My dream life is one of service, giving back to those who made me who I am, and supporting those who may not be receiving the attention they need to be successful in their own goals. My life goal is to become a licensed professional counselor and serve underserved and minority communities. As an individual who has experienced first-hand what poor mental health literacy looks like, I want to improve the understanding of mental health issues faced by families within these communities and develop ways to combat these challenges and provide support. I intend to further my education and spread awareness. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, completing already 1 year in my master's program. My dream is to give back and make the world a better place. I have endured financial setbacks, uprooted my life, and sacrificed constantly to achieve this dream because it is something I feel deeply passionate about. Although others may have chosen their paths because they enjoyed them, this work is something I feel called to do, and I will succeed in it no matter what obstacles come before me. Outside of my career passions, I hope to help build generational wealth for my family, leaving a legacy that they can not only prosper off of but also be proud of! I dream of leading a life that aligns with God's life path for me by being of service to others. My dream for my individual life is to be proud of myself. I want to obtain stability and feel aligned in my purpose and my passion. I dream of being able to travel and widen my understanding of different cultures via first-hand experiences. Finally, I dream of being a positive influence on those who may revolve in my orbit. I hope others may be inspired to follow their dreams and be their best selves. This scholarship will not only alleviate financial stress but also mental stress; I am not receiving additional financial support. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find internship prospects that will expand my knowledge and provide me with hands-on experience. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

Being first always feels nice. No lines, newest or freshest items. There's a certain enthusiasm that you may feel by being first. However, the feelings may be one of anxiety and unease when you are the first in something that those surrounding you cannot provide you with support in. I am the first to receive a bachelor’s degree, and the only one in my immediate family to pursue a master’s degree. As the second of seven children in a single-parent household, I have faced several financial, academic, and social challenges. Despite these challenges, my drive for my passion to help others and lead by example for my younger siblings has driven me to not give up. As an individual who has experienced first-hand what poor mental health literacy looks like, I want to improve the understanding of mental health issues faced by families within these communities and develop ways to combat these challenges and provide support. I intend to further my education and spread awareness. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, completing already 1 year in my master's program. I am enthusiastic about continuing to dive into coursework, collaborating with peers and professors, and exploring any new possible opportunities encompassing this discipline. Outside of academics, I have begun advocating for mental health in my community by sharing the knowledge I obtain and attending workshops and volunteer opportunities to better equip me to be successful in the future. Additionally, my work as a community coach with an organization that provides free to low-cost mental health services has been instrumental in continuing to fuel my passion. In conclusion, although my experiences facing mental health issues are not the first, they fuel my desire to contribute to the last of silencing children and their mental health needs. An amalgamation of my personal experiences, educational background, and unwavering dedication positions me to contribute meaningfully to the field. I am eager to continue transforming and challenging how the world views mental health and begin advocating for children and adolescents to create a more inclusive and understanding future in mental health. I believe in a world where that little girl I was is no longer afraid to speak up about her mental health. I believe in a world where children are truly supported. I believe that starts with me. This scholarship will not only alleviate financial stress but also mental stress; I am not receiving additional familial financial support, and finding work to align with my school schedule has proven difficult. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find internship prospects that will expand my knowledge and provide me with hands-on experience. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

I am the second-oldest of seven children raised in a single-income household. My mom worked hard so we could play hard. However, balancing home and work often required sacrifices, not just financially, but sometimes mentally as well. Most years, we were barely making ends meet, and when I hit my rock bottom mentally, we did not have the funds to help me seek assistance. Healing was hard, and making it through it encouraged me to help others by increasing mental well-being accessibility. A unique contribution I would give the world is decreasing mental health stigma by increasing mental health literacy, especially in BIPOC communities. One proposed method of doing so would be to provide free or low-cost group training for community advocates. As a Black woman, I am aware of the bad wrap mental health gets - being viewed as "woo woo". This way, individuals get provided the information from trusted members or their community to make mental well-being more inviting. Outside of academics, I advocate for mental health in my community by sharing knowledge I obtain and attending workshops and volunteer opportunities to better equip myself to be more effective. Additionally, my work as a community coach with an organization that provides free to low-cost mental health services has been instrumental in continuing to fuel my passion. I have seen firsthand how life-changing these services can be for individuals at their wits ' end with nowhere else to turn. As someone who currently lives in a rural county, I believe that there is a need for more inclusive methods of attaining mental health support. One way that could be possible is by making teletherapy more available. In support of this goal, I would consider making use of local libraries and having them create spaces for patrons to be able to have access to technology and privacy to receive mental health services. This would bridge the gap between proximity and the availability of services for many potential patients. Another population I would like to consider is those who may be unhoused. Providing more accessible services within shelters free of charge. Specifically, services that would highlight career counseling and ways to get connected to resources that could help these individuals get back on their feet. This could look like having a designated room in the shelters that counselors could use 2-3 times a week to help. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

