Losing my mother was by far the worst experience of my life. Losing her to heroin never registered as a possible scenario I’d have to encounter and eventually overcome. Unfortunately that’s my reality and despite all I’ve endured, I’m grateful to be where I am now and where I will be in the future. My mother was a Registered Nurse for almost 30 years. She loved helping people, but struggled with asking for help when she needed it the most. She was a very stubborn and steadfast woman, putting on a brave face when she wasn’t her best and doing everything in her power to make sure others' needs were met. Her unconditional and loving disposition is what made her special. During my high school tenure she was a substitute teacher, and my senior year she was unanimously voted as the 2019 Substitute Teacher of the Year by the student body. On October 5th 2019, my life changed before my eyes when I home from college during my first semester. My family and I found her unresponsive in the bathroom of our apartment with a needle in her arm. I was 18 and my little brother was 16, and we were both overcome with shock. She was pronounced deceased three days later. I remember when my dad was woken up by a call at 1:45 in the morning from the hospital. In his half awake state he asked me while on the phone, “Matt, where’s mom?” And then it finally hit him. I felt completely heartbroken. 5 years later at 23 years old (weeks away from graduating with a Sports Management degree and working towards a Masters of Athletic leadership in the fall), I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life. If there’s one thing I can take away from my experiences, it’s that I’m stronger than what I gave myself credit for. Between this excruciating loss, subsequent trauma, and a failed attempt at taking my life this past Easter, I’m still here working on achieving my goals and aspirations. I’ve recently gotten back into meditation and it’s been helping a lot with my athletic performances. Since mid April, I’ve been taking 5-10 minutes before game time to isolate myself and focus on my breathing. I’ll find a quiet spot, put on some music, and start taking deep breaths. Recently my go-to songs in my meditation sessions have been Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle, It’s Not Enough by Starship, and Blue Moon by Frank Sinatra. This process has allowed me to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand. My mother has always been my biggest influence. Posthumously, she’s taught me the greatest life lessons ever; to cherish every moment and don’t ever take people, time, or opportunities for granted. Even in passing, she’s helped shape me into the man I am today. I want to make it my mission to show the next generation of student athletes that they too are stronger than what they believe, and help them unlock their true potential on and off the field. My experiences have helped shape my philosophy, and I want to be able to leave a positive and long lasting mark on others’ lives as she did. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Thank you for your time and consideration

Over the course of my undergraduate tenure, I’ve had my fair share of battles with my mental health. It’s been a learning process to say the least, but I’m grateful for the life I have and what I’m working on achieving going forward. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University. I’m set to graduate in May with a Bachelors in Sports Management. I plan on attending graduate school in the fall and working towards my Masters in Athletic Leadership with the goal of becoming an athletic director and a head baseball coach at the high school and collegiate levels. My journey starts in 2019. On October 5th, my mother overdoses on heroin laced with lethal amounts of fentanyl. 3 days later I get the word she’s officially deceased. At 18 years old in a transitional stage of my life, I felt lost knowing she wasn’t in the picture. My life was in turmoil. In addition, my father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I’m thinking, “What else is going to go wrong?” I struggled in my return to college post bereavement. My grades were low, I was unmotivated, depressed, and was scared for what my future entailed. Despite my grief, anguish, and uncertainty, I managed to salvage what I could and finish the semester. It wasn’t pretty, but I was proud of my perseverance. The biggest reflecting moment of my life occurred this past Easter. I work in the Public Safety department on campus, and I tried to take my life when I was on shift. I had a thought out plan to abandon my work phone and radio and walk up 3-4 stories to the weather observation deck, and fall off the side of the terrace. I was about to go through with my suicide until I stopped at the stairwell and froze. For 5 minutes, I was in a mental tug-of-war debating on continuing up the stairs or going back into the office and calling for help. I took another step towards the stairs and I was overcome with fear. I knew at this moment I needed help. I went back to the office and called my director. To this day I think it’s an Easter miracle, as my baseball coach walked into the office and saw me in a heap at my desk. My director, Zach, entered not long after and I explained what was going through my mind. Both of them reeled me back into reality and put some of my thoughts into a better perspective. Next thing I know, I’m on the phone with a woman named Amy from 988. I spent a good 15-20 minutes talking with her. Having a neutral third party who listened and provided meaningful insight in my time of need was very heartwarming. More times than not, I’m the one trying to help others manage their feelings and giving them consolation. It was different being on the receiving end. At the end of the day, I want to make a positive impact on the lives of the next generation of athletes. My own experiences with mental health will allow me to better understand the needs of those struggling, and help them access the support they need in order to be successful on and off the playing field. My new philosophy is this: “You are stronger than what you give yourself credit for.” I want to show others that they too are stronger and capable of overcoming adversity regardless of how insurmountable it may seem. I didn’t think I’d recover from my mom’s passing. Now I’m weeks away from graduating and continuing to better myself at my crafts and as a man. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As I look back on my undergraduate career, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect and really appreciate all of the experiences, adversities, and successes I’ve accrued over these past five years. I look forward to taking what I’ve learned and endured into the next chapter of my life. I will be graduating with my Bachelors in Sports Management and will be pursuing a Masters in Athletic Leadership in the fall. I look to parlay this masters degree into being an athletic director and head baseball coach. This past fall I had the opportunity to receive an internship at Lyndon Institute, a private high school not far from my college campus and work alongside the Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director. I primarily focused on game day management and operations for soccer, field hockey, basketball, and hockey. Throughout the duration of the contests from start to finish, I served as an extension of the athletic department and upheld the values of sportsmanship and ethical conduct laid forth by Lyndon Institute and the Vermont Principles Association. The last day of my internship was by far the most memorable. A senior on the women’s basketball team scored her 1,000th point and was the 3rd Viking to accomplish that feat. I was tasked with going through a stack of thousands of papers labeled 1-7 (since she was 7 points away from 1,000). It was such a daunting task but I ended up making it happen, and distributed the countdown stacks to students and family without the player knowing in order to make the event more memorable. She ended up reaching her 1000th point less than five minutes into the first quarter. The stands were going crazy and the atmosphere was palpable. In addition to the milestone moment, it was Cancer Awareness night and the stands were decorated in purple streams and banners. There was a member in the community who was revered at Lyndon Institute that sadly passed away days before the game. The Athletic Director was holding back tears addressing the crowd. There was a strong sense of solidarity between the home and visiting fans. It was a heartfelt moment and I was honored to be a part of memorializing someone who meant a lot to the community. Last and certainly not least, I stayed late with the Athletic Director to assist a visiting team family who was having troubles with their van. They ended up getting assistance from a towing company, and another family member drove an hour to pick them up. This experience really helped solidify where I want to be in the future; helping the next generation of athletes be the best versions of themselves on and off the field. I’ve grown a lot as a student, athlete, leader, and man. I want to make it my mission to show others that they too are stronger than what they give themselves credit for. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and God Bless

