just as much as physical health, and that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness. By practicing balance, setting boundaries, and speaking openly about emotions, I aim to break cycles of silence that so many families experience. As a student pursuing social work, I am committed to continuing this advocacy on a larger scale. My goal is to support individuals and families navigating mental health challenges while also contributing to systemic change through education and awareness. I believe mental health advocacy begins at the community level—one conversation, one safe space, one supportive relationship at a time. Mental health is important to me because it shapes how students survive and how they succeed. Through my education, work, and daily interactions, I am dedicated to fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and helping build a culture where mental health is acknowledged, respected, and supported.

As a first-generation college student, I have learned that empathy is not an abstract idea—it is a skill shaped by lived experience, responsibility, and resilience. Navigating higher education without a family roadmap has required me to rely on my own determination while learning how to listen, adapt, and advocate for myself and others. These experiences, combined with my work in behavioral health and my pursuit of a degree in social work, have shaped how I plan to contribute to a more empathetic and understanding global community. One of my strongest talents is my ability to listen without judgment. As a first-generation student, I have often felt the pressure of unfamiliar systems, financial strain, and the fear of making mistakes without guidance. These challenges taught me how isolating it can feel to be unseen or misunderstood. That awareness carries into my professional life, where I work with adolescents in behavioral health—many of whom are navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and neurodevelopmental differences, including autism spectrum disorder. I have learned that empathy begins when people feel heard, not fixed. Another key skill I bring is adaptability. Balancing college coursework, work, and caregiving responsibilities has forced me to become flexible and solution-oriented. I approach challenges with patience and creativity, understanding that progress looks different for everyone. This mindset is essential when working with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. A global community is not built through uniform solutions, but through respect for individual experiences and needs. Education has also strengthened my ability to communicate across differences. As a social work student, I am learning how systems—such as healthcare, education, and social services—can unintentionally marginalize vulnerable populations. My goal is to use this knowledge to advocate for inclusive, trauma-informed approaches that prioritize dignity and accessibility. Whether supporting families locally or contributing to broader conversations about mental health and disability justice, I aim to help bridge gaps in understanding that often lead to stigma or exclusion. Being a first-generation student has shaped my sense of responsibility to give back. I understand how powerful it can be to see someone who has walked a similar path succeed. I plan to mentor and support others who feel overwhelmed by higher education or disconnected from traditional academic spaces. By sharing my experiences honestly, I hope to normalize struggle and encourage persistence—not just within my community, but in any space where people feel overlooked. Ultimately, I will use my talents to build empathy through action. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion is paired with education and advocacy. By combining my lived experience, professional skills, and commitment to service, I hope to contribute to a global community that values understanding over judgment and connection over division. As a first-generation student, my journey has taught me that empathy is not inherited—it is built, practiced, and shared.

“Imagine this: people living in an underground cave-like dwelling, with an entrance open to the light across the whole width of the cave. They have been there since childhood, with their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move and can only see before them, prevented by the chains from turning their heads. Light is provided by a fire burning far above and behind them, and between the fire and the prisoners there is a raised way; and you will see, if you look, a low wall built along the way, like the screen which puppet-players have in front of them, over which they show the puppets.” In this passage, Plato uses the image of the cave to argue that ignorance is not merely a lack of information, but a deeply conditioned state of perception maintained by comfort, habit, and unexamined belief—and that true education is the painful, transformative process of learning how to see differently. At first glance, the cave appears to represent a simple division between ignorance and knowledge, darkness and light. However, a close reading reveals that Plato’s deeper concern is not the absence of truth, but the way humans become accustomed to false versions of reality and mistake them for truth. The prisoners are not chained because they resist knowledge; they are chained because they have never known another way of seeing. This distinction is crucial. Plato suggests that ignorance is often passive, inherited, and normalized rather than actively chosen. The prisoners’ inability to turn their heads symbolizes more than physical restraint—it represents intellectual limitation. Their chains restrict perspective, not sight. They can see clearly what is in front of them, yet what they see is incomplete and misleading. Plato implies that perception itself can be deceptive when it is shaped by narrow conditions. Knowledge, therefore, is not simply about seeing more clearly, but about seeing more fully. This challenges the assumption that experience alone leads to truth. The prisoners have lifelong experience of the shadows, yet their experience reinforces illusion rather than understanding. The fire behind the prisoners introduces a second layer of meaning. Fire provides light, but it is not the sun. It creates visibility, but only partial illumination. In this sense, the fire represents flawed sources of knowledge—tradition, authority, social norms, or surface-level education—that give the impression of understanding without offering truth itself. The prisoners believe the shadows are real because the fire gives them just enough light to form recognizable shapes. Plato suggests that false knowledge is most dangerous when it resembles truth closely enough to be convincing. The raised walkway and the wall used by “puppet-players” further emphasize that illusion is constructed. The shadows are not random; they are produced. This implies that ignorance can be reinforced by systems—political, cultural, or educational—that control what people are allowed to see. The prisoners are not merely mistaken; they are positioned to be mistaken. Plato’s underlying critique is directed at societies that reward conformity and discourage questioning. In such systems, people may never realize that what they accept as reality has been curated for them. One of the most striking aspects of this passage is that Plato does not describe the prisoners as unhappy. This absence is deliberate. Comfort is part of the trap. The cave is familiar, predictable, and safe. Plato suggests that people often resist deeper understanding not because truth is unavailable, but because it disrupts stability. Close reading reveals that the cave is not just a place of ignorance—it is a place of psychological security. Leaving it would require discomfort, effort, and uncertainty. This leads to Plato’s broader definition of education. Education is not the act of placing knowledge into an empty mind, but the act of turning the soul toward truth. The prisoners already possess the ability to see; what they lack is direction. Plato implies that learning is a reorientation, not an accumulation. This challenges modern assumptions that education is primarily about acquiring credentials or information. Instead, Plato presents education as a moral and intellectual transformation that reshapes how a person understands the world and their place within it. The cave also reflects Plato’s belief that enlightenment carries responsibility. Although this passage focuses on the prisoners’ condition, it sets the stage for a later and more troubling idea: those who leave the cave and see the truth may struggle to return and communicate it to others. Implicit here is the notion that understanding creates distance. Knowledge can isolate as much as it liberates. Plato seems to suggest that true insight is not always welcomed, especially by those who remain comfortable in familiar illusions. Ultimately, the cave is not just a metaphor for ignorance—it is a warning about complacency. Plato urges readers to question what they accept as real, to examine the sources of their beliefs, and to recognize that seeing is not the same as understanding. Close reading reveals that the most dangerous chains are not physical, but mental: habits of thought that limit curiosity and discourage critical reflection. In this way, Plato’s passage speaks directly to the value of close reading itself. Just as the prisoners mistake shadows for reality, readers who engage texts superficially risk mistaking surface meaning for truth. Plato’s cave reminds us that depth requires effort, discomfort, and a willingness to challenge what feels familiar. True education begins when we turn our minds away from the shadows and toward the difficult, illuminating work of understanding.

What I want to build is not a single structure or product, but a life rooted in stability, service, and meaningful change. Through my education, I am building a future where my lived experiences, professional skills, and compassion come together to create safer, more supportive spaces for individuals and families who are often overlooked. As an undergraduate student pursuing social work, my goal is to build a career that strengthens both my family and my community. Education is the foundation of what I am building. As a single parent and a student, pursuing higher education has required resilience, discipline, and sacrifice. There are days when balancing coursework, work, and parenting feels overwhelming, yet I continue because I understand the long-term impact education can have. I am not only building my own future—I am building a better future for my child by modeling perseverance, purpose, and commitment to growth. Professionally, I am building a path dedicated to advocacy and support for vulnerable populations. I currently work in behavioral health with adolescents, many of whom are navigating mental health challenges, developmental differences, and systemic barriers. These experiences have shown me how transformative access to compassionate, trauma-informed care can be. Through my education, I aim to build the skills necessary to support individuals with dignity, amplify their voices, and help families navigate systems that often feel inaccessible or overwhelming. I also hope to build a community impact that extends beyond my immediate career. I want to help reduce stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disabilities by fostering understanding, education, and empathy. I envision myself working alongside families, schools, and community organizations to create inclusive environments where individuals are supported rather than marginalized. By building trust and connection, I hope to contribute to long-lasting change that benefits not just individuals, but entire communities. On a personal level, I am building stability. Education provides a pathway to financial security, professional fulfillment, and the ability to give back consistently. It allows me to move from surviving to thriving, and to create a life where my child and I are not limited by circumstance. The future I am building is one where challenges do not define outcomes, and where determination opens doors to opportunity. This scholarship would support the foundation of everything I am working to build. It would help ease the financial burden of higher education and allow me to continue investing my energy into learning, growth, and service. Ultimately, what I am building is a future grounded in purpose—one that creates positive change for my family and contributes meaningfully to the well-being of my community.

My understanding of mental health has been shaped not by a single moment, but by a lifetime of lived experiences—through grief, responsibility, silence, and eventually, healing. Mental health has influenced how I see the world, how I relate to others, and how I define my purpose. It is the foundation of why I chose to pursue a career in social work and why I am committed to breaking the stigma that continues to surround mental illness. I have experienced mental health struggles both personally and through loved ones. One of the most defining experiences of my life was losing my stepfather in September 2025. His passing left a profound emotional impact on me and my family. He was a source of encouragement, stability, and belief in my potential, often reminding me to become the best version of myself. Grief forced me to confront emotions I had long learned to suppress—sadness, fear, exhaustion, and vulnerability. For a long time, I believed strength meant pushing forward without acknowledging pain. Instead, I learned that unspoken grief only deepens suffering. As a single parent, student, and caregiver, mental health is not an abstract concept—it is something I navigate daily. The pressure of balancing parenting, education, work, and financial responsibility can feel overwhelming. There are moments when anxiety and emotional fatigue creep in quietly, disguised as productivity or resilience. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of self-awareness and compassion. Mental health is not a weakness; it is a fundamental part of human well-being that deserves care, attention, and understanding. My professional experiences have further shaped my beliefs. I work in behavioral health with adolescents, many of whom are navigating trauma, neurodevelopmental differences, depression, and emotional dysregulation. The majority of my students are on the autism spectrum, and many have experienced bullying, misunderstanding, or isolation. I see firsthand how stigma and lack of mental health education can cause deep harm—especially when individuals feel unseen or unheard. These experiences have reinforced my belief that mental health support must be proactive, inclusive, and trauma-informed. Mental health has also reshaped my relationships. I have learned to communicate more openly, set boundaries, and approach others with empathy rather than judgment. Supporting individuals through emotional distress has taught me that everyone is carrying something unseen. My experiences have strengthened my ability to listen deeply and respond with patience and understanding—skills that are essential not only in social work, but in life. Perhaps most importantly, my journey with mental health has shaped my aspirations. I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to be part of the change that brings mental health out of the shadows. I want to advocate for individuals and families who have been silenced by stigma, culture, or systemic barriers. I am especially passionate about working with youth and families affected by mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and grief. I want to help create spaces where people feel safe seeking help before they reach a breaking point. Mental health has taught me that healing does not mean the absence of pain—it means learning how to live honestly alongside it. It has shown me that silence can be deadly, but conversation can be life-saving. In honoring the legacy behind this scholarship, I believe that bringing darkness into the light is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy. By sharing our stories, we remind others that they are not alone. My experiences with mental health have shaped my worldview, strengthened my relationships, and clarified my purpose. They have transformed pain into direction and grief into motivation. I carry these lessons with me as I continue my education and work toward a future where mental health is treated with the same urgency, compassion, and respect as physical health.

Becoming a parent is life-changing, but becoming a single parent reshapes every aspect of daily life. For me, the most challenging part of being both a student and a single parent is not simply managing time or finances—it is carrying the weight of responsibility alone while striving to build a better future for my child. Every decision I make, from how I spend my time to how I pursue my education, is guided by one central goal: creating stability, opportunity, and hope for my son. As a single mother, my days begin early and end late. I balance coursework, exams, and deadlines alongside parenting responsibilities, employment, and caregiving obligations. Unlike traditional students, I cannot devote uninterrupted hours to studying or rely on flexibility when unexpected challenges arise. If my child is sick, childcare falls through, or finances are stretched thin, there is no backup plan. I must adapt quickly while continuing to show up—for my child, my job, and my education. This constant balancing act can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but it has also strengthened my resilience and determination. Financial strain is one of the most persistent challenges I face. As a single parent, I must carefully budget every dollar to cover housing, food, childcare, transportation, and educational expenses. There is little room for error, and unexpected costs can quickly derail progress. Many times, I have had to choose between essential household needs and academic resources such as textbooks or technology. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to my education because I understand that earning my degree is not just an investment in my future—it is an investment in my child’s future. Time is another significant challenge. Parenting does not pause for exams or deadlines, and studying often happens late at night after my child is asleep or early in the morning before the day begins. While this schedule is demanding, it has taught me discipline, efficiency, and perseverance. I have learned how to maximize every moment and approach my education with purpose. Being a single parent has transformed me into a highly motivated student because I know what is at stake. In addition to being a student, I work in behavioral health, supporting adolescents—many of whom are on the autism spectrum or navigating significant mental health challenges. This work reinforces why I am pursuing a degree in social work. I see daily how access to education, resources, and compassionate support can change lives. My lived experience as a parent deepens my empathy for the families I serve, particularly those facing systemic barriers. It has shaped my desire to advocate for children and families who need stability, understanding, and support. This scholarship would be life-changing for my family. Financial support from the Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship would alleviate some of the constant pressure I face and allow me to focus more fully on my education. It would help cover essential academic expenses and reduce the need to stretch myself even thinner financially. More importantly, it would provide peace of mind—something single parents rarely experience—knowing that I have additional support as I work toward completing my degree. Receiving this scholarship would also affirm that my efforts and sacrifices matter. As a single parent, it can often feel like you are invisible—working tirelessly behind the scenes with little recognition. This opportunity represents more than financial assistance; it represents belief in my potential and in the future I am building for my child. It would allow me to continue pursuing my education with confidence and renewed focus. My long-term goal is to earn my degree in social work and continue serving vulnerable populations, particularly children and families navigating mental health and developmental challenges. I want my son to grow up seeing that perseverance, education, and compassion can break cycles of hardship. I want him to know that even when circumstances are difficult, it is possible to keep moving forward with purpose and integrity. Being a student and a single parent is undeniably challenging, but it has also given my life direction. Every late night, every sacrifice, and every obstacle overcome is driven by love and determination. This scholarship would not only help me complete my education—it would help pave the way for a more secure, hopeful future for both my child and me.

My inspiration to pursue a career supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities is deeply rooted in both my professional experiences and my personal values. As an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Social Work, I am committed to advocating for individuals who are too often misunderstood, overlooked, or underserved. Working in behavioral health, where the majority of the students I support are on the autism spectrum (ASD), has profoundly shaped my understanding of intellectual disability justice and solidified my purpose in this field. In my current role, I work closely with adolescents who navigate daily challenges related to communication, emotional regulation, and social connection. Many of my students are not limited by their abilities, but by systems that fail to meet them where they are. I see firsthand how stigma, lack of resources, and insufficient support can affect their educational experiences, mental health, and sense of self-worth. These experiences have made it clear to me that supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities is not just about providing care—it is about advocacy, dignity, and creating environments where they can thrive. Working with students with ASD has taught me patience, flexibility, and the importance of individualized support. I have learned that progress does not always look the same for every person, and that success should be defined by growth, not comparison. Celebrating small victories—whether it is a student expressing an emotion verbally for the first time or successfully navigating a difficult transition—has reinforced my belief that meaningful change often begins with understanding and consistency. These moments motivate me to continue pursuing a career dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and ensuring their voices are heard. Beyond my professional role, my life experiences as a caregiver and single parent have further influenced my educational and career goals. Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities has strengthened my empathy for caregivers and families who support loved ones with intellectual disabilities. I understand how overwhelming it can be to advocate within systems that are complex and often inaccessible. This perspective fuels my desire to become a social worker who not only supports individuals directly but also assists families in navigating resources, policies, and services with compassion and clarity. My long-term goal is to work in a role where I can advocate for inclusive policies, accessible mental health services, and trauma-informed care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I hope to contribute to a future where schools, healthcare systems, and communities are designed with neurodiversity in mind—not as an afterthought, but as a priority. By combining my education in social work with my hands-on experience in behavioral health, I aim to help reduce stigma, expand access to resources, and promote equity for the intellectual disability community. Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities has become more than a career path for me—it is a calling shaped by lived experience, professional dedication, and a deep belief that everyone deserves respect, opportunity, and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is the one I share with my son. Becoming a parent reshaped not only my priorities but also the way I understand human connection. As a single mother balancing work, school, and caregiving, I have learned that relationships are not built solely through grand gestures, but through consistency, presence, and empathy—especially during moments of stress, uncertainty, and growth. Parenthood taught me the importance of truly listening. Children communicate far beyond words, and learning to recognize emotional cues, needs, and unspoken fears has strengthened my ability to connect with others more intentionally. This awareness has carried into every relationship I build, whether with family members, coworkers, or the individuals I serve in my professional life. I now approach connections with patience, curiosity, and the understanding that everyone carries unseen struggles. Another relationship that profoundly shaped me was with my stepfather, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself and to pursue education even when circumstances felt overwhelming. His belief in my potential provided a foundation of confidence during moments when I doubted my ability to succeed. After his passing, I realized how powerful encouragement and emotional support can be—and how lasting the impact of a single, steady presence can be in someone’s life. That realization deepened my commitment to building meaningful connections rooted in trust and compassion. These experiences directly influence how I build relationships today. I prioritize authenticity and emotional safety, especially in environments where people feel vulnerable. In my work within behavioral health, supporting teenage boys navigating emotional and behavioral challenges, I see firsthand how transformative genuine connection can be. Many of the individuals I work with have experienced instability, trauma, or fractured relationships. By showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and fostering mutual respect, I help create space where healing and growth become possible. As a student pursuing a degree in social work, I view relationships as the foundation of effective advocacy. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities, meaningful change begins with trust. My academic journey is driven by a desire to strengthen human connection in systems that often feel impersonal or inaccessible. I want to be a professional who helps others feel seen, heard, and supported—especially those who have been overlooked or misunderstood. This understanding of connection extends beyond my personal and professional life into how I envision the future. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and fast-paced communication, intentional relationships matter more than ever. While technology can connect us across distance, it cannot replace empathy, presence, and shared experience. My goal is to use my education and lived experience to help preserve these human elements within mental health and social service settings. Being a single parent has shown me the resilience that grows from meaningful relationships and the strength that comes from community support. It has taught me that connection is not a luxury—it is essential. The relationships that shaped me continue to guide how I engage with others, motivating me to lead with empathy and to create spaces where people feel valued and understood. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is an investment in leaders who recognize the power of human connection. With continued support, I will continue building relationships that foster healing, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more compassionate future.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is the one I share with my son. Becoming a parent reshaped not only my priorities but also the way I understand human connection. As a single mother balancing work, school, and caregiving, I have learned that relationships are not built solely through grand gestures, but through consistency, presence, and empathy—especially during moments of stress, uncertainty, and growth. Parenthood taught me the importance of truly listening. Children communicate far beyond words, and learning to recognize emotional cues, needs, and unspoken fears has strengthened my ability to connect with others more intentionally. This awareness has carried into every relationship I build, whether with family members, coworkers, or the individuals I serve in my professional life. I now approach connections with patience, curiosity, and the understanding that everyone carries unseen struggles. Another relationship that profoundly shaped me was with my stepfather, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself and to pursue education even when circumstances felt overwhelming. His belief in my potential provided a foundation of confidence during moments when I doubted my ability to succeed. After his passing, I realized how powerful encouragement and emotional support can be—and how lasting the impact of a single, steady presence can be in someone’s life. That realization deepened my commitment to building meaningful connections rooted in trust and compassion. These experiences directly influence how I build relationships today. I prioritize authenticity and emotional safety, especially in environments where people feel vulnerable. In my work within behavioral health, supporting teenage boys navigating emotional and behavioral challenges, I see firsthand how transformative genuine connection can be. Many of the individuals I work with have experienced instability, trauma, or fractured relationships. By showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and fostering mutual respect, I help create space where healing and growth become possible. As a student pursuing a degree in social work, I view relationships as the foundation of effective advocacy. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities, meaningful change begins with trust. My academic journey is driven by a desire to strengthen human connection in systems that often feel impersonal or inaccessible. I want to be a professional who helps others feel seen, heard, and supported—especially those who have been overlooked or misunderstood. This understanding of connection extends beyond my personal and professional life into how I envision the future. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and fast-paced communication, intentional relationships matter more than ever. While technology can connect us across distance, it cannot replace empathy, presence, and shared experience. My goal is to use my education and lived experience to help preserve these human elements within mental health and social service settings. Being a single parent has shown me the resilience that grows from meaningful relationships and the strength that comes from community support. It has taught me that connection is not a luxury—it is essential. The relationships that shaped me continue to guide how I engage with others, motivating me to lead with empathy and to create spaces where people feel valued and understood. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is an investment in leaders who recognize the power of human connection. With continued support, I will continue building relationships that foster healing, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more compassionate future.

