As a recovering addict who just celebrated one year clean on 10-15-2024, I am looking to further my education by pursuing a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on substance use disorder. I want to make an impact by helping the community that gave me my life back. Any scholarship will help me achieve my goal of guiding others out of the darkness of addiction, just as I was guided about one year ago. My journey in recovery has been a blessing, and I believe every addict deserves the chance to get clean and live a life of recovery. In the early stages of my addiction, I thought that I was just having fun. But as time went on, and my tolerance got higher I found that I was no longer enjoying it, but using it to mask pain . By the time I was six months into being a fentanyl addict withdrawals were horribly debilitating . I got clean multiple times over the three year period of My experience with addiction . Went to a lot of NA meetings and unfortunately a couple overdoses . I experienced relapse after relapse before I made recovery my number one priority. I used to think that family always had to come first, or money, or even happiness. But through my recent experience in treatment and this past year of clarity from all substances, I have realized that by making recovery the one thing I must focus on each day, all those other aspects of life are well taken care of. I am living proof that addicts can recover, and I truly believe there is nothing more powerful than one addict helping another. I have many friends that went to treatment with me at the Harvest Farm new life program up in Wellington Colorado, who have since gone back on the path of addiction, unfortunately, and until all of my brothers that I was there with, and every addict in the world is clean my passion for helping others get the results that I had through community guidance and faith Will not falter . There are many ways to look at getting clean, but I think that the most powerful is that there is no Parallel to one attic, helping another . The addict who still suffers can relate to the addict in recovery better than anyone else. One day at a time, clean and serene, no matter what. I choose to make recovery my priority until there are no more addicts suffering and no more lives lost to the disease of addiction. Thank you. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryFirst

As a recovering addict who just celebrated one year clean on 10-15-2024, I am looking to further my education by pursuing a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on substance use disorder. I want to make an impact by helping the community that gave me my life back. Any scholarship will help me achieve my goal of guiding others out of the darkness of addiction, just as I was guided about one year ago. My journey in recovery has been a blessing, and I believe every addict deserves the chance to get clean and live a life of recovery. In the early stages of my addiction, I thought that I was just having fun. But as time went on, and my tolerance got higher I found that I was no longer enjoying it, but using it to mask pain . By the time I was six months into being a fentanyl addict withdrawals were horribly debilitating . I got clean multiple times over the three year period of My experience with addiction . Went to a lot of NA meetings and unfortunately a couple overdoses . I experienced relapse after relapse before I made recovery my number one priority. I used to think that family always had to come first, or money, or even happiness. But through my recent experience in treatment and this past year of clarity from all substances, I have realized that by making recovery the one thing I must focus on each day, all those other aspects of life are well taken care of. I am living proof that addicts can recover, and I truly believe there is nothing more powerful than one addict helping another. I have many friends that went to treatment with me at the Harvest Farm new life program up in Wellington Colorado, who have since gone back on the path of addiction, unfortunately, and until all of my brothers that I was there with, and every addict in the world is clean my passion for helping others get the results that I had through community guidance and faith Will not falter . There are many ways to look at getting clean, but I think that the most powerful is that there is no Parallel to one attic, helping another . The addict who still suffers can relate to the addict in recovery better than anyone else. One day at a time, clean and serene, no matter what. I choose to make recovery my priority until there are no more addicts suffering and no more lives lost to the disease of addiction. Thank you. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryFirst

As a recovering addict who just celebrated one year clean on 10-15-2024, I am looking to further my education by pursuing a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on substance use disorder. I want to make an impact by helping the community that gave me my life back. Any scholarship will help me achieve my goal of guiding others out of the darkness of addiction, just as I was guided about one year ago. My journey in recovery has been a blessing, and I believe every addict deserves the chance to get clean and live a life of recovery. In the early stages of my addiction, I thought that I was just having fun. But as time went on, and my tolerance got higher I found that I was no longer enjoying it, but using it to mask pain . By the time I was six months into being a fentanyl addict withdrawals were horribly debilitating . I got clean multiple times over the three year period of My experience with addiction . Went to a lot of NA meetings and unfortunately a couple overdoses . I experienced relapse after relapse before I made recovery my number one priority. I used