Success is a term that is open ended; how I define success differs greatly from how someone else defines success. Over the course of my undergraduate tenure, I’ve learned how to redefine my definition of success and use it to pave out my path in the next stage of my life. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University Lyndon. I will be graduating in May with a Bachelors in Sports Management and will continue my education and pursue a Masters in Athletic Leadership. I look forward to working to become a head baseball coach and athletic director in the future while still having the opportunity to still play in grad school. My athletic background has helped me shape my perceptions about success. By sticking to a plan, a process, and working towards achieving the small goals laid out in my process, I’m giving myself the best chances to succeed. In my early college days, I succeeded by making it onto campus and attending my classes for the first time. Participating in my first ever practice was a success in my eyes. However, things took a dark turn when I lost my mother to an accidental heroin overdose in October of 2019. During a time where I needed the most guidance in a transitional phase of my life, I felt lost. I struggled after coming back from my bereavement period. My grades suffered, I had no will to live, and I didn’t know what my future had in store for me. 5 years later, I’ve had more than enough time to reflect on my life and my experiences. I remember finals week in the fall/winter of 2019 vividly; I was falling behind and I felt like a failure. Through the grace of God and sheer willpower, I set to work and finished all my finals and makeup work in one sitting. Exhausted and consumed by grief, I managed to salvage my first semester finishing what I started. Looking back on that moment, I succeeded and proved to myself that I’m much stronger than what I gave myself credit for. At this present moment in time with graduation right around the corner, I’m blessed to be in great physical and mental health looking forward to what the future has in store. I’m on the verge of finishing my last undergraduate semester with straight A’s for the first time ever, I’m the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and most importantly I stayed the course even when I was facing the pinnacle of adversity. Between losing my mom, the pandemic, constant struggles with my mental health, none of those stopped me from getting to where I am today and where I will be in the future. This is truly what it means to be successful in my eyes. This scholarship opportunity will allow me to pursue my passion in the sports world, and equip me with the knowledge, skills, and tools to help the next generation of athletes become successful on and off the playing field. My journey has opened my eyes to the importance of perseverance and fostering a culture that promotes steadfastness and continuous growth. I can’t wait to achieve my personal dreams and help others succeed, together. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The loss of my mother in 2019 has been the most painful experience of my entire life. 5 years later, set to graduate in less than a month, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my life and my time as an undergraduate has reinforced my “fight” and will continue to drive into the next stage of my life. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University. I’m set to graduate with my Bachelors in Sports Management and have plans to attend grad school and earn my Masters in Athletic Leadership. During my first semester at Lyndon, I lost my mother to a heroin overdose. She was a beautiful woman who continues to inspire me posthumously. I struggled in my return from bereavement. My grades were atrocious, I was struggling with depression and my will to live was waning. Despite all that, I managed to stay the course and salvage what I could to end 2019 on a good note. I want to make it my mission to help the next generation of student athletes be successful on and off the field as a coach and athletic director. With my own experiences with loss and mental health, I know the importance of having a strong support system and having the available resources necessary in your time of need. In addition to my mission of positively transforming the lives of those around me, I’ve developed my own personal philosophy as a result of my experiences; “You are stronger than what you give yourself credit for.” I want to show people that they too are stronger than what they previously believed, and that they are capable of overcoming anything no matter how insurmountable it may seem. Every time I was stressed in high school, my mother would always ask me this, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” One bite has become my personal mantra to reset my mind when I feel things start to spiral. The fight will continue. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made over the last 4 years, and the work is just getting started. Love you always, mom. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Over the course of my undergraduate tenure, I’ve had to overcome numerous challenges that came with the college experience. However, one stands above the rest; losing my beautiful mother. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University Lyndon. I’m on track to graduate with my Bachelors in Sports Management in May. I have plans to attend grad school in the fall to work towards a Masters in Athletic Leadership. On October 5th, 2019, my mother overdosed on heroin in our apartment. My dad, my brother Dan, and I found her in the bathroom unresponsive. Next thing I know, paramedics and police are coming in and out of our home. I remember seeing my dad on the floor next to her on the phone with 911, and my brother crying over her. I was shaking uncontrollably and overcome with shock with the situation unfolding in front of me. When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted in the family room by a doctor. The doctor started reading his briefing papers, and it was full of misinformation and we stopped him mid-sentence. The report from the paramedics said they found her in the bathroom of a Wendy’s instead of our apartment. My brother and I were furious, and both the doctor and assisting nurse were unsympathetic about the situation. After the hospital, Dan and I couldn’t go back home. We spent the night at a family friends’ place. We talked about what our next step was going forward, and we both came to the conclusion that she was more than likely not going to make it out of her coma. He told me about what happened the night prior to her overdose. The night before, she and Dan were going through bags of clothes that our upstairs neighbors left behind when they were in the process of being evicted. The clothes we didn’t keep were donated to the local Salvation Army. Dan discovered a pink coin purse, and inside the purse was a black tarry substance that he recognized right away was heroin. Our mother was a nurse for 30 years, and she had nerve damage in her back that was debilitating for a long time. I can only assume to this day, that she only wanted to numb her pain and thought she knew what dose to take. She had cooked and prepared the contents of the purse and used not long after. Dan, being 16 at the time, managed to say to her “make sure you think of us.” I was devastated to hear him say that. On October 8th, 2019, we were awoken by a phone call made to my dad from the hospital. At 1:45AM, she was pronounced deceased. The toxicology report showed there was lethal amounts of fentanyl laced in the heroin in her system. I remember my dad was half awake when he was on the phone, and he said in his tired state, “Matt, where’s mom?” Then, it hit him. I garnered a lot of respect and admiration from my teammates, peers, and staff for coming back to college post bereavement. I struggled during my freshman year, but despite my grief, sorrow and waning will to live, I stayed the course and salvaged what I could. 5 years later, and weeks away from my bachelors degree, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life. It hasn’t been easy, and despite everything, I’m forever grateful for what I’ve accomplished and will accomplish going forward. Mom, I made you proud. I love you always

Balance is key in all facets of life. As a current undergrad nearing graduation and planning on attending grad school, I know first hand what it’s like to balance multiple jobs, involvements, and my class work. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University Lyndon. I will be graduating in May with a Bachelors in Sports Management and plan on earning a Masters in Athletic Leadership. Here at VTSU-L, I work in the athletic department and work during home soccer, volleyball, and basketball contests in the fall winter. I’m the PA announcer for all aforementioned games and my responsibilities vary from game to game. For volleyball I’m one of the line judges, soccer I switch between shagging balls kicked out of play and operating the scoreboard, and basketball I’m part of a 3 person crew that does live stats and play calling. I’ve been doing this for four years and love every second of it. This past fall I had to balance an internship. Luckily it was in close proximity to my campus and the walk wasn’t terrible. I worked in the Athletic Department of Lyndon Institute, a private high school that has a strong sports culture in Vermont. I had the pleasure of working with the Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director, who ironically were in the Hall of Fame at my college for basketball and track and field respectively. I helped with finalizing fall and winter rosters and schedules, game day operations for football, field hockey, soccer, basketball, and hockey, and serving as an official representative of the LI Athletic Department and ensuring that sportsmanship and proper conduct were upheld while at the games. In 2021, I also picked up a job working in Public Safety. This is a 24/7/365 gig, and the scheduling is sporadic. Some days I’m working 4-8am, other days I’m working overnight on weekends. This past fall and winter was very sporadic; lots of games would intertwine with public safety and some days I had to power through the shift and then head right to the game with no time to rest. In addition to balancing work and class, I’m also an athlete and play baseball. Between practices, games, team meetings, and strength and conditioning sessions, there’s another layer that takes a majority of my day. And I love every second of it (at the time of writing this, I’m currently on a bus to Maine for a weekend series). It’s very practical to be adaptable and flexible especially when you have numerous commitments and responsibilities. My work, hobbies, and schooling have reinforced my work ethic and my capabilities of balancing work and life. I’m confident this trend will continue. Thank you for your time and consideration

