Michelle Deputy
1,755
Bold Points2x
FinalistMichelle Deputy
1,755
Bold Points2x
FinalistBio
After becoming disabled at 17 due to an incurable neurological disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), my life completely changed. CRPS has a jarring nickname - "The Suicide Disease" - however, it accurately describes the debilitating pain I have lived with and continue to fight. While I still need monthly medical infusions, I am finally managing my pain after over 15 years. Due to experiencing our healthcare system first hand, I decided to pursue my graduate degree in Social Work. My current field placement is at the Crisis Text Line. Ultimately, I want to help people get through the hardest parts of their lives, in the same way other mental health professionals have supported me. I want to show people that they are more than just their disability or mental disorder. ---------------------------------------------
Check out this 5-minute video of me explaining more: https://youtu.be/7GoGsMZwfc4?si=15ENyXr5-5O4hFTg
Education
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Master's degree programMajors:
- Social Work
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Social Work
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Marketing
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Career
Dream career field:
Civic & Social Organization
Dream career goals:
Licensed Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Public services
Volunteering
Crisis Text Line — Crisis Counselor2023 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
NYT Connections Fan Scholarship
My mom, my boyfriend, and I have a group chat, where we share our Connections score everyday (plus Wordle and the Mini). I am proud to say that out of the three, I am the Connections champ. I appreciate that the game is a fun and challenging brain exercise. I enjoy playing Connections when I need a break from studying or working in my field placement at the Crisis Text Line. Here's my attempt...
Formation Lane Serves Spaghetti
Summer Coral Peach Commit
Déjà vu Zucchini Countdown Butternut
Tangerine Irreplaceable Jog Pumpkin
Shades of orange