to think that family always had to come first, or money, or even happiness. But through my recent experience in treatment and this past year of clarity from all substances, I have realized that by making recovery the one thing I must focus on each day, all those other aspects of life are well taken care of. I am living proof that addicts can recover, and I truly believe there is nothing more powerful than one addict helping another. I have many friends that went to treatment with me at the Harvest Farm new life program up in Wellington Colorado, who have since gone back on the path of addiction, unfortunately, and until all of my brothers that I was there with, and every addict in the world is clean my passion for helping others get the results that I had through community guidance and faith Will not falter . There are many ways to look at getting clean, but I think that the most powerful is that there is no Parallel to one attic, helping another . The addict who still suffers can relate to the addict in recovery better than anyone else. One day at a time, clean and serene, no matter what. I choose to make recovery my priority until there are no more addicts suffering and no more lives lost to the disease of addiction. Thank you. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryFirst

As a student pursuing a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on substance use disorder, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in mental health begins long before earning a degree. Mental health challenges affect millions of people worldwide, and as students, we have the unique position of learning foundational knowledge while actively engaging with communities to create change. By leveraging my education, lived experiences, and passion for helping others, I can contribute to mental health advocacy, awareness, and support, starting today. One of the most impactful ways to influence mental health as a student is by raising awareness. Misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental illness prevent many individuals from seeking the help they need. As someone in recovery and familiar with the challenges of addiction, I have the credibility and empathy to speak out about these issues. I can use platforms like social media, community events, or student organizations to share accurate information about substance use disorders and mental health, dispelling myths and encouraging open, judgment-free conversations. Another essential way to make a difference is by fostering a sense of community. Many people facing mental health struggles feel isolated. As a student, I can help create inclusive environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. This might involve starting a peer support group, organizing campus-wide mental health days, or volunteering with local organizations that provide services for people struggling with mental health challenges. These initiatives create safe spaces for people to connect and share experiences, which is often the first step toward healing. Education and advocacy go hand in hand. The knowledge I gain in behavioral science courses can equip me to advocate for evidence-based approaches to mental health care. For instance, I can participate in advocacy campaigns or collaborate with local policymakers to promote access to affordable treatment options, including therapy and rehabilitation programs. By combining my academic studies with real-world application, I can bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that my efforts are informed and effective. Additionally, my personal journey as a recovering addict provides a unique perspective that can inspire and empower others. Sharing my story of resilience and transformation can show people that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This vulnerability not only breaks down stigma but also creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to share their experiences and seek support. Finally, continuous learning and self-care are crucial. To be an effective advocate and future professional in mental health, I must prioritize my own well-being. Attending workshops, staying updated on research, and practicing self-care ensure that I remain balanced and prepared to support others. It is also essential to collaborate with peers and mentors, learning from their experiences and building a strong support network. Making an impact in mental health as a student is about action, empathy, and education. By combining my academic pursuits, lived experiences, and passion for advocacy, I can contribute to a more compassionate and informed society. The journey begins now, and every step I take today lays the foundation for a future where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported.

YOUR APPLICATION Growing up I Heard the term Manic-depression my entire childhood, my uncle guy got diagnosed with it two years before I was born ... But I didn't REALLY understand what that meant for real. That is, until.... August 2019, six months after my second daughter was born I learned what it would mean to me. As a "teen-dad" at 17 and single father by 18, I did a lot of no sleeping from the time adulthood started. But this felt different. And abnormal. You see it seemed that every 25 Days or so I couldn't sleep. Literally would not get tired. Staying awake all night and the next day feeling like I could go run a marathon. Then night 2 would come, and pass and I'm Still marathon ready! Night Three and four I might yawn a couple times, but I was never tired enough to want to even attempt to go to sleep. But then, like always... the dreadful "nightmare" Day five would come. That's when the hallucinations would start. I'd literally be so tired that my eyes would burn as if somebody were holding a match to them while I'm simply sitting still. And while I could feel the