As I’m wrapping up my undergraduate tenure, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my experiences. It hasn’t been an easy journey. Regardless, I’m grateful for the adversities I’ve had to overcome and I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken to get to where I am now and where I’ll be in the future. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University Lyndon. I’m set to graduate with my Bachelors in Sports Management and have plans to attend graduate school to earn my Masters in Athletic Leadership. My skill sets developed as a result of my mother’s death in 2019. She was a beautiful woman who went out of her way to help others as a dialysis nurse and substitute teacher. She overdosed on heroin on October 5th and was later pronounced deceased October 8th. The early goings were difficult. I struggled in my return to college and my life was in turmoil. Despite my grief, sorrow, and waning will to live, I salvaged my first semester and told myself I was going to stay the course. I’ve been playing baseball my entire life, and my collegiate debut was one to remember. I started opening day in Florida on my mom’s birthday. She would’ve been 54. It was by far the most emotional moment of my life, and I left it all on the field for her on that day. Fast forward to now, I’ve grown significantly from where I was freshman year. I’m revered at my campus for my resiliency and diligence and I’ve established myself as a leader. I’ve developed my own personal philosophy that I try to remind myself and others of; “You are stronger than what you give yourself credit for.” Regardless of circumstance, no matter how insurmountable it may seem, you are capable of overcoming whatever life throws at you. Whenever I was stressed about something in high school my mother would always ask me, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”. One bite has become a mantra that I live by. The world of sports has a beautiful way of bringing people together. From all walks of life, backgrounds, personalities, and skill sets. This is exactly why I want to become a head baseball coach and athletic director; to make a positive impact on the lives of the next generation of student athletes and guide them to become champions on and off the playing field. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sports have been a pivotal part of my life ever since I was nine years old. Being a four sport athlete in high school and a current collegiate baseball player has allowed me to gain a unique insight on how I see the world as well as shaping my own personal philosophy. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a 5th year senior at Vermont State University Lyndon. I’m set to graduate in May with my bachelors in Sports Management and plan on attending graduate school to earn my masters in Athletic Leadership with the goal of becoming an athletic director and a baseball head coach. My journey hasn’t been easy and after countless years of reflecting, I’m blessed to be achieving a major milestone in my life. My baseball team up here in Vermont is very special. My best and worst days have been alongside my teammates who I’m grateful to call family. In 2019, I lost my mother to heroin during my first semester. My teammates back then rallied behind me, and I garnered a lot of respect from the senior class for coming back after the services and bereavement period. 5 years later, I’m a revered leader whose presence is felt by everyone when I’m around. Playing sports and being involved in the sports world has always been a dream of mine. While I still have aspirations of pursuing a professional independent baseball career, I want to make a positive impact on the lives of the next generation of athletes. One of the biggest philosophies I’ve adopted for myself is “You’re stronger than what you give yourself credit for.” No matter the circumstance, I want to make it my mission to show others that they too are capable of overcoming adversity no matter how insurmountable it may seem. I never thought I’d be able to move on from the loss of my mother. My motivation was at an all time low, and my will to live was waning. Despite all my fears, grief, and uncertainty, I carved out my path and stayed the course. There were days that were better than others, but I kept going. One day at a time. One pitch at a time. One play at a time. Every time I was stressed in high school, my mother would ask me, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” One bite has turned into a mantra to allow myself to reset when I feel things start to pile. Sports have a beautiful way of bringing people together no matter what side of the playing field you’re on. Players come from all different walks of life, have their own unique stories and character traits, and skill sets that provide value in many facets of the game. As a fan or spectator, the atmosphere is palpable; the fresh concessions, pristine weather, and rallying behind your team with other like minded individuals immerses you in the experience. Through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering desire to better myself in everything that I do, I will dedicate my life towards fostering an environment where athletes are successful on and off the field. This is how I’ll be able to give back to the sports world for shaping me into the man I am today. Thank you for your time and consideration, and God Bless

The dream version of my future self is the man coaching the next generation of baseball players and taking solace in the fact that I will have made it through college with my mother’s memory and love to guide me every step of the way.

If there’s one thing that makes me unique, it would have to be my story. A story of arduous trials and tribulations, a story of sacrifice, a story of resilience. My name is Matt Doherty, and I’m a senior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in Sports Management and plan on graduating with my bachelors in 2024. I intend on getting my masters degree and want to be a head baseball coach at the high school and work my way up into the college level. My college tenure hasn’t been easy. My mother died from a heroin overdose at the start of my freshman year. In a time where I needed the most guidance, I lost the woman and role model I loved more than life itself. I was only 18, and my life had taken a full 360. I struggled in school; no motivation and grieving daily. It wasn’t easy but I managed to salvage whatever work I could make up and finish the semester with my pride intact. It was a low point in my academic career, finishing with a 1.5 cumulative GPA. After a painful fall semester, the spring came along and it got harder. I made my collegiate baseball debut on February 23rd 2020. My mother would’ve been 54. It was the most emotional game of my life and I remember it like it was yesterday. My teammates rallied behind me on and off the field, and to this day they still do and I love every second of it. It wasn’t long until another obstacle entered the fray; COVID 19. We only played 10 games in 2020, all of them in Florida during our spring trip. When we were sent home, I picked up a job working in a paper mill. It allowed me to make some decent money to support myself as well as my father and little brother. A year went by and I started to get back on my feet. My grades improved and I started to get my confidence back. Emotionally, I had learned to cope constructively. Baseball has, and will always be, my haven. I found purpose in my life again in a time where I thought it was over. I was scared, felt alone, and didn’t know what my future had in store. My mother lived long enough to see me get into college, and I’ve made it my mission ever since I said goodbye to her that I will get my degree and make her proud. Coaching will allow me to show young men and women that they are all stronger than what they give themselves credit for. When the going gets tough, when all hope seems lost, whenever there’s a doubt in their mind that causes them to second guess, I want to remind them that they are amazing individuals, valuable to many people, and that they’re never alone. This game, as well as my own personal experiences, have shown me a lot about myself. This is what truly makes me unique

Personal Finance has always been an area that I’ve been passionate about ever since I started college. I’ve received a lot of advice on how to go about my financial endeavors, and the best one I’ve ever received was simple; start early, and continue to expand your knowledge. The more you know, the more informed decisions you’ll be able to make. I believe personal finance and basic economics should be taught in high school curriculum. Even if students don’t go to college, it’s practical information to know. We’re all going to experience the exciting process of tax season. Knowing how to prepare and file them is imperative, and the same goes for finding loopholes, tax credits, write offs and other legal methods of saving money that’s owed to Uncle Sam. Nobody should have to find out the hard way when the IRS comes knocking because they didn’t know how to go about the process. Investing is another avenue that we’re all going to be exposed to at one point in our lives wether it’s stocks, ETF’s/Mutual Funds, IRA/Roth, cryptocurrency, NFT’s, real estate or even precious metals like gold, silver, and copper. Understanding market trends, supply and demand, and how politics can positively and negatively affect the landscape are crucial to guiding us on our journeys. When it comes to cash, I’ve learned to respect it ever since I was 14. Discipline is important when it comes to saving up for anything, especially long term aspirations like a car or funding college. For me, it was a custom baseball glove. I had to work hard for a month, saving money I made from umpiring little league games. It was a very rewarding experience when I finally made the purchase. A month later, I was happy the second I saw the FedEx guy come to the door. My parents were happy with me for sticking with the process and seeing me achieve my goal. They were especially impressed with me not spending my money on frivolous distractions that would impede my progress. Discipline is something I value, in every facet of our lives. As for my investments, I have an extensive cryptocurrency portfolio, a couple of ETF’s and contributions to a Roth IRA. My only regret was not starting the second I turned 18. Although it’s wishful thinking on my part, there’s truth to the notion of starting your next egg as early as possible. Investing comes with risk, especially the loss of value on your capital. Being able to understand the risks, mitigate them with a strategic plan, and taking emotions out of the equation are essential. It’s imperative to be as objective as possible when it comes to financial planning. With investing, there’s no room for second guessing or panicking especially when a portfolio is down significantly. There’s a difference between investing and trading. Trading is about short term gain while investing is all about the long haul. You can’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Scholarships are another aspect of personal finance that I wish I took more proactive measures during my high school tenure. There are numerous outside scholarships up for grabs, and it’s a matter of understanding where to go as well knowing the requirements that pertain to each application. There are scholarship websites as well as private scholarships and grants. Being able to access these scholarships breeds incentive to do well in school and the more scholarship aid you’re able to acquire, the lower your costs are for college as well as lowering the chance of taking on loans to fill the deficit. Scholarships are in investment in your future, and the more people people are informed about their options the better their experience is. Taking a personal finance class during my sophomore year was the best decision I made. Not only did I excel in the class, but I was able to learn and utilize a lot of different skills that will help me in my life. Budgeting, for example, is something I needed some reinforcing with. I take mental notes on all of my purchases and investments but don’t archive anything. I was able to use a digital planner in order keep track of my spending habits and make decisions according to the numbers in front of me. At the end of the day, our journeys are different. Being smart and knowledgeable about money, the various assets and investment plans, and constantly learning about our surroundings will pay dividends in our lifetime. As a baseball player, I was taught to trust and be patient with the process. That same virtue holds true here.