I am pursuing a degree in the mental health field because I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone is supported at the right time—and how damaging it can be when they are not. Mental illness and addiction are deeply connected, and too often the people who struggle the most are treated like they are “too much,” “too difficult,” or beyond help. I want to become the kind of professional who does the opposite: someone who sees the person first, not just the diagnosis or the behavior. My passion for this work comes from both personal experience and what I have witnessed in others. I have lived through my own mental health challenges, including ADHD and OCD, and I have also faced struggles with substance use. I understand how quickly someone can go from functioning to drowning—especially when life is stressful, resources are limited, and support feels out of reach. When you already feel broken or overwhelmed, the last thing you want is to be judged or dismissed. That is why compassion and patience are not optional in mental health care—they are necessary. I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Social Work, and my goal is to continue my education so I can work directly with individuals, teens, and families who are facing mental illness and addiction. I want to be part of the solution in a system where so many people fall through the cracks. Brian’s story matters because it represents what happens far too often: people struggling internally while the world only sees the outside symptoms. Many individuals who battle mental illness and addiction do not need punishment—they need support, stability, understanding, and treatment that meets them where they are. One way I plan to make a difference is by helping to bridge the gap between mental health services and addiction recovery. Too many programs treat these issues separately, even though they feed into each other. When someone is coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, or another disorder, substances can become a way to numb pain or escape reality. If the mental health side isn’t addressed, recovery becomes harder to maintain. I want to advocate for an approach that treats the whole person, not just one part of their struggle. I also want to help humanize mental health care by creating safe spaces for honesty. In many settings, clients are afraid to speak openly because they worry they’ll be labeled, judged, or seen as a risk. I want to be a professional who builds trust through consistency, empathy, and respect. People deserve providers who listen deeply, explain things clearly, and treat them with dignity—especially during their worst moments. Real healing happens when someone finally feels understood. As a mother, I carry an even deeper motivation. I want to build a future where families do not feel alone when their loved one is struggling. I want parents to have resources, teens to have guidance, and individuals to have care that feels personal instead of cold or rushed. My career goal is not just to “work in mental health,” but to be a voice for people who feel unheard and to offer hope to those who feel like they’ve run out of it. If I can help even one person feel less ashamed, more supported, and more capable of healing, then I will be honoring the kind of impact this scholarship represents. I am committed to making mental health care more compassionate, more connected, and more effective—so that fewer lives are lost to struggles that deserved help much sooner.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Social Work. I’m also a mother, a caregiver, and someone who has worked hard to keep going even when life felt overwhelming. Being low-income has never meant I lacked goals—it just meant I’ve had to fight harder to reach them. This scholarship is meaningful to me because it would help remove some of the financial pressure that often comes with pursuing education while still trying to provide stability for my family. My journey into social work is deeply personal. I know what it feels like to carry heavy things silently. I have faced mental health challenges, including ADHD and OCD, and I’ve also had seasons where I struggled with substance abuse. Those experiences didn’t break me, but they did shape me. They taught me how easily someone can fall into survival mode, and how important it is to have support, resources, and someone who truly listens without judgment. For a long time, I believed I had to handle everything on my own. Over time, I learned that healing happens when people are seen, supported, and reminded that their life still has value. Today, I am using my past as motivation, not as shame. I am building a future where I can be the kind of person I once needed. I want to become a counselor and social worker who serves children, teens, and families who feel stuck, overlooked, or misunderstood. I especially want to work with youth who struggle emotionally or behaviorally, because I believe early support can change the entire direction of a person’s life. Many young people don’t act out because they are “bad”—they act out because they’re hurting, and they don’t have the tools or support to express it in a healthy way. I have already taken steps toward making an impact through community service and volunteer work. I have volunteered in clinics that serve underserved individuals, and I have witnessed firsthand how many people are one crisis away from losing everything. I’ve met individuals who needed medical help, mental health care, or resources—but they didn’t know where to turn, and they felt embarrassed asking for help. Those moments stay with me because they remind me why I chose this path. I want to be part of the change that makes help easier to access, not harder. My long-term goal is to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and continue toward my Master’s so I can work in a counseling role and provide meaningful mental health support. I want my career to focus on helping people break cycles—cycles of trauma, addiction, abuse, neglect, and hopelessness. I also want to advocate for better mental health education and resources in communities, because so many people suffer quietly until it becomes a crisis. I believe positive impact starts with showing up, even when it’s hard. I am determined to keep pushing forward—not just for myself, but for my children and for the people I will someday serve. If awarded this scholarship, I would use it to continue my education and move closer to a career where I can truly make a difference. I want my life’s work to be about helping others heal, grow, and believe in a better future—because I know that kind of hope can change everything.

This scholarship opportunity is meaningful to me because it represents more than financial support—it represents hope, relief, and the reminder that someone believes in my future. As a financially underprivileged undergraduate student, I have learned what it feels like to carry big dreams while also carrying real-life responsibilities. I have worked hard to stay committed to my education while balancing family needs, and there have been moments when continuing school felt overwhelming. This scholarship would help lighten the burden and allow me to keep moving forward without constantly worrying about how I will afford the next step. My story is one of perseverance and rebuilding. I have faced seasons of adversity that tested me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve struggled with challenges like ADHD, OCD, and substance use, and there were times I felt like I was fighting battles nobody could see. Those seasons were painful and humbling, but they also became turning points. I had to make a choice: stay stuck in survival mode, or step into the life I knew God was calling me to build. I didn’t change overnight, but I began taking small, consistent steps toward healing and growth. Looking back, I can see that the strength I found did not come from me alone—it came from my faith reminding me that I was not beyond redemption, and my life still had purpose. My faith has played a pivotal role in my journey toward success because it has been my anchor when everything felt uncertain. Faith gave me something steady to hold onto when my mind felt overwhelmed. It reminded me that I could start over, that I could be forgiven, and that my past did not have to define my future. In moments of exhaustion, I leaned on prayer. In moments of fear, I leaned on God’s promises. And in moments when I doubted myself, I reminded myself that I was created for more than defeat. My relationship with God helped me keep going even when I felt discouraged or unworthy of the future I wanted. One of the greatest triumphs in my life has been continuing my education despite the challenges I have faced. I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to turn my experiences into purpose. I know what it feels like to struggle silently, and I want to be the person who helps others feel seen, supported, and safe. My heart is especially drawn to helping youth and families—those who may feel lost, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles that seem impossible to break. I believe that healing is possible, and I want my future career to reflect compassion, advocacy, and service. In the future, I plan to continue using my faith as a guiding force by staying grounded in humility, gratitude, and perseverance. I want to live in a way that honors God—not just through words, but through my actions and the way I treat others. I plan to keep serving through my church and community, and I hope to inspire others by showing that even after hardship, a person can rise again with faith and determination. Receiving the Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to the life I am working so hard to build. More importantly, it would help me keep walking forward with faith, strength, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others—just as Jim Maxwell did through his legacy of empowering youth.

My journey with mental health and substance abuse has shaped me in ways I never expected, but it has also revealed a strength I didn’t know I had. I have lived with ADHD and OCD, which often made my thoughts feel loud, repetitive, and exhausting. I struggled to stay focused, struggled with intrusive worries, and at times felt like I had to work twice as hard just to function in a world that seemed easier for everyone else. Over time, the pressure of trying to hold everything together turned into something heavier—something I tried to escape rather than face. That struggle eventually led me into substance use, and I found myself trapped between wanting to be better and feeling like I couldn’t. There were seasons of my life where I was overwhelmed by shame. I didn’t just feel like I was struggling—I felt like I was failing. Addiction has a way of shrinking your world. It makes you believe you’re not worthy of stability, that you’ve gone too far, and that you’ll never fully recover. The hardest part is that on the outside, people may see the choices you’ve made, but they don’t always understand the pain underneath them. For me, substance use was never about wanting to destroy my life—it was about trying to quiet the chaos inside my mind and survive what I didn’t know how to manage. I reached a turning point where I realized I didn’t want to keep living the way I was living. I wanted a future. I wanted peace. And most importantly, I wanted to be proud of who I saw in the mirror. That turning point didn’t mean everything instantly got better, but it did mean I started making different choices, one step at a time. I began recognizing my triggers, learning what I needed emotionally, and choosing accountability over avoidance. I learned that recovery isn’t just about stopping a behavior—it’s about rebuilding a life that no longer needs that escape. Personal growth, for me, has looked like learning to sit with discomfort instead of running from it. It has meant learning structure and routine when my brain naturally wants to spiral into disorganization. It has meant building healthier coping skills and learning how to calm my mind in safer ways. Recovery has also required me to be honest—not only with other people, but with myself. It takes courage to admit you need help, and it takes even more courage to keep going when progress feels slow. But I’ve learned that healing is not linear, and even small steps forward still count. One of the greatest motivators in my growth has been motherhood. Being a mother has changed the way I fight for my future. It’s no longer just about where I want to end up—it’s about what kind of life I’m building for my child. I want my child to grow up in a home where stability is real, where love is safe, and where resilience is modeled daily. I want him to know that mistakes don’t define a person, and that it’s possible to rebuild yourself no matter what you’ve been through. I am pursuing a degree in social work because I want to help others who feel stuck in the same darkness I once felt trapped in. I want to work in mental health and addiction recovery, supporting teens, families, and individuals who feel judged or overlooked. I understand what it feels like to want help but feel embarrassed to ask. I understand how fear and shame can keep someone silent. My dream is to become the kind of professional who creates safe spaces—spaces where people can be honest, be supported, and start again. Continuing my education is not always easy. I balance responsibilities, personal growth, and the daily effort it takes to stay focused and emotionally steady. But I show up anyway. Every assignment I complete and every semester I finish is proof that I am building a future with intention. School is not just a goal for me—it is part of my recovery. It represents structure, purpose, and forward movement. My plan for continuing to manage recovery is rooted in consistency and self-awareness. I continue to prioritize healthy routines, because structure helps me stay grounded. I work on maintaining boundaries, avoiding environments that could trigger relapse, and staying connected to people who support my growth. I focus on coping strategies that help me manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts, such as journaling, taking breaks when needed, staying organized, and practicing accountability. I used to believe my struggles disqualified me from success. Now I know they have prepared me for a purpose. I am not ashamed of how far I’ve come—I’m proud. My past may be part of my story, but it will not be the end of it.

Mental health has shaped nearly every part of my life—how I see myself, how I connect with others, and the kind of future I want to build. I am an undergraduate student pursuing social work, and my passion for the mental health field comes from lived experience. I’ve faced challenges with ADHD, OCD, and substance use, and those experiences have taught me lessons that no textbook could ever fully explain. Mental health isn’t just a topic I’m studying—it’s something I’ve had to understand deeply in order to survive, heal, and grow. My experience with mental health has influenced my beliefs by teaching me that people are never just their struggles. I’ve learned that behind behaviors and mistakes there is often pain, unmet needs, trauma, or simply someone trying to cope the best way they know how. I used to believe that struggling meant weakness, but my journey has completely changed that. Now I believe that asking for help is brave. I believe that healing is possible. And I believe that people deserve compassion, support, and a chance to rebuild—even when they don’t have everything figured out. Mental health has also affected my relationships in powerful ways. There were times when I felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or isolated, and I didn’t always have the words to explain what I was going through. Living with anxiety and intrusive thoughts can create distance, even from the people you love most, because it can feel easier to hide than to be vulnerable. Over time, I learned how important honest communication and emotional support truly are. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for relationships built on patience, trust, and understanding. I’ve also learned that boundaries and accountability can coexist with love—and that both are necessary for healthy connections. One of the most important parts of my story is that I am a mother. Motherhood changed the way I view mental health because it made my healing feel bigger than just me. I want to build a stable, healthy life—not only for my own future, but for my child’s emotional well-being and security. My child is part of my motivation to keep pushing forward, even on difficult days. I want him to grow up seeing that mental health matters, that help is something we seek—not something we fear—and that growth is always possible. These experiences have directly shaped my career aspirations. I want to dedicate my life to helping others navigate struggles like the ones I’ve faced. My goal is to become a professional in the mental health field through social work and counseling so I can support children, teens, and families who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unheard. I am especially passionate about helping those who carry shame from their past or feel judged for their coping mechanisms. I want to be someone who helps others feel safe enough to heal. I plan to make a positive impact in the world by being the kind of mental health professional who truly sees people. I want to offer compassion paired with real tools and resources. I want to advocate for better access to mental health care and help reduce stigma by normalizing honest conversations about mental illness, recovery, and emotional well-being. I know the difference one supportive person can make in someone’s life, and I want to spend my career being that person for others. My background has taught me that mental health challenges do not define someone’s worth—they reveal their humanity. I am building my future on that belief, and I am committed to turning my experiences into purpose, hope, and healing for others.

Being raised in a single-parent and blended family household shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until I became older. It taught me resilience, responsibility, and what it means to keep going even when life feels heavy. Growing up, I watched my parent do the work of multiple people—providing, protecting, and showing up emotionally even when resources were limited and stress was high. I didn’t always realize how much strength that required at the time, but now I see it clearly. The love and perseverance I witnessed became the foundation of who I am. In a single-parent home, you learn early that life doesn’t always come with extra support. There were challenges that other families didn’t always face—financial pressure, emotional strain, and the constant need to make things work no matter what. I saw how hard my parent worked to create stability even when stability wasn’t easy to find. What impacted me most was the selflessness. Even when they were tired or overwhelmed, they still made sure I felt cared for. They sacrificed their own comfort so I could have what I needed, and that kind of love stays with a person forever. Being raised in a blended family also taught me how to adapt. Blended families come with changes—new dynamics, different personalities, and learning how to fit together while still holding onto your identity. It showed me that family isn’t always perfect, but it can still be strong. It taught me patience, empathy, and how to communicate through discomfort. I learned that love can look different in different seasons, and that sometimes you grow the most when you’re learning how to navigate change. Because of my upbringing, I’ve become someone who is hardworking, determined, and deeply sensitive to what others may be carrying. I grew up understanding that people don’t always show their struggles on the outside. I learned how to read the room, how to step up when things needed to be done, and how to be strong when others needed support. Those traits have directly shaped my future goals and the path I’m working toward today. My long-term goal is to build a career where I can help people in a real and lasting way, especially children and families who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or stuck in hard circumstances. I am pursuing an education in social work because I want to be the person who helps others find hope, resources, and healing. I know how much a supportive adult can change someone’s life, and I want to be that kind of safe, steady support for others. I plan to use my talents—my empathy, my lived experience, my determination, and my ability to connect with people—to do good in the world. I want to advocate for families who are struggling, help children feel protected and valued, and support individuals who need someone to believe in them. Being raised the way I was didn’t make life easier, but it made me stronger. It gave me a heart that understands hardship and a mind that refuses to give up. I may not have every detail of the future figured out yet, but I do know this: I want my life to stand for something. I want to use everything I’ve been through to make someone else’s path a little lighter—and that dream started with the love and strength I saw in my home.