exhaustion at that point and didn't think I could stand, sleep still eluded me. That's when I decided August of 2019 during Manic episode number 8 of the year, to walk into a psychiatrist's office. The ninth medical professional I had seen regarding these episodes that I thought were "just insomnia". So there I explain to the unknown lady across the desk from me, about my experiences and concerns to quickly have her conclude what 8 other doctors since January, couldnt figure out. "Michael you are text book bipolar" 6 Words that now validated the struggles I'd had. I had finally decided to "man up" And go see a doctor for something that's been bothering me my whole life.. I wish I could say Bipolar never came to haunt me again over the last five years, but unfortunately it had some profound occurrences after my diagnosis day It was used as a "main factor" In the end of my 4-1/2 year relationship that included two children, all because it was " Too hard to deal with, and isn't something they signed up for" It also helped determine a lot of choices made and factors that led me down an almost 3 year addiction to fentanyl. I'm proud to have just celebrated one year clean on 10/15/2024. That journey started by taking control of my bipolar disorder. It helped guide me into a life of staying clean where I'm hoping to start a career in recovery as well. I'm much more empathetic with people addicted to substances or homeless. To give back , I have decided that a bachelor degree of behavioral science with an emphasis on substance abuse disorder is next , So I can give back and help end the stigma. Today, I'm in the most healthy fulfilling relationship, with somebody who is understanding about my past addiction, Mental Health and recovery. My kids have A present father, who will do anything for them and who is just grateful that he has a second chance to show them no matter how low you feel there's a light at the end. That even in the darkest moments of your life you can climb out to the light. Once I decided that my mental health would no longer bind me from succeeding, but would determine how I would prosper. I found my true calling

Growing up I Heard the term Manic-depression my entire childhood, my uncle guy got diagnosed with it two years before I was born ... But I didn't REALLY understand what that meant for real. That is, until.... August 2019, six months after my second daughter was born I learned what it would mean to me. As a "teen-dad" at 17 and single father by 18, I did a lot of no sleeping from the time adulthood started. But this felt different. And abnormal. You see it seemed that every 25 Days or so I couldn't sleep. Literally would not get tired. Staying awake all night and the next day feeling like I could go run a marathon. Then night 2 would come, and pass and I'm Still marathon ready! Night Three and four I might yawn a couple times, but I was never tired enough to want to even attempt to go to sleep. But then, like always... the dreadful "nightmare" Day five would come. That's when the hallucinations would start. I'd literally be so tired that my eyes would burn as if somebody were holding a match to them while I'm simply sitting still. And while I could feel the exhaustion at that point and didn't think I could stand, sleep still eluded me. That's when I decided August of 2019 during Manic episode number 8 of the year, to walk into a psychiatrist's office. The ninth medical professional I had seen regarding these episodes that I thought were "just insomnia". So there I explain to the unknown lady across the desk from me, about my experiences and concerns to quickly have her conclude what 8 other doctors since January, couldnt figure out. "Michael you are text book bipolar" 6 Words that now validated the struggles I'd had. I had finally decided to "man up" And go see a doctor for something that's been bothering me my whole life.. I wish I could say Bipolar never came to haunt me again over the last five years, but unfortunately it had some profound occurrences after my diagnosis day It was used as a "main factor" In the end of my 4-1/2 year relationship that included two children, all because it was " Too hard to deal with, and isn't something they signed up for" It also helped determine a lot of choices made and factors that led me down an almost 3 year addiction to fentanyl. I'm proud to have just celebrated one year clean on 10/15/2024. That journey started by taking control of my bipolar disorder. It helped guide me into a life of staying clean where I'm hoping to start a career in recovery as well. I'm much m more empathetic with people addicted to substances or homeless. To give back , I have decided that a bachelor degree of behavioral science with an emphasis on substance abuse disorder is next , So I can give back and help end the stigma. Today, I'm in the most healthy fulfilling relationship, with somebody who is understanding about my past addiction, Mental Health and recovery. My kids have A present father, who will do anything for them and who is just grateful that he has a second chance to show them no matter how low you feel there's a light at the end. That even in the darkest moments of your life you can climb out to the light. Once I decided that my mental health would no longer bind me from succeeding, but would determine how I would prosper. I found my true calling