Volunteering and having the opportunity to help others has been, and will continue to be, an endeavor that I work towards. As a baseball player, I know all about the importance of community and giving back to the people who value our efforts. At 16 years old, I worked as a camp counselor for an initiative known as “Summer Up”, a summer program funded by Mount Wachusett Community College in my home city of Gardner, MA. Alongside my younger brother, Danny, we worked with troubled youth providing them with food and keeping them engaged with an array of activities. I hosted various whiffle ball and kickball tournaments that were “hits” with the kids while my brother played basketball. On hotter days, we showed the kids how to play Uno and Yahtzee. It was a humbling experience that made me grateful for what I have in my life. Before I graduated high school, my best friend Jake assisted me in running a showcase for a local little league organization. The head coach adored us and the parents were amazed at how we worked with their kids. They were asking us questions about how to get better at baseball, what it takes to get to our level, and if we were ever going to the MLB. As an avid gym goer at 18, I told the kids that if they work hard in the classroom, the weight room, and become the best versions of themselves every day, anything is possible. I even had a 12 year old girl ask me if she’ll ever get a chance to play high school baseball. I told her, “outwork the boys who don’t want it as much as you, and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.” Her parents loved that. I’ll be graduating from Northern Vermont University Lyndon in 2024 with a bachelors in Sports Management, and I aspire to get my masters in Athletic Leadership. After my playing days are up, I want to coach baseball full time. I’m passionate about the game, and the impact is has on everyone who takes the field. I want to help young men and women by showing them that they can achieve greatness through hard work as well living a healthy and happy life. This is my mission, and it’s bigger than the game I love. Thank you for your time and consideration. Receiving this scholarship would be an honor.

Baseball has been and will always be an important aspect of my life. As a college baseball player, I've learned a lot both on and off the field, and I aim to use my experiences to make a positive impact on youth's lives when I become a coach. My name is Matt Doherty and I'm a senior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I'm anticipating graduating with my bachelor's in Sports Management in 2024 and aspire to get my Masters in Athletic Leadership. I've been playing baseball my entire life and I always strive to be a better athlete and a better man. My college experience hasn't been easy. Between losing my mother to heroin during my freshman year, withstanding the adversities that Covid brought in its wake, and adjusting to the new changes on my campus. I've had the pleasure of taking my younger teammates under my wing and mentoring them on and off the field. I've garnered a lot of respect from my teammates for being a resilient individual and overcoming the hardest time of my life. My mother was a beautiful woman who impacted the lives of many in my community when she was a substitute teacher. She had a way with words and was quick to help anyone in need. She was at all my baseball games and track meets, and wanted me to be successful and happy. She's always been my inspiration for all of my endeavors and will continue to serve as my inspiration posthumously. Sports have served as my avenue to better myself and cope with the adversities I've had to deal with in my life. I love using adversity and insurmountable odds to my advantage. My philosophy is that we are all capable of achieving greatness and that we are stronger than what we give ourselves credit for. This is why I chose to follow the sports management and coaching tract; I've found passion in unlocking the potential in youth athletes. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has undergone unique trials and tribulations in their lives. I aspire to bring everyone together through baseball, see young men and women succeed and prove to themselves that they achieve whatever they put their hearts to through hard work and an insatiable desire to defy the odds. Thank you for your time and consideration. This means a lot to me and I can't wait to see what the future entails. Matthew Doherty Class of 2024

As a baseball player, it's been my dream to be a coach when my playing days are over. I've had the pleasure of assisting youth players ever since I was in high school. It's an amazing endeavor and I can't wait to see what the future has in store. My name is Matt Doherty and I'm a senior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I'm majoring in Sports Management and have aspirations to get my Master's in Athletic Leadership. Volunteering at youth clinics has been an eye-opening experience and learning about kids' backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations is why I'm passionate about coaching. Baseball has taught me to be resilient, tenacious, and to be patient with the process of getting better. On and off the diamond, progress is never linear; there are times when there are obstacles that can impede one's progress. My philosophy is that we are all stronger than what we give ourselves credit for. We are all capable of shattering obstacles and achieving greatness. This is the message I want to resonate with both the players and the parents. During my sophomore year of high school, I volunteered at a summer camp for troubled youth in my community. It was a tough endeavor at 16 years old, but I was committed. A lot of these kids came from troubled homes and didn't have a positive role model in their lives. I was dedicated to being that role model, a big brother to about 20 young boys and girls. I hosted whiffle ball games and kickball games on site, and it was a hit. Seeing the kids run around having fun brought a smile to my face every day I was there. When my senior year came along, my best friend and I helped out a local little league organization during their pre-season draft. The kids adored us and the parents were impressed. We told the kids that they are capable of achieving their dreams, and if they continue to work hard the sky's the limit. This scholarship would mean the world to me. The money would help cover my costs especially when I start my fifth year in the fall. I'm very passionate about what I do, and this would allow me to continue my journey and achieve my dreams of making a positive impact on youth's lives through sports. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Matthew Paul Doherty Class of '24

When I lost my mother to heroin in 2019, I had just started my college journey. Four years later, I'm still surprised I've managed to get to where I am. I was lost, scared, and uncertain about my future. At 18 years old, my life drastically changed. At 22 years old, I reflect heavily on my experiences and how I can use them to help others in the next phase of my life. My name is Matt Doherty and I'm a senior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I'm majoring in sports management and aspire to get a Masters in Athletic Leadership. My journey hasn't been easy, but I've learned to constructively use my adversities to achieve my goals. My mother will always serve as my inspiration for what I do, and I cherish the time we've spent together as mother and son. She raised me into the man I am today; the greatest thing she's done for me posthumously. Baseball has always been a staple in my life. The game I love taught me to be tenacious, patient, and most of all, how to be a good man. I've had the pleasure of taking my younger teammates under my wing and mentoring them on and off the diamond. My life's calling is to be a coach, and positively transform the lives of young men and women through the game of baseball. Like my mother before me, she transformed the lives of countless students in my community by being a person they can rely on and being a friendly face. I'm a believer in the little things making a big difference, and I want to show people they are stronger than what they give themselves credit for. My fight will never end. The fight to carry my mother's legacy as well as my mission to positively affect others' lives. I love you, mom. Forever and always. Matthew Paul Doherty Class of '24

If there’s two things I love more than life itself, it’s baseball and my mother. Back in 2019, I lost my mother to heroin during my first semester in college. It was by far the most arduous part of my life, but I overcame it can continue to live out my dream and carry her memory. I was a 4 sport athlete in high school; baseball, indoor track, golf, and football. It was rare having both of my parents at any of my games. My dad constantly worked, and my mom suffered from permanent nerve damage in her back and it was hard for, but she always made an honest effort. I’ll never forget her reactions when she saw me win the league meet in shot put and hit a home run on senior day for baseball. Sports bring people together, and they certainly brought my family together. Even in spirit during the times they couldn’t be present. My mother was everything to me; a role model, a shoulder to cry on, and a beautiful soul who only wanted to see everyone around her be happy and successful. She was an RN for almost 30 years, and nerve damage forced her to step down. During my high school tenure, she was a substitute teacher. She was absolutely adored by the students, mostly due to her relatability and openness. They confided in her with anything from school to personal troubles. She cared about the well-beings of students outside of class, and I remember countless times I’d hear her give advice to anyone, reassuring them that they will be ok, and can always rely on her. She was essentially a mother to hundreds of kids. This was corroborated when hundreds of them came to her funeral. As a mother, she always reassured me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. She believed in me, and would always mention how resilient I was. This was put to the test when my family and I found her motionless in the bathroom with a needle in her arm. I can only assume, but I wholeheartedly believe she was trying to numb her pain. Both of the physical and mental varieties. I overcame the worst fear of my life, rebuilt my life from the ground up, and found my new calling; to make her proud and carry her through my endeavors. This season, my team is finally going down to Florida to start off our 2022 college season. This will be a bittersweet trip, as I made my collegiate debut in Florida on her birthday. Our first game back in two years, our first game is also on her birthday. She would’ve been 55. I also started my own scholarship in her name this past summer. I announce my first annual winner during my Florida trip. If there’s one thing she’s taught me, it’s this: Cherish everyone that’s close to you. Things come to an end eventually. Either slow and gradual through the tests of time, or quick and abrupt when you least expect it.