There comes a point in life when you realize you can’t keep living the same way and expect a different outcome. For me, that moment came after facing adversity that affected my mental health, my confidence, and the way I viewed my future. I have struggled with challenges like ADHD, OCD, and substance use, and for a long time I felt like I was falling behind in life while everyone else was moving forward. I carried shame about my past and fear that I would never be able to build the kind of life I truly wanted. But deep down, I knew I didn’t want my story to end there. I wanted a second chance—not just to succeed, but to become someone I could be proud of. I want to make a change in my life because I want more than survival. I want stability. I want growth. I want to create a future that feels safe and meaningful, especially for my child. I want to be the kind of person who doesn’t just overcome hardship, but uses it to help others rise, too. My goal is to continue my education and build a career in social work and mental health support, working with people who feel stuck, unseen, or judged because of their past. I know what it’s like to need support and understanding instead of criticism, and that is exactly why I feel called to this path. So far, I’ve taken several important steps toward my goal. The first step was choosing change, even when it felt hard and uncomfortable. I started holding myself accountable and making better choices for my life and my future. I enrolled in school and committed to my education, even while balancing real responsibilities and personal challenges. I’ve learned to push through difficult days by breaking tasks into smaller steps, staying organized, and reaching out for support when I need it. I’ve also gained experience through serving others in my community, and those moments remind me that my purpose is bigger than my setbacks. Every class I complete and every step I take forward is proof that I’m not who I used to be—I’m who I’m becoming. This scholarship would help me stay on that path. It would relieve financial pressure that can make it harder to focus and keep progressing in school. When you are building a new life, every little bit of support matters. This scholarship would not only help me with educational costs, but it would also be a reminder that someone believes in my ability to keep going. That kind of encouragement can be life-changing for someone who is trying to rebuild. Most importantly, I plan to pay it forward. I believe second chances create a ripple effect. When someone is given support during a hard time, they are more likely to become the person who supports someone else later. I plan to pay it forward by working in social work and mental health care, supporting individuals and families who are struggling with recovery, trauma, and life transitions. I want to mentor others, advocate for those who feel overlooked, and remind people that their past does not disqualify them from a future. I’m making a change because I refuse to let my struggles be the end of my story. I’m choosing growth. I’m choosing purpose. And I’m choosing to become the kind of person who offers others the same second chance I fought so hard to give myself.

Losing an immediate family member changes everything. It doesn’t just create sadness—it shifts the way you see time, routines, and even yourself. The family member I lost was my stepfather, and his passing left a deep mark on my life and my family. He wasn’t just someone who lived in our home—he was someone who helped shape the atmosphere of it. He was a steady presence, and after he was gone, it felt like there was a permanent quiet that no one could fill. My stepfather passed away on September 11, 2025, and the grief that followed was heavier than I expected. I remember how quickly life went from normal to unbearable. One day he was here, and the next day my family was learning how to function without him. The emotional impact came in waves—shock, sadness, denial, anger, and moments where I couldn’t believe it was real. There were times I would catch myself thinking I needed to tell him something, only to remember that I couldn’t. That kind of loss stays with you in ways people don’t always understand unless they’ve lived it. His death affected my entire household, especially my mother. Losing her spouse meant losing her partner, her comfort, and a part of her identity. I found myself stepping into a stronger caregiving role—not only trying to support her emotionally, but also helping keep things together when grief made everything feel unstable. At the same time, I was still a mother, still working on my own responsibilities, and still trying to continue my education. Grief doesn’t pause your bills, deadlines, or parenting duties. It just shows up and demands space in the middle of your life. There were many moments when I felt like I might break under the pressure. I would be sitting at my computer trying to focus on assignments, and suddenly the sadness would hit me like a wave. Some nights I couldn’t sleep. Some days I felt numb. I questioned how I could possibly keep moving forward when my heart felt so heavy. But this loss also taught me something powerful: I am stronger than I realized, and I am capable of carrying pain while still choosing progress. This experience shaped me by deepening my empathy and giving me a stronger understanding of what grief truly does to a person. It changed the way I view mental health, family support, and the kind of professional I want to become. I am pursuing a future in social work and counseling because I want to help people who are navigating trauma, loss, and life-altering pain. Losing my stepfather reminded me that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to live again while still honoring what you lost. Even though the grief is still with me, I continue to move forward. I continue to show up for my family, for my child, and for my education. My stepfather’s passing became a turning point in my life—not because it made things easier, but because it forced me to grow. I carry his memory with me, and I carry the lesson that love doesn’t disappear when someone is gone. It becomes part of who you are, and it becomes fuel to keep going.

My “Pie in the Sky” goal is to become a licensed therapist—someone who specializes in supporting children and families who are hurting, overwhelmed, or silently struggling. I want to build a career that changes lives, but I also want to build a life that feels safe and steady for my child. This dream feels inspiring because I can picture it so clearly, but it also feels just out of reach because I know it will take years of education, sacrifice, and a level of confidence I’m still learning how to fully carry. Still, even though it feels big, I know it’s what I was meant to do. The spark for this dream came from my own life. I have walked through seasons of mental and emotional struggle, and there were times I didn’t think I would ever truly get back to myself. I know what it feels like to be stuck in your own mind, to fight battles that people can’t see, and to wonder if healing is even possible. I also know what it feels like to wish someone would look at you with understanding instead of judgment. Over time, I realized that my pain could either break me or shape me into someone who could help others. I chose the second. Becoming a mother strengthened that dream even more. When you’re responsible for someone else’s future, your choices become deeper than motivation—they become purpose. I want my child to grow up watching me chase a goal that once felt impossible. I want him to see that a woman can rebuild, rise, and create something beautiful even after setbacks. My dream isn’t just about a career title—it’s about building a legacy of strength, stability, and compassion. What makes this goal feel “Pie in the Sky” is that I’m not starting from a perfect place. I’m balancing school, responsibilities, personal growth, and real-life pressures. Some days I feel confident and focused, and other days I feel stretched so thin that I don’t know how I’ll keep going. But I’ve learned something important: the women who reach their biggest dreams aren’t always the ones who have it easiest—they’re the ones who keep showing up. Courage doesn’t always look like fearlessness. Sometimes it looks like continuing even when you’re unsure. To reach my goal, I know I need to keep taking intentional steps forward. The first is continuing my education and staying committed to completing my undergraduate degree in social work. From there, I plan to pursue graduate school so I can gain the credentials and training necessary to become a counselor or therapist. I also know I need hands-on experience—volunteering, learning from mentors, and staying connected to the communities I hope to serve. I want to continue growing my communication skills and strengthening my confidence, because helping others heal requires presence, patience, and the ability to truly listen. Most of all, I believe I will need community. I’ve learned that growth happens faster when you stop trying to do everything alone. My dream is big, but I’m not afraid of big dreams anymore. I’m learning how to say it out loud, how to work toward it step by step, and how to keep believing in myself even when the finish line feels far away. My “Pie in the Sky” goal is to become someone who helps others feel seen, supported, and strong again. And I may not be there yet—but I’m on my way, and I’m not turning back.

When I think about adversity, I don’t just think about one hard moment. I think about seasons of my life where simply getting through the day felt like climbing a mountain. I have faced mental adversity through struggles with ADHD, OCD, and substance use, and there were times I felt like my mind was working against me instead of for me. I carried guilt, shame, and the fear that I had already ruined my chances at the life I wanted. But even in my lowest moments, there was a part of me that refused to give up—because I knew deep down I was meant for more than surviving. The first step I took toward my career aspirations was making the decision to fight for myself. I had to be honest about where I was and how much I was struggling. That honesty wasn’t easy. It meant admitting that I couldn’t keep doing everything alone. It meant facing parts of myself I didn’t want to look at. But that was also the moment my life began to change. I started choosing healing over hiding. I started choosing growth over staying stuck. One of the biggest motivations behind my persistence is my child. As a mother, I don’t just want to succeed for myself—I want my child to see what it looks like to keep going when life gets heavy. I want to build a life that feels stable, safe, and full of hope. There were days I felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of myself, but I still showed up. I kept going because quitting would have meant letting adversity win, and I could not accept that for my future or my family’s future. Going back to school as an undergraduate student was one of the bravest steps I’ve ever taken. I didn’t return because everything was perfect—I returned while I was still healing. I returned while balancing real responsibilities and emotional battles that most people never see. There are nights where my mind races, where focus feels impossible, and where self-doubt tries to convince me I’m not capable. But I’ve learned to take my goals one step at a time. I break down assignments into smaller pieces. I create structure when my thoughts feel scattered. I push through difficult moments by reminding myself why I started. Another step I’ve taken is learning to speak to myself with compassion. Mental adversity can be cruel—it can convince you that your worst moments are all you are. I’ve had to unlearn that. I’ve had to rebuild my confidence from the inside out. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” I’ve learned to ask, “What do I need right now to keep moving forward?” Some days the answer is discipline. Other days it’s rest. But every day the answer is the same: don’t quit. Most importantly, I’ve turned my adversity into purpose. I am working toward a career in social work because I know what it feels like to struggle in silence. I know what it feels like to need support, to want someone to truly understand instead of judge. My experiences have shaped me into someone with empathy, strength, and determination. I want to help others—especially children and families—find stability, healing, and hope. Adversity has tested me, but it has also proven something to me: I am resilient. I am brave. And no matter how hard life gets, I will keep taking steps toward the future I’ve worked so hard to build.

Mental health has shaped both my personal journey and my professional goals. Through my own experiences and the challenges faced by those around me, I have learned how deeply mental health struggles can affect individuals, families, and entire communities. These experiences have fueled my commitment to supporting others through emotional and mental health advocacy. I have helped others with their mental health by showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and offering support during some of their most difficult moments. Through volunteer work at community clinics and involvement in grief-support settings, I have witnessed firsthand how powerful empathy and understanding can be. Many individuals I encountered were not just dealing with mental illness, but also with stigma, isolation, and limited access to care. By providing compassion, reassurance, and a safe space to be heard, I was able to help people feel less alone in their struggles. As a single parent and undergraduate student pursuing a degree in social work, I balance academic responsibilities with caregiving and community service. This balancing act has strengthened my resilience and reinforced my desire to advocate for mental well-being. I understand how overwhelming life can become when support systems are limited, and this understanding allows me to connect with others on a meaningful level. My studies are equipping me with the tools to provide ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In my future career as a social worker or counselor, I plan to advocate for accessible mental health resources, particularly for children, families, and underserved populations. I hope to work in settings where I can not only provide direct emotional support, but also help reduce stigma and educate communities about the importance of mental health. Mental health advocacy is not just part of my career plan—it is a personal mission. I am committed to using my education and lived experience to help others heal, grow, and feel supported. By fostering empathy and understanding within healthcare and community spaces, I hope to be part of the solution to the mental health crisis impacting so many lives today.

Heart disease has affected my life in a deeply personal way through the loss of my papaw on my mother’s side, who passed away from a heart attack. His death was sudden and devastating, leaving a lasting impact on my family and shaping how I view health, loss, and responsibility. Losing him was not just the loss of a loved one, but the beginning of a journey filled with emotional, financial, and personal obstacles that I have had to learn to navigate. My papaw was a steady presence in our family—someone we relied on for guidance, support, and stability. When he died, our family was unprepared for how quickly life could change. The grief was overwhelming, especially for my mother, and watching her struggle while trying to remain strong for our family was one of the hardest experiences of my life. As a result, I learned early what it meant to step into a supportive role, often putting my own emotions aside to help hold my family together. His passing also exposed the reality of how heart disease can ripple through generations. Beyond the emotional pain, there were financial and logistical challenges that followed. Medical expenses, funeral costs, and the sudden loss of a family pillar created stress and uncertainty. These hardships taught me resilience and forced me to grow quickly, even when I felt unprepared. I learned that grief does not come with a timeline and that healing is rarely linear. As time passed, my papaw’s death became a driving force behind my desire to help others who are experiencing loss, trauma, and health-related challenges. Watching my family cope with the aftermath of heart disease showed me how deeply medical conditions affect not only individuals, but entire families. This experience has shaped my academic path and my long-term goal of working in social work and counseling, where I hope to support individuals and families navigating grief, illness, and life-altering events. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and personal healing has not been easy. As a single parent and an undergraduate student, I often carry the weight of multiple roles at once. There are moments when exhaustion and doubt set in, but I remind myself why I started this journey. I want to build a future that honors my papaw’s memory by helping others through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Receiving the John Nathan Lee Foundation Heart Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to stay focused on my studies while continuing to serve my family and community. More importantly, it would represent recognition of the strength required to persevere after loss. Heart disease took someone I loved deeply, but it also gave me purpose. I am committed to turning my pain into compassion and my experience into meaningful work that supports others facing similar challenges.

Mental illness has shaped both my life and my family’s story in ways that have been painful, humbling, and ultimately transformative. I have lived with ADHD and OCD since childhood, and later in life I also struggled with substance abuse. These challenges have affected not only me but the people closest to me—especially my son. While these experiences have tested me, they have also taught me resilience, empathy, and a deep desire to help others who feel lost in their own battles with mental health. Living with ADHD and OCD has meant constantly fighting against a mind that can feel loud, fast, and overwhelming. My thoughts can loop relentlessly, and staying focused on daily tasks—let alone college coursework—has often required more energy than people realize. Because of these conditions, I have had moments where I felt behind in life or convinced myself I wasn’t capable enough. But each time I struggled, I learned more about my strengths: my determination, my creativity, and my ability to adapt. Instead of letting these diagnoses stop me, I learned to work with my mind instead of against it. My struggle with substance abuse was one of the darkest chapters of my life, but also one of the most important. It was a way of trying to quiet internal pain that I didn’t yet know how to face. Overcoming addiction required honesty, support, and courage I didn’t know I had. Recovery taught me that healing is not a straight line and that progress can come in small, steady steps. It also taught me the value of forgiveness—especially forgiving myself. I now live each day with purpose, choosing growth over escape and stability over fear. Mental illness does not affect only the person who carries the diagnosis. It touches every part of a family. My son has seen me struggle, but he has also seen me rise. He has watched me go back to school, work hard, and create a safer and healthier life for us both. I carry the responsibility of motherhood in everything I do, and it motivates me to stay committed to my education and my long-term goals. I want him to see that even when life is difficult, you can always change your story. These experiences are the reason I am pursuing a degree in Social Work. I know how isolating mental illness can feel, and I want to be the person who helps others find hope and healing. My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker so I can support children, teens, and families facing challenges similar to my own. I want my career to be an extension of everything I have learned through lived experience—compassion, patience, and the belief that every person deserves a chance to rebuild their life. Mental illness has shaped me, but it has not defeated me. Instead, it has given me a deeper sense of purpose. This scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to the future I am building for myself, my son, and the people I hope to serve one day.

Thesis: In this brief but powerful line, Marcus Aurelius argues that true strength arises not from controlling the external world, but from mastering one’s inner responses. His underlying message is that peace and resilience are achieved by disciplining the mind to separate what we can influence from what we cannot, thereby freeing us from fear, frustration, and emotional turmoil. Essay: The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius condenses an entire worldview into the single sentence, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” At first glance, the line reads like a simple reminder to stay calm during stressful situations. However, a deeper close reading reveals that Marcus is presenting a radical philosophical shift: a redefinition of strength, control, and human freedom. He is not telling readers to ignore the external world, nor is he promoting passivity. Instead, he is teaching that the core of human suffering begins when we try to control what is fundamentally uncontrollable, and the core of human power begins when we recognize that our thoughts, interpretations, and reactions belong entirely to us. The first clause — “You have power over your mind” — is deceptively straightforward. Marcus is not claiming that the mind is easy to command. Rather, he is reminding the reader that the mind is the only domain in which control is possible at all. The word “power” signals agency, the ability to shape one’s internal world through discipline and awareness. For the Stoics, self-mastery is not a passive state but an active practice: choosing what meaning to assign to events, choosing how to interpret adversity, and choosing whether to be ruled by fear, anger, desire, or confusion. Marcus emphasizes that thoughts are not accidents; they are choices. He implies that we can cultivate mental habits just as we cultivate physical strength, through deliberate and repeated engagement. The next part of the sentence — “not outside events” — establishes a stark contrast. Marcus is drawing a boundary line that many people never realize exists. External events include everything beyond individual control: other people’s choices, unexpected hardships, loss, illness, disappointment, and change. By naming what we cannot control, Marcus exposes the root of much human frustration. We often exhaust ourselves emotionally by trying to manage circumstances we could never have prevented or predicted. This phrase reframes external reality not as the enemy, but as neutral ground—the stage on which we choose how to respond. Marcus’s underlying meaning is that strength is wasted, not gained, when directed toward trying to control what lies outside the self. The final line — “Realize this, and you will find strength” — serves as both a conclusion and a challenge. The keyword “realize” suggests that the truth Marcus is presenting is not immediately obvious. Many people go through life believing they can only be at peace if the world around them cooperates. Marcus argues that this belief is backwards. Strength is not something given by good circumstances; it is something discovered internally. To “find” strength is to reach it through recognition, not force. Marcus implies that strength is already within the individual, hidden by misunderstanding. The moment one understands the difference between the controllable mind and uncontrollable events, inner stability becomes possible. This distinction reveals Marcus’s deeper philosophical project: he is redefining strength as emotional and mental resilience rather than dominance or outward control. As emperor, Marcus Aurelius faced war, illness, betrayal, and constant political pressure. Yet his writings suggest that he believed the real battlefield was internal. A person who tries to command the external world will always be defeated, because the external world is unpredictable. But a person who commands their own mind cannot be defeated by anything outside themselves. Seen through this lens, the passage becomes a tool for navigating hardship. Marcus is not promising that life will be easy, nor is he saying that suffering disappears when one changes their mindset. Instead, he is offering a method for preserving dignity and purpose even in the midst of challenges. Recognizing what we can control prevents unnecessary emotional suffering. Recognizing what we cannot control prevents wasted effort and despair. This is the strength Marcus describes—calm, disciplined, and deeply grounded. The underlying meaning also involves personal responsibility. If the mind is the one thing we control, then we are responsible for how we handle our own thoughts. Marcus is subtly urging the reader to stop blaming the world for their unhappiness and instead examine their own internal landscape. Blame keeps us powerless; awareness empowers us. The shift from “the world is upsetting me” to “my interpretation is upsetting me” is transformative. It moves the source of strength from the outside world to the self. Marcus’s message also echoes a larger Stoic belief: the mind shapes reality. Two people can face the same event—loss, failure, rejection—and one may crumble while the other grows. The difference lies not in the event itself but in the meaning each person gives it. Marcus wants the reader to understand that perspective is the foundation of resilience. The world does not get easier, but the mind can get stronger. In the end, Marcus Aurelius is offering more than advice; he is offering a blueprint for inner freedom. When he says that strength is found by recognizing the limits of control, he is teaching the reader how to live without fear of the unpredictable. The world may be chaotic, but the mind can be steady. The world may bring hardship, but the mind can choose purpose. The world may take much away, but the mind can remain sovereign. Thus, the underlying meaning of this short passage is profound: true strength is an internal achievement, built through clarity, discipline, and acceptance. Marcus Aurelius invites us to stop searching for stability in the shifting world around us and instead cultivate it within ourselves. When we understand this difference, we not only find strength—we finally understand where our power truly lies.