Funny story... I have an uncle. His names also kinda funny. It's Guy..... just Guy ..... I used to think he chose his name because it was too hard to remember another one, when I was a kid. Yet he always remembered my name, "Michael." So To me, he's "uncle Guy-cle" I Heard the term Manic-depression my entire childhood, And uncle guy seemed to have way more time than anybody else in the world to do nothing. I mean sure He went to the hospital sometimes because of said "Manic-depression" But I didn't REALLY understand what that meant for real. That is, until.... August 2019, six months after my second daughter was born I learned what it would mean to me. As a "teen-dad" at 17 and single father by 18, I did a lot of no sleeping from the time adulthood started. But this felt different. And abnormal. You see it seemed that every 25 Days or so I couldn't sleep. Literally would not get tired. Staying awake all night and the next day feeling like I could go run a marathon. Then night 2 would come, and pass and I'm Still marathon ready! Night Three and four I might yawn a couple times, but I was never tired enough to want to even attempt to go to sleep. But then, like always... the dreadful "nightmare" Day five would come. That's when the hallucinations would start. I'd literally be so tired that my eyes would burn as if somebody were holding a match to them while I'm simply sitting still. And while I could feel the exhaustion at that point and didn't think I could stand, sleep still eluded me. That's when I decided August of 2019 during Manic episode number 8 of the year, to walk into a psychiatrist's office. The ninth medical professional I had seen regarding these episodes that I thought were "just insomnia". So there I explain to the unknown lady across the desk from me, about my experiences and concerns to quickly have her conclude what 8 other doctors since January, couldnt figure out. "Michael you are text book bipolar" 6 Words that now validated the struggles I'd had... but still then , I was unaware that bipolar and manic depression were the same thing. There's just two different names for the exact same diagnosis. I didn't know that I was a lot like uncle Guy. That I was connected to him by a disorder that'd never been seen in our family prior to him. yet affects 2 In the same lifetime! Funny part is, now I feel and recognize all the things that are caused by my bipolar disorder. They were there my entire life..... then how was I two months shy of turning 31 years old? I never went and got help for the things that bothered me for all of those years. Things that were treatable, by a doctor in a way that would make my life more enjoyable. And all Because of a stigma that says that men should "suck it up". And hallucinating five days without sleep and negatively affecting every single relationship whether I played stranger, father, partner , son, coworker or friend, and unknowingly and unwillingly gaining ability to isolate Preparing me for the pandemic that would be coming in about six short months from my diagnosis day. I had finally decided to "man up" And go see a doctor for something that's been bothering me my whole life. I got closer with my uncle guy than I ever was before over the next few months. I mean sure, there were still times when his 35 phone calls in a day, or seeing that out of 150 voicemails, 149 of them are from him to which I could tend to get frustrated, annoyed or even angry But thinking back to those times before my diagnosis, I'd remind myself to be grateful that I still have the ability to work through my disorder whereas his being so severe, he doesn't have that option. I wish I could say Bipolar never came to haunt me again over the last five years, but unfortunately it significantly did. It was used as a "main factor" In the end of my 4-1/2 year relationship that included two children, all because it was " Too hard to deal with, and isn't something they signed up for" It also helped determine a lot of choices made and factors that led me down an almost 3 year addiction to fentanyl. Now while I only spent seven months total in active addiction and having just celebrated one year clean on 10/15/2024. That journey started by taking control of my bipolar disorder. It helped guide me into a life of staying clean where I'm hoping to start a career in recovery as well. I'm much m more empathetic with people addicted to substances or homeless. The program I went to called " A new life program at Harvest Farm" focuses on three main struggles in society, which are homelessness, addiction, and mental health. I got to spend 9 months with men who never took care of their mental health or other issues we face in society where it's not "manly" to seek help. Since I graduated the farm program, I have decided that a bachelor degree of behavioral science with an emphasis on substance abuse disorder is next , So I can give back and help end the stigma. Today, I'm in the most healthy fulfilling relationship, with somebody who is understanding about my past addiction, Mental Health and recovery. My kids have A present father, who will do anything for them and who is just grateful that he has a second chance to show them no matter how low you feel there's a light at the end. That even in the darkest moments of your life you can climb out to the light. Thanks for That lesson uncle Guy-cle. I'm always grateful for you. Love Michael

Funny story... I have an uncle. His names also kinda funny. It's Guy..... just Guy ..... I used to think he chose his name because it was too hard to remember another one, when I was a kid. Yet he always remembered my name, "Michael." So To me, he's "uncle Guy-cle" I Heard the term Manic-depression my entire childhood, And uncle guy seemed to have way more time than anybody else in the world to do nothing. I mean sure He went to the hospital sometimes because of said "Manic-depression" But I didn't REALLY understand what that meant for real. That is, until.... August 2019, six months after my second daughter was born I learned what it would mean to me. As a "teen-dad" at 17 and single father by 18, I did a lot of no sleeping from the time adulthood started. But this felt different. And abnormal. You see it seemed that every 25 Days or so I couldn't sleep. Literally would not get tired. Staying awake all night and the next day