I am the second-oldest of seven children raised in a single-income household. My mom worked hard so we could play hard. However, balancing home and work often required sacrifices, not just financially, but sometimes mentally as well. Most years, we were barely making ends meet, and when I hit my rock bottom mentally, we did not have the funds to help me seek assistance. Healing was hard, and making it through it encouraged me to help others by increasing mental well-being accessibility. My commitment to my goals makes me equipped with actionable steps to achieve them. For example, a contribution I would like to make to the field is decreasing mental health stigma by increasing mental health literacy, especially in BIPOC communities. One proposed method of doing so would be to provide free or low-cost group training for community advocates. As a Black woman, I am aware of the bad wrap mental health gets - being viewed as magical thinking and outlandish. This way, individuals get provided the information from trusted members or their community to make mental well-being more inviting. Eventually, this would increase the attendance of those within the BIPOC community in mental health settings. Outside of academics, I advocate for mental health in my community by sharing knowledge I obtain and attending workshops and volunteer opportunities to better equip myself to be more effective. Additionally, my work as a community coach with an organization that provides free to low-cost mental health services has been instrumental in continuing to fuel my passion. I deserve to win this scholarship because my dream is to give back and make the world a better place. I have endured financial setbacks, uprooted my life, and sacrificed constantly to achieve this dream because it is something I feel deeply passionate about. Although others may have chosen their paths because they enjoyed them, this work is something I feel called to do, and I will succeed in it no matter what obstacles come before me. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

Kindness and empathy have always been the standard in my upbringing. Growing up, my mom was always willing to give her last to those in need. There was no reward or expectation to get back what she gave, and as a single mom of seven, she undoubtedly could have used some of that support given back to her. My mom's constant generosity was inspiring. Although I did not have the words for it at the time, empathy is what I was taught from a young age. When I reflect on careers, I considered pursuing growing up, such as a firefighter, a chef who serves people experiencing homelessness, and even a dance therapist. I realize the commonality of each pathway; each of these careers was admirable in my eyes because all served something greater than myself. As I grew older, much of my day-to-day life included being surrounded by children. An older sibling to five younger brothers, helping around my father’s daycare over the summers and eventually venturing into volunteering opportunities that led me to centers like the Boys and Girls Club. Moving forward, I found more work geared towards career aspirations, such as working as a nanny. Due to these experiences that started at a young age, I saw firsthand how little children truly are heard. My studies at The University of Texas at Dallas opened my eyes to the fact that I had just begun to grasp the girth of the issues with our mental health care system and the lack of support for children. Through the completion of my double major in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, I was able to take courses that emphasized different aspects of these issues. Specifically, in classes such as Child Psychopathology, where we studied the way the world views mental health in children. The statistics showed that children were often overlooked and underserved. My studies and life experiences encouraged me to begin working hands-on with adolescents to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds children may come from and support communities where children are not easily afforded mental health counseling. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, by completing my baccalaureate studies, and have continue to strive towards my passion of becoming a licensed professional counselor by pursuing my master's studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. I am compassionate about lending a helping hand and bringing awareness to mental health wellness and destigmatization. An amalgamation of my personal experiences, educational background, and unwavering dedication position me to contribute meaningfully to the field. I am eager to continue transforming and challenging how the world views mental health and begin advocating for children and adolescents to create a more inclusive and understanding future in mental health. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find internship prospects that will expand my knowledge and provide me with hands-on experience. Your contributions would bring me one step closer to helping those in need of mental health services. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

I am the second oldest of seven children - who were raised by a single income household. My mom worked hard so we could play hard. However balancing home and work caused sacrifice not just financially but sometimes mentally. Most years we were barely making ends meet and when I hit my rock bottom mentally we did not have the funds to help me seek assistance. Healing was hard and making it through it encouraged me to help others by increasing mental well being accessibility. My life goal is to become a licensed professional counselor and work with underserved communities. As an individual who has experienced first-hand what poor mental health literacy looks like, I want to improve the understanding of mental health issues faced by families within these communities and develop ways to combat challenges. I intend to further my education and spread awareness. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, completing already 1 year in my master program. Outside of academics advocate for mental health in my community by sharing knowledge I obtain and attending workshops and volunteer opportunities to better equip me to be more effective. Additionally my work as a community coach with an organization that provides free to low cost mental health services has been instrumental in continuing to fuel my passion. This scholarship would alleviate financial and mental stress. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find expand my knowledge and provide me more time to be hands-on in the community. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