Pursuing my degree in Social Work has been one of the most challenging and meaningful decisions of my life. I chose this field because I want to spend my career helping children, teens, and families navigate some of the same struggles I have faced. I am especially passionate about becoming a licensed clinical social worker so I can provide guidance, stability, and hope to young people who need someone to believe in them. Every class I take brings me one step closer to making that dream a reality. Being a single parent in college has meant balancing two full-time responsibilities at once: being the best mother I can for my son and working steadily toward building a secure future for us both. When I first returned to school, I wondered how I could manage homework, late-night studying, work shifts, and childcare without feeling completely overwhelmed. But I knew I could not give up on my education. I wanted to break the cycle of incompletion in my family, to be the first to earn a degree, and to show my son what perseverance truly looks like. The obstacles along the way have been real. As a low-income single parent, financial stress is constant. Every dollar goes toward necessities—rent, groceries, transportation, and caring for my child. Paying for school on top of that has required sacrifice, careful budgeting, and many moments of choosing schoolwork over sleep. There have been times when I struggled with maintaining stable childcare, times when I had to study in hospital waiting rooms, and times when balancing work and school left me exhausted. Yet through every setback, I kept reminding myself why I started: I want a better life for my son, and I want him to grow up seeing resilience instead of defeat. Despite all of this, returning to school has transformed me. It has showed me that I am stronger than the fears and challenges that once held me back. It has reminded me that my dreams are still possible and that it is never too late to create a new future. I am proud that I am working toward a degree that will allow me to help other families through their own hardships—especially young people facing trauma, grief, or behavioral and emotional struggles. My goal is to work as a licensed clinical social worker in a counseling or youth behavioral health setting, giving hope to children who feel overlooked or misunderstood. Once I complete my degree, I plan to pursue my master’s in Social Work, obtain licensure, and build a career focused on mental health, family support, and community healing. I want to provide the same compassion and guidance that has helped me through difficult times. Most of all, I want to show my son that his mother never stopped fighting for a brighter future. This scholarship would relieve a tremendous financial burden and allow me to continue moving forward without fear of having to pause my education. It would give me the support I need to stay on the path I have worked so hard to create—for myself, for my son, and for the families I hope to serve one day.

My journey with mental health has been shaped by trauma, recovery, and an unwavering determination to rebuild my life. For years, I struggled silently through addiction, domestic violence, and the aftermath of choices I made during some of the darkest moments of my life. These experiences left deep emotional wounds that grew into anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. But over time, I learned that healing is not a single moment—it is a process, a daily decision, and an act of courage. I am still on that journey, but today I am stronger, more aware, and more committed than ever to both my own mental health and the well-being of others. One of the most significant turning points in my mental health recovery came when I became a mother. My son gave me a reason to keep fighting, even when I felt overwhelmed or defeated. Therapy, support groups, faith, and sobriety became pillars of my healing. I learned how to sit with my emotions instead of avoiding them, how to rewrite the negative thoughts that once controlled me, and how to ask for help when I need it. I also learned something more powerful: that the pain I’ve survived allows me to connect with others in a way that feels honest, compassionate, and deeply human. These experiences are the foundation of my decision to pursue a degree in social work with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker. I know what it feels like to be lost, ashamed, or stuck in cycles that feel impossible to break. I know how isolating mental health struggles can be, especially when compounded by trauma, legal challenges, or societal stigma. I want to be the voice, the support, and the safe space that I once needed. My goal is to help individuals navigate their healing with dignity, empathy, and empowerment. Supporting others has already become a meaningful part of my life. I volunteer at RAM clinics, participate in community mental health programs, and openly share parts of my story when it can encourage someone who feels like giving up. I check in on friends who are struggling, offer resources to people in crisis, and create conversations about trauma and mental health in places where people often feel afraid to speak. I have learned that simply showing up, listening without judgment, and offering hope can change the course of someone’s life. Moving forward, I will raise awareness by using both my education and my lived experience. I plan to advocate for trauma-informed care, support early intervention for children, and speak openly about mental health challenges in order to reduce shame and normalize seeking help. As a future clinician, I want to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing support, especially those who feel forgotten or overlooked by the system. My mental health journey is ongoing, but it has given me a mission: to turn my survival into service. I am committed to building a career where I help others heal, find strength within themselves, and believe in a future brighter than their past. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education—it would help me continue my purpose.

Education, for me, has never just been about earning a degree—it has been a lifeline, a direction, and a promise to myself that my past does not define my future. I grew up believing that college was something “people like me” didn’t finish. I carried the weight of choices I made when I was young, the pain of surviving domestic violence, the shame of addiction, and the heartbreak of fighting for custody of my child. For a long time, I thought that the doors to a better life were closed to me. But education has helped me realize that transformation is possible. With every class I take and every challenge I overcome, I am rebuilding not just my future, but the kind of person I want to be—someone strong, grounded, and able to help others rise above their own struggles. My journey to higher education has not been an easy one. Before I found stability, I survived years of turbulence. I battled drug addiction and the emotional and mental toll it took on every part of my life. I made mistakes that resulted in misdemeanors and consequences that followed me long after I tried to change. On top of that, I endured domestic violence, which shattered my confidence and left me feeling powerless. When I entered the custody battle for my son, it felt like every regret, every hardship, and every moment of pain was being placed under a harsh spotlight. But that fight was also the turning point. Losing everything made me realize how much I wanted a different life, not just for me, but for my child. I knew then that I had to rebuild from the inside out. Education became the path forward. At first, it was terrifying to even sign up for classes. I doubted whether I was smart enough, disciplined enough, or worthy enough. But each time I pushed through those fears, I gained something important: direction. The more I learned—about social work, psychology, trauma, healing—the more I understood my purpose. My past wasn’t a burden holding me back; it was the foundation for the work I want to do. Through my experiences with addiction, the legal system, and domestic violence, I learned compassion on a deeper level. I learned how important it is for people to have someone who understands their pain without judgment. I learned that sometimes the strongest people are the ones who had every reason to give up but didn’t. Today, my education has given me a new vision for my future. I am working toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker so I can help individuals and families who are facing the same battles I once fought. I want to create a safe space for survivors of trauma, addiction, and domestic violence—places where they are treated with dignity, where they can heal, and where they can build lives beyond their pasts. My goal is to support people who feel lost or defeated, because I know what it feels like to have your life fall apart and still find the courage to start over. Education has also impacted the way I see myself. When I first started school, I was a single mother trying to juggle coursework, work hours, and custody arrangements. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and scared. But I kept going. Every semester I complete is proof that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. My GPA is not just a number—it’s evidence of my resilience and my commitment to building a better life for my son. He is my greatest motivation. I want him to grow up knowing that people can change, that hard work matters, and that your past mistakes do not cancel out your future opportunities. I want him to see that perseverance is more powerful than circumstance. What I hope to create through my education is more than a career. I want to make a meaningful impact on the world around me. I want to help people break cycles of addiction and trauma. I want to advocate for individuals who feel invisible or unheard. I want to be part of the reason a child grows up in a safer home, a parent finds hope again, or a survivor learns to trust themselves. My goal is not just to help people cope with their struggles, but to empower them to rebuild their lives, just like I rebuilt mine. The hardships I faced shaped me, but they no longer define me. Instead, they fuel my passion, my empathy, and my determination to succeed. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am proud of the future I am building—one class, one day, and one step at a time. Education has given me direction, purpose, and a renewed belief in myself. It has taught me that courage is quiet, growth is ongoing, and transformation is possible for anyone willing to fight for it. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to completing my degree and continuing the work that I believe I am meant to do. I hope to use my education not just to build a better future for myself and my son, but to help others find their own path toward healing and independence. My story is still being written, but what I know for certain is this: who I am becoming matters just as much as where I am going—and I am becoming someone strong, compassionate, and determined to make a difference.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into a world that no one in my immediate family has fully navigated. My parents and brothers all started college but were never able to complete their degrees. For a long time, I believed that would be my story too. I thought higher education was for other people, the ones who had everything figured out. I never imagined I would be the one to break that pattern. Now, every time I log into a class, complete an assignment, or take another step forward, I am proving to myself that I am capable of more than I once believed. I am working toward a future that once felt out of reach. I am doing it not only for myself, but for my son and the family I hope to build one day. I want him to grow up seeing that perseverance opens doors that doubt tries to close. My path has not been easy. I have faced mental health challenges, single motherhood, financial strain, and the fear of failing like the generations before me. There have been times when I questioned whether I belonged in college at all. I work full time while raising my son and pursuing my degree, and balancing all three roles can feel exhausting. Still, I keep going because the life I want for my family demands that I do. Through everything, my purpose has become clearer. I want to become a licensed clinical social worker so I can help individuals and families who feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsupported. My own experiences have taught me how powerful it is to have someone believe in you. I want to be that person for others. I want to spend my career giving hope, guidance, and a safe place to heal. My dreams are simple but mean everything to me. I want to earn my degree. I want to find love again and build a strong, healthy family. I want to create a home where my son feels secure, proud, and inspired. Finishing college would change the trajectory of our lives, and it would show him that we are not defined by where we start. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that I carry on top of school, work, and parenting. It would give me the support I need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I am determined to become the first in my family to walk across that graduation stage because I want to prove to myself, my son, and future generations that we can break cycles and create a better life. I am ready to finish what others could not and to honor the sacrifices that brought me to this moment.

Mental health has shaped my life in ways that have been both painful and transformative. For more than half of my life, I have navigated anxiety, trauma, and the process of rebuilding after some of my lowest moments. What once felt like a weight I would never overcome has now become the very foundation for my passion, resilience, and purpose. My experience has shown me that healing is possible and that no one should have to face their struggles alone. Growing up, I often believed that my emotions made me weak. I carried wounds I didn’t have the language to describe, and I learned to hide my struggles rather than seek help. It took years before I understood that mental health is just as important as physical health and that asking for support is an act of strength. Therapy, supportive people, and my faith helped me climb out of places that felt impossible to rise from. These experiences taught me compassion not from a distance, but from a place of lived understanding. Because of my own mental health journey, I have made it my mission to help others feel safe, valued, and heard. Today, I work full time in a behavioral health facility for teenage boys who are dealing with trauma, depression, anger, and uncertainty about their futures. They remind me of the parts of myself that once felt lost. I strive every day to be a steady and compassionate presence for them, because I know how much it matters to have someone who refuses to give up on you. My mental health struggles have greatly shaped my beliefs. I believe that people can change their lives even when it feels like everything is stacked against them. I believe that healing is not linear and that setbacks do not erase progress. I believe that vulnerability is one of the greatest sources of connection. These beliefs formed from years of learning how to survive, cope, and eventually thrive despite the battles inside my mind. My relationships have also been influenced by this journey. I have learned to value honesty, empathy, and healthy boundaries. I have a young son, and my mental health growth has allowed me to show up for him as the stable, loving mother he deserves. I want him to see that strength is not the absence of struggle but the willingness to keep fighting for a better life. I want to model what resilience truly looks like. These experiences fuel my career aspirations. I am pursuing a degree in social work so that I can become a therapist who specializes in helping children, teens, and families who are experiencing trauma and emotional distress. My goal is to normalize mental health conversations and expand access to services for those who feel overlooked or judged. I want to create safe spaces where people can finally exhale and trust that they matter. Mental health challenges changed the direction of my life. Instead of breaking me, they built purpose in me. The Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship would help me continue my education and allow me to turn my pain into power for others. I am committed to using what I have learned to foster an open, accepting society where no one has to face their struggles alone. Healing is possible, and I want to spend my life proving that.

Serving others has always felt like a calling rather than a task for me. I believe that hope becomes real when we show up for one another, especially in the hardest moments. My service work has grown from my own journey through struggle, healing, and resilience, and it continues to shape the person I am becoming. I am pursuing a degree in social work so I can dedicate my life to helping others feel seen, supported, and able to rewrite their own stories when life tries to break them down. One way I currently give back is through volunteering at Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics. At these free medical clinics, I assist individuals who lack health insurance and cannot afford essential care. Every clinic reminds me that healthcare is not just a physical need. It is dignity, relief, and sometimes the difference between despair and another chance. Meeting people who have gone years without care has taught me the value of advocacy and compassion in action. Even though I cannot provide medical treatment myself, I contribute by organizing patient registration, guiding them through the clinic, and offering a listening ear. No matter how small my part may seem, I know each act of kindness helps someone feel valued. I also serve within my church by helping lead a grief support class. Many of the individuals in this group are processing deep loss, and the emotional weight can be overwhelming. I help create a supportive space where they can open up without judgment. My role is to encourage reflection, listen to their stories, and remind them they do not have to carry their pain alone. Every time someone finds a little more strength to move forward, I am reminded why supportive communities matter. Alongside my volunteer work, I am employed full-time at a behavioral health facility for teenage boys. Many of them have faced trauma, abuse, or neglect and are still learning what trust and stability look like. Working with them requires patience and consistency, because healing does not happen overnight. I want each young person I encounter to believe that their life holds value and that they deserve to build a future that excites them. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a licensed counselor working with children, teens, and families who have experienced trauma. I want to expand the impact I currently have so that I can offer therapy that combines professional expertise with genuine empathy. My dream is to help break cycles of pain by giving young people tools to heal, cope, and grow into confident adults. I also hope to continue volunteering by partnering with community organizations that increase access to mental health services, especially in underserved areas. Service is not about the recognition. It is about showing love through action. The legacy of Priscilla Shireen Luke reminds me that each act of service can multiply hope in the world. I plan to spend my life serving others in a way that uplifts communities and helps the next generation believe in their own futures. This scholarship would support my education and strengthen my ability to continue this mission. Every person deserves someone who believes in them, and I want to be that person.

Becoming the first in my family to graduate college means more than earning a degree — it means breaking generational barriers and rewriting the story for my family’s future. For me, college isn’t just an academic pursuit; it’s a symbol of faith, perseverance, and redemption. It’s proof that no matter how many times life knocks you down, with God’s strength, you can rise again. I have seen it so many times over. My journey has been far from easy. I’ve faced addiction, mental health struggles, single motherhood, and financial hardship. There was a time when I didn’t believe I was capable of anything more. But through Jesus, I found healing and hope. I’ve been clean since December 2020, and every day since then has been a step toward becoming the woman God created me to be. My faith has been my anchor, reminding me that my past does not define me — it refines me. At thirty years old, I made the decision to go back to school, a decision that required courage and faith. I balance college classes with raising my son and caring for my family. In 2025, my stepfather passed away after a long illness, and I helped care for him through confusion, hospital visits, and long nights of worry. Now I help care for my widowed mother, who continues to face health struggles. Through it all, I’ve learned that real success isn’t about convenience — it’s about commitment, compassion, and purpose. These experiences have deepened my heart for others and inspired me to pursue a career in social work. I plan to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees so I can become a counselor and help people battling addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. My dream is to guide others through the same kind of pain I once faced and help them discover that healing and hope are possible. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of being a single mother and full-time student. It would allow me to stay focused on my studies and continue building a stable foundation for my son and me. College isn’t just my dream — it’s my mission. I want my son to see that faith can move mountains and that with perseverance, even the hardest stories can have beautiful endings. With God’s grace, I’m not just earning a degree — I’m building a legacy of strength, faith, and purpose.

Recovery, to me, means freedom — not just from addiction, but from the pain, guilt, and emptiness that once controlled my life. I’ve been clean since December 2020, and every day since then has been a step toward healing, rebuilding, and rediscovering who I am in Christ. For years, I lived in a cycle of shame and self-destruction, believing I could never change. But when I finally surrendered and asked for help, I found strength I didn’t know I had — and a God who never gave up on me. Recovery isn’t a finish line; it’s a daily choice to stay present, grateful, and honest. It means learning to face life’s challenges without numbing the pain and to celebrate even the smallest victories. My son has been one of my greatest motivations to stay clean — I want him to see that no matter how far you fall, you can always rise again. Today, recovery is my foundation. It’s what allows me to pursue my education in social work and help others who feel trapped like I once did. I’ve turned my brokenness into purpose and my past into a testimony. Staying sober has taught me that true strength comes from surrender — and that even after darkness, new life is always possible.

Going to college, for me, isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about rewriting my story and breaking the cycles that once held me back. It’s about showing my son that no matter where you start in life, with faith, hard work, and perseverance, you can build something better for yourself and for the generations that follow. College represents more than education; it represents freedom — the kind that comes from healing, growth, and stepping into the purpose God created for me. My journey to higher education hasn’t been easy. I faced many obstacles — addiction, mental health struggles, single motherhood, and financial hardship. There were times when I didn’t believe I would ever make it this far. But through Jesus’ grace, I found the courage to start over. My faith carried me through the darkest nights and gave me the strength to begin again, one step at a time. When I enrolled in college at thirty years old, it wasn’t because life was simple or convenient — it was because I finally believed I was worthy of more. Returning to school has been both a challenge and a blessing. As a single mother and caregiver to my widowed mom, I’ve had to balance classes, family responsibilities, and emotional healing. There are days when exhaustion sets in, but I remind myself that I’m not just doing this for me — I’m doing it for my son. I want him to see that education is a tool that can open doors, but it’s also a symbol of faith and determination. By earning my degree, I’m not just changing my own life — I’m changing the direction of my family’s future. My goal is to earn my bachelor’s and then master’s degree in social work. I want to become a counselor who helps people overcome addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges — because I’ve lived that life, and I know what it feels like to lose hope. I also know how powerful it is when someone believes in you, listens to you, and helps you find the strength within yourself to change. My education will allow me to be that person for others — a light in the darkness, a source of compassion, and a reminder that redemption is always possible. Going to college means reclaiming my identity, rebuilding my confidence, and honoring God’s purpose for my life. It’s about standing tall in spaces where I once felt small and proving that perseverance can overcome pain. As a woman of color, a first-generation college student, and a mother, I know that my success isn’t just my own — it belongs to every person who has struggled, fallen, and chosen to rise again. This scholarship would help me continue that journey — not just to finish school, but to finish strong. It would lift some of the financial burden so I can stay focused on my studies and my family while continuing to serve others through volunteer work and faith-based outreach. To me, college is more than an education — it’s a calling. It’s a way to honor everything I’ve survived, to turn my past into purpose, and to create a future that reflects faith, resilience, and love. I’m not just working toward a degree — I’m building a legacy.

