I am grateful that Elizabeth Schalk's memory lives on through this scholarship, giving others the purpose to reach their educational goals. However, it is saddening that it comes from such tragedy. My name is Jewell. I am returning to school after twenty-six years out of high school. I am currently attending an undergraduate school to earn a degree and am changing careers to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. This essay hits me very hard, as I have a personal experience with mental illness and suicide. In 2007, my life changed forever when my then twenty-eight-year-old husband, the father of our five-year-old daughter, died by suicide after struggling with mental illness. At the time, I could not have imagined how deeply his death would affect both of us or how much strength it would take to move forward. For the first time in my life, this was the closest death to me, and I felt that losing someone to suicide leaves behind a different kind of grief, unanswered questions, and emotions that are difficult to put into words. There were so many "whys" and questions of whether I could have prevented it. My husband's death left me as a single mother, learning how to help my young daughter cope with a loss she was far too young to fully understand. My daughter was only five years old when she lost her father. I watched her experience the confusion and sadness of growing up without him, while I tried to provide her with stability, love, and reassurance. Seeing other little girls with their fathers was just heartbreaking. I had to be strong for her even during moments when I was struggling with my own grief. I have learned that strength means continuing to show up, even when life is painful, and creating hope for your children even when you may feel broken and searching for hope yourself. My husband's mental illness and suicide changed the way I view life. It taught me that we cannot always see the struggles that someone is carrying and that mental health deserves compassion, understanding, and support. His death also showed me how quickly circumstances can change and how important it is to appreciate the people we love while they are here. Over the years, I have worked hard to turn my pain into perseverance. I have faced challenges as a single mother, raised my daughter, continued working, and found the courage to pursue a higher education later in life. Returning to school has not been an easy decision. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood to two other children now, working, and being a student requires sacrifice and determination. However, the challenges I have overcome have taught me not to give up when something matters deeply to me. This experience has changed the way I want to serve others. I have developed a deeper sense of empathy for people who are struggling physically, emotionally, or mentally. Everyone has a story that may not be visible on the surface. I want to carry that understanding into my future career in healthcare and treat every person with patience, dignity, and compassion. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to my goal, and most importantly, it would represent an investment in a future that I have worked hard to build from difficult circumstances. Thank you for reading my story.

Healthcare has never been just a career choice for me, it has been a calling shaped by lived experience, resilience, and a deep desire to serve others walking difficult paths. As a breast cancer survivor, and a single mother, who has an autistic son with physical limitations, I have seen firsthand how compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals can transform fear into hope and limitations into progress. These experiences have inspired my transition from a 23-year career as a massage therapist to pursue a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Massage therapy has allowed me to help people manage pain and stress, and it has been a meaningful career built on trust, empathy, and hands-on care. However, my journey through breast cancer changed my perspective. During my chemo treatment and throughout my recovery, I experienced the physical and emotional toll illness takes on the body and spirit. I also witnessed the critical role rehabilitation plays in restoring strength, mobility, and independence. Receiving physical therapy myself to improve range of motion and maintain lymph flow, was a lifesaver and inspired me to expand my ability to help others heal in a deeper, more impactful way. At the same time, raising my autistic son has been one of my greatest teachers. From his diagnosis, comes along with a set of neurological challenges that affect his everyday life. He has required patience, advocacy, and a constant commitment to supporting his development. I have attended therapy sessions, learned techniques to assist with his mobility, and celebrated every milestone, no matter how small. Through him, I have developed a profound understanding of the importance of individualized care and the power of encouragement. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to work with children and individuals who face physical limitations, helping them gain confidence and independence. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I bring not only professional experience but also personal resilience and empathy. I understand what it means to feel vulnerable, to depend on others for care, and to fight for recovery. This perspective allows me to connect with patients on a deeper level, building trust and creating a safe, supportive environment for healing. I believe that representation matters, and as a woman who has overcome significant challenges, I hope to inspire others, especially women and single parents that it is never too late to pursue a meaningful and impactful career. My goal as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to empower individuals to reclaim their strength and improve their quality of life. I want to be an advocate, a source of encouragement, and a partner in their journey toward progress. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also bring me one step closer to making a lasting difference in the lives of others. It would allow me to continue building a future where my personal experiences are transformed into purpose. I am committed to being a positive force in this field, using my voice, my skills, and my story to uplift those I serve.