If there’s one thing in my life that makes me happy, it’s the progress I’ve made over the past two years. After losing my mother in 2019, happiness seemed to fade away from my life. Through my tenacity and resilience, I’ve managed to get back on track academically and emotionally. Knowing that I’m stronger than what I told myself has given me the confidence boost I’ve desperately needed, and as a result I’ve seen myself become more at ease, and happy as a result. Moreover, I know in my heart I’m making my mother proud with how I’ve handled my past ordeals. That feeling alone is enough to put a smile on my face. I want to make people happy and make a positive impact in their lives. My mother wanted everyone around her to be happy and successful, and I want to do the same. Between the scholarship I’ve created in her name, and coaching baseball in the future, I’m well on my way to making these aspirations reality. This is where my happiness stems from. Thank you and God Bless

Baseball is a game that is skill based and requires a lot of fine tuning in order to truly master the craft. However, there are certain variables that stem outside the field, cage, and even the weight room. There’s one skill that makes me a very good baseball player, and an even better individual. Apart from hitting, throwing, fielding and running, the best skill to have is more of a trait and that’s resilience. Baseball is a game that is designed to fail players by whittling down mental fortitude and consistency. It’s a game that humbles the best players in the world and forces them to work twice as hard. Because of this, it’s imperative to be resilient and have the mindset in order to overcome any sort of adversity. Wether it’s a bad game or practice, an injury, or struggling mentally, this is where resilience shines. We are all stronger than what we give ourselves credit for. The best way I’m improving my resiliency starts with addressing me. I have to be easier on myself and trust my process. I hold myself to a high standard, but I also know the process is a marathon and not a sprint; it’s gradual, there will be days I’m not 100%. Regardless, I have to pick myself up and continue to do what I love. I’ve gone through some challenging adversities in my life, and I’ve always persevered in the end. Baseball has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of being even keel. This is the skill I’m most proud of Thank you and God Bless

If there’s anything my mother has taught me throughout my life, it’s that I’m stronger than what I give myself credit for. Her passing in 2019 is proof of that. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a junior at Northern Vermont University. I lost my dear mother on October 8th, 2019 to a heroin overdose. She was a beautiful woman who only wanted to see the people around her be happy and successful. An altruist at heart, she would go out of her way to help people in any way shape or form. Advice was her strong suit, and it showed during her tenure as both a registered nurse and a substitute teacher during my high school years. I remember the countless times I’d see her in the halls or in class giving advice to every student who chatted with her. The best part was that students flocked to her because she was relatable and cared about the well-beings of everyone outside of school. She was essentially a mother to hundreds of kids every time she walked in the door. The aftermath of her passing brought me to the lowest points in my life. Struggling with depression, suicide, and feeling lost for the first time in life, I had no idea on how I’d be able to cope with the trauma. But I had to keep going, for her. The last time I saw my mother, she was in a coma. Choking back tears I held her hand and told her, “no matter what, I’m going to make you happy.” Freshman year of college was arduous to say the least, with grief eating away at my focus and sense of direction. However, I battled. I used every fiber of my well-being to salvage my classes and finish what I started. It wasn’t pretty, but I managed and ultimately persevered. Overtime, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for life. I’ve learned that life is too short for regrets, and as a result I cherish everyone and everything that has made a positive impact in my endeavors. I’ve learned that I can’t take anything for granted, no matter how insignificant or minute it may seem. Things come to an end wether it’s slow and gradual through the tests of time, or quick and abrupt when you least expect it. My mother has raised me well and taught me a lot from when I was little boy to a high school graduate. But posthumously, she taught me the most important lessons of all. How to be strong, resilient, and overcome any obstacle that stands in my way. I thank her everyday for everything she’s done. I will continue to carry her legacy through my actions, and make her proud in the process. Thank you, and God Bless

Persistence and resiliency are attributes that I hold near and dear to my heart. The passing of my mother in 2019 was the lowest point in my entire life. I struggled, but I continued to battle on a daily basis. This experience has shown me that I’m stronger than what I give myself credit for. I’ve learned that I can tackle anything that life can throw at me. No matter how many times I fall, I pick myself up and fight tooth and nail in order to come out on top. No matter how overcome with grief I was, how depressed, or how scared I was my freshman year, I kept going. I wasn’t going to stop halfway through the semester. I salvaged what I could and managed to make the baseball team that same year. I garnered a lot of respect from my teammates for managing to stick with the process even though I was struggling. Going forward was the only thing I could do, there was no turning back. I knew in my heart I wasn’t going to go down easily. I miss her immensely, but I know she’s in a better place and I know she’s proud of the progress I’ve made. My new calling in life is to carry her through my actions. Thank you, and God Bless

My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a junior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m more than just a student. More than just an athlete. I’m a warrior that has braved the hardest trial I’ve ever undertaken. Overcoming the loss of my mother has made me stronger, resilient, and passionate about life. After college, I want to mentor the next generation of warriors through baseball. Teach them the ways of overcoming adversity, unleash their potential and show them they can achieve anything. I want to see everyone be successful and I pick people up every time they fall God Bless

As a student athlete, it can be hard to find the motivation necessary to carry out daily routines such as class, practice, homework, and workouts. For me, there are factors of motivation that are both intrinsic and extrinsic. For the intrinsic sources, the number one source comes from the sense of accomplishment during and after a task. There’s nothing that beats the feeling of when a homework assignment is done and time can be delegated to another endeavor. During practice, the feeling of achievement stems from knowing that I’m personally improving my craft. On the external side it’s more conditional, but pertinent nonetheless. I know I have to maintain my grades in order to be eligible as well as maintaining my scholarships. Knowing that the team relies on me to do my part in the classroom, in the gym, and on the field is another prominent motivator. Lastly, is the obligation I have to my mother. Before she passed in 2019, I told her that I’m going to get my degree, live my dreams, and continue to make her happy. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning and motivates me the most in all of my affairs. Thank you and God Bless