Addiction once had me believing that my life was over before it truly began. I was lost in a cycle of pain, self-doubt, and regret, using substances to numb emotions I didn’t know how to face. What started as a way to cope with hurt and disappointment quickly became a trap that consumed my sense of self. The further I fell into addiction, the further I drifted from who I wanted to be — a daughter, a mother, and a woman of faith with a purpose. For years, I tried to manage my struggles on my own, pretending I was fine while everything around me fell apart. I was living in survival mode, not realizing that the very thing I thought gave me control was destroying me. But through God’s grace, I hit a turning point — a moment of truth where I finally admitted I couldn’t keep living that way. It wasn’t easy. Sobriety demanded honesty, humility, and patience. There were days when I wanted to give up, but I kept choosing life, one day at a time. My faith became my anchor, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in the fight to heal. One of the most life-changing moments for me came when I found out I was pregnant with my son. I was scared and uncertain, but I knew that God was giving me a second chance — not just to live, but to live with purpose. Becoming a mother forced me to look at my life through new eyes. I wanted to be someone my son could look up to — someone who didn’t let her past define her future. Through him, and through my renewed relationship with Jesus, I began to rebuild. Now, at thirty years old, I’m proud to say that I’m sober, in school, and chasing the dreams I once thought were out of reach. I’m pursuing my degree in social work because I want to help others who are trapped in the same darkness I once knew. I want to work with individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health, showing them that recovery is possible and that they are worth fighting for. My goal is to become a counselor who listens without judgment and offers hope to those who feel hopeless. Recovery has taught me resilience, empathy, and purpose. I’ve learned that healing isn’t just about staying sober — it’s about becoming the person you were meant to be. Every day I stay clean, I honor the second chance I’ve been given. Every class I complete brings me closer to turning my pain into something powerful. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain of returning to school as a single mother and caregiver but also help me continue building a life that reflects God’s redemption in my story. I’ve been at rock bottom, and I know how hard it is to climb out — but I also know how beautiful life can become on the other side. I want to spend the rest of my life helping others see that beauty too. Addiction tried to destroy me, but it didn’t win. Today, I’m living proof that even the darkest past can be transformed by faith, perseverance, and love. My life has changed completely since becoming sober — and now, my purpose is to help others find their light again, just as I found mine.

Leadership isn’t always about standing in front of a crowd or giving commands — sometimes, it’s about standing firm in life’s hardest moments and guiding others through love, patience, and understanding. My journey as a single mother, caregiver, and student has taught me that true leadership begins with service. Every challenge I’ve faced — from overcoming addiction and mental health struggles to caring for my family and returning to college at thirty — has shaped me into someone who leads through resilience, communication, and heart. I display strong leadership and communication skills every day through my role as both a mother and a student. Raising my son has taught me how to communicate with patience, empathy, and strength, even during moments of stress or uncertainty. I’ve learned to listen deeply, not just to respond but to understand — a skill that will serve me well in my future career as a social worker. In school and in life, I lead by example, showing others that no matter how difficult the road becomes, perseverance and faith can guide you through. Resilience has been one of the defining qualities of my life. I’ve faced hardship, loss, and personal battles that could have broken me — including the recent loss of my stepfather on September 11th, 2025, after caring for him through his illness. But instead of letting grief or struggle stop me, I’ve used those experiences to grow stronger. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about getting back up every time, no matter how heavy the weight feels. My journey has also been one of selflessness. When my stepfather became ill, I moved back in with my parents to help care for him. I made the late-night calls to ambulances, helped him take his medication, and stayed by his side as he slowly declined. Now, I continue caring for my widowed mother, who recently fell and is struggling with her own health. Balancing her needs, my son’s care, and my college coursework isn’t easy, but it’s a sacrifice I make with love. Putting others first has taught me humility and the value of being present for those who need you most. Being focused and determined is what allows me to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against me. Returning to school as a single mother in her thirties came with its challenges — juggling assignments, financial stress, and caregiving responsibilities. But I stay motivated by remembering why I’m here: to create a better life for my son and to help others who are walking through the same darkness I once did. Every class I take brings me one step closer to earning my degree in social work and fulfilling my purpose of helping others heal. Lastly, I’ve built a strong work ethic through years of perseverance and service. Whether it’s through my studies, my work in behavioral health, or my responsibilities at home, I give 100% of myself. I believe in doing every task — no matter how small — with excellence, because that’s what builds character and integrity. For me, leadership means using your experiences — the victories and the pain — to lift others higher. It means showing courage, compassion, and strength even when no one’s watching. My life has been full of obstacles, but it’s also been full of purpose. I’m pursuing my degree because I believe in making a difference — one person, one act of kindness, and one moment of leadership at a time.

I’ve always loved Wicked because it’s more than a musical — it’s a story about finding strength in who you are, even when the world misunderstands you. From the first time I heard “Defying Gravity,” I felt something stir inside me. The song’s message — that we can rise above judgment, doubt, and fear — has stayed with me through some of the hardest chapters of my life. Elphaba’s journey reminds me a lot of my own. She’s different, misunderstood, and constantly fighting to prove that her heart is good even when others see her as “wicked.” I’ve faced my share of moments where I felt out of place, struggling with my mental health, addiction, and the weight of other people’s opinions. There were times when I doubted whether I could ever rebuild my life or be seen as more than my mistakes. But like Elphaba, I learned that true freedom comes from embracing who you are — not who others expect you to be. One of the most powerful things about Wicked is its friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. They start out as opposites — one bold and misunderstood, the other popular and adored — but they learn from each other in beautiful, unexpected ways. Their friendship reminds me of the people who stood by me in my darkest moments, showing me love when I didn’t believe I deserved it. And just like “For Good” says, those relationships have changed me for the better and taught me the value of compassion, forgiveness, and loyalty. The song “Defying Gravity” has become a personal anthem for me. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded that my past doesn’t define me — my choices today do. I went back to school at thirty years old as a single mom because I wanted to create a better future for my son and show him what resilience looks like. Even when life has tried to hold me down, I’ve kept climbing, driven by the belief that I can “fly” toward something greater. That’s what Wicked inspires me to do — to rise above circumstances and believe that change, redemption, and hope are all possible. What makes Wicked so special to me is how real its message feels. Behind the magic, costumes, and songs, it’s a story about courage — the courage to be kind in a cruel world, to stand up for what’s right, and to love yourself even when others don’t understand you. Those lessons have shaped who I am as a person and as a future social worker. I want to help others “defy gravity” in their own lives — to rise from pain and believe in their own worth. Wicked isn’t just a show to me — it’s a reminder that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can still become something extraordinary. You can still fly.

I’ve been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter since her Disney Channel days, when she brought Maya Hart to life on Girl Meets World. Even then, there was something about her energy — confident, witty, and a little rebellious — that drew me in. Maya wasn’t perfect, but she was real. She was funny, bold, and unafraid to stand up for herself, even when the world told her to be quieter. Watching Sabrina play her gave me courage at a time when I was struggling to find my own voice. As Sabrina transitioned from acting to music, I felt like I grew up with her. She didn’t just leave her Disney past behind — she transformed it into something powerful, showing that growth doesn’t mean losing yourself. Her songs, especially “Please, Please, Please” and “Espresso,” feel like anthems of confidence and freedom. They remind me that I’m allowed to take up space, to have fun, and to own who I am, flaws and all. Sabrina has a way of turning emotions into empowerment — heartbreak into humor, and doubt into determination. That same authenticity has inspired me in my own life. I’ve been through dark seasons, from battling mental health and addiction to rebuilding my life as a single mom and student. It hasn’t been easy, but like Sabrina, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t happen overnight — it happens through small acts of courage and creativity every day. Her journey reminds me that you can go through struggle, reinvent yourself, and still come out shining. One thing I admire most about Sabrina is how she uses her platform to spread positivity and independence. She shows that women don’t have to fit into anyone else’s box — that we can be serious, funny, artistic, and ambitious all at once. I see that in my own path, too, as I work toward my degree in social work. I want to use my education to help others, especially young people who feel misunderstood or lost, the same way Sabrina’s words helped me feel seen when I needed it most. Sabrina Carpenter’s career has impacted me because it’s a reflection of courage — the courage to evolve, to stand in your truth, and to love yourself out loud. Every time I listen to her music, I’m reminded that growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about being brave enough to keep going. Like her, I’m learning to laugh through the chaos, to stay kind in a hard world, and to turn every setback into a new verse in my own song.

For me, the most moving Taylor Swift performance was her 2021 Grammy performance of “Folklore” and “Evermore.” On that stage, surrounded by soft lights and the magic of her storytelling, Taylor embodied peace, strength, and rebirth. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment of quiet resilience. After years of public scrutiny, personal heartbreak, and industry challenges, she stood there grounded and unapologetically herself, performing songs that felt like healing in musical form. Watching her that night, I saw not just an artist, but a woman who had rebuilt herself piece by piece — and I felt like I could, too. That performance hit me at a time in my life when I was learning what it means to start over. I was fighting through my own darkness — struggling with mental health, addiction recovery, and finding my identity again as a mother and a student. There was something deeply comforting about seeing Taylor sing lyrics that spoke of acceptance, nostalgia, and self-forgiveness. When she sang “I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try,” from “Mirrorball,” I cried, because it captured exactly how I felt — constantly trying to hold everything together and still shine for the people I love. What makes that performance unforgettable to me is how it captures Taylor’s ability to evolve without losing herself. She took pain and turned it into poetry; she took isolation and made it communal. It’s the same transformation I’ve been trying to live out in my own life — taking the mistakes, the heartbreak, and the growing pains, and turning them into something beautiful and meaningful. Taylor’s journey reminds me that resilience isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up again, even when the world is watching, even when you’re not sure you’re ready. As a single mom who returned to school at 30, that message keeps me going. Every essay I write, every class I take, every late night helping my son with homework while doing my own, I remember that I’m rewriting my story just like she has, one brave step at a time. “The Life of A Showgirl” feels like a full-circle moment — not just for Taylor, but for every fan who’s grown up with her, stumbled, gotten back up, and learned to love themselves in the process. Her performance that night wasn’t about glitter or fame — it was about authenticity. It was about the courage to keep performing, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Taylor once said, “I want to be defined by the things I love.” Watching her live out that truth has inspired me to do the same — to let love, passion, and purpose define who I am. That’s why her Grammy performance will always stay with me: it reminded me that even in quiet moments, even after heartbreak, the show — and life — goes on, and it can still be beautiful.

“Truth Waves: The Ultimate Emotional Tide Challenge” Every “Love Island” fan knows that nothing tests a connection like a little bit of truth and temptation. That’s why my new challenge, “Truth Waves,” would bring the perfect mix of emotion, suspense, and fun to shake up the villa and reveal what’s really beneath the surface. Challenge Overview: In “Truth Waves,” islanders are paired off and seated on opposite sides of a shallow pool filled with floating beach balls labeled with thought-provoking prompts. Some are sweet (“What first attracted you to your partner?”), others are spicy (“Which islander do you secretly think is faking their feelings?”), and a few are downright explosive (“Would you stay loyal if your partner was dumped tomorrow?”). How It Works: Each couple must take turns picking a floating ball and answering the question honestly. But here’s the twist — after they answer, the rest of the islanders vote on whether they think the response was truthful or not using heart-shaped paddles. If the majority believe the islander is lying, a “wave” of foam and water splashes their side of the pool! If the majority think they were truthful, the couple earns a “trust token.” The pair with the most trust tokens at the end wins a romantic dinner date and exclusive time away from the villa. The Objective: “Truth Waves” challenges couples to communicate honestly, confront hidden feelings, and build (or break) trust under pressure — all while entertaining viewers with genuine reactions and emotional confessions. It’s part strategy, part vulnerability, and completely addictive to watch. Why It Works for Love Island: “Love Island” thrives on connection, communication, and the chaos that comes from testing both. This challenge taps into all three. It combines the classic villa tension of “Truth or Dare” with the drama of “Heart Rate Challenge” and the vulnerability of “Couple Compatibility.” The splash twist adds humor, while the public voting keeps everyone engaged and accountable. Fans would love seeing raw honesty, shocking admissions, and maybe even a few new sparks flying between unexpected islanders. How It Adds Excitement: “Truth Waves” isn’t just about drama — it’s about growth. It reminds viewers that relationships, even on reality TV, are built on trust and truth. The challenge could spark heartfelt moments, hilarious reactions, and plenty of meme-worthy chaos, making it an instant fan favorite that trend on social media worldwide. In the end, “Truth Waves” is more than just a challenge — it’s a mirror for the villa. It forces the islanders to look beyond appearances and ask, “Am I being real?” Because on Love Island, the truth always comes out — sometimes in words, sometimes in waves.

I’m not the typical college student. At thirty years old, I’m a single mother, a caregiver, and a full-time student who has walked through darkness to find my purpose. My path to higher education wasn’t straightforward — it was built through pain, faith, and perseverance. I’ve battled addiction and mental health struggles, faced loss and responsibility far beyond my years, and yet I’m still here, fighting every day to build a better future for myself, my son, and my family. When I was younger, I went down the wrong path and lost sight of who I was meant to be. But by the grace of God, I found my way back. My faith and my son gave me the strength to start over. I knew I couldn’t let my past define me — instead, I would let it shape me into someone who could make a difference. Returning to school was a huge step of faith. It wasn’t easy balancing work, motherhood, and now caregiving for my widowed mother after losing my stepfather on September 11th, 2025. I helped care for him through his illness, calling ambulances when he forgot his medication or didn’t know where he was, and watched him slowly slip away from the effects of liver disease. Now, I help care for my mother, who recently fell and continues to face health challenges of her own. Despite these hardships, I’ve remained committed to my education and my dream of becoming a social worker. My goal is to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work so I can help individuals and families who are struggling — just like I once was. I want to be a light for others walking through pain, addiction, grief, and fear. My own story is proof that redemption is possible and that no one is too far gone to change their life. What sets me apart isn’t perfection — it’s perseverance. Every obstacle I’ve faced has strengthened my determination to keep going. I’ve learned how to study between hospital visits, comfort my son through loss, and still find time to complete assignments with excellence. I’ve learned to turn heartbreak into purpose and adversity into fuel for my goals. Where some see barriers, I see opportunities to grow stronger. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance — it would be an investment in someone who refuses to give up. I’ve already overcome more than I ever thought I could, and I plan to use my education to pour that same hope into others. I believe that my unique blend of experience, empathy, and resilience gives me an advantage over anyone else because I’ve lived the pain I hope to help others heal from. I deserve this scholarship not because my life has been easy, but because I’ve fought for every step of progress I’ve made. I’m living proof that education isn’t just about textbooks or grades — it’s about transformation. And I am determined to use mine to make a difference.

At thirty years old, I didn’t imagine I’d be moving back in with my mom and stepdad. I thought I’d be further along in life — maybe already finished with my degree, working in social work, and building a stable future for my son and me. But life had other plans. When my stepdad’s health began to decline, I knew I had to step in and help. He had cirrhosis of the liver, and as his ammonia levels rose, he began to lose his memory, his sense of direction, and eventually, his grip on reality. I found myself watching the man who helped raise me slowly fade away, confused and fragile. There were days when he didn’t know where he was, and nights when I had to call the ambulance because he hadn’t taken his medication or couldn’t find his way home. On September 11th, 2025, I lost him. Even though I knew it was coming, nothing could have prepared me for the silence that followed — the quiet after months of caretaking, worry, and sleepless nights. Grief has a strange way of humbling you. It breaks you open but also reveals what’s most important. Through those long months of caring for him, I realized that love isn’t always loud or glamorous — sometimes it’s just showing up, day after day, for the people who can’t take care of themselves. Now, my mother — newly widowed and grieving — has become the one who needs care. Just this morning, she fell, and it reminded me again how fragile life is. She still works, but she’s older and not in the best health. So I’m here, helping her manage her home, her appointments, and her recovery. It hasn’t been easy to put my own life on pause. I’ve had to juggle schoolwork, parenting, and caregiving, often sacrificing my own rest and social life. But I don’t regret a single moment. My family has always been there for me, and now it’s my turn to be there for them. This experience has reshaped everything I thought I knew about responsibility, love, and purpose. It’s shown me that caregiving isn’t a burden — it’s a calling. It’s the foundation of why I want to become a social worker. Through my studies, I hope to work with families facing illness, grief, and hardship — to give them the same compassion and understanding I’ve learned through my own experiences. Being a caregiver has deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to dedicate my life to helping others find stability in their most difficult moments. I’ve learned that sometimes, success doesn’t look like moving forward quickly — it looks like standing still for the people who need you most. This scholarship would not only ease the financial pressure of continuing my education but also allow me to keep caring for my mother while staying focused on the future I’m building for my son and me. Caregiving has shaped who I am at my core: a daughter, a mother, a student, and a woman who refuses to give up — even when life asks for more than I think I can give.

If we were sitting over coffee, I’d tell you that I want to use cybersecurity knowledge to protect the most vulnerable which is especially families and youth who rely on online resources for support and education. As a future social worker, I’ve seen how easily personal data and privacy can be exploited, and I believe everyone deserves to feel safe in digital spaces just as they do in their homes. I want to educate my community about online safety, create workshops for parents and teens, and advocate for ethical digital practices in social services. By combining compassion with cybersecurity awareness, I can help bridge the gap between technology and human care. My goal is to make the internet a safer, more empowering place for all.