My name is Krystal Moore, I am from Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. A graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, I am the first of seven children to receive a bachelor’s degree, and the only one in my immediate family, to pursue a master’s degree. Initially I chose the University of Texas at Tyler to pursue further education because the staff and program felt most passionate about mental health. Speaking with advisors confirmed that the mental health counseling program that UT Tyler offers would align with my goals deepen my knowledge and refine my research skills. I am enthusiastic about continuing coursework, collaborating with peers and professors, and further exploring opportunities encompassing this discipline. I have chosen to continue my journey with UT Tyler because the learning has pushed me to challenge my knowledge and abilities daily and I am eager to see what the future holds. My life goal is to become a licensed professional counselor and serve underserved and minority communities. As an individual who has experienced first-hand what poor mental health literacy looks like, I want to improve the understanding of mental health issues faced by families within these communities and develop ways to combat these challenges and provide support. I intend to further my education and spread awareness. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, completing already 1 year in my master program. The coursework has confirmed that the mental health counseling program that UT Tyler offers not only aligns with my goals but has also deepened my knowledge and refined my research skills. I am enthusiastic about continuing to dive into coursework, collaborating with peers and professors, and any new possible opportunities encompassing this discipline. In conclusion, although my experiences facing mental health issues are not the first, they fuel my desire to contribute to the last of silencing children and their mental health needs. An amalgamation of my personal experiences, educational background, and unwavering dedication positions me to contribute meaningfully to the field. I am eager to continue transforming and challenging how the world views mental health and begin advocating for children and adolescents to create a more inclusive and understanding future in mental health. I believe in a world where that little girl I was is no longer afraid to speak up about her mental health. I believe in a world where children are truly supported. I believe that starts with me. This scholarship will not only alleviate financial stress but also mental stress; I am not receiving additional familial financial support and finding work to align with my school schedule has proven difficult. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find internship prospects that will expand my knowledge and provide me with hands-on experience. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026

Kindness and empathy have always been the standard in my upbringing. Growing up my mom was always willing to give her last to those in need. There was no reward, or any expectation to get back what she gave, and as a single mom of 7 she undoubtedly could have used some of that support given back her way. My mom's constant generosity was inspiring. Although I did not have the the words for it at the time, empathy is what I being taught from a young age. When I reflect on careers, I considered pursuing growing up, such as a firefighter, a chef who serves people experiencing homelessness, and even a dance therapist. I realize the commonality of each pathway, each of these careers was admirable in my eyes because all served something greater than myself. As I grew older, much of my day-to-day life included being surrounded by children. An older sibling to five younger brothers, helping around my father’s home daycare over the summers and eventually venturing into volunteering opportunities that led me to centers like the Boys and Girls Club, to finally working as a nanny. Due to these experiences that started at a young age, I saw firsthand how little children truly are heard. As a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas, I had just begun to grasp. the girth of the issues with our mental health care system and the lack of support for children. Through the completion of my double major in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, I was able to take courses that emphasized different aspects of these issues. Specifically, in classes such as Child Psychopathology where we studied the way the world views mental health in children. The statistics showed that children were often overlooked and underserved. My studies and life experiences encouraged me to begin working hands-on with adolescents to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds’ children may come from and support communities where children are not as easily afforded mental health counseling. I have taken the first steps to continue educating myself on different aspects of issues within mental health, be completing my baccalaureate studies and have continued striving towards my goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor with my masters studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. I am compassionate about lending a helping hand, and brightening someone's day. An amalgamation of my personal experiences, educational background, and unwavering dedication positions me to contribute meaningfully to the field. I am eager to continue transforming and challenging how the world views mental health and begin advocating for children and adolescents to create a more inclusive and understanding future in mental health. With less worry about funding my education, I will have more time to focus on my studies and increase opportunities to find internship prospects that will expand my knowledge and provide me with hands-on experience. Your contributions would bring me one step closer to helping those in need of mental health services. Thank you for your consideration in bridging the financial and educational gap in my academic journey. Kindest regards, Krystal Moore, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Class of 2026