Resilience is by far the most important trait of mine and I take pride in how I’ve been able to bounce back from the most arduous experience in my entire life. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a junior at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in sports management and play for the Hornets baseball team. Over the course of my life, I’ve had a knack of beating the odds and fighting tooth and nail in order to get back to where I want to be. Baseball has taught me the importance of overcoming adversity when things don’t go my way. This was put to the ultimate test in 2019 when I lost my mother to heroin. To say I was at my worst was an understatement. For two years I battled depression, suicide, and truly felt lost for the first time in my life. After my bereavement period, I was still feeling the trauma and shock of losing the most important woman in my life. I struggled to get anything done, I dropped multiple classes, and even baseball was weighing me down. However, I managed to salvage the sinking ship that was my freshman year and battle until finals ended. The unwavering support I’ve received from my team, professors, and staff helped me get back on track. Day by day, I remind myself that I’m carrying her torch through my actions. She lived long enough to see me get into college, and I’m going to fulfill my promise to her. I will get my degree, I will make a positive impact in people’s lives, and I will make her happy. My experiences have given me a newfound appreciation for life. I remind my teammates not to take their opportunities, education, or themselves for granted. Cherish every moment and hold it close. Things come to an end. Wether it’s slow and gradual through the tests of time, or quickly and abrupt when you least expect it. I can wholeheartedly say I overcame the worst adversity in my life so far. I’ve learned to give myself more credit for my tenacity and ability to recover. Going forward, I believe I’m well equipped to deal with any other obstacles life will throw at me. If I can overcome loss, I can overcome anything. I’m forever grateful for the people who’ve helped me through this difficult time and I want to continue to inspire people that they can achieve anything. Thank you. And God Bless

Life has its moments of ups and downs. In my case, it’s been a series of falls but I’ve been blessed with having an amazing group of people in my life that continue to pick me up when I fall, and have helped me overcome the most arduous time in my life. My name is Matt Doherty. I’m a junior from Gardner, MA and currently attend Northern Vermont University Lyndon in Lyndonville, VT. I’m majoring in sports management and want to get into coaching all levels of baseball after my college tenure. In 2019, I lost my mother to heroin. She was a beautiful woman who only wanted to see people around her be successful. She meant the world to me, and still plays a significant role in my life posthumously. Her untimely passing brought me to the lowest point in my life at just 18 years old. Depression, acting out, and times where I wanted to prematurely see her again afflicted me for almost two years. I struggled to salvage the sinking ship that was my freshman year of college and managed to fight tooth and nail in order to finish what I started. It wasn’t pretty, but I managed. I also play baseball for the Hornets baseball team. My teammates are by far the most supportive individuals I’ve ever met. I garnered a lot of respect from the upperclassmen at the time, as they didn’t think I would come back after my bereavement period. However, I came back and earned my spot on the team right before COVID shut us down in early 2020. To this day, my teammates commend me for my dedication and overcoming the most unprecedented obstacle anyone my age could’ve been dealt. I also work in the athletic department on campus, in the fitness center as well as the game day crew for basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The athletic director and the facility coordinator have been nothing but wonderful to me. They know I‘ve gone through high water, and they continue to commend me for my hard work and resilience. My experiences at NVU have given me a new found appreciation for everything in life. Everyone and everything should be cherished and held close, no matter how insignificant it may seem. I want to use my experiences to make positive impacts in people’s lives, and coaching will be my best avenue. Not only do I want to coach the next generation of players, but I want to build characters and amazing young men and women who can achieve whatever they put their minds to. I also started a scholarship in my mother’s name this past summer that has over 1500 applicants. This is going to be a lifelong project that allows for me to spread my mother’s love and support by helping others with their financial burdens. I’ve come a long way since then. I’m blessed to be where I am and I’m forever grateful for the people in my life who’ve helped me when I was at worst. Thank you, and God Bless

“Things come to an end; wether it’s slow and gradual through the tests of time, or quick and abrupt when you least expect it.” This is a reminder to not taking anything in life for granted. Wether it’s education, opportunities, family, friends, or even yourself, everything in life should be cherished no matter how insignificant and minute it may seem. I remind my teammates of this all the time, that life is too short to be remiss. By capitalizing on opportunities when they present themselves, the likelihood of success is better than the ones who don’t take action. However, goals require commitment and resilience. Nothing in life is easy and requires unwavering amounts of determination, passion, and the ability to be pliable when impasses are present. Wether it’s baseball, education, or life itself, it’s imperative that we as people don’t stray from our goals and the roads we walk to achieve them. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. We should all be grateful for everyone and everything in our lives regardless of them being good, bad or indifferent. Thank you. And God bless

The legacy I want to leave behind is a message; We are all capable of achieving greatness through commitment, tenacity, and resiliency. As a junior in college, I’m blessed to be where I am today. However, it has never been an easy road to walk. The death of my mother has opened my eyes wider than they’ve ever been. My freshman year of college was a pivotal moment in my life; it was a time of change, trauma, and rebuilding myself from the ground up. I essentially had to start my journey all over again. From the end of 2019 and most of 2020, I struggled to focus on my work. Unmotivated, scared, and depressed, I felt my drive start to wither. I fell everyday, from seemingly never ending heights. The abyss felt deeper and deeper with each passing day. It took a lot of might and will to salvage what I had left, and end my freshman year on a positive uptrend. Today I’m in a better state of mind. I use my experiences to fuel my endeavors and motivate me to become the best version of myself. The biggest takeaway from my experiences was a newfound appreciation for everything and everyone in my life. It’s easy to take people, opportunities, and even yourself for granted. I remind my teammates that life is too short to dwell on regrets or make up for lost time. Even at the lowest point in my life, I still found a way. It was a dark and treacherous undertaking, but I’m still here and look forward to achieving my dreams going forward. We are capable of achieving anything we put our minds to. This is my story. This is my legacy.

As someone who’s experienced the death of a parent at an important juncture in life, it would be safe to say that this experience has changed me. During my freshman year of college in 2019, I lost my mother to a heroin overdose. She was a beautiful woman who wanted everyone she met to be happy and successful. The experience has left its fair share of trauma, but I’ve learned an important lesson in not taking anything in my life for granted no matter how minute it may seem. My new calling in life is to carry my mother’s memory through my actions. I’m living out my dream of playing college baseball and plan on getting my masters in sports management. After college, I plan on starting my coaching career and making a positive influence in people’s lives. I also have a scholarship in my mother’s name and I plan on this being a lifetime endeavor. She always made an impact, and she will be able to continue shaping lives posthumously. I remind my teammates all the time that they can’t take anything for granted. There’s no telling when anything can come to an end. Wether it’s slow and gradual through the tests of time, or quick and abrupt when you least expect it. All the better to be grateful for everything you have in life. Thank you, and God Bless

If I was ever an influential figure, I would want to spread hope; hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a brighter future, and hope for everyone to be safe, successful, and striving be the best versions of themselves. I’ve gone through multiple trials and tribulations throughout my life, I’ve learned that it’s not wise to take anything in life for granted. Wether it‘s opportunities, family, education, or even yourself, life is too short to dwell on the “what ifs” or “what could’ve beens.” It took my mother passing away during my freshman year of college to really put everything into perspective as I cherish everything that I do, from baseball to my friends and family. By taking the appropriate actions, following your dreams, and being adaptable to any unforeseen circumstances, there is hope for a better future for any and all in this world. I fall everyday, but I continue to pick myself up because I have to. There’s no other way but forward. We are all stronger than what we give ourselves credit for. Thank you, and God Bless

The one thing that drives me every day is the fact I’m on a mission; a mission to better myself as an athlete and young man, and to make my family proud. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m going to be a junior at Northern Vermont University. I’m majoring in Sports Management with the hopes of coaching and scouting for baseball and softball. As a student athlete, the passion for mastering my craft has driven me for years. That same mindset applies to all areas of life; getting 1% better and staying true to the process. Nothing is guaranteed and not everything works in our favors. I had to learn the hard way my freshman year. In 2019, I lost my mother to heroin during my first semester in college. Being 18 at the time I was completely lost, overcome by grief and mourning for months on end. I struggled to stay motivated in class and even on the baseball field. I was at the lowest of my lows, but I knew I had to persevere and not let my dream of playing college ball slip away. After a brutal fall semester, the spring came along our season started. Going down to Florida was by far the best experience I ever had. The highlight of the trip came on our first game of the season; I was the starting DH and pitched a third of an inning in my collegiate debut, all on my mom’s birthday. Hollywood couldn’t have written a script like this. On top of losing my mom, my dad came down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. As a result of this, myself along with my little brother have to contribute to rent and other bills while being full time students putting ourselves through school; a challenge I’m ready to take head on and see it through. Being dealt the worst hand nobody my age could fathom hasn’t deterred me from achieving my dreams and my goal of making my mother proud. I use it as motivation and incentive to keep going, and I know in my heart and soul she would be proud of the young man I’m growing up to be. Thank you for your time and consideration Matt Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/1966-10/8/2019

