Thank you for your time and consideration. To help my community, I want to build a bridge that closes the gap between young people who feel unseen and the opportunities, guidance, and hope they deserve. As a first-generation college student at Virginia Tech, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology, I’ve seen how easy it is for people, especially youth, to fall through the cracks. My parents had to figure out everything on our own: immigration paperwork, healthcare systems, and navigating education. I know what it’s like to feel like the odds are stacked against you, and I’ve met so many young people whose stories start the same way. Through my research on social support and juvenile delinquency, I’ve learned that having someone believe in you can change the entire trajectory of your life. A mentor, a counselor, or even a neighbor who listens can be the difference between a teenager thriving or ending up in the justice system. That’s why my dream is to work in forensic psychology, focusing on juvenile justice reform. I want to create programs that reform current punitive measures and help give kids the tools, resources, and encouragement to choose a better path. For my community, this would mean fewer youth facing incarceration and more futures filled with possibility. For me, this is not just a career; it’s my calling. I want to be the person I wish I had when I was younger: someone who listens, understands, and fights for a better system. This scholarship would help me keep moving toward that dream without being buried under financial stress. It would give me the freedom to focus on building connections, programs, and trust: all things that can’t be bought, but can change lives. At the end of the day, I don’t just want to build a career. I want to build hope for the future. Thank you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. My name is Lea Winters, and I am a first-generation college student double majoring in Criminology and Psychology at Virginia Tech with a 4.0 GPA and a passion for making the world more equal for women. Growing up in a lower-income household, I did not have a set plan for navigating higher education, but I’ve learned to create my own path with determination, drive, and persistence. My experiences have shaped a vision for my career: to use my education and voice to advocate for women in professional settings, ensuring they are heard, valued, and given the tools to succeed. My journey has not been without obstacles. A few years ago, in my customer service job, I was told by my manager to stop the task I was doing and "leave it to the men." In that moment, I felt a mix of shock, frustration, and determination. I knew I was fully capable of handling the work, yet I was being dismissed purely because of my gender. Rather than let it discourage me, I used the experience as motivation to excel in my role and prove my abilities. I completed the task successfully and continued to take on challenging responsibilities, earning the respect of colleagues and paving my way to become a shift lead. This incident reinforced my commitment to challenging gender stereotypes in the workplace and advocating for women to be recognized for their skills. That experience, along with others I’ve faced, has shaped my vision for my future career. I plan to work in human resources with a focus on equity, inclusion, and the well-being of employees, particularly women and other underrepresented groups. With my academic background in Criminology and Psychology, I also want to collaborate with community organizations and social services to address barriers that extend beyond the workplace, such as access to childcare, mental health resources, and fair treatment in public institutions. By bridging the gap between organizational policy and community support systems, I hope to create environments where individuals not only have equal opportunities at work, but also the resources they need to thrive in every aspect of their lives. Ultimately, my goal is to use my career as a platform for change, both inside and outside of the workplace. I want to create spaces where women’s voices are amplified, their skills are valued, and their ambitions are supported without question. By integrating my human resources work with broader social service efforts, I can help dismantle the systemic barriers that hold people back and build pathways toward equality and opportunity. Every woman who feels empowered to speak up, every employee who feels seen and respected, and every community member who gains access to the resources they need is a step toward the world I want to help create. I believe that lasting change begins with intentional action, and I am committed to dedicating my education, my voice, and my career to making that change a reality. Thank you.

Hello! Thank you for your time and consideration. Mental health has always been close to my heart, not just because I’ve studied it in countless Psychology classes, but because I’ve lived through moments where it felt like everything was going wrong. Growing up, I didn’t have mental health resources readily available, and I didn’t always know who to talk to. That experience has shaped me into someone who now tries to be the person I once needed. Over the years, I’ve become the person that my friends come to when they’re struggling. Whether it’s just sitting and listening without judgment, walking someone through a tough day, or helping them find the right resources, I do whatever I can to help. I check in often, I remind people they’re not alone, and I simply listen. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make someone feel like they matter again. I don’t have all the answers, but I try to be steady and present, which I’ve learned means more than having a solution. I'm currently a senior at Virginia Tech double majoring in Psychology and Criminology, and I’ve carried that same mindset into my academics. I have conducted research on how social support affects juvenile delinquency, and I’ve learned that so many young people end up in the justice system because no one was there for them when they really needed it. These findings have driven my passion for wanting to make a difference. In the future, I plan to work in forensic psychology or with youth mental health advocacy. I want to help others feel seen and understood, especially those who have spent their whole lives feeling invisible. I want to create spaces where people feel safe being honest about their pain, and where healing feels possible. Thank you.