In December 2021, my life forever changed as I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, Grade 3, Stage 0 to eventually early Stage 2. I considered myself active and strong, living a healthy lifestyle and doing everything “right.” I was at the gym lifting weights and a burning sensation came from just above my left breast. I felt a nodule that wasn’t there from what I remember the previous days and weeks. I had a dreadful feeling and called my doctor to come in for a check up. I was sent over to the imaging and sure enough it was cancer. I had turned 39 years old that year, with a 10 year old and 1 year old to take care of. Daily life changed in ways both big and small, what was once a sense of normalcy quickly became filled with doctor’s appointments, treatments, uncertainty, and fear. I didn’t know what to expect with the effects of chemotherapy, or how I would be able to take care of my kids. There were moments of stress, financial strain, and emotional fatigue, but also moments that brought us closer together. My relationship with my mother was estranged at that time and my brother broke the news to her. After hearing of my diagnosis, she called and that was the first time we had talked in years. She flew from Utah after every one of my six chemotherapy treatments to take care of my toddler son for the week I would be sick. From this experience, my mother and I slowly started to build a foundation of a relationship. Through this experience, I have learned the true strength of resilience. I experienced firsthand how courage can exist even in the face of fear. Breast cancer taught me not to take time or health for granted and to appreciate the people around me more deeply. It also showed me the importance of advocacy, early detection, and emotional support. Most importantly, by receiving the love and support that I did, whether it was my mom being there for every treatment, or my friends bringing dinners by, I learned what it means to really show up for others with compassion. I realized how powerful support can be during someone’s darkest moments. This experience has shaped my perspective on life, deepened my empathy, and strengthened my commitment to caring for others. My breast cancer journey is a contributing factor to why I want to transition into a new career from a Massage Therapist of 23 years to earning my degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. This career change is a continuation of my life’s purpose. I am committed to using my skills, experiences, and compassion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of continuing my education and allow me to focus on my studies and clinical training. It would bring me one step closer to achieving a goal that has been shaped by years of hard work, personal growth, and a genuine desire to serve others.

It is with gratitude that this scholarship is being awarded to forward Sarah's legacy so that others may improve their lives. Her story is truly humbling and inspiring. My desire to become a Physical Therapist Assistant is rooted not only in my professional experience, but in my life as a mother, caregiver, and mentor. For years, I have been guided by a deep commitment to helping others-especially children-find comfort, strength, and confidence personally and in their lives. As a single mother of a child with autism, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with developmental differences, I have also experienced the profound joy of small victories-moments that others might overlook, but that represent incredible progress. Supporting my son has required patience, creativity and resilience. I have learned how to communicate beyond words, how to celebrate progress in all its forms, and how essential compassionate, individualized care truly is. These experiences have shaped my understanding of what it means to support a child’s physical and emotional development, and they have inspired me to pursue a career where I can extend that same level of care to other families. My background as a massage therapist of 23 years, has further strengthened my passion for healing. In this role, I have developed a strong foundation in anatomy, body mechanics and therapeutic techniques. More importantly, I have learned how to listen-to truly understand a person’s pain whether it is spoken or unspoken. Massage therapy has allowed me to help clients find relief, but it has also shown me the importance of long-term rehabilitation and functional improvement. This realization is what led me to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant, where I can play a more active role in helping patients regain mobility, independence, and quality of life. Beyond my professional and personal experiences, I have also dedicated time to mentoring youth in foster care through the AASK (Aid to Adopt Special Kids) organization. Many of these children face instability, trauma, and a lack of consistent support. Being a mentor has given me the opportunity to provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of stability. It has reinforced my belief that every child deserves someone who sees their potential and advocates for their well-being. Whether through mentorship or future clinical work, I am committed to being that source of support. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant will allow me to combine my life experiences, professional skills, and passion for helping children into a meaningful career. I am especially drawn to working with pediatric patients-children who, like my son, may need extra support to reach their full potential. I want to be part of their journey, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and gain confidence in their abilities. This scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to continue my education and pursue this calling without the added burden of financial strain. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who need compassionate care.