College has been the most exciting part of the life these past two years. I’ve worked extremely hard getting my educational endeavors up to where I want them ever since I lost my mom to heroin back in 2019. I finished this past semester with a 3.4 GPA; my best semester in my collegiate career. At Northern Vermont University, I play D3 baseball and we finished off a great season finishing 11-11 and barely missing playoffs. Baseball has and will always be my passion; making an impact in people’s lives through the love of sports is how I want to leave my mark in this world. I’m currently majoring in Sports Management and want to pursue coaching and scouting baseball and softball. Off the field, I love working out, writing, video games and playing guitar. Being able to express myself through a sea of outlets allows me to “escape” from myself whether it stems from stress, life, or PTSD. My biggest trait has allowed to be successful on all fronts is resiliency. Overcoming my mom’s death was by far the biggest hurdle in my life. I was only 18 at the time on my second week home from college. I grieved for a long time, overcome with depression and anguish. I struggled to cope but I also knew I couldn’t let my future and my education be derailed, no matter how much it hurt. As if that wasn’t enough, my dad came down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure from a heart attack he never knew that occurred. My mother was always my biggest inspiration as she always reassured me that I could achieve anything I put my heart and soul into. Freshman year of college was when I made my debut in Florida, first game of the season and I was the starting designated hitter and pitched in an inning on the mound. All of this on what would’ve been her 54th birthday. Hollywood couldn’t have written a script like this and it was by far the most emotional game of my life. She lived long to see me get into college, now the least I can do is see it through to the end. After my tenure at Northern Vermont, I plan to get my masters degree in sports management whilst continuing to play baseball. I want to continue to play the sport I love until I’m physically unable to. At the end of the day, I’m very happy of the progress I’ve made over this past year and a half, and I’m excited to see what the future entails. Thank you for your time and consideration Matt Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19

What is my greatest achievement to date? As a student athlete in college and a former 4 sport athlete in high school, I’ve had my fair share of successes on and off the field. However I don’t believe they carry the same weight because these successes are temporary. My “success” and “greatest achievements” are ongoing works of progress. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a sophomore at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in sports management and hope to coach and scout baseball players after my playing years are finished. The question is, “what do you think your greatest achievement to date?” My question is, what defines genuine achievement? Is it through superficial attributes like statistics or votes from your peers? A trophy or a title that embodies values like teamwork, camaraderie, and resilience? I’ve had many awards like that, but my biggest “achievement” is the fact I’m still here; in school, playing baseball, and living my life after experiencing the toughest hardship in my life back in 2019. During my first semester at NVU in 2019, I lost my mother to heroin. This was by far the most arduous time of my life as she was an amazing mother adored by my community. The aftermath struck me like a pickup truck; long states of depression, struggling academically and athletically, feeling lost and needing to fill an empty void. I acted out in the early goings, making some awful decisions I would’ve never imagined myself doing. If that wasn’t worse, my dad came down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. Before COVID, I was scared for his health and didn’t know how’d he be able to pay for treatments. Not knowing what I was doing, I stole $600 from work and was caught. I was gracefully terminated by my employers as my mother was a regular customer and they knew I was going through a hard time. This was my best case scenario, as what I did could’ve gotten me 2 years in prison. When I got back to school, I salvaged whatever work I was able to do and managed to crank out all of my finals in 8 hours time. Baseball was cut short due to COVID, but I made my collegiate debut in Florida on my mom’s birthday. She would’ve been 54 in 2020. Hollywood couldn’t write scripts like that. It was by far the most emotional game of baseball I’ve ever played. Today being Mother’s Day, I always look back on the times I’ve spent with her; her love, the impact she had on our family and our community at large, and the memories we’ve fostered throughout the years. This is my greatest achievement to date; overcoming the hardest challenge anyone my age could ever have been dealt. I faced it head on, and I’m still here. I’ve learned that resilience comes from within, living these experiences first hand and tackling and eventually overcoming them makes me stronger both physically and mentally. I was greatly affected but I carried on, no matter how much it hurt. I knew that I couldn’t let her passing derail me from school and baseball. I know in my heart she would be very proud of what I’ve accomplished and what I will accomplish in the future. After I graduate and have the resources to do so, I want to start my own scholarship fund for nursing students in my mother’s name. She was a registered nurse for 20 years and always wanted to help people. I want to carry her torch and spread her love by helping up and coming nursing students reach their dreams and ease their financial endeavors. Living through hell and overcoming it head on is, and will always be, my greatest achievement. Thank you for your time and consideration Matthew Paul Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19

Mental health is an area that should carry the same importance as physical health. My mother, God rest her soul, was a prime example of when mental health takes a turn for the worst. The aftermath still affects me today. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a sophomore at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in Sports Management and hope to coach and scout different levels of baseball in my future. During my first semester in college back in 2019, I lost my mother to heroin. This was by far the most arduous experience in my life. She was a beautiful woman who only wanted to see the people around her be happy. She had her demons that afflicted her that I can only assume led up to her death on October 8th 2019. My mother was a registered nurse for 20 years. Due to a botched back surgery, she was forced to leave the field. Suffering from permanent nerve damage, she was prescribed litanies of heavy duty pills that would only attempt to numb her pain. She was going to be in pain until she drew her last breath. Bed ridden throughout my time in middle school, she was very depressed and struggled to find a way to help herself. One of her biggest perks and ultimately her biggest flaw was that she could give the best advice from the heart to anyone who needed it; she always went out of her way to help others but failed to ask for help when the tables were turned. I almost lost her to a fentanyl overdose in 8th grade. She was sitting upright in a chair and unresponsive. My brother and I were with her and thought she was just sleeping. We tried to wake her up but she was out of it. I tried slamming a wooden block against the wall but to no avail. My dad came home and I had to help him carry her to the car and took her to the hospital. She came too, and was jovial. Greeted everyone and asked where she was. The nurses berated her as they had found two patches of fentanyl in her mouth. She was lucky she didn’t kill herself. High school was where things turned around for the better. She was a substitute teacher and was adored by all of the student body, essentially because she acted like a mother figure to 500+ students. Understanding, kind, the most influential woman I’ve met, these only scratched the surface on how she was perceived. In short, she was an idol and was loved more than the full time teachers. She won Best Substitute Teacher in 2018 and 2019 from all of the grade levels and was taken away by how much she meant to the students. College was where things took a fatal turn. On October 5th 2019, my family and I found her dead in our bathroom with a needle in her arm. My brother was on the ground next to her and my dad was on the phone with 911. Overcome by shock, all I could do was shake uncontrollably. Police, EMT’s and detectives came in and out of our apartment for the next few hours. We couldn’t believe what we witnessed. She was pronounced deceased on October 8th 2019 at 1:45 AM. My brother and I had already conceded to the fact she wasn’t going to make it days before and put our sorrow at bay to help our father. The early goings for me were a living hell; I couldn’t sleep, my mind would wander endlessly and I was crying uncontrollably for hours at a time. Through the grace of God, I was able to go back to school and finish off the semester. Freshman year was by far my worst academic year; I struggled to focus and dropped classes and assignments left and right. I was able to salvage whatever work I was able to do and cranked out my finals in 10 hours time. To this day, I still suffer from the affects of PTSD and have episodes from time to time. Seeing families together pinches a few nerves, and holidays aren’t the same. However, I realize I need to be in the present moment and channel my energy into whatever task is at hand. This has helped me finish my sophomore year on a great note. Up keeping mental health is imperative for success in the present moment and in the future. I’ve been dealt one of the worst hands a young man my age could ever experience and I take solace in the fact that I’m still here and carrying her torch through my work and sports. My teammates, family, and friends have always been there for me since the ordeal and I’m able to turn to them whenever I feel an episode is about to unfold. Asking for help and communication with the people you love around you can make such a positive impact. I only wish my mother could’ve heeded that same message. Thank you for your time and consideration Matthew Paul Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19

