I am attending Dordt University, for a Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in clinical practice. My ultimate goal is to earn a Psy.D in Traumatic Stress Psychology to contribute to the ever-growing research in pediatric treatment of trauma. My passion for this area of mental health treatment stems from past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in of unidentified learning disabilities. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization. Yet still far from optimal, light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention and management, following the COVID pandemic. I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency – a part of the reason why there is a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. As a very severe premature baby, I faced many adversities in school due to slower cognitive development. From kindergarten to 12th grade, I felt like I was the only one perpetually stuck in a tornado - overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know and how far behind I was from peers. Crying out of frustration most nights. But ultimately, I had no one to explain to me why I was always steps behind my peers. My grade schooling years were before the Response to Intervention was implemented into schools, so there was no procedure in academic intervention. Having been an unidentified student damaged my mental health to leading to suicidal ideation. Multiply that every day for 180 days - for all 12 years of my primary education. Entering my freshman year at a known academically rigorous college, I was fully prepared to work five times harder than my peers to work towards my dream career as a mental health therapist. The first week of freshman year, I had sought counseling for help as I learned to navigate these academics and that is when I first heard “learning disability” being used in conjunction with my experiences. I was tested in 9th grade for an IEP and one important thing was missing - no one asked me what my experiences were like. It included a lot of observations from teachers and the guidance counselor, but no one stopped to ask me how I felt about being in school and being in classes. A lot of words such as "appeared" and "seemed" were used, but I was a student who was taking all honors classes. From Kindergarten to now, I mastered looking like I understood and was engaged. Once I got the ADHD and Dyscalculia diagnosis, I realized that I was not worth less or had less to contribute to those around me due to these differences. My experience of falling through the cracks of the system has really informed my passion for mental health social work and working with children. Beyond easing financial pressures of my master’s degree and licensure, I believe this scholarship offers a portion of hope towards a cause much grander solely a graduate student’s finances. A financial award would assist in training another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards this change that we are already seeing around the desperate need for crisis intervention nationwide. This award would invest in way more than myself, for I am only a piece of this ever-growing puzzle. My decision to dedicate my life to this social problem is considered by public policy experts, a central concern for our national health. My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time.

Working towards a Masters in Social Work, specializing in clinical practice, to work as a LCSW Therapist in pediatric crisis intervention, my goal is to earn a Psy.D with an emphasis in Traumatic Stress Psychology. In addition to a pivotal internship at a residential treatment facility for juveniles and crisis counselor experience, my passion stems from past experiences with suicidal ideation, understanding the mind’s wondering depths and morass spirals; I strive to dive into the impacts of trauma. From a young age, I was plagued by suicidal thoughts largely due to undiagnosed ADHD. As a very severe premature baby born at 25 weeks, I faced many adversities due to slower cognitive development. Throughout elementary and middle school, I felt like I was perpetually stuck in a tornado, as everyone else seemed to have sunny days: sitting for countless hours at the kitchen table frustrated and overwhelmed by homework and how much I didn’t know; crying out of frustration; my mom working endlessly with me on how to count money, tell time, and spell at later years than my peers; and together we fell asleep on the recliner the night before exams, memorizing songs and acronyms to help me through yet another test. Notwithstanding, I insisted on taking Honors and AP classes in high school to better myself, against the recommendations of teachers. Ultimately, I had no one to explain to me why I was always steps behind my peers. My grade school years were before the Response to Intervention was implemented, for neither teachers nor my parents knew how to intervene in my academic struggles. Entering college at a known academically rigorous school, I was fully prepared to work five times harder than my peers to accomplish my dream career as a mental health therapist. The first week of freshman year, I had sought counseling for help as I learned to navigate these challenges and that is when I first heard “learning disability” being used in conjunction with my experiences. Yes, I was tested in 9th grade for an IEP and one important thing was missing - no one asked me what my experiences were like. It included observations from teachers and guidance counselor, but no one stopped to ask me how I felt about being in school and being in classes. Words such as "appeared" and "seemed" were used, but I was a student who was taking honors classes and earning great grades. Since Kindergarten, I mastered looking like I understood and was engaged. After the ADHD and Dyscalculia diagnosis, I realized that I was not worth less or had less to contribute. My experience of falling through the cracks of the system has informed my passion for mental health social work. I fell through the cracks of the system and no one heard me screaming. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization and in providing a team of professionals who do not let them slip through the cracks the way I did. Light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention, specifically in suicide prevention, following the pandemic. As a prospective pediatric therapist, I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency, contributing to a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. Despite the availability for personal development through advances in inclusivity and public support, this generation of American youth lacks navigation in life challenges. The youth are inevitably engulfed with the negativity of this world - they witness humanity splitting at the seam, as society struggles tirelessly to patch up the laceration. From social media platforms to the ridicule this generation receives, the suicide epidemic is ceaseless. I desperately desire to contribute to a society where youth have tools to help them deal with their less-than-ideal circumstances, learning how to overcome, and above all, thrive. For my Field Placement experience, I interned with George Junior Republic. This facility treats juvenile, delinquent males with individualized rehabilitative services, wrap-around services, education, and residential stability. Working with this at-risk population requires strong skill sets in de-escalation, crisis intervention, manual restraint training, trauma-informed care, therapeutic intervention, and behavioral health management. The most valuable service I provided them was the ability to feel safe and provide them with space to let down their guards to heal. These struggles do not happen in a vacuum, and healing cannot happen without the youth feeling safe - this population has had minimal experiences with safety. This field experience is monumental in confirming my passion in the social work field and shows me each day that crisis intervention is pivotal in our nation’s fight against pediatric suicide. Giving back to communities is invariably meaningful to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. With 1000+ volunteer hours, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night through early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene bringing "texters" from hot moments to cooler calms through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, identifying goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only influences the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a Nation. As one texter shared with me, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time.

I plan to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in clinical practice as well as obtaining my license to become a LCSW for pediatric crisis intervention. My ultimate goal is to earn a Doctorate in Traumatology to dive deeper into the depths and the ever-growing recognition of the impacts of trauma. In addition to a pivotal internship at a residential treatment facility for juvenile delinquent boys and my experience as a crisis counselor, my passion stems from past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in which one’s mind can wonder and the morass spirals. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization and in providing children with safe spaces. Far from optimal, light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention, specifically in suicide prevention, following the COVID pandemic. As a prospective pediatric therapist, I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency – a part of the reason why there is a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. Beyond easing financial pressures of my degree and licensure, I believe this scholarship offers a portion of hope towards a cause much grander solely a student’s finances. An award would assist another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards this change that we are already seeing around the desperate need for crisis intervention nationwide. This award would invest in way more than myself, for I am only a piece of this ever-growing puzzle. Every individual whom I can help discover his/her strength and self-efficacy is another person who can take on the role of being someone else's source of hope. My Field Placement experience is with George Junior Republic, treating juvenile, delinquent males ages 11-18 years old with rehabilitative services, wrap-around, education, and residential stability. Working with an at-risk population requires strong skill sets in de-escalation, crisis intervention, manual restraint, trauma-informed care, therapy, and behavioral health management. The most valuable service I can provide them is safety and provide them with the space to let down their guards to heal. This experience is a monumental source of confirmation that this is my passion in the social work field and shows me each day that intervention services are pivotal in our nation’s fight against suicide, and delinquency. Giving back to communities is invariably meaningful and influential to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. With 1000+ hours of volunteer work, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, a 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night through early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only influences the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community. As one texter shared with me, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life."