I grew up in church, surrounded by faith and the love of Jesus. From a young age, I knew what it meant to believe in something bigger than myself. But like the prodigal son, I lost my way for a while. I went out into the world trying to find happiness on my own, only to realize that true peace could only come from Christ. When I finally came back to Him, His arms were open wide — ready to receive me, no matter what I had done. That grace changed everything. During my darkest days, I found out I was pregnant. I was unmarried, scared, and unsure of what the future would hold. But even in that season, I knew that my son’s life had purpose. I’ve always believed in the sanctity of life — that every child is a gift from God. Abortion was never an option for me because my faith taught me that life, no matter how it begins, is sacred. My son became the light that led me back to God. Through him, I saw the reflection of His mercy and unconditional love. Being a single mother has been both the hardest and most beautiful journey of my life. There were times when I didn’t know how I’d pay bills or find the strength to keep going, but God always made a way. The sleepless nights, the financial struggles, and the constant balancing act of parenting alone have tested me — yet they’ve also refined me. Every challenge reminded me that I am stronger than I ever realized, and that with faith, there is nothing I can’t overcome. Now, at thirty years old, I’m finally stepping into the next chapter of my life. Going back to school hasn’t been easy. Between work, raising my son, and managing life on my own, there have been days when I’ve questioned if I could really do it. But I know this is what God wants for me — to build a better future for my son and to use my education to help others. I’m pursuing my degree in social work because I want to support families and children who are struggling, just like I once was. I want to be a voice of hope for single mothers who feel like giving up, reminding them that with faith and determination, anything is possible. This scholarship would mean more than financial help — it would be an answered prayer. It would ease the weight I carry every day as a single mother working toward her dreams. Most of all, it would represent the belief that my story matters — that even after loss, hardship, and mistakes, there is still purpose and redemption. My journey as a single mother and follower of Christ has taught me that God doesn’t waste pain. He transforms it. He turned my darkest moment into my greatest blessing — my son — and through His grace, I am building a new legacy of strength, faith, and love. I may have stumbled along the way, but today, I stand firm in hope, determined to become the woman and mother God created me to be.

I grew up in church, surrounded by hymns, sermons, and the comforting presence of Jesus. But like the prodigal son, I lost my way. There was a time in my life when I walked away from God and tried to fill the emptiness with things of the world. I made choices that led me down dark paths, far from the light I once knew. But no matter how far I ran, Jesus never stopped waiting for me. When I finally came back to Him, His arms were open wide — ready to forgive, to restore, and to remind me that His love is stronger than my past. My faith in Jesus has been the anchor that held me steady through some of the hardest storms of my life. During my lowest point, I found out I was pregnant — unmarried, afraid, and unsure of what my future would look like. But even in that darkness, I knew one thing: I was carrying life, and that life mattered. I never once considered abortion, because I have always believed that every child, no matter the circumstance, is created by God with purpose. My son was born in the midst of my brokenness, and he became a living example of God’s redemption. Through him, I learned what unconditional love looks like, both from a mother’s heart and from my Heavenly Father’s. Being a single mother hasn’t been easy, but it has been holy work. My son and I have grown together through faith and perseverance. Every day, I wake up thankful for the chance to raise him, to teach him about God’s love, and to live out the truth that life is sacred from conception to eternity. My story isn’t perfect — but it’s proof that grace is real, and that God can bring beauty from ashes. Because of my faith and my experiences, I have an unshakable belief in the value of every human life. I am pro-life because I have lived through the kind of fear and uncertainty that makes many women feel like they have no choice — and I want to be a voice of compassion and truth for those women. My faith compels me to stand for life, to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to offer hope to those who feel lost. As I pursue my degree in social work, my goal is to help families, mothers, and children who are struggling — to remind them that there is always another way, and that God’s love is big enough to heal even the deepest pain. I want my career to reflect the same mercy that saved me, to be a vessel of His grace in the lives of others. I live out my faith every day by loving my son, trusting God’s plan, and standing firmly for life — no matter what the world says. My story is one of redemption, not regret, and I carry it proudly as a testament to God’s goodness. Through His mercy, I found my purpose: to protect, to serve, and to honor life in all its sacred stages. Romans 12:2, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12:12, Exodus 14:14

Grief changes you in ways you never expect. On September 11th, 2025, I lost my stepfather — a man who, despite his flaws and struggles, helped shape the person I am today. His death was not just the end of his life, but the closing of a chapter that taught me about love, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of pain. When I met him at fourteen, I didn’t know how deeply his presence would affect me. He was an alcoholic, and the chaos that came with that lifestyle became part of my world. Growing up around drinking made it seem normal to “party,” and while I never let it consume me, it still left a lasting mark. I saw how addiction could twist something good and loving into something broken and unpredictable. But I also saw the man underneath it all — the one who cared, who laughed, who wanted better even when he didn’t know how to get there. About eight years ago, everything changed. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver — a consequence of years of drinking. For the first time, he chose to fight back. He stopped drinking and started living with intention. Those years of sobriety were hard, but they were also beautiful. I watched him transform into a man who valued every moment, who apologized for the past, and who wanted nothing more than to see me succeed. His strength during that time taught me that it’s never too late to become who you were meant to be. When I started school last year, a lot of it was because of him. He always told me, “Become the best version of yourself, no matter how hard it gets.” Those words became a promise I made not just to him, but to myself. He showed me that change is possible — that even broken things can be mended with time, effort, and heart. Losing him left an emptiness I can’t describe, but it also lit a fire in me to live in a way that honors the lessons he left behind. His death reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly it can change. It made me more empathetic, more patient, and more determined to help others who are struggling with pain or addiction. As I pursue my degree in social work, I carry his story with me — not as a tragedy, but as a testament to transformation. He may have lost his battle with illness, but in the end, he won something greater: peace. Every time I doubt myself, I hear his voice reminding me to keep going. I know he would be proud of how far I’ve come. His life taught me that resilience doesn’t mean you never fall — it means you rise again, even when it hurts. I live every day with that lesson in my heart, determined to grow, to give, and to become the best version of myself — just like he always wanted.

My name is Heather, and I am a thirty-year-old single mother pursuing a degree in Social Work. I currently work as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys, and every day I witness the lasting impact that childhood trauma can have on a person’s emotional and mental development. Many of the young men I work with experienced abuse, neglect, or instability early in life. Their anger, mistrust, and pain are not random—they are the echoes of a childhood that failed to protect them. Seeing their struggles has strengthened my calling to become a school counselor or therapist so I can help children heal before those wounds shape their entire future. The consequences of early childhood trauma are profound and long-lasting. When a child experiences abuse or neglect, their sense of safety and trust is shattered. Instead of learning that the world is a safe place, they learn to live in fear. Trauma in early development can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. It can also affect the brain’s development, impacting memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Many children who grow up in abusive environments carry invisible scars into adulthood—struggling with attachment, identity, and stability. Without early intervention, these wounds can lead to cycles of poverty, addiction, and violence that continue from one generation to the next. I have seen both professionally and personally how these early experiences can shape a person’s life. As someone who has faced trauma and worked through my own mental health challenges, I know how hard it is to rebuild from pain that began in childhood. My healing journey, through faith, therapy, and perseverance, showed me that transformation is possible when someone finally listens and believes in you. That’s what I want to do for others—to be the person I once needed when I was hurting and unsure where to turn. In my career, I plan to focus on trauma-informed care. I believe that children need more than discipline or correction—they need understanding, consistency, and love. Through social work, I want to advocate for policies that protect children and provide resources for families in crisis. I also want to work directly with children in school or community settings to help them process their emotions, develop coping skills, and feel safe enough to dream again. My goal is to use both my education and my empathy to identify signs of abuse early and intervene before the damage deepens. Faith is at the heart of my mission. I believe God calls us to be protectors of the vulnerable and healers of the brokenhearted. Every child deserves to know they are loved, valued, and capable of healing. My role as a future counselor will be to reflect that truth back to them—to remind them that their story does not end with pain. This scholarship would be an incredible blessing as I continue working toward my degree. Balancing motherhood, work, and school is not easy, but my purpose gives me strength. Financial assistance would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and training so I can continue growing into the advocate I am called to be. I want to dedicate my life to helping children who have suffered in silence. No child should ever feel forgotten or unworthy of love. Through social work, I plan to stand in the gap for those who have no voice—guiding them toward healing, stability, and hope. I believe that by combining faith, education, and compassion, we can break the cycle of trauma and help children not only survive, but thrive.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a thirty-year-old student pursuing a degree in Social Work. I graduated from high school in Tennessee and am now continuing my education with the goal of becoming a school counselor or therapist. I currently work as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys, where I help young men navigate emotional challenges, trauma, and personal growth. I am also a proud mother of a six-year-old son who motivates me every day to become the best version of myself. My journey into the mental health field began with my own struggles. Over the past five years, I have faced anxiety, depression, and the difficult process of rebuilding my life after trauma and divorce. During that time, I learned how vital mental health is to every part of our well-being. It affects how we think, relate, love, and live. To end the stigma surrounding mental health, we must begin by changing the conversation. For too long, mental illness has been treated as something to hide or be ashamed of. People are often afraid to admit they are struggling because they fear being labeled as “weak” or “unstable.” This silence isolates individuals and prevents healing. The first step in ending stigma is education—teaching people that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure. When we normalize talking about therapy, medication, and emotional struggles, we create a culture where healing becomes possible. Many people who need mental health care can’t afford it or don’t know where to start. We can end stigma by advocating for more mental health programs in schools, workplaces, and communities—places where people spend their daily lives. Counselors, peer support groups, and open discussions about mental health can all make a difference in helping people feel seen and supported. Another way to fight stigma is through empathy. Every person carries invisible battles, and judgment only makes those battles heavier. When we replace judgment with compassion, we create space for healing. In my own life, I’ve learned that showing empathy—listening without trying to fix, caring without conditions—can be the most powerful gift we give one another. My faith also plays a large role in how I approach mental health awareness. For a long time, I believed that faith alone could heal my mind, but I’ve come to understand that God often uses people—therapists, psychiatrists, and supportive communities—as instruments of His healing. Mental health care and faith are not in conflict; they can work together. In college, I plan to advocate for mental health awareness by sharing my story and encouraging others to seek help without shame. I want to help organize workshops, support groups, and campus outreach programs that promote self-care and emotional wellness. I also plan to continue my education in social work so that I can one day create programs that support young people who are struggling—especially those who don’t have access to traditional counseling resources. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education and my mission to make a difference in the world of mental health. By combining my personal experience, professional training, and faith, I hope to help others see that mental wellness is not a destination—it’s a journey we walk together, hand in hand, with courage and compassion.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a thirty-year-old single mother to a loving six-year-old boy who has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest blessing. For much of my adult life, I have walked through seasons of pain, healing, and spiritual renewal. Over the past five years, I have faced my own battles with mental health—battles that have tested every part of my being. Through the grace of God, the help of dedicated psychiatrists, and the strength I found within myself, I have made tremendous progress. My experience with mental health has not only shaped my beliefs and relationships but has also solidified my calling to pursue a career in the mental health field as a social worker and counselor. There was a time in my life when I felt broken beyond repair. Divorce, trauma, and the weight of single motherhood left me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy that made even simple days feel like mountains to climb. But in those dark moments, I found God waiting for me. My faith became my lifeline, and I began to understand what it truly meant to surrender and trust Him with my healing. Therapy and medication became tools of restoration, but it was through prayer and the love of Jesus that I found purpose in my pain. My journey taught me that mental health is not a sign of weakness; it is part of being human, and seeking help is an act of courage, not defeat. My experiences have transformed the way I view faith and healing. For a long time, I believed that faith alone should be enough to overcome mental struggles, but I have learned that God often works through people—psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and supportive communities. Faith and medicine are not enemies; they are allies in the process of restoration. I now see my journey as a testimony of how God uses both spiritual and professional support to bring wholeness to our lives. These experiences have also changed how I relate to others. Because I have walked through my own valleys, I approach people with greater empathy and understanding. When someone shares their pain with me, I don’t just hear their words—I feel their heart. Working as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys has allowed me to use that empathy in powerful ways. Many of the boys I work with carry deep wounds from neglect, abuse, or broken families. Some battle depression, anger, or trauma that they don’t yet know how to name. I meet them where they are, offering a listening ear and reminding them that they are more than their mistakes. Every time I see a young man take even the smallest step toward healing, I am reminded that this is my calling—to help others rediscover their worth through compassion, faith, and understanding. My mental health journey has also deepened my relationships. It taught me to set boundaries, to communicate honestly, and to value the people who truly support me. Healing required me to confront painful patterns, let go of unhealthy attachments, and learn to forgive—not just others, but myself. Through this process, I have built stronger, more authentic connections with my family, friends, and even my coworkers. My son has been my constant reminder that love is both a reason and a reward for perseverance. He motivates me to stay healthy, balanced, and hopeful, so that I can be the kind of mother he deserves—one who leads with grace and strength. Spiritually, my mental health journey has taken me from brokenness to purpose. I now see how God has used my pain to prepare me to serve others. The verse from Matthew 4:19—“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”—speaks directly to my heart. Just as Jesus called His disciples to reach others, I feel called to reach those who are struggling with their mental and emotional well-being. My healing was never meant to stop with me. God has given me a story of survival and transformation so that I can use it to help others find their way back to peace. My career aspiration is to become a licensed social worker and eventually a school counselor or therapist. I want to create safe spaces where children, adolescents, and families can find hope and support. I am especially passionate about helping young people who come from difficult home environments or who battle anxiety, depression, or trauma. I believe that early intervention, emotional education, and compassion can change the entire course of a person’s life. Working in behavioral health has already shown me what’s possible when you combine faith with professional care. I hope to continue my education and eventually open a community-based counseling program that integrates faith, therapy, and outreach for families in need. This scholarship would be a tremendous blessing in helping me achieve that goal. As a single mother balancing school, work, and raising a child, finances can often feel like a heavy weight. Tuition, textbooks, and childcare expenses add up quickly, but my determination to finish my degree never wavers. This scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to focus more deeply on my studies and less on the financial obstacles that sometimes stand in the way. More importantly, it would allow me to continue my education so I can give back to my community in a meaningful way. My experiences with mental health have taught me to see others through a lens of grace. Everyone is fighting battles that may not be visible, and what people need most is kindness, patience, and understanding. I want to be the kind of counselor who not only offers tools for healing but also reminds people of their worth and purpose. Just as God placed people in my life to lift me up, I want to be that light for others—to be a “fisher of men” who draws hearts back to hope, faith, and healing. I know that my journey is far from over, but I walk it with gratitude. What once felt like brokenness has become the foundation of my calling. My mental health struggles have not defined me; they have refined me. They have shaped my beliefs, deepened my relationships, and illuminated my purpose. Through God’s grace and continued education, I am determined to turn my pain into purpose and my healing into hope for others.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a thirty-year-old single mother to a wonderful six-year-old son who inspires everything I do. Life has not always been easy, but every challenge has strengthened my faith, resilience, and determination to create a better future—for myself, my son, and those I help. I currently work as a life coach in a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys, and I am pursuing a degree in Social Work with the goal of becoming a school counselor or therapist. My purpose in life is to help others heal, grow, and believe in themselves again. My journey has been shaped by perseverance and hope. As a divorced single mother, I have learned how to balance parenting, work, and education through faith and hard work. There have been moments when I felt stretched thin, but giving up was never an option. My son watches me study, and I remind him that we are working toward something greater—a life built on purpose and love. I want him to see that with dedication and belief in God, anything is possible. Working in behavioral health has deepened my passion for human wellness. Many of the teenage boys I coach come from homes filled with trauma or instability. They’ve been written off by others, but I see their potential. I see young men who just need someone to believe in them. Being able to guide them through challenges and witness their growth gives my life meaning. These experiences have also taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and grace. They remind me daily that healing begins when someone feels seen and understood. This scholarship would be a tremendous blessing for me and my son. Balancing school and work while raising a child can be financially overwhelming. Tuition, books, and everyday expenses add up quickly, and I often have to choose between what we need now and what will benefit our future. Receiving this scholarship would relieve that burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. It would help me continue pursuing my education with the same drive and determination that Kalia D. Davis lived her life with. Kalia’s story is incredibly inspiring. Her work ethic, kindness, and ambition reflect the very qualities I strive to embody. Like her, I believe in living life with excellence and purpose—loving deeply, laughing freely, and learning constantly. Though my journey looks different, our values align: hard work, faith, compassion, and a desire to make an impact. I want to honor her legacy by continuing to push forward, giving my best in everything I do, and encouraging others to do the same. In the future, I hope to work in a school setting where I can help students who are struggling with their mental health or personal lives. I want to create a safe space where young people feel valued and supported, just as Kalia made those around her feel uplifted and encouraged. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and learning—one built not only on success, but on service to others. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it represents hope and possibility. It would help me move one step closer to my dream of becoming a counselor who changes lives. Like Kalia, I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, lifted others up, and lived life with purpose. I may not have met her, but her legacy inspires me to keep striving for excellence and to make a difference wherever I go.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a thirty-year-old mother to a bright six-year-old boy who inspires everything I do. As a single parent, I have faced seasons of pain, growth, and renewal. Those experiences have shaped me into someone deeply passionate about healing—both my own and others’. I currently work as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys, where I’ve learned that healing begins with being seen, heard, and understood. My journey through divorce, single motherhood, and rebuilding my life from the ground up has strengthened my faith and deepened my compassion. I’ve witnessed how trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit, and I believe that mental health is just as vital as physical health. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work with the goal of becoming a school counselor or therapist. The values that guide me most are empathy, perseverance, and faith. I believe every person deserves dignity, understanding, and a chance to heal. My purpose is to help others discover that—even after hardship—there is hope, restoration, and a brighter future waiting ahead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Empathy, to me, is the ability to see and feel life through another person’s eyes without judgment or agenda. It is not about fixing someone, but about standing beside them in their struggle and saying, “You are not alone.” True empathy creates a bridge between pain and healing—it reminds people that they are seen, valued, and worthy of care. Working as a life coach in a behavioral health facility has taught me the real meaning of empathy in action. The teenage boys I work with come from homes filled with instability, neglect, or trauma. Many of them have never experienced consistent love or understanding. Simply listening to their stories and acknowledging their emotions can begin to change everything. It builds trust. It opens the door to transformation. Those moments remind me why empathy is not just a feeling—it is a tool for healing. In the field of social work and counseling, empathy is essential. A school counselor or therapist must see beyond behaviors and into the heart of what drives them. When a student acts out, empathy asks, “What pain lies behind this?” rather than, “What punishment fits this?” Empathy allows professionals to treat people as whole beings—not just as problems to be solved, but as individuals with complex emotions, histories, and hopes. To ensure my work is done through a human-centered lens, I believe in meeting people where they are, not where I think they should be. Every person’s story is unique, and healing cannot happen through a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires cultural sensitivity, active listening, and genuine care. I plan to approach every client or student as an individual with their own strengths and challenges, using evidence-based practices while also honoring their personal experiences and beliefs. I also view empathy as a form of advocacy. It calls me to challenge systems that overlook or harm the vulnerable. Whether it’s speaking up for a struggling student, supporting a family in crisis, or promoting mental health awareness, empathy fuels the courage to act with compassion and justice. My own life has been shaped by people who showed me empathy when I needed it most—teachers, counselors, and friends who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Now, I want to be that person for someone else. Empathy has the power to turn pain into purpose, and I am living proof of that. As I continue my education in social work, my goal is to carry empathy into every classroom, counseling session, and conversation. It is the heartbeat of my career path, and it is how I will ensure that every person I help feels seen, supported, and valued.

