Facing a cancer diagnosis in my early 30's was one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. The treatment process was not only physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally taxing. The stress and anxiety that accompanied every stage of my treatment were overwhelming. I constantly worried about the future, my health, my relationships, and my career, as well as how this journey would reshape my life. While I found strength to endure the physical toll, managing the emotional strain became a battle. After completing treatment, I was eager to regain a sense of normalcy by returning to work. Resuming my career of 12+ years felt like a step toward reclaiming my life and moving forward. However, shortly after my return, I was unexpectedly laid off. The frustration and emotional toll of this abrupt loss compounded the challenges I was already navigating. It felt as though the foundation I had worked so hard to rebuild was once again pulled out from under me. This period of uncertainty pushed me to reflect on what mattered most in my life and what I truly wanted for my future. Although the stress and frustration were significant, they also became catalysts for personal growth. I turned to therapy and support groups, finding solace in shared experiences and learning strategies to manage my anxiety. These resources helped me process my feelings of loss and change and chart a path forward. Through this journey, I realized the profound impact mental health struggles can have, especially during major life transitions. This understanding inspired me to pursue a career in social work, specifically focused on helping others navigate similar challenges. I am now working toward a Master’s in Social Work, driven by the desire to use my experiences to guide and support others through their own difficult times. This decision represents a significant pivot, but it feels deeply aligned with my purpose. My experiences have given me insight into the importance of mental health advocacy and holistic care. I aspire to provide trauma-informed support with cultural humility that not only addresses immediate challenges but also helps individuals regain their confidence and sense of agency. A critical aspect of my recovery is staying connected to a supportive community. Whether through therapy groups, friends, or mentors, I value the power of shared experiences and mutual encouragement. This network reminds me that I’m not alone and reinforces my commitment to helping others. Although this journey has been filled with challenges, it has also been an opportunity for profound growth and self-discovery. Navigating cancer treatment and the subsequent loss of my job taught me resilience and adaptability. These experiences have fueled my passion for social work and given me the drive to help others navigate their own hardships. As I pursue my educational and professional goals, I remain committed to managing my recovery with intention and care. I believe these experiences have not only shaped who I am but also prepared me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I will serve.

Simone Biles would be my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA because she embodies resilience, excellence, and courage both on and off the mat. Not only is her dominance in gymnastics unparalleled, but she is also a trailblazer who has redefined what is possible in the sport. What sets her apart even more is her bravery in prioritizing her mental health, which sparked important conversations about the well-being of athletes worldwide. Simone's decision to step back during the Tokyo Olympics and later return on her own terms demonstrated remarkable strength, reminding us that true champions take care of themselves as much as they strive for gold. As a future social worker, I deeply admire the courage it took for her to step back in such a high-pressure environment. Simone’s choice to honor her well-being, even when the world was watching, aligns closely with the values I hold as a future clinical social worker. Her actions and the publics reaction, reminded me of the importance of advocating for mental health and treating it as an essential part of overall well-being. It reinforced my belief that true strength isn’t about pushing through at all costs, it’s about recognizing when to step back and take care of yourself. This is the same message I hope to share with those I will work with as a social worker as I empower them to prioritize their mental and emotional health without fear or shame. Watching Simone openly discuss her struggles inspired me to think critically about how I can create safe and supportive environments for others. She exemplifies the resilience and self-awareness I strive to foster in my own life and in the lives of those I will support. Her actions validated my passion for trauma-informed care and holistic approaches, and they motivate me to continue advocating for a world where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength. Beyond her athletic achievements, Simone is a role model who uses her platform to advocate for others, whether it's supporting survivors of abuse, promoting mental health awareness, or inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big. Her dedication, humility, and authenticity make her someone I’m proud to cheer for—not just as a gymnast but as a person who represents the very best of Team USA. Simone’s story isn’t just about gymnastics; it’s about empowering people to prioritize their well-being, and that’s exactly the kind of impact I hope to make in my career.

Excellence, to me, is not about perfection but about intentionality, effort, and a commitment to continuous growth. I strive to embody this spirit of excellence in every aspect of my life, whether it’s through my professional work, my education, or my personal relationships. Excellence means showing up fully, even in the face of challenges, and consistently finding ways to improve myself so I can better serve others. In my everyday life, I prioritize thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Whether I’m managing a high-acuity caseload at work, creating data tools to optimize workflows, or revising training protocols to ensure new employees succeed. I believe that excellence is found in the small actions that build trust, foster collaboration, and drive positive outcomes. Even in moments of stress, I aim to model reliability and professionalism, knowing that the way I handle these moments can inspire confidence in those around me. This spirit of excellence extends to my personal life, where I constantly seek ways to grow and learn. Returning to school to pursue my Master’s in Social Work is one way I’ve challenged myself to expand my knowledge and skills. I also hold myself accountable to the values that matter most, empathy, kindness, and integrity, because I believe these are the foundations for support and of meaningful relationships. Community has always been at the heart of my journey. Being born and raised in Los Angeles, I experienced firsthand the richness and complexity of this diverse and vibrant city. This upbringing shaped my understanding of social and economic inequities and instilled in me a deep desire to make a difference. One of the most rewarding ways I give back to my community is through my work with a non-profit organization dedicated to housing the homeless. This role has allowed me to address immediate needs while also advocating for long-term solutions. Whether it’s helping individuals transition into safe housing, providing resources for mental health care, or simply listening to their stories, I aim to create a sense of dignity and hope for those I serve. Beyond my professional role, I look for everyday opportunities to contribute. Volunteering at animal shelters, participating in community clean-up efforts, and mentoring peers are just a few ways I stay connected to giving back. I also believe in leading by example and share my knowledge and experiences with others to empower them to create change within their own circles. Excellence and service go hand in hand. By committing to excellence in my own life, I can better serve my community. And by giving back to my community, I’m reminded of the collective strength we all share. Whether through professional contributions or small, meaningful acts, I strive to leave a lasting impact that uplifts others and inspires them to do the same.