When I was born, I defied all odds through God’s Grace alone. Abortion was not an option for my parents, although strongly suggested, due to 50% survival rate, and worse, a 50% severe retardation/blindness prediction. To this day they tell me that they prayed not for my health, but for the Holy Spirit to fill them with acceptance of God's Will. I was only born at 25 weeks and survived without any of the major defects that everyone was certain I would have. All the doctors believed I would be severely handicapped, but God knew differently. Every time they left, they did not know if that would be their last time seeing me alive, so they prayed constantly for God to do his Will, whether I was able to walk, talk, see or hear they accepted it. I have Vocal Cord Paresis, which means one of my vocal cords do not vibrate correctly letting air slip through; therefore, my voice is very soft and raspy. I will become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with outpatient teen suicide prevention clinics. I believe my calling is to serve others as I have been served by giving back to upcoming generations. My current volunteer work at the Crisis Text Line includes unplanned pregnancies. We must cultivate an environment that raises generations to selflessly help, give others the love you desired when you were young, and build up everyone around you. Everyone has a story: a battle that no one knows about, unmet needs, or days that feel like our last. One has to be in connection with their body, mind, and soul. We are not to bear fruit only when we decide we want to, we bear fruit on God’s timing. This includes new life. I co-chaired the “Exhale.” Gallery this past year. It was organized by students dedicated to shining a light on sexual assault/abuse, which dove deep into aborted pregnancies. Adorned with submissions from students and members from the community, the gallery portrayed poetry, paintings, drawings, personal items, and original songs expressing the depths of these evils. The event garnered amazing feedback on the power and impact on the community; we are planning on the “Exhale.” Gallery being an annual event for our campus. We observed a desperate need for healing from the evils of sexual assault and the torment of abortion - we saw first-hand the lives that were changed the night of our event - we were able to give those survivors voices that has been suppressed for far too long. Seeing people breathe for the first time and share their creations in a meaningful way gave them powerful and influential voices. When I could see through the event the ways that we created a safe space for those to come as they are in front of each other and in front of God, that is when I felt the interconnectivity between my body, mind, and soul, for God was using every part of me as a vessel for His work on this campus during a time where the Holy Spirit was ready to be received. For only God knew all the gaps that needed to be filled in every individual's lives, and I was able to provide that space for Him to work. I could not have felt more alive watching students, professors, staff, and community members walking around that gallery that we made possible through God’s grace and provision.

I plan to ALWAYS make my community a better place by making a difference. The youth is inevitably engulfed with the negativity of this world - face-to-face interactions to continuous news broadcasts - they witness humanity splitting at the seam, as society struggles tirelessly to patch up the laceration. From living among my peers and encountering first-hand the problems of this world, it is clear that becoming a therapist for the upcoming generation particularly for suicide prevention services, is the path that I will so passionately pursue. I desperately desire to contribute to a society where youths have tools to help them deal with their less-than-ideal circumstances, learn how to overcome, and above all, thrive. Notwithstanding, the emotionally draining aspect of this vocation is very real: hearing the horrifying stories and events that innumerable children and teens experience that lead them to take drastic actions in order to end the insufferable pain and anguish. I am certain my passion is to be a part of their journeys. I believe I possess the inner personal strength to carry the emotional load that such a vocation entails without allowing it to overwhelm me. My strong mentoring background of volunteering has taught me about the limits of what I can do to assist students in need. I can only do so much — they must want to find help. But you are in a better position to get them help if you are aware of the underlying problems they are trying to face alone. I want students I would serve to know that I will take the time and have the interest in them to listen and offer direction towards a hopeful life. Giving back to communities is meaningful and influential to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. Prioritizing my attendance and volunteer work in Monroeville events adds harmony and fellowship to the fracturing neighborhoods that all communities face. My participation in Suicide Prevention, Autism, and Breast Cancer Walks and Fundraisers provide an expanded, communal, altruistic philanthropy to a part of society that can be lost and broken. As a volunteer gymnastics instructor, I have donated 250 hours in one year prior to accepting the part-time position that I now hold building a healthy exercise foundation for children. With an additional 300+ hours of volunteer work spread across many avenues, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, a 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night to early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only touches the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a whole. As one texter has said, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." Making a better community, one life at a time.