feeling like I could go run a marathon. Then night 2 would come, and pass and I'm Still marathon ready! Night Three and four I might yawn a couple times, but I was never tired enough to want to even attempt to go to sleep. But then, like always... the dreadful "nightmare" Day five would come. That's when the hallucinations would start. I'd literally be so tired that my eyes would burn as if somebody were holding a match to them while I'm simply sitting still. And while I could feel the exhaustion at that point and didn't think I could stand, sleep still eluded me. That's when I decided August of 2019 during Manic episode number 8 of the year, to walk into a psychiatrist's office. The ninth medical professional I had seen regarding these episodes that I thought were "just insomnia". So there I explain to the unknown lady across the desk from me, about my experiences and concerns to quickly have her conclude what 8 other doctors since January, couldnt figure out. "Michael you are text book bipolar" 6 Words that now validated the struggles I'd had... but still then , I was unaware that bipolar and manic depression were the same thing. There's just two different names for the exact same diagnosis. I didn't know that I was a lot like uncle Guy. That I was connected to him by a disorder that'd never been seen in our family prior to him. yet affects 2 In the same lifetime! Funny part is, now I feel and recognize all the things that are caused by my bipolar disorder. They were there my entire life..... then how was I two months shy of turning 31 years old? I never went and got help for the things that bothered me for all of those years. Things that were treatable, by a doctor in a way that would make my life more enjoyable. And all Because of a stigma that says that men should "suck it up". And hallucinating five days without sleep and negatively affecting every single relationship whether I played stranger, father, partner , son, coworker or friend, and unknowingly and unwillingly gaining ability to isolate Preparing me for the pandemic that would be coming in about six short months from my diagnosis day. I had finally decided to "man up" And go see a doctor for something that's been bothering me my whole life. I got closer with my uncle guy than I ever was before over the next few months. I mean sure, there were still times when his 35 phone calls in a day, or seeing that out of 150 voicemails, 149 of them are from him to which I could tend to get frustrated, annoyed or even angry But thinking back to those times before my diagnosis, I'd remind myself to be grateful that I still have the ability to work through my disorder whereas his being so severe, he doesn't have that option. I wish I could say Bipolar never came to haunt me again over the last five years, but unfortunately it significantly did. It was used as a "main factor" In the end of my 4-1/2 year relationship that included two children, all because it was " Too hard to deal with, and isn't something they signed up for" It also helped determine a lot of choices made and factors that led me down an almost 3 year addiction to fentanyl. Now while I only spent seven months total in active addiction and having just celebrated one year clean on 10/15/2024. That journey started by taking control of my bipolar disorder. It helped guide me into a life of staying clean where I'm hoping to start a career in recovery as well. I'm much m more empathetic with people addicted to substances or homeless. The program I went to called " A new life program at Harvest Farm" focuses on three main struggles in society, which are homelessness, addiction, and mental health. I got to spend 9 months with men who never took care of their mental health or other issues we face in society where it's not "manly" to seek help. Since I graduated the farm program, I have decided that a bachelor degree of behavioral science with an emphasis on substance abuse disorder is next , So I can give back and help end the stigma. Today, I'm in the most healthy fulfilling relationship, with somebody who is understanding about my past addiction, Mental Health and recovery. My kids have A present father, who will do anything for them and who is just grateful that he has a second chance to show them no matter how low you feel there's a light at the end. That even in the darkest moments of your life you can climb out to the light. Thanks for That lesson uncle Guy-cle. I'm always grateful for you. Love Michael

As a recovering addict who just celebrated one year clean on 10-15-2024, I am looking to further my education by pursuing a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis on substance use disorder. I want to make an impact by helping the community that gave me my life back. Any scholarship will help me achieve my goal of guiding others out of the darkness of addiction, just as I was guided about one year ago. My journey in recovery has been a blessing, and I believe every addict deserves the chance to get clean and live a life of recovery. I experienced relapse after relapse before I made recovery my number one priority. I used to think that family always had to come first, or money, or even happiness. But through my recent experience in treatment and this past year of clarity from all substances, I have realized that by making recovery the one thing I must focus on each day, all those other aspects of life are well taken care of. I am living proof that addicts can recover, and I truly believe there is nothing more powerful than one addict helping another. The addict who still suffers can relate to the addict in recovery better than anyone else. One day at a time, clean and serene, no matter what. I choose to make recovery my priority until there are no more addicts suffering and no more lives lost to the disease of addiction. Thank you. #WeDoRecover #RecoveryFirst