Hello and thank you for offering the Robert F. Lawson Scholarship. My name is Jewell McCormick and for the past 23 years, I have been a massage therapist and an aesthetician or skin care therapist for 18 years. I have worked in various settings and ultimately, my own private practice. I have dedicated myself to helping others heal, relax and improve their overall well-being through a holistic approach while making a difference in the lives of patients and clients. Helping them with pain management and aiding in their recovery of injury through suggesting exercise techniques and stretches, this has been my purpose in life. It's so crucial to me to have compassion and client or patient care in the healthcare field. I have reached a point in my life where I want to grow beyond my current scope. I am eager to expand my ability to help individuals regain mobility, independence, and confidence in their bodies by earning an Associate's degree in Applied Science through the Physical Therapist Assisting program. With formal training, I will be able to work alongside physical therapists to provide structured rehabilitation, long term care, and educating, all while learning new techniques and deepening my understanding of the body through rehabilitative care. A scholarship would help me attain this goal while instilling a sense of purpose to make a difference to those with physical limitations. As a passionate massage therapist and avid weightlifter, I am intrigued with the body and how it functions, adapts and heals. Three years ago, I felt the need to make a career change, which prompted me to research careers related to massage. That's when I came across the Physical Therapy Assisting program and thought it was a perfect and ideal progression from massage therapy. It was a lightning bolt moment and it felt right but the enrollment process had to be delayed. Now, I am eager to start the journey to a new career while using the knowledge and skills I already have. After my prerequisites are complete in two semesters, I would like to enroll in the next season earning my degree at Gateway Community College for the Physical Therapy Assisting program. I would anticipate completing the program by 2029. I plan to use my degree in a sports rehabilitation setting or working with children with physical limitations. With your support, I will continue moving forward, not only to better my own life, but to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of others. With Gratitude, Jewell McCormick

At 43 years old, my decision to pursue higher education is a continuation of a life shaped by resilience, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to growth. My path has not been linear, nor has it been easy, but it has given me a depth of perspective and determination that I now carry into this next chapter, as I work toward a career change by earning a degree as a physical therapist assistant. After graduating from high school with a barely passing grade, I moved to Phoenix and enrolled in beauty school to do hair and three months in, I became pregnant with my first child. I quickly learned that life does not always unfold according to plan, and that strength and perseverance is often discovered in moments we never anticipated. Despite the challenges, I embraced my role as a mother with love and determination. In 2003, I found a new interest in holistic healing and started the massage therapy program. It became my passion and purpose to help others manage pain, reduce stress, and reconnect with their bodies. During the program, my marriage was falling apart due to my husband showing signs of mental illness and substance abuse. I made the very hard decision to leave everything behind and move my daughter and I to a very small apartment with $10 to my name. Knowing it was going to be hard, I was determined to finish the program, and I completed with a 3.875 GPA. I remember telling myself, “Short term sacrifice for long term gain.” I never gave up on myself and massage therapy has allowed me to support others in their healing, physically and emotionally. It has also given me the opportunity to provide for my family and have more time with my children. It truly was a blessing. In 2007, my then ex husband committed suicide, leaving me to navigate grief while raising our daughter on my own. In the face of overwhelming loss, devastation, and uncertainty, these experiences have given me a unique empathy for others navigating pain, trauma, and recovery. Now, I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 23 years and a Licensed Aesthetician for 18 years. I have two sons at home, one of whom is autistic and I have a new understanding of the challenges associated with developmental disabilities and neurodivergence. I’m at a point in my life that I want to expand my ability to help individuals regain mobility, independence, and confidence in their bodies by becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. With formal training, I will be able to work alongside physical therapists to provide structured rehabilitation and long term care. I am especially passionate about working with children with physical limitations. This scholarship is an investment in someone who is committed to turning hardship into purpose. Reducing the financial burden will allow me to focus fully on my studies and clinical training. With your support, I will continue moving forward, not only to better my own life and the life of my children, but to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of others.