I plan to ALWAYS make my community a better place by making a difference. The youth is inevitably engulfed with the negativity of this world - face-to-face interactions to continuous news broadcasts - they witness humanity splitting at the seam, as society struggles tirelessly to patch up the laceration. From living among my peers and encountering first-hand the problems of this world, it is clear that mental healthcare for the upcoming generation particularly for suicide prevention services, is the path that I will so passionately pursue. I desperately desire to contribute to a society where youths have tools to help them deal with their less-than-ideal circumstances, learn how to overcome, and above all, thrive. Notwithstanding, the emotionally draining aspect of this vocation is very real: hearing the horrifying stories and events that innumerable children and teens experience that lead them to take drastic actions in order to end the insufferable pain and anguish. I am certain my passion is to be a part of their journeys. I believe I possess the inner personal strength to carry the emotional load that such a vocation entails without allowing it to overwhelm me. My strong mentoring background of volunteering has taught me about the limits of what I can do to assist students in need. I can only do so much — they must want to find help. But you are in a better position to get them help if you are aware of the underlying problems they are trying to face alone. I want students I would serve to know that I will take the time and have the interest in them to listen and offer direction towards a hopeful life. Giving back to communities is meaningful and influential to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. Prioritizing my attendance and volunteer work in Monroeville events adds harmony and fellowship to the fracturing neighborhoods that all communities face. My participation in Suicide Prevention, Autism, and Breast Cancer Walks and Fundraisers provide an expanded, communal, altruistic philanthropy to a part of society that can be lost and broken. As a volunteer gymnastics instructor, I have donated 250 hours in one year prior to accepting the part-time position that I now hold building a healthy exercise foundation for children. With an additional 300+ hours of volunteer work spread across many avenues, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, a 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night to early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only touches the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a whole. As one texter has said, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." Making a better community, one life at a time.

I plan to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in clinical practice as well as obtaining my license to become a LCSW to work as a therapist in pediatric crisis intervention. My ultimate end goal in my educational degree is to earn a Doctorate of Education in Traumatology to dive deeper into the depths of trauma and the ever-growing recognition of the impacts of trauma across all aspects of life. My passion stems from personal, past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in which one’s mind can wonder and the morass spirals. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization and in providing children with safe spaces. Far from optimal, light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention and management, specifically in suicide prevention, following the COVID pandemic. As a prospective pediatric therapist, I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency – a part of the reason why there is a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. Despite the availability for personal development through advances in inclusivity and public support, this generation of American youth lacks navigation in life challenges. The youth are inevitably engulfed with the negativity of this world - face-to-face interactions to continuous news broadcasts - they witness humanity splitting at the seam, as society struggles tirelessly to patch up the laceration. From social media platforms to the ridicule this generation receives, the suicide epidemic is ceaseless. I desperately desire to contribute to a society where youth have tools to help them deal with their less-than-ideal circumstances, learn how to overcome, and above all, thrive. A financial award would assist in training another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards this change that we are already seeing around the discussions of mental health and the desperate need for crisis intervention - an investment in our crisis intervention services allow for the expansion of the effectiveness, efficiency, and the use of evidence-based practices nationwide. Every individual whom I can help discover his/her strength and self-efficacy is another person who can take on the role of being someone else's source of hope. I am interning with George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania. The most valuable service I can provide to this at-risk population is the ability to feel safe and provide them with the space to let down their guards to heal. This field placement experience is a monumental source of confirmation that this is my passion in the social work field and shows me each day that crisis intervention services are pivotal in our nation’s fight against pediatric suicide, delinquency, and lack of overall internal and external safety. Giving back to communities is invariably meaningful and influential to me. The opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. As one texter shared with me, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time.