Hello! Thank you for your time and consideration. My name is Lea Winters, and I’m currently a senior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. I’m also a first-generation college student, and the first in my family to go to college. I’ve worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA, not just to meet academic standards, but because I truly care about what I’m studying. My goal is to pursue a career in forensic psychology and work with youth involved in the justice system, especially those who’ve never had access to mental health support or safe and stable environments. My passion for Psychology and Criminology grew out of both personal experience and academic exploration. Growing up, I saw how difficult it was for people, including myself, to access mental health care, especially in low-income families. These experiences made me want to better understand human behavior and the systems that shape people’s lives. At Virginia Tech, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct an independent research project on how social support affects juvenile delinquency. This project showed me just how important it is to support youth before they interact with the justice system, and how early intervention, empathy, and uplifting can truly change lives. Outside of school, I’ve stayed active through weightlifting, a passion that began in high school and has become a daily part of my routine. Sports have taught me discipline, mental strength, and how to push through when things get hard. I’ve also been involved in volunteering for the House of Mercy, which focuses on giving back to others in the community. I believe showing up for others in consistent ways is one of the most powerful things we can do to build a stronger society. Being a first-generation college student comes with challenges that people don’t always see. I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own, such as how to navigate college applications, how to afford tuition, and how to balance academic pressure with real-life stress. There were times when I questioned if I belonged in college at all, but every time I felt doubt, I reminded myself of why I started: to make a better life for myself, and to eventually give back to people who feel just as lost as I once did. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that still weighs heavily on me. It would allow me to spend more time focused on research, internships, and community service without worrying about how I’m going to pay for books, rent, or food. More than anything, it would remind me that I’m not alone in this journey, and that others believe in what I’m working toward. I’m super excited about the future, and I’m proud of the work I’ve put in to get here. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to building the kind of career that allows me help others, just like I’ve always hoped to do. Thank you.

One of the most urgent problems in the criminal justice system today is how we treat young individuals who are struggling. Instead of recognizing trauma, poverty, or a lack of support, the system often jumps straight to persecution. An adolescent might act out because they’re hurting or because they’ve never had anyone truly listen to them, but they’re met with harsh consequences instead of compassion. That reality bothers me deeply, and it’s one of the main reasons I want to dedicate my career to working with youth in the justice system. I believe we need to stop asking, “What’s wrong with them?” and instead start focusing on “What can we do to help them?” As a senior at Virginia Tech, I’m pursuing two degrees in Psychology and Criminology, and I’m currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My interest in this work became even more focused when I began a research project on juvenile delinquency for my Social Research Methods class. Specifically, I studied how social support affects youth involvement in the justice system. What I’ve found is heartbreaking but not surprising. When young people don’t have a reliable support system, whether that’s family, mentors, teachers, or even peers, they are more likely to turn to criminal behaviors, and more likely to end up facing charges. Youth are not born as criminals, they are faced with a lack of support and resources. That research project, along with many college courses on crime and sociology, changed the way I think about justice. It made me realize that the system doesn’t just need to be reformed, it needs to be reimagined. I want to work in a space where I can provide support, whether through forensic psychology, juvenile advocacy, or social work. I want to help build systems that guide and rehabilitate young people, instead of punishing them into silence and taking away the help they need. What drives me the most is that I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by systems that don’t explain themselves. As a first-generation college student coming from a low-income household, I’ve had to navigate everything, from financial aid to internships to mental health, on my own. I’ve had to teach myself how to speak up, how to ask for help, and how to keep going when things felt uncertain. That background helps me connect with others who feel lost or overlooked. I don’t see “problems” when I look at struggling youth. I see potential that’s been buried under stress, neglect, or pain. In the future, I hope to work in fields of both mental health and criminal justice. I want to assess, advocate, and offer care to those who have never received it before. I want to make the justice system feel less harsh, less detached, and more human. Every person, especially every child, deserves a chance to grow, to heal, and to be more than the labels that society gives them. Social work isn’t just a career goal, it is a personal mission. I’m ready to do the work, step by step, and help transform the social justice realm.