Balancing education, work, and motherhood as a single parent has not been an easy road, but it is one I walk with faith, determination, and purpose. My six-year-old son is my greatest motivation, and everything I do is for the life we are building together. I am thirty years old, divorced, and in the process of rebuilding my life into something stable, meaningful, and full of hope. My decision to pursue a degree in Social Work comes from both my professional experiences and my personal journey of resilience. Currently, I work as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys. My job requires patience, emotional strength, and compassion. Many of the young men I work with have endured trauma, neglect, or broken families. I see a reflection of my own journey in theirs — learning to rebuild from pain and rediscover self-worth. These experiences not only inspire my studies but remind me of the importance of balance. I have learned that in order to pour into others, I must also care for my son, nurture our bond, and continue to grow academically and spiritually. Balancing these responsibilities takes discipline and faith. My days begin early with preparing my son for school, followed by work and classes, and end late at night with homework after he’s asleep. There are times when exhaustion creeps in, but my purpose keeps me going. I remind myself that every assignment completed and every shift worked is one step closer to a more secure and meaningful future for both of us. My son watches me study, and in those moments, I know I’m setting an example — showing him that perseverance and education can open doors to a better life. Faith has also been my foundation through this journey. When life feels overwhelming, I lean on God’s promises and remind myself that this season of sacrifice will one day bear fruit. I may be a single parent, but I am never alone. Between the grace of God, the love of my family, and the drive within me, I have the strength to keep going even when the road is long. This scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. Financial challenges can sometimes make it difficult to stay focused on school. Tuition, books, and living expenses all add up quickly, especially as a single mother. This scholarship would relieve some of that financial pressure, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the worry of how to make ends meet. It would also help me continue working toward my goal of becoming a licensed social worker and, eventually, a school counselor or therapist. I am passionate about helping young people heal, grow, and believe in themselves. With this degree, I will be able to serve students and families who are facing their own challenges, offering the same kind of understanding and hope that I once needed. Balancing motherhood and education is a daily act of faith and love. It requires patience, organization, and an unshakable belief in a better tomorrow. With this scholarship, I can continue walking confidently toward that tomorrow — for myself, for my son, and for every young person I will one day have the privilege to help.

My name is Heather Smith, and I am a thirty-year-old mother to a wonderful six-year-old son. As a divorced woman who has walked through seasons of hardship and rebuilding, I have learned the importance of compassion, resilience, and faith. Not only have I been through the heartache of divorce, I have also been through domestic violence. In my younger years, I turned to drugs and other substances to cope with how I was feeling on the inside which was feeling less-than and never good enough. I firmly believe that every experience I’ve faced—both the struggles and the triumphs—has prepared me for a purpose greater than myself: to help others heal. I currently work as a life coach at a behavioral health facility for troubled teenage boys. Every day, I see the power of patience, empathy, and guidance in transforming young lives. Many of the boys I work with come from backgrounds filled with trauma and instability, and being part of their growth has strengthened my commitment to a lifelong career in helping others. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work so I can expand my reach and make a lasting impact as a school counselor or therapist. I chose the field of social work because it is rooted in service, understanding, and advocacy. Whether it’s guiding a struggling student, supporting a family in crisis, or helping a child see their own potential, I want to be someone who stands in the gap—someone who listens without judgment and encourages healing through connection and care. My ultimate goal is to specialize in school counseling or clinical therapy, where I can provide a safe space for young people to find hope and direction. I want to be able to provide a safe space for mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, and other people that need a place to feel heard. I know what it is like to feel invisible and like my feelings do not matter. As I work my way through college, financial support would make a world of difference in helping me continue this journey. I am determined to graduate and become a professional who uses both education and empathy to serve others. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my degree but also empower me to keep making a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow and thrive as I make my way through college to be the first in my family to graduate.

My passion for mental health advocacy comes from a lifetime of seeing how deeply emotional wounds can affect young people—and from knowing firsthand what it feels like to be broken but still choose to rebuild. I have experienced trauma, domestic violence, and hardship, and I’ve also seen how emotional pain can follow children long after the hurt ends. Those experiences have fueled my mission to help children and adolescents find hope, healing, and a voice in a world that too often silences them. I want to use my education in social work to become a counselor who not only supports young people through their struggles, but also advocates for lasting change in how our schools and communities approach mental health and bullying. Bullying and harassment in K–12 schools can leave scars that last a lifetime. Many children suffer in silence because they don’t know who to turn to, or they fear they won’t be believed. I plan to advocate for progress by creating safe, inclusive spaces where every student feels heard and supported. This begins with education—teaching both students and staff about empathy, respect, and the warning signs of mental health struggles. I want to work within schools to implement trauma-informed programs that emphasize kindness, peer support, and conflict resolution. By training teachers and administrators to recognize emotional distress early, we can intervene before pain turns into despair. As a future therapist, I want to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health in schools. Too often, students are labeled as “troublemakers” when they’re really hurting. My goal is to help schools replace punishment with understanding—to see behavior as communication and to respond with compassion rather than judgment. Every child deserves to be treated as someone worth saving, not as a problem to be managed. One of the greatest barriers children face today is navigating the complicated process of getting mental health care. Parents are often overwhelmed, schools are underfunded, and the system itself is confusing. I want to streamline that process by working directly with families to connect them to counseling and community resources. As a social worker, I hope to collaborate with schools, churches, and local organizations to build accessible referral systems that make it easier for children to receive consistent, affordable treatment. Mental health support should never be a luxury—it should be a right. Bullying and trauma can strip young people of their self-worth, but therapy can help them reclaim it. I believe in meeting every child where they are, listening without judgment, and helping them rebuild the confidence they need to stand tall again. My faith and life experiences have taught me that even in the darkest moments, healing is possible with love, patience, and guidance. I want to be that source of light for the next generation. Becoming a counselor is not just my career goal—it’s my life’s purpose. I want to dedicate my work to protecting the mental and emotional well-being of children who feel unseen or unheard. By combining advocacy, education, and compassionate care, I hope to continue Ryan Yebba’s legacy of bringing awareness and change to the issue of bullying and youth mental health. My dream is to ensure that no child feels hopeless, forgotten, or alone—and that every young person knows that their voice and their life matter deeply.

My passion for working with children who have special needs comes from a deep desire to make every child feel seen, valued, and capable. I believe every child has unique strengths waiting to be discovered, and it is our responsibility as educators and caregivers to create an environment where those strengths can shine. My journey as a single mother and my experiences with overcoming personal hardship have given me patience, empathy, and a strong belief that love, understanding, and consistency can change lives. If I were working with a child like Rebecca, I would begin by getting to know who they are beyond their diagnosis—their interests, fears, favorite activities, and what helps them feel safe. Building trust would be my first priority because meaningful learning can only happen when a child feels secure and understood. I would use individualized teaching methods based on their learning style—whether that means visual aids, hands-on activities, or sensory tools—to make lessons more engaging and accessible. I would also celebrate small successes, understanding that progress looks different for every child and that encouragement builds confidence. In my approach, I would emphasize communication not just with the child but with their family. I believe families play one of the most critical roles in a child’s development and progress. When educators and families work together, we can create consistency between home and school that reinforces learning and emotional growth. I would encourage families to share their insights about what strategies work best for their child, and I would keep them informed about progress and milestones. I see parents and teachers as partners, united by the same goal: helping the child thrive. My intent is to work in special education within the pre-K through 12th-grade system as a social worker and counselor. My goal is to advocate for inclusive classrooms where children with disabilities are not only supported but also celebrated. I want to help create school environments that teach compassion and understanding, showing all students that differences are not weaknesses—they are gifts that make the world more beautiful and diverse. I have had experience volunteering in classroom settings with children who have learning and behavioral challenges, and it has taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and flexibility. Sometimes what looks like a setback is actually a new opportunity to teach in a different way. These moments remind me that progress is not always measured in grades or test scores, but in smiles, self-confidence, and the joy of discovery. Financially, returning to school as a single mother has not been easy. I rely on grants, scholarships, and part-time work to fund my education, and every bit of support helps me stay focused on my goal of becoming a licensed social worker. I am determined to finish my degree because I know that through this work, I can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who need compassion and advocacy the most. My dream is to dedicate my career to helping children with special needs reach their fullest potential—emotionally, socially, and academically. Every child deserves to be loved for who they are and supported for who they can become. I want to be a voice of encouragement for them and their families, reminding them that even small steps forward are victories worth celebrating. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving that dream and continuing my education in special education and social work. Most importantly, it would help me live out my purpose: to love, teach, and empower children who see the world differently.

My decision to pursue a career in mental health comes from surviving experiences that tested every part of my strength—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I have endured domestic violence, single motherhood, and the challenges of rebuilding my life from the ground up. Through it all, I found healing in helping others heal. Those experiences have shaped me into a person who not only understands trauma but feels called to walk beside others as they find their own way out of it. That’s why I am pursuing a degree in social work—to become a counselor who offers both empathy and hope. I want to be the kind of therapist who truly listens, someone who understands that healing is not linear and that people are more than their pain. Having lived through abuse, I understand how hard it is to trust again and to believe that life can get better. My goal is to create a safe space for others to feel seen, valued, and supported. I believe that my past gives me a deeper sense of compassion and a unique ability to connect with clients who have been through similar struggles. I don’t just want to talk about healing—I want to help people experience it. If I could make one significant change to today’s mental healthcare system, it would be to increase access to affordable and trauma-informed care for families, especially single parents and survivors of abuse. Too many people go without the help they need because therapy is expensive or unavailable in their communities. I want to work toward programs that bring counseling into schools, churches, and community centers—places where people already feel safe. By removing barriers and meeting people where they are, we can begin to heal entire families and break cycles of trauma. Teletherapy has opened incredible opportunities for access and flexibility in mental health care. It allows people in rural areas or those with limited transportation—like many single parents—to receive counseling from home. However, one of the greatest challenges is the lack of personal connection and privacy concerns, especially for people in unsafe living environments. To better serve diverse communities, we must continue innovating with secure, user-friendly technology and train providers to deliver warmth and empathy through virtual sessions. I believe hybrid care models—combining online and in-person options—can help ensure that no one is left behind. My dream is to be a voice for those who feel voiceless, to help individuals and families rebuild their lives with the same strength I had to find in myself. Becoming a therapist is not just a career choice—it’s a calling rooted in faith, resilience, and love for others. I want to spend my life reminding people that healing is possible and that they are never alone in their journey.

I believe that true wellness begins with faith, small steps, and a willingness to keep showing up for yourself even on hard days. As someone who has walked through darkness and found my way back through God’s light, I have learned that lasting health isn’t just about the body—it’s about healing the heart and mind too. My journey has inspired me to use my education to help others create healthier, more hopeful lives, one small, sustainable habit at a time. For many years, I struggled with self-doubt and emotional exhaustion. It wasn’t until I surrendered my pain and began focusing on small, consistent changes—such as prayer, gratitude, walking daily, and nourishing my body—that I began to feel true transformation. Those habits became anchors of peace. They reminded me that wellness doesn’t come from perfection, but from persistence. This realization shaped my desire to pursue a degree that allows me to advocate for holistic wellness—where physical, emotional, and spiritual health work together. Education is giving me the tools to turn my story into service. I plan to use what I learn to help individuals and families, especially those facing hardship, discover the power of everyday choices. Whether it’s teaching nutrition and stress management, guiding someone through a new exercise routine, or simply encouraging self-care, I want to make wellness accessible to everyone—not as an unreachable ideal, but as a daily act of love. I want to build programs that focus on prevention, education, and small lifestyle improvements, much like Dr. Aldana’s vision of health built through simple, sustainable habits. Dr. Steve Aldana’s message deeply resonates with me because it focuses on empowerment. He believed in the power of community and in helping people build lasting habits that truly change their lives. That’s the type of impact I aspire to make. I want to continue his mission by promoting wellness within workplaces, schools, and local communities—places where people spend most of their time, yet often neglect their own health. By combining education, compassion, and faith, I can help others make choices that honor their bodies and their purpose. Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For some, it begins with walking outside for five minutes a day; for others, it’s learning how to manage anxiety or eat nourishing meals. My goal is to meet people where they are and remind them that even the smallest steps can create a ripple of change. In the same way Dr. Aldana inspired individuals to take charge of their well-being, I hope to be a light that guides others toward healing—mind, body, and soul. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and further develop the skills I need to empower others. It would help me become a voice for wellness that is grounded in compassion, faith, and education. I want to dedicate my life to helping people realize that their health and happiness matter—and that improvement begins with the smallest acts of self-care. Through my journey and my education, I hope to continue Dr. Aldana’s legacy by spreading a message of sustainable, whole-person wellness. Every small step matters, and every life changed begins with one simple choice to do better today than yesterday. I am ready to dedicate my life to inspiring that change in others—one person, one habit, and one act of kindness at a time.

My greatest achievement to date is having a beautiful son whom is now 5 years old and giving my life back to Jesus. When I was 14 years old, my parents split up and that was when I was truly lost. I did not know how to express my emotions and the bad crowd got the best of me. I began to self-medicate whether that be with people, drugs, or other things that were not filling the void that I had inside. I got married at the young age of 18 to a man who had just joined the military. All of my "firsts" of trying this drug or that drug was with him. He was an alcoholic and emotionally abusive to me. I did not stay in that for long before I left. I was 21 when I got a divorce and I felt like a failure. I began using other drugs to cope with how I was feeling. When I first went to treatment, it was in Bowling Green, KY. When I was done with treatment, I stayed in KY and lived in a sober-living home. I met my son's father and began using again with him. He was physically abusive and I went to live in a Domestic Violence shelter for a little while. I got away from him before it turned into something even more awful. I got clean when I went to TX for 12 months. I gave my life back to Jesus and He began to restore my family. My son and I now have the best relationship and I am so grateful. I am 4 years and 4 months clean from what was holding me back from living my life. I work full-time at a behavioral health facility and I am able to help teenage boys that struggle with drugs, mental health, SI, and more. I can relate to them because of what I have been through. Now, I know that I am worth it. I know that I am capable of living a life that I never thought that I could. I am in school to become a social worker to be able to help others that have also struggled in this life. I want to be able to counsel those that are broken and lost. I know what it's like and I will not let my story go to waste. Thank you.

I got married at the young age of 18 due to not being pushed for me and because I wanted to get out of the 1 red light town that I grew up in. My parents split up when I was 14 years old and it had a bigger toll on me than I had originally thought. My life was in shambles for the majority of my childhood and I had no one to talk to about how I was feeling inside. I resorted to other things to "take my mind off of things" which potentially put me in a position to where I had to go to multiple rehab and mental health facilities. The marriage did not work out - go figure. I was broken, lost, and confused. I didn't have the support to go to college, it was an option. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I was just trying to fill a "void" that I knew I was missing. I tried to do that with people and relationships. I had no idea that I was capable of becoming a college graduate, so that left my mind many times. Now, at the age of 30, 4 years clean & sober, and a mother of a beautiful 5 year old, I am ready to get my life together. I am finished up my first semester at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN. I am doing very well as far as grades and still holding up a full-time job. I am a single mother and I can't wait to finish my college degree to prove to myself that I can do anything that I set my mind to. God has been my rock through all of my "downfalls." I have been through so much in my life and that is why it is so important to me to attend college. I want my son to have a mother that follows her dreams of helping others. I want to become a social worker and potentially work with helping others no matter what that looks like. I have a heart for the broken and I want to help give them hope like it was so graciously given to me at my lowest. I am grateful to still be alive today and that I am able to pursue goals with a sober mind. God is so good to me and so are the people in my life that want to see my succeed. I have been blessed with a life that I couldn't see years ago. It is beautiful to accomplish things that looked impossible. I would use this money to help me get through school and pay my bills. Thank you.

First, I went through many years of believing that college would not work out for me. I got married at eighteen years old instead of going to college. When that marriage did not work out, I considered college again. I talked myself out of it and for nine years, I believed it still would not be for me. I am grateful that I now love myself and believe in myself enough to go back to school. I grew up in a home with little motivation and drive. My report cards were not looked at after the fourth grade. My family was falling apart and being the youngest, I flew under the radar. I could have done better in school if I had cared more. I didn't make bad grades, I just didn't care enough to do "great." My parents both went to college, but they did not finish. I want to be a therapist and give back to what has been given to me. People deserve to be motivated and encouraged. I wish I would have had that more in my life as a child like I do as an adult. I have learned so much over the years and I want to share it with others. I know my story can be used to encourage others with similar stories. Thank you.

Values were not always something I held dear in my life growing up. There was little talk about values in my home growing up. For many years I wondered what values even were. To this day, I am still finding myself and my values. Life is and has been difficult, fun, comedic, and confusing at times. After going through the things that I have gone through, I am just now understanding my true values. I went from a spunky child to a hell-raising teenager. I say that because I was not afraid of anything. I took risks, I went places that I was not allowed to go, I spent time with people that I shouldn't have spent time with, and I got into a lot of trouble. I went from friend to friend and man to man. I had no idea how to be a good friend or a good significant other. I was manipulative, dishonest, mean, and selfish. It was not until my eyes were opened that I saw who I truly had become. I tried to fun away many times and I did. I've lived in 4 different states since the age of eighteen. It was strange because everywhere I ran to, there I was. It took me a long time to realize that I was, in fact, the problem. I blamed everyone around me and truly believed that I was the victim. Don't get me wrong, there were times that I truly was the victim, but that was not majority of the time. I am not ashamed of the things that I have gone through because it has made me who I am to this day. I have learned from my mistakes and I continue to learn daily. I am truly grateful that God has spared my life and has watched over me all of these years. I have been in situations where I did not know if I would live or die. I was so close to death a few times and I was okay with that for a short time. I did not want to die, but I did not want to live. I am going back to school to become a therapist. I want to give back the support that was given to me. Mental health is huge in the world today and it needs more attention that it is given. Lives are on the line and it is important to address that. My values today are: life, love, honesty, integrity, empathy, patience, forgiveness, and resilience. Thank you for reading this and considering me.