I will be attending Dordt University, starting in May 2024, for the advanced-standing position for my Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in clinical practice as well as obtaining my LMSW license in the third and final term of my degree - this furthers my pursuit of the LCSW license. My ultimate end goal in my educational degree is to earn a Psy.D in Traumatic Stress Psychology to contribute to the ever-growing research in pediatric treatment of trauma. With my license, I will become a pediatric therapist. My passion for this specific area of mental health treatment stems from personal, past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in which one’s mind can wonder and impacts of unidentified learning disabilities. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization. Yet still far from optimal, light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention and management, following the COVID pandemic. I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency – a part of the reason why there is a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. As a very severe premature baby, I faced many adversities in school due to slower cognitive development. From kindergarten to 12th grade, I felt like I was the only one perpetually stuck in a tornado - overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know and how far behind I was from peers. Crying out of frustration most nights. But ultimately, I had no one to explain to me why I was always steps behind my peers. My grade schooling years were before the Response to Intervention was implemented into schools, so there was no procedure in academic intervention. Having been an unidentified student damaged my mental health to leading to suicidal ideation. Multiply that every day for 180 days - for all 12 years of my primary education. Entering my freshman year at a known academically rigorous college, I was fully prepared to work five times harder than my peers to work towards my dream career as a mental health therapist. The first week of freshman year, I had sought counseling for help as I learned to navigate these academics and that is when I first heard “learning disability” being used in conjunction with my experiences. I was tested in 9th grade for an IEP and one important thing was missing - no one asked me what my experiences were like. It included a lot of observations from teachers and the guidance counselor, but no one stopped to ask me how I felt about being in school and being in classes. A lot of words such as "appeared" and "seemed" were used, but I was a student who was taking all honors classes. From Kindergarten to now, I mastered looking like I understood and was engaged. Once I got the ADHD and Dyscalculia diagnosis, I realized that I was not worth less or had less to contribute to those around me due to these differences. My experience of falling through the cracks of the system has really informed my passion for mental health social work and working with children. Beyond easing financial pressures of my master’s degree and licensure, I believe this scholarship offers a portion of hope towards a cause much grander solely a graduate student’s finances. A financial award would assist in training another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards this change that we are already seeing around the desperate need for crisis intervention nationwide. This award would invest in way more than myself, for I am only a piece of this ever-growing puzzle. My decision to dedicate my life to this social problem is considered by public policy experts, a central concern for our national health. My social work internship is with George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania. This facility treats juvenile, delinquent males ages 11-18 years old with a vast array of individualized rehabilitative services, a proper school education, and residential stability. Working with an at-risk population requires strong skill sets in de-escalation, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, therapeutic intervention, and behavioral health management. The most valuable service I can provide them with is the ability to feel safe and provide them with the space to let down their guards to heal. This field placement experience is a monumental source of confirmation that this is my passion in the social work field and shows me each day that crisis intervention services are pivotal in our nation’s fight against pediatric suicide. Giving back to communities is invariably meaningful and influential to me, for I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. With 1800+ hours of volunteer work, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a volunteer crisis counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for the Crisis Text Line, a national 24/7 nonprofit text line providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 400 hours logged in, by taking daytime and late night through early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only influences the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a Nation. As one texter shared with me, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time – compassionately, generously, respectfully, and honestly.

I plan to obtain a master’s degree in social work, specializing in clinical practice as well as obtaining my license to become a LCSW to work as a therapist in pediatric crisis intervention. My ultimate end goal in my educational degree is to earn a Doctorate of Education in Traumatology to dive deeper into the depths of trauma and the ever-growing recognition of the impacts of trauma across all aspects of life. Giving back to communities is meaningful and influential to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. Prioritizing my attendance and volunteer work in Monroeville events adds harmony and fellowship to the fracturing neighborhoods that all communities face. My participation in Suicide Prevention, Autism, and Breast Cancer Walks and Fundraisers provide an expanded, communal, altruistic philanthropy to a part of society that can be lost and broken. As Peer Support Club President on campus, I promote mental wellness and provide students with compassionate students ready to walk through life struggles. As a volunteer gymnastics instructor, I have donated 250 hours in one year prior to accepting the part-time position that I now hold building a healthy exercise foundation for children. With an additional 300+ hours of volunteer work spread across many avenues, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, a 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night to early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only touches the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a whole. As one texter has said, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." Making a better community, one life at a time.