Losing someone you love more than anything else in the world was something I never thought I’d have to experience during my life. I was met with a painful wake up call that it can happen to anyone on October 5th, 2019 when my family and I found our mother, Deborah Doherty, unresponsive with a needle in her arm. She died 3 days after from a heroin overdose. Only 53 years old leaving behind 2 sons (myself now 20, and Daniel, 17 turning 18 this July) and our loving father, Paul. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a sophomore at Norhern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in sports management with a focus on coaching and scouting. I currently play baseball for my college team, and the first child in my family on pace to get a degree. My mother was a beautiful woman who only wanted to see everyone around her be happy. A jovial spirit, a big heart, and enough love to go around. She treated everyone around her like they were one of her own kids and part of her family. She was a registered nurse of 20 years and a substitute teacher at my high school. She was adored by the student body for her personality and how she connected with students right off the bat. I remember during my senior year I was with her during a free block and she would listen to students’ stories and offer advice; acting like a mother figure to hundreds of students every day she was able to step foot though the door The tables took an unfortunate turn when I started college. I was home for the second time when there was a commotion in the bathroom; I race to see my my brother on the ground losing his mind and my dad on the phone with 911. I was stunned at what I saw and all I could do was shake violently. Police and EMT’s were coming in and out of our apartment and it was a nightmare. The day before she was prounounced deceased, I remember holding her hand. She was comatosed and unresponsive. Choking back tears I told her, “Mom, I’m going to make you proud. I promise.” She died at 1:45 AM on October 8th 2019, 3 days before my dad’s 57th birthday. I remember him getting the phone call, and he walked into my room. Still on the phone and in a half-asleep state he asked me, “where’s mom?” It wasn’t even a second later, he had finally realized what the doctor had said. The aftermath was very tough. Not long after her passing, my dad came down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. Grief struck me for weeks, and turned into months. Classes were excruciating, but I realized that I couldn’t let her passing derail me from my tasks at hand. I salvaged whatever work I was able to do, and managed to get my finals done in one day. Baseball was cut short due to COVID in 2020, but I made my collegiate debut on her birthday, February 23, on our season opener in Florida. Hollywood couldn’t write a script like that. It was by far the most emotional game I’ve ever played in my life. Looking back over that year and a half, I’ve learned a lot from her, even posthumously. I learned true resilience, mental fortitude, and prioritizing what needs to be done, even if I’m not at my best. I aim to carry her through my actions; getting my masters degree, continuing to play baseball, make positive impacts in people’s lives, and one day make a scholarship fund for nursing students in her name. Even in death, I know she is still with me and looking over me. Love is unconditional, honest and truly. She was and always will be my biggest inspiration. I will achieve my dreams and continue to make her proud. Thank you for your time and consideration. And I’m sorry for your losses. May the Lord bless you and your family Matthew Paul Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com -In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19

This ride called life has been the craziest experience I’ve ever partaken in. As a baseball player and college student, dreaming big is a prerequisite for success. My “everything” is the future. My future. My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a sophomore at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. I’m majoring in business administration with a focus on sports management in regards to coaching and scouting baseball. Baseball has and will always be a vital part of my life, but to say baseball is my everything is misleading because there are more pertinent factors that play here. Off the field I love to play guitar, sing, but I love writing and poetry; being able to express myself with no restrictions, no boundaries and no conditions. This is my story. I’ve had to face and overcome the worst adversity someone my age could ever imagine. In 2019 during my first semester in college, I lost my mother to heroin at the age of 53. A beautiful woman full of love and life, only wanted to see the best out of everyone. She leaves behind two sons, myself of 20 years and my little brother, Daniel who turns 18 this July, as well as my father; a man who works hard to provide, a man who’s stubbornness and resilience are admirable. Not long after her passing, he comes down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. 18 years old at the time; just trying to figure everything out, now forced to grow up rather abruptly. The tides have turned and I have a new calling; a new calling while the avenue remains the same. I dedicate my education and my experiences to my dear mother, I plan to carry her torch through my actions; getting my masters, playing baseball, and living my life the way would’ve always wanted. Not taking a day for granted, to continue to learn from the mistakes I make, the lessons, and utilizing them constructively to better myself as a young man is truly my goal, my collective, my “everything” Thank you for your time and consideration Matthew Paul Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com -in loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19 Walking the Lonesome Road Countless days, endless nights Running, pacing, wandering, fighting, keeping my demons at bay A light at the end of the tunnel, too distant to fathom, but never been led astray Unconditional love, peripheral views, gazing into the abyss Torches a-bright, a beautiful sight, overcome by a radiant bliss Deliver me; from evil, my sorrows, my fears, my doubts, my thoughts, my feelings, my floods, my droughts, please save me from myself Forged from scrap, fueled by fire, passion continues to rage Through blood and sweat and tears and joy, the foundation of setting the stage As I walk along this lonesome road, I’m met with a haunting voice “I am always here to guide you” It is then I finally rejoice

My name is Matt Doherty and I’m a sophomore at Northern Vermont University Lyndon. As a college student, I know first hand of the day-to-day struggles; balancing life, classes, health, baseball, the whole nine yards. However, I have had to dedicate my education and my life to a new calling. A circumstance nobody my age (or any age) should ever have to deal with. I will not fall, I will not falter, and I will not let anyone or anything impede me in achieving my goals. During my first semester in college in 2019, I lost my mother, Deborah, to heroin at the age of 53. She left behind two sons, myself of 20 years and my little brother, Daniel, who will be 18 this July, and my father, Paul who will be 58 this October. She was a beautiful woman who touched the hearts of my home community in Gardner, MA. She was a registered nurse of 20 years but a botched back surgery and nerve pain forced her out of practice. During my tenure at high school, she was a substitute teacher and was adored by every student. Approachable, relatable, a true mother figure, someone who cares about the wellbeing of students outside of the classroom, this only scratches the surface of how she was perceived by the student body. She was an amazing mother who went above and beyond for her family even when she wasn’t at her best. I’ve learned a great deal from my mother, even posthumously. I’ve learned how to be resilient and overcome any adversity levied at me. Of course, I have my moments where I think about her, how much I miss her, and how I wish she was here to witness all that I have accomplished and will accomplish in the future. However, I know in my heart that I overcame the biggest fear of my life and I’m a better man because of it. She would’ve been proud. I plan on getting my masters in business administration with a focus in sports management relating to coaching and scouting for baseball. Due to the effects of COVID 19, I also plan on continuing my baseball career with whatever athletic eligibility I have accrued in the future. My mother has always been instrumental in reassuring me that I can achieve anything I put my heart and soul into. I plan to make it so and I will continue to carry her torch through my actions in the classroom, on the field, and in my life going forward. She lived to see me get into college, the least I can do is work hard and earn my degree for her. I will be the first in my family to get a college degree. Sometime after I get my degree, I want to create a memorial scholarship fund in her name for nursing students. I’ve had to overcome a lot obstacles in the aftermath of her passing; PTSD, anxiety, the need to fill a void, and then some. My dad came down with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure not long afterwards. I was only 18 at the time, and I was forced to grow up rather abruptly in the most unorthodox way imaginable. As I look back to the day she first went under, I remember holding her hand in the hospital, she was comatosed and unresponsive. Choking back tears, I told her, “Mom, I’m going to make you proud. I promise.” Thank you for your time and consideration. -Matthew Paul Doherty mattdoherty17@mail.com In loving memory of Deborah Dupuis Doherty 2/23/66-10/8/19