I grew up in a small town in Tennessee with two older brothers. My parents divorced when I was fourteen and that had a bigger impact on my life than I had originally thought. I was the only daughter and I was struggling emotionally inside. I grew up in a family that did not show much emotion and it seemed easier to hide it. This impacted my friendships and relationships because I was awful at communicating my needs. I still struggle with this from time to time, but I am definitely getting better at it. I got married at the age of eighteen only a few months after graduating high school. He was in the military and that was the reason for getting married so young. I was hard-headed and I did not thrive in taking advice. Since an early teenager, I was pretty much learning everything on my own. My parents were busy, so if I wanted something, I went for it. That marriage only lasted three years and it introduced me to an intense lifestyle filled with partying and dishonesty. I spent majority of my twenties picking up the pieces of a failed marriage. I felt like my life was over so many times and it was hard to see "the light at the end of the tunnel." I was twenty-four when I met my son's father. I had moved to Bowling Green, KY, to start over. I wasn't completely healed when I met him and that relationship turned very toxic very quickly. My son's father was mentally and physically abusive. When I found out I was pregnant, it did not take long for me to move back to TN to be with my family until I had my son. I had my son July 26th, 2019, and my life became "whole" again. I struggled from time to time to find "my place in this world." I thought having my son would make life easier, but it definitely did not. I wanted to be a family with him and his father. I wanted to change this man to be a better one and father. My son's father has not seen him in person since he was five months old and that has been over five years ago. He has seen pictures and he has video called him twice. I cannot make him be a father, I wish that I could. Everything that I have gone through in my past has pushed me to my dreams of becoming a therapist. I want to be a substance abuse and domestic violence counselor to put to use everything that I have been through. I want nothing to go to waste and I want people to know that it is possible to still have dreams. I didn't stay where I was alone, afraid, hopeless, broken, or unloved. I am standing up and I am facing life as it comes to show the generations to come that it is possible.

It took me thirty years to figure out what was happening in my brain. I believe it led me to places that could have been avoided if known about. I grew up in a small town in Tennessee with parents that were not big believers in going to the doctor for any reason other than emergencies. Mental health wasn't talked about much as I was growing up and I have only learned about it over the past few years through personal experience. When I was growing up in school, I had a hard time paying attention in class. It was no surprise when I would come home with a note from school to let my parents know all of the "bad" things that I did that day. I remember being in kindergarten and our teacher would send home a paper with either a smiley face or a frowning face. It was rare for me to get the smiley face due to my attention span and my disrupting habits. I tried to trade faces with my best friend one day after school, but she told me no. I did okay in school, but I know I could have done better. I made A's, B's, and C's most of the time. It was rare for me to get a C, but it did happen. I was often rebuked for my loudness and impulsiveness. I never imagined that anything was ever wrong with me mentally, I just assumed I was "heard-headed or rebellious." I got in trouble often and fell out of multiple friendships and relationships over the years. It was hard for me to keep someone around for long periods of time, probably because I would quickly get bored. I fell into a party life when I turned eighteen and it lasted well into my twenty's. It was not until I was twenty-six that I realized I had to do something differently. I moved away from my hometown to get my life "together." It helped me and I began to see what was meant for me. I knew that I wanted to help others, but I did not know how. I moved back to Tennessee when I was twenty-nine and began working at a behavioral health facility for troubled teens. It teaches me something new about myself and others every day. Going through what I have gone through has given me a reason to look deeper into my mental health. I see a psychiatrist regularly and a therapist. I have taken mental health tests to see what all has been going on with me this whole time. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. I am not surprised and now that I am on medication, I am able to go back to college to pursue my dream as a therapist. Medication has helped me complete tasks at work, with school, and taking care of things at home. I am grateful for this knowledge on my mental health. Thank you for reading this and thank you for making this scholarship available!

I remember saying this phrase multiple times during active addiction: "I was made for more than this." Not only was I correct, but now I am able to share my testimony with others. I grew up with two older brothers and a divorced set of parents when I turned fourteen. My teenage years are when it started and when my life felt like it was truly ending. I went from relationship to relationship and friendship to friendship well into adulthood. I got married at eighteen years old and he was in the military. I met this man in church so I thought it was my ticket to becoming a better human. Once again, I was wrong in my way of thinking. My drinking became worse and I found myself getting divorced at age twenty-one. I felt like a failure and my drinking turned into pills and meth. I received my first charge at age twenty-one and it was a DUI. Remember when I had felt like my life was over a few times mentioned above? Now I really felt like my life was over. I had a good job at an urgent care and was unable to keep that job due to my irresponsibility and wrong priorities. I turned back to the restaurant industry because they didn't do drug tests and money was quick. I was starting to "experiment" with the harder stuff which turned out to be fentanyl. That is when my life turned into utter darkness. I remember so many times wondering if I would ever make it out. I continued to get into trouble and was sent to rehab. I felt better and was doing better until my temptations were too strong for me to turn away. I fell back in multiple times and continued to go into treatment centers because that was the only thing I knew to do. I got pregnant and gave birth to my son in 2019 who is now five years old. I truly believe God blessed me with him so that I had something to fight for. I went to TX in 2020 and that is when my life radically changed for the better. I gave my life back to Jesus and my life began to make sense. I am four years clean and will be five years clean in December of 2025. I currently work in Behavioral health for troubled teens and my life now has purpose. I am going back to school to pursue my dreams of becoming a Christian counselor. I want to help others and give back to what was given to me. I listened to people more when I knew they truly had the experience and had lived the life that I had lived. Knowing what it is like has given me the empathy and the drive to go after my degree. Going back to college has always been a desire, but was also a fear of mine for many years. This scholarship would not only help me through school, but will also help me with my son as I am going to school. I will be the first in my family to graduate college and I will do everything in my power to reach that accomplishment. I want others that have lived in darkness to know that there is a light to work towards. I want to inspire others to go after their dreams and to reach the goal that they have set. It is not easy what I am doing, but nothing worth having is easy. Thank you for reading my life journey.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been "looking up". I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. My desire is to counsel those that have or are currently struggling with the things that I have also struggled with. My life has been hard, it has been ugly, it has been cold, and it has been unimagined. I was always that person who would say with judgement, "I would never be that person and I would never do those awful things." I, too, said that I wouldn't allow a man to ever put hands on me and I allowed that. I always told people to run for the hills when those things happened, but found myself stuck in a relationship due to "love" because that was my son's father. I thought I was doing the right thing giving him chance after chance to do the right thing and to let us have a family. I wanted to do all the things and all the vacations, but we could not stay off of drugs long enough to buy groceries. I was in such a dark place and I didn't know what to do. My son is the only motivation I had to continue on the path of life and it was enough. I continued to fight for my life so that I could be in his life. It was the hardest 2 years of my life at the end of my addiction as I crossed scary waters into even scarier places. Places that I did not believe existed and I was spiritually afraid of the things I had seen in the darkness of the night. It's not always as easy as you think when you get your life "together." I continue to get calls from loans I still owe after borrowing them mid-addiction. I continue to have to pay back what I have done and rightfully so. You reap what you sow and I wish to only sow the good from here on out.

My life has been nothing short of a miracle. At times, my story can be hard to explain because not everyone understands what it entails. When I am able to tell it to someone I trust, it always makes me feel like it was for a purpose. God reminds me often that my life has been hard, yet beautiful. I grew up as the youngest of three and it showed. My parents got divorced when I was 14 and although I tried to be strong, it was really difficult. The little amount of structure that I had in my life was automatically gone when that happened. I stopped going to church and my life began to spiral out of control. I got into relationship after a relationship to try to fill the void that I was feeling in my life. I gave up sports, which I loved, to have more time for “fun.” Before I could drive, I was sneaking out of the house with friends and meeting boys. We would get drunk and not worry about the responsibilities of school. My dad and whoever else that tried talking sense into me, I did not listen. My mom and others would enable my behaviors which did not help in the long run. My mom remarried and they bought a bar. That’s where I would go after school and spend a lot of my free time. I would gamble and drink like it was normal for a teenager to do. My dad has always been in church so during this time, I didn’t spend much time with him. I got back into church at age 16 and felt better than I had in a few years. I spent more time with my dad and his new wife, they were always good to be around. I spent less time with my mom and her new husband because I was trying to do better. I cut friends out of my life and began a new relationship. I met him in church and I truly expected him to be the one. He joined the military and we married when I was eighteen years old. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that Jesus would not be the center of our relationship. Drugs, partying, & adultery ruled our marriage. I truly didn’t even know Jesus at the time. We divorced when I was twenty-one and that’s when it all went down for me. I joined a crowd of friends that I always said I would stay away from. Drugs became my life and I realized I was powerless over my life. I lost multiple cars, multiple friends, places to live, and everything that I had. It took 5 years to get out of that lifestyle. I went to multiple rehabs, jails, & churches. It wasn’t until I gave my life back to Jesus, that I was able to be free. I am now four years clean with a beautiful five year old son. It has not been easy and it still can be hard, but I am so much better than I was. I think back to the hard times and I remember that God had His hand over my life. Without the support of my family and church, I would not be here today. Prayer works and I am an example of that. I want to become a Christian counselor so I can give back to what has been given to me. I have ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t of gone through all of that.

Firstly, I always knew I was different from the rest of my family or so I thought. I was the baby and I had two older brothers. I was always thinking and always doing something. It’s almost like I had to be doing something or I didn’t feel right. I still do that sometimes even with the medication that I am on for my ADHD. My life hasn’t been easy and I truly believe finding out about my learning disability early on could have changed some of my life journey. I got married at 18 years old and moved away to be with my military husband. I thought that this was gonna bring me happiness and that I was gonna finally get to be away from a home where no one understood me. It was hard for me to keep friends and have meaningful relationships with others because of what was going on in my mind. When there was an option to fight or flight, I always chose flight. When things got hard, I ran away. I had no clue how to resolve conflict with others. I still struggle with that from time to time. When running away was no longer an option, I turned to drugs. My life quickly had become unmanageable and while I was 21 years old and getting a divorce, my life felt like it was ending. I truly didn’t know what to do with myself, and I didn’t know who to talk to or what to say. People would always tell me that it was a choice and that it was always a choice. I truly didn’t see it that way. Five years later into my drug addiction, I had my son and that changed the whole directory of my life. He gave me a purpose and a reason to fight for my life because it was getting to where I didn’t care if I lived or died. I got help and gave my life back to Jesus. My life has not been the same since and I can proudly say that I am four years clean off of drugs. I work in behavioral health and I help troubled teens get through what I have been through. There’s nothing more fulfilling than giving back to what has been given to you. After 29 years, I am finally on medication to treat my ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I’ve never felt better in my entire life, and I am so grateful to still be alive after so many nights of not knowing if I was going to wake up. I want to further my life and get a degree in counseling. I hope that you read this and you are encouraged. I appreciate the opportunity to write this essay. It has touched me and has been therapeutic to put these words together.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. It’s not easy going through life with the past that I have, but I am learning something new every single day. I take what I have learned and I nurture it. I am always looking to help others to understand the meaning behind each obstacle. Some do not want to listen and I understand that from first hand experience. My goal is to accomplish something that I didn’t think that I could so that I can show others it is possible. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Right before I was to graduate high school, I lost my great grandmother. I called her mamaw and she was one of my best friends. I always took my friends down to her house as she only lived three houses down for me. She always made my friends laugh and always made me laugh. She was always a joy to be around and she was such a thoughtful person to everyone she came in contact with. Every month she would take me, my brother, and my other brother out for lunch on separate days. She would always give us a $20 bill and take us to whatever restaurant we wanted to go to. It was such a treat and we always look forward to it. This was a tradition that she led on for many, many years. Towards the end of her life, it got to where she was forgetting why she called us on the phone. We would go to her house and she would count the $20 over and over again to make sure she had it right. We knew that she was getting older as she was reaching her early 90s. I remember one time being at my grandma‘s house, which is my mamaw’s daughter. The whole family was there and we were about to eat a family dinner. Someone had asked to pray and my dad was standing up bowing his head. My mamaw did not know that we were praying and said, “Jackie done fell asleep, somebody wake him up!” My grandma said, “Shhh, mama, we are praying!” My mamaw had no idea that we were praying because her hearing was not as good as it used to be. She was always so funny and we still talk about the times that she made us laugh every time we get the chance. She was definitely the family favorite and there are so many reasons why. She was also a poet and her poems were published in the newspaper many times. One of them went like this: Sunny Mornings I love sunny mornings With wind stirring a cool breeze, A dog barking in the distance And birds, singing in the trees. I love sunny mornings While the grass is still wet with dew, A few clouds floating overhead In a sky that’s purest blue. I love sunny mornings When I can see a child at play, Singing happily in its sandbox, These things make my day. Reba White.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. For me, it was hard not to think about everything that I was missing out on and everything that I was supposed to be doing. I remember telling people so many times that I was meant for more. I just didn’t know what that “more” was at the time. Now I know that more is just living and doing the best you can every single day and working through the hard times instead of drowning them in substances. Ultimately, it is something that we are trying to escape. But everywhere that we run there we are. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I know that there is still a lot that needs to be done in my life, but I will not quit until I have achieved it. I know that I am supposed to go to school and then I am supposed to graduate so that my family will know that they can do it also. It’s not just for my family, but for the people that I come in contact with that have also struggled like I have. I know seeing other people do it helps me to want to achieve it as well. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Love Island Obstacle Each islander will come up with two truths and a lie. Each couple will go through an obstacle course which will include swimming. When each couple have completed their course, they will pick up a paper with two truths and a lie about a random islander. The couple will then have to decide which islander it was about and decide which were the truths and which was the lie. The challenge is not over until the obstacle has been completed and the following task. If they do not get the answer correctly, the couple will have to decide which of them will do the obstacle course again. Only one out of the couple will have to redo the obstacle course at another chance of guessing the truths and lie. There will be prizes or dates given to those in first, second, and third place. The ones that do not make it to one of those spots will not get a prize. The couple in first place will then have to dump one of the losing couples from the island. This information will be given at the very end of the game. The couple that is dumped will leave the villa immediately.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I am involved in church and a community of like minded individuals. I only spend time with people that are after the same goal as me and that is: sobriety. I refuse to place myself in situations that lead to the temptation of relapse. There are too many things on the line and it is not worth it to me. There are times when things seem too hard or when I don’t know what to do, but that is why I’m in counseling myself. I know what needs to be done for me to stay good. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world to sit back and not do anything. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. There are way too many people hurting in this world. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the reason.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the reason.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. Being in my five-year-old son‘s life after not being for years has been so priceless. I learned so much from him every single day that he is with me and I aspire to be the best mom that I can be to him. He’s so precious and so full of life. Being his mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has saved my life more than once with the help of Jesus. I will be forever grateful for what has brought me to the place to be with him again. There was no mistake when he was born and no mistake that he is here. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. May desire is that I teach others how to come back from what was so hard in their life. I have been taught, and I’m still being taught daily how to be the best me that I can be without holding the shame of what I have been through. I want to give back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I want to get back to others what has been given to me. Jesus has shown me grace, and it has allowed me to show grace to others. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Essay for school: It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I’m looking to help others just as others have helped me. I wouldn’t be where I am if people would not have given back to what they have been given. Thank you for this opportunity. God bless.

I believe grace could be the answer to so many problems. The world needs grace, but it also needs discipline. I want to help others become person. They are supposed to be just like people have helped me. Life is hard and nobody can be prepared for what is to come in my future line of work as a Christian counselor I want to help others throughout their journey of life. I believe more people are looking for therapists and counselors to help out. Mental health has reached a high and we’re just now getting to where we know how to deal with it. Some never get the chance of knowing how to deal with it. My journey hasn’t been easy and I am learning every day how to be a better person. I went through a really hard time in my life and for years I was searching. I was searching for better and I was searching for something to fill my heart. I got married young and was introduced to drugs. I’ve been through domestic abuse and I’ve been through multiple rehab rehabilitation programs. It took years, but I can probably say that it’s been four years since I’ve touched drugs. I am now in my son‘s life after years of not being there. Things are always what we think they are and things are always going to go as planned. I thought that being married and being in a relationship would save my life, but I was wrong. Jesus Christ is the only thing that I need to fill the void in my heart and to fill the void in my life. He saved my life, He pulled me out of darkness, and He put my feet on solid ground. I am starting school in a week and I’m starting fresh. I will be a college freshman as a 30-year-old single mom. I am applying for all the scholarships that I can so that I can fulfill the dream that I want to better mine and my son’s life. I know that graduating college will set the pace for my family and my children. It matters what we speak because words do carry so much weight. We have to believe in ourselves, and we have to believe that we can accomplish anything that we put our mind to. I am grateful that people have believed in me so that I can believe in others. Thank you.

It makes sense to me to compare my life to the book: A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I was the youngest of three children and my parents were questionable towards one another. I was fourteen when my mom picked me up from school and told me that she was leaving my dad. I was excited at first when I thought about having two Christmases. It did not take long for reality to set in and I was drowning in my own tears. This picture of love is what I ran with in my relationships and my own marriage that began when I was eighteen. That marriage did not last long when I realized you could call it “quits” at any given time. My ex husband introduced me to pain pills, weed, & cocaine. When the divorce was final, my life became a series of unfortunate events. I got into trouble with the law and spent the night in jail. I got hooked on fentanyl and my life began to fall apart. I was miserable and wasn’t even sure that I wanted to live. I went to rehab in KY and met my son’s father. My son is 5 years old and currently lives with my brother and sister in law. I have him a few days a week now and life has been looking up. I am 4 years clean off of drugs and I am very involved in church. Jesus restored my life and has given me a new life and a chance to be happy again. I am looking to help others that struggle with the same things and I am always looking to help the next person. I want to help make a difference in the lives of those hurting. I know what it is like and that’s what has inspired me to work where I currently work now as I go for my counseling degree. I am currently a life coach at a residential behavioral health facility in the middle of nowhere which has been my home for years. I am truly out to help others and grow into the person God has designed me to be. I don’t regret the things that I have been through because it has made me who I am today. I am always looking to grow and better my life to help the future generations to come in my family.