I am working towards my goal for a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work as well as my licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Desiring to set up the next generation for success, I plan on using my degree and license to work as a therapist for pediatrics, particularly for suicide prevention services. I have an ADHD and Dyscalculia diagnosis. My experience of falling through the system cracks for years has really informed my passion for mental health social work and working with children. Despite the affluence available to this generation that past generations lacked, opportunities for personal development that are possible through advances in inclusivity, and public support that pedagogically encourages self-esteem, many American teens are less able than previous generations to navigate the emotional challenges lying before them in life’s reality. The youth is inevitably engulfed with the negativity of this world - face-to-face interactions to continuous news broadcasts - they witness humanity splitting at the seam, as society struggles tirelessly to patch up the laceration. From social media platforms to the ridicule this generation receives, the suicide epidemic continues to increase. I desperately desire to contribute to a society where youths have tools to help them deal with their less-than-ideal circumstances, learn how to overcome, and above all, thrive. As a prospective therapist in a pediatric psychiatric unit, I aspire to be a part of the reason why the discussion of dealing with mental illnesses and suicidal ideations are more prominent and those who are struggling feel safer to reach out for help without fearing repercussions. Notwithstanding, the emotionally draining aspect of this vocation is very real: hearing the horrifying stories and events that innumerable children and teens experience that led them to take drastic actions to end the insufferable pain and anguish. I am certain my passion is to be a part of their journeys. I believe I possess the inner personal strength to carry the emotional load that such a vocation entails without allowing it to overwhelm me. My strong mentoring background of volunteering has taught me about the limits of what I can do to assist those in need. I will take the time and have the interest in them to listen and offer direction towards a hopeful life. Giving back to communities is meaningful and influential to me. Currently, I am a part of the success and vibrancy my community sees. With 1000+ hours of volunteer work spread across many avenues, the opportunity that continues to impact me the most is my work as a Volunteer Crisis Text Line Counselor. In 2021, I completed my 30-hour training to become a Counselor for this nonprofit, a 24/7 national text line, providing support and resources to those in crisis. As a Level 5 Crisis Counselor, I have supported over 135 individuals with over 300 hours logged, by taking daytime and late night to early morning shifts. Our jobs are to directly intervene to bring "texters" from a hot moment to a cooler calm through risk assessing, exploring the crisis, helping to identify goals, discovering next steps, and creating safety plans to ensure safety and support. Through this work, I continue to help those who are moments away from suicide, be shown the hope they ultimately felt was lost. This vocational work not only touches the lives of others but informs my role as a steward of community for the good as a nation. As one texter has said to me, "I'll forever be grateful for what you did tonight - you saved my life." …My goal is simply: one soul at a time.