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, often shaped by challenges that redefine our priorities. For me, this transformation began with my own health journey, which made me realize the importance of aligning my life with purpose and impact. At 34, I was diagnosed with Cancer, in which I am in remission currently. I was also diagnosed at 40 (finally), with a chronic autoimmune disease. Both diagnosis has taught me resilience, the value of holistic care, and the profound need for compassionate support systems. This experience, coupled with my professional work in housing and supporting the homeless population, inspired me to return to school to pursue my Master’s in Social Work (MSW). For the past two years, I’ve worked with a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing, transitional support, and continuous care for homeless individuals. This role challenged me to navigate a high-acuity caseload while balancing the complexities of systemic barriers and the deep emotional needs of this vulnerable population. Witnessing the cycles of re-traumatization and the scarcity of safe housing options was heartbreaking, but it also solidified my passion for becoming a stronger advocate. My work highlighted the need for systemic change and reminded me how critical it is to approach every individual with empathy and a trauma-informed perspective. This realization drove my decision to pursue an MSW and ultimately a career in counseling as a clinical social worker. I want to build on my experiences by gaining the skills, knowledge, and licensure necessary to help people not just survive, but thrive. My ultimate goal is to serve as a bridge between systems and individuals, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unsupported. My experiences with health have taught me that healing involves more than just physical treatment, it requires attention to the mind, body, soul, and spirit. This philosophy will guide my practice as a social worker. I plan to create safe spaces where clients feel empowered to process their experiences and emotions without judgment. Mental health care is vital, and I want to ensure clients receive the tools and support they need to foster independence, self-awareness and resilience. For the body, I aim to incorporate somatic practices and advocate for access to health care, and nutrition. Chronic conditions and physical trauma often intersect with emotional struggles, and addressing these connections is key to holistic care. For the spirit and soul, I hope to nurture a sense of purpose and belonging in my clients. Whether it’s through fostering community connections, exploring creative outlets, or supporting spiritual practices, I want to help individuals reconnect with what gives their life meaning. I’ll integrate trauma-informed care that respects diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs. I believe in meeting clients where they are, honoring their values, and helping them build a sense of hope and possibility for the future as well as set they up for success. By integrating these elements into my practice, I hope to help individuals achieve a sense of balance and well-being that extends beyond immediate challenges. Social work is more than a career for me, it’s a calling to create meaningful change, one person at a time.

I chose social work because of my personal experience navigating a complex healthcare system during my fight against cancer. Hearing the words, "Be your own advocate," became a guiding principle, but I quickly realized how isolating and overwhelming it was to advocate for myself without proper guidance. I needed someone familiar with the system, to be an advocate who could provide direction and help me understand my options. That experience fueled my passion for pursuing a career in social work with a macro focus to address the gaps in our systems and ensure that no one feels lost or unheard during their most vulnerable moments. Throughout my treatment, I often struggled to ask the right questions or advocate for alternative care options. I trusted that the professionals around me had my best interests in mind, but I later realized that healthcare systems, like many others, are fragmented. This experience highlighted the importance of streamlining resources and improving collaboration between departments to prevent patients from falling through the cracks. I want to create lasting change by helping institutions become more patient-centered, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives comprehensive support. My professional journey has also prepared me to contribute to meaningful change. At Sony, I developed a reputation for problem-solving and fostering collaboration across teams, earning awards for my efforts. I created systems that improved efficiency, such as a "Good Things to Know" guide for new employees, which reflected my commitment to making transitions easier for others. I’ve discovered that my ability to think outside the box and connect with people is a strength I can leverage in the social work field. Additionally, working with non-profits like the Starlight Children’s Foundation gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face in healthcare environments. I realized how powerful it is to help people feel heard and informed, ensuring they understand their options. These experiences reinforced my desire to work on a macro level to improve systems and provide better resources for patients and their families. My goal is to create sustainable change within organizations, using my skills in communication and process improvement. I envision a future where I can work as a consultant, helping institutions optimize patient care and empower individuals through advocacy. This program aligns perfectly with my passion for using social work to bridge systemic gaps and improve lives. Earning this degree will provide me with the tools to transform my personal mission into a professional calling, ensuring that no one faces challenges like mine alone. In my journey through cancer and beyond, I learned that everyone deserves an advocate. With this degree, I’ll ensure that I can be that advocate and bring attention to unmet needs, streamlining confusing systems, and empowering individuals to thrive. Thank you