One of the most urgent problems in the criminal justice system today is how we treat young individuals who are struggling. Instead of recognizing trauma, poverty, or a lack of support, the system often jumps straight to persecution. An adolescent might act out because they’re hurting or because they’ve never had anyone truly listen to them, but they’re met with harsh consequences instead of compassion. That reality bothers me deeply, and it’s one of the main reasons I want to dedicate my career to working with youth in the justice system. I believe we need to stop asking, “What’s wrong with them?” and instead start focusing on “What can we do to help them?” As a senior at Virginia Tech, I’m pursuing two degrees in Psychology and Criminology, and I’m currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My interest in this work became even more focused when I began a research project on juvenile delinquency for my Social Research Methods class. Specifically, I studied how social support affects youth involvement in the justice system. What I’ve found is heartbreaking but not surprising. When young people don’t have a reliable support system, whether that’s family, mentors, teachers, or even peers, they are more likely to turn to criminal behaviors, and more likely to end up facing charges. Youth are not born as criminals, they are faced with a lack of support and resources. That research project, along with many college courses on crime and sociology, changed the way I think about justice. It made me realize that the system doesn’t just need to be reformed, it needs to be reimagined. I want to work in a space where I can provide support, whether through forensic psychology, juvenile advocacy, or social work. I want to help build systems that guide and rehabilitate young people, instead of punishing them into silence and taking away the help they need. What drives me the most is that I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by systems that don’t explain themselves. As a first-generation college student coming from a low-income household, I’ve had to navigate everything, from financial aid to internships to mental health, on my own. I’ve had to teach myself how to speak up, how to ask for help, and how to keep going when things felt uncertain. That background helps me connect with others who feel lost or overlooked. I don’t see “problems” when I look at struggling youth. I see potential that’s been buried under stress, neglect, or pain. In the future, I hope to work in fields of both psychology and criminal justice. I want to assess, advocate, and offer care to those who have never received it before. I want to make the justice system feel less harsh, less detached, and more human. Every person, especially every child, deserves a chance to grow, to heal, and to be more than the labels that society gives them. Social work isn’t just a career goal, it is a personal mission. I’m ready to do the work, step by step, and help transform the social justice realm.

Mental health has always meant more to me than just something I've studied in countless psychology classes. It’s something I’ve lived with and cared deeply about for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a first-generation & low-income household, we didn’t really have available resources for things like anxiety or depression. We just kept moving forward, even when life felt heavy. I didn’t always understand what I was feeling, and no one around me had the ability to help. My personal struggle influenced me to start paying close attention, and eventually, it became my passion. Currently, I’m a senior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology and minoring in Adaptive Brain & Behavior. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA, but what really excites me is applying what I’m learning to real-world issues. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is a research study I designed on how social support impacts juvenile delinquency. I was able to explore how a lack of emotional or community support can push youth toward crime, and how early intervention could make all the difference. That research project opened my eyes to the deeper connection between mental health and justice. I hope to pursue a career in either Forensic Psychology or Social Work, where I can help people who have been impacted by trauma, violence, or unstable environments. I want to be someone who listens, who tries to understand, and who works to make things better, not just on an individual level, but within larger systems. Whether I’m doing evaluations, helping shape treatment plans, or advocating for change, I want to bring compassion and equality into spaces where both are often missing. I also care deeply about making mental health care more inclusive. So many people, especially in marginalized communities, go without support because the systems weren’t built with them in mind. I really want to help change that. I want to create spaces where people of every background feel seen, heard, and understood. That means pushing for more cultural awareness in care, making education more accessible, and working toward representation in the field. Being a first-generation student has taught me a lot about resilience, self-motivation, and figuring things out without a plan. I’ve felt out of place more times than I can count, but I’ve also learned how to keep going, how to reach out, and how to turn challenges into something meaningful. That’s the energy I plan to bring into this field. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my goals instead of worrying about finances. It would mean more time learning, growing, and preparing to give back. Most of all, it would be a reminder that I’m not alone, and that someone else believes in what I’m trying to do.