I will be attending Dordt University in May 2024, advanced-standing, for my Master’s Degree in Social Work specializing in clinical practice and my LMSW license - ultimately earning a LCSW license. My goal in educational degree is to earn a Psy.D in Traumatic Stress Psychology to contribute to the research in pediatric treatment of trauma. With my license, I will become a pediatric therapist. My passion for this specific area of mental health treatment stems from personal, past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in which one’s mind can wonder and impacts of unidentified learning disabilities. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization. Light has been gradually shown on the dire need for crisis intervention and management, following the COVID pandemic. I aspire to be a part of that growth in awareness and sense of urgency – the reason why there is a safer, more efficient fulcrum to service accessibility and effective, evidence-based practices. Severely premature, I faced adversities in school due to slower cognitive development. From kindergarten to 12th grade, I felt like I was the only one perpetually stuck in a tornado - overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know and how far behind I was from peers. Crying out of frustration most nights. But ultimately, I had no one to explain to me why I was always steps behind my peers. My grade schooling years were before the Response to Intervention was implemented into schools, so there was no procedure in academic intervention. Having been an unidentified student damaged my mental health to leading to suicidal ideation. Multiply that every day for 12 years of my education. Entering my freshman year at a known academically rigorous college, I was fully prepared to work five times harder than my peers towards my dream career as a mental health therapist. The first week of freshman year, I had sought counseling for help as I learned to navigate these academics and that is when I first heard “learning disability” being used in conjunction with my experiences. I was tested in 9th grade for an IEP and one important thing was missing - no one asked me what my experiences were like. It included a lot of observations from teachers and the guidance counselor, but no one stopped to ask me how I felt about being in school and being in classes. A lot of words such as "appeared" and "seemed" were used, but I was a student who was taking all honors classes. From Kindergarten to now, I mastered looking like I understood and was engaged. Once I got the ADHD and Dyscalculia diagnosis, I realized that I was not worth less or had less to contribute to those around me due to these differences. My experience of falling through the cracks of the system has really informed my passion for mental health social work and working with children. Beyond easing financial pressures of my master’s degree and licensure, I believe this scholarship offers a portion of hope towards a cause much grander solely a graduate student’s finances. A financial award would assist in training another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards the desperate need for crisis intervention nationwide. This award would invest in way more than myself, for I am only a piece of this ever-growing puzzle. My decision to dedicate my life to this social problem is considered by public policy experts, a central concern for our national health. My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time.

Lauren E. Miller Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship 2024 Title: One Soul at a Time I will be attending Dordt University, starting in May 2024, for the advanced-standing position for my master’s degree in social work, specializing in clinical practice as well as obtaining my LMSW license in the third and final term of my degree - this furthers my pursuit of the LCSW license. My ultimate end goal in my educational degree is to earn a Psy.D in Traumatic Stress Psychology to contribute to the ever-growing research in pediatric treatment of trauma. With my license, I will become a pediatric therapist. My passion for this specific area of mental health treatment stems from personal, past experiences with suicidal ideation and from understanding the depth in which one’s mind can wonder and impacts of unidentified learning disabilities. These experiences fuel my desire to be an active part in children’s journeys to self-actualization. As a very severe premature baby, I faced many adversities in school due to slower cognitive development. From kindergarten to 12th grade, I felt like I was the only one perpetually stuck in a tornado - overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know and how far behind I was from peers. Crying out of frustration most nights. But ultimately, I had no one to explain to me why I was always steps behind my peers. My grade schooling years were before the Response to Intervention was implemented into schools, so there was no procedure in academic intervention. Having been an unidentified student damaged my mental health, leading to suicidal ideation. Multiply that every day for 180 days - for all 12 years of my primary education. Entering my freshman year at a known academically rigorous college, I was fully prepared to work five times harder than my peers to work towards my dream career as a mental health therapist. The first week of freshman year, I had sought counseling for help as I learned to navigate these academics and that is when I first heard “learning disability” being used in conjunction with my experiences. I was tested for an IEP and one important thing was missing - what my experiences were like. It included a lot of observations from teachers and the guidance counselor, but no one stopped to ask me how I felt about being in school and being in classes. A lot of words such as "appeared" and "seemed" were used, but I was a student who was taking all honors classes. I mastered looking like I understood and was engaged. Once I got my diagnoses, I realized that I was not worth less than or had less to contribute to those around me due to these differences. My experience of falling through the cracks of the system has really informed my passion for mental health social work and working with children. Beyond easing financial pressures of my master’s degree and licensure, I believe this scholarship offers a portion of hope towards a cause much grander solely a graduate student’s finances. A financial award would assist in training another passionate and action-oriented social worker to contribute towards this change that we are already seeing around the desperate need for crisis intervention nationwide. This award would invest in way more than myself, for I am only a piece of this ever-growing puzzle. My decision to dedicate my life to this social problem is considered by public policy experts, a central concern for our national health. My goal as a social worker is simply to help one soul at a time.