When I was going through Cancer at the tender age of 35, I had to rely on the system to help me through this time. Since profits and power tend to supersede the human condition, I fell through the cracks at the hospital and had to beg for services. When I finally met my social worker, she was far too busy to give me any attention or spend the time to help me mentally or even for simple resources. Feeling abandoned, I relied on my parents and thankfully a support group, to help with the resources I needed. Many of these experiences left me scared, scarred, and depressed with some pretty severe PTSD. After surviving, I attempted to go back to work… in hindsight, too soon. My brain simply did not function the same way. My priorities shifted and I wanted to make sure I worked to live and not lived to work. It didn’t take long for my supervisors to become frustrated when I wasn’t answering emails at 9 pm and upheld boundaries. They steadily became more and more abusive which led to my very first panic attack while in the office. I called a lawyer who supported me along with my support groups. This brought me to the realization that I wanted to make sure no one felt as unsupported as I did at that moment. I started to investigate ways to bring my passion to help people. I left movie marketing and became a case manager in Permanent Supportive Housing and continuum of care for current or formerly homeless clientele. The thing about this population is that there is no set reason they were/are in these circumstances. The main correlation was typically trauma and mental health. If it wasn’t mental health that brought them there, you could be sure the system is so broken, it can be enough to tip you over any edge. This is where I came in to advocate and prove to my clients that I care. Mental health is so fragile and has too many negative connotations. The word crazy is used far too often and I work to consciously stay aware I worked to normalize mental health with my clients and shared a few of my own stories when warranted. I work in a trauma-informed way, promoting evidence-based intervention utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction. To me, it’s second nature, but I am learning this is not the case and major training and reform needs to be explored. As their advocate, I had the unique opportunity to consistently work with social workers, clinical case managers, the LAPD, the Psychiatric Emergency Team (PET), Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Teams (SMART), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), shelters, skilled nursing facilities, rehabs, doctors, hospitals, Department of Social Services (DPSS), Adult Protective Services (APS), Genesis Healthcare and even animal rescues. I ensured that the rights of my clients were being upheld and they were receiving the very best support. The support I so desperately needed. I would tell my clients that there is no shame in asking for help or resources and that I would be an ear for them when needed. Currently, I am back in school, for the first time in 17 years, to get my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to continue to stay updated with resources and learn new ways of making a difference. This scholarship will help to support me through my journey. I will use my knowledge to provide awareness of trauma and how it affects mental health and to keep learning different ways to support all walks of life, so they don’t need to feel alone or unheard. I am very sorry to hear about your lovely mother, Sheri Rosser, and it is my life’s goal to bring awareness to mental health, provide resources and support for maintain mental health through self-care and support for those who are a work in progress. Thank you for this opportunity. Jennifer Newman

After surviving an illness myself, and not feeling supported, I knew I wanted to help people who, for whatever reason, cannot speak out for themselves. Making a late life-change, I have worked the past 2 years fighting for the rights of previously homeless, low income clients, whether it be dealing with the police, landlords, LA County, or even with higher ups at my own company. I have always had a fighting spirit and my father always said I should have been a lawyer myself. Although, perhaps that is because he is one of the 4 lawyers I have in my family. We have seen time and time again how profits and power supersede the human condition, and it might just be my biggest pet peeve to witness injustice (over whistling no less!). In mentioned research from The White House (2021), a chief aim of the Constitution, as drafted by the Convention, was to create a government with enough power to act on a national level, but without so much power that fundamental rights would be at risk. The idea of the constitution is to protect public rights and hold accountability for those in power. My role as a Case Manager in Permanent Supportive Housing and continuum of care allowed me to work on a macro scale advocating on a micro-level with multi-ethnic and diverse clients spanning young adulthood to geriatric populations and disparate walks of life. For 2 years, I had been a part of their continuum of care, advocating, serving, and supporting the disadvantaged. I’m trained to be trauma-informed, promoting evidence-based intervention utilizing Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction. Working at the non-profit The People Concern, broadened the field of social services for me by allowing me to advocate for clients with various physical ailments, mental conditions, addictions, alcoholism, hoarding, depression, and socio-cultural injustices to name just a few. This role presented me with the unique opportunity to have worked with social workers, clinical case managers, the LAPD, the Psychiatric Emergency Team (PET), Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Teams (SMART), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), shelters, skilled nursing facilities, rehabs, doctors, hospitals, Department of Social Services (DPSS), Adult Protective Services (APS), Genesis Healthcare and even animal rescues. I ensured that the rights of my clients were being upheld and they were receiving the very best support. Currently, I have decided to go back to school, for the first time in 17 years, to get my Masters of Social Work (MSW) to continue to fight for underserved populations. Originally coming from a business background, I have the tools to take on whoever needs taking on to ensure someone is there to advocate and look out for the peoples' best interests. By preventing social injustices, I can work to protect the civil rights of others. Thank you for this opportunity. Reference: The White House. (2021, January 20). The Constitution. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/