Mental health has always meant more to me than just something I've studied in countless psychology classes. It’s something I’ve lived with and cared deeply about for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a first-generation & low-income household, we didn’t really have available resources for things like anxiety or depression. We just kept moving forward, even when life felt heavy. I didn’t always understand what I was feeling, and no one around me had the ability to help. My personal struggle influenced me to start paying close attention, and eventually, it became my passion. Currently, I’m a senior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology and minoring in Adaptive Brain & Behavior. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA, but what really excites me is applying what I’m learning to real-world issues. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is a research study I designed on how social support impacts juvenile delinquency. I was able to explore how a lack of emotional or community support can push youth toward crime, and how early intervention could make all the difference. That research project opened my eyes to the deeper connection between mental health and justice. I hope to pursue a career in either Forensic Psychology or Social Work, where I can help people who have been impacted by trauma, violence, or unstable environments. I want to be someone who listens, who tries to understand, and who works to make things better, not just on an individual level, but within larger systems. Whether I’m doing evaluations, helping shape treatment plans, or advocating for change, I want to bring compassion and equality into spaces where both are often missing. I also care deeply about making mental health care more inclusive. So many people, especially in marginalized communities, go without support because the systems weren’t built with them in mind. I really want to help change that. I want to create spaces where people of every background feel seen, heard, and understood. That means pushing for more cultural awareness in care, making education more accessible, and working toward representation in the field. Being a first-generation student has taught me a lot about resilience, self-motivation, and figuring things out without a plan. I’ve felt out of place more times than I can count, but I’ve also learned how to keep going, how to reach out, and how to turn challenges into something meaningful. That’s the energy I plan to bring into this field. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my goals instead of worrying about finances. It would mean more time learning, growing, and preparing to give back. Most of all, it would be a reminder that I’m not alone, and that someone else believes in what I’m trying to do.

Minecraft has always been a significant part of my life since childhood. I remember coming home in second grade, logging into my mom's computer, and experiencing the game's wonders for as long as I was able to. From playing multiplayer with friends to exploring the dark world of the Nether on my own, Minecraft was always able to put a smile on my face and brighten even the worst of moods throughout my upbringing. Choosing one favorite aspect is nearly impossible, but there is something that comes to mind: creating a family of dogs by taming as many wolves as possible. If there's one thing that I adore, it's dogs. My 13-year-old golden retriever yellow lab mix has been my best friend since kindergarten, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. Whenever I found myself in a new Minecraft world, I would always look for a fluffy wolf to make my companion. If I found a pack, you best believe that every single one of them was coming into my wooden shack with me, no matter how early on I was in the gameplay. Obtaining the bones was always hard for me since I was never a fan of combat or fighting monsters, but if it meant that I could have an adorable furry family in my home, I would 100% risk getting punctured by countless skeleton arrows. There are limitless possibilities throughout Minecraft, and it is truly something I believe that everyone should experience. Minecraft has undoubtedly impacted my life in all the best ways, and I wish that so many other kids around the world could share the joy and experience that the game brings. Actually, I think I'll go log on right now. :)

My username is @leamarielifts :)

This is the story of my little white Butterfly. My name is Lea Winters, and I am a First Generation college student at Virginia Tech. The person who has undoubtedly helped me reach my full potential was my late grandfather, Michael Winters, a.k.a “Boppa.” For the beginning part of my childhood, my parents and I lived with my grandfather because we could not afford a house in Northern Virginia, which was where all of my extended family resided. Boppa welcomed us with open arms and was elated to spend more time with his only granddaughter. Some of my earliest memories include us playing mini-golf, going shopping, and eating at our favorite restaurant, Tippy’s Taco House. My favorite thing about him was that he always encouraged me to be myself and to fight against conformity and societal norms. Whether it was a taco-eating contest or standing up for myself against being bullied about missing my two front teeth, Boppa taught me to love myself and do what makes me happy. Friday, May 27, 2011. My dad received a call in the evening saying that Boppa had passed away from a heart attack. When I was informed of the news, I was struck with immense grief and, for the first time in my life, rage. I remember yelling at the universe while sobbing, asking why they took my Boppa away. Why my favorite person? Why the one person in the world who understood me? I was only a child, so I couldn’t fully grasp the concept of death. A part of me held onto hope that he would come back one day if I wished and prayed enough. Unfortunately, Boppa did not come back, and I had to continue my life without him. In the years following his death, I began to see little white butterflies around me everywhere I went. On the playground at school, in my backyard, on the way to my first job, and even in the parking lot where I took my driving test. I asked my mother about it, wondering if it was some symbol of luck or fortune. She told me that in her culture, white butterflies are viewed as the spirit of a loved one watching over you. Since then, every time I see a white butterfly, I know that Boppa is watching over me and cheering me on from the sidelines. Although he isn’t here physically to experience me growing up and reaching milestones, he’s here in the form of a little white butterfly, appearing at the perfect times, making sure that I continue to love myself and be whatever I want to be.