Finding Purpose Through Pain: My Journey to Healing and Service For fifteen years, I battled addiction—a relentless force that stripped away my stability, my home, and nearly my hope. My struggle began long before substance use entered my life. I was abandoned as a child, left to navigate the world without the emotional support and safety every child deserves. That deep wound of rejection and loneliness led me to seek ways to numb the pain, and addiction became my escape. The consequences were devastating: homelessness, isolation, and a sense of worthlessness that nearly consumed me. But through the grace of God, the unwavering support of my church family, and the love of my community, I found the strength to reclaim my life. Today, at 47 years old, I stand six years clean, a mother of four incredible boys, a full-time Peer Support Specialist, and a sophomore in college pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped my purpose. I know firsthand the pain of addiction and the stigma that surrounds it. I understand the silent suffering of those battling mental illness and the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma. These experiences have ignited a deep passion in me to serve others who are walking similar paths. I don’t want another person to feel the loneliness and hopelessness I once felt. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others heal. As a Peer Support Specialist on a mobile crisis team, I meet people in their most vulnerable moments. I offer not just professional support, but lived experience, empathy, and hope. My role allows me to connect deeply with individuals who feel misunderstood or forgotten, and to remind them that recovery is possible. This work has affirmed my calling to become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction counseling and serving low-income families. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and after graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and obtain my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) certification. My goal is to open a practice that provides accessible, compassionate care to those who need it most—especially individuals and families affected by addiction, poverty, and early childhood trauma. I believe healing is not just about treatment, but about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating community. I want to help others understand how early trauma shapes behavior and mental health, and guide them toward healing and resilience. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, but my four sons are my greatest motivation. They have been my rock throughout this journey, and I strive every day to be the example they deserve. I want them to see that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again—with faith, perseverance, and support. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. It would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and service. More importantly, it would be an investment in a future therapist who is deeply committed to transforming lives through empathy, resilience, and lived experience. Thank you for considering my application.

Finding Purpose Through Pain: My Journey to Healing and Service For fifteen years, I battled addiction—a relentless force that stripped away my stability, my home, and nearly my hope. The darkness of substance use and the weight of untreated mental health challenges led me into homelessness and isolation. I felt invisible, helpless, and alone. But through the grace of God, the unwavering support of my church family, and the love of my community, I found the strength to reclaim my life. Today, at 47 years old, I stand six years clean, a mother of four incredible boys, a full-time Peer Support Specialist, and a sophomore in college pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped my purpose. I know firsthand the pain of addiction and the stigma that surrounds it. I understand the silent suffering of those battling mental illness without support. These experiences have ignited a deep passion in me to serve others who are walking similar paths. I don’t want another person to feel the loneliness and hopelessness I once felt. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others heal. As a Peer Support Specialist on a mobile crisis team, I meet people in their most vulnerable moments. I offer not just professional support, but lived experience, empathy, and hope. My role allows me to connect deeply with individuals who feel misunderstood or forgotten, and to remind them that recovery is possible. This work has affirmed my calling to become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction counseling and serving low-income families. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and after graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and obtain my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) certification. My goal is to open a practice that provides accessible, compassionate care to those who need it most—especially individuals and families affected by addiction and poverty. I believe that healing is not just about treatment, but about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating community. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, but my four sons are my greatest motivation. They have been my rock throughout this journey, and I strive every day to be the example they deserve. I want them to see that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again—with faith, perseverance, and support. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. It would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and service. More importantly, it would be an investment in a future therapist who is deeply committed to transforming lives through empathy, resilience, and lived experience. Thank you for considering my application. I am not just seeking financial support—I am seeking the opportunity to continue walking in purpose, helping others find light in their darkest moments, just as others once did for me.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time. I would be honored to receive this award. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. May God bless all who read this and put their trust in the Lord.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible. Not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are, whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

nearly stole everything from me, my Addiction health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.

Addiction nearly stole everything from me — my health, my family, my future. For 15 years, I battled substance use and the mental health challenges that come with it. I lost my brother and several close friends to addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it can tear apart lives and communities. But through years of hard work, support, and grace, I’ve been clean for five years. That experience changed me forever, and today, helping others who struggle with addiction is not just my calling — it’s my purpose. I currently serve as a certified peer support specialist, working with individuals who are navigating their own recovery journeys. I’ve worked with drug court, probation and parole, family court, and now serve with the mobile crisis team and 988 hotline through Burrell Behavioral Health. Every day, I bring hope and lived experience into spaces where people often feel unseen, misunderstood, or judged. I know what it feels like to be there — to be hopeless, to believe change is impossible. And I also know what it feels like to be supported, to have someone believe in me until I could believe in myself. That’s the kind of support I now give to others. Helping people overcome addiction is deeply personal to me. When someone shares their pain, their story, their desire to change, I see a piece of myself in them. I never want another person to feel alone in their battle. I want them to know that healing is possible — not just survival, but full, meaningful recovery. That’s why this work matters so much to me. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Columbia College. My long-term goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a licensed therapist, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. I want to combine my lived experience with clinical training so I can provide comprehensive support to people in recovery. I want to be able to meet people wherever they are — whether in crisis, in early recovery, or years into sobriety — and offer tools, therapy, and encouragement that meet their unique needs. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life. But with the right support and access to care, recovery is possible. I’ve lived that truth, and I’m committed to using my life and my career to share it. Every person I help is a reminder of why I’m here and why this path matters. If I can be even a small part of someone’s transformation — the way others were for me — then every hardship I went through will have had a purpose. This scholarship will help me continue my education and expand my ability to serve others. I believe healing is contagious, and with the right training and heart, I can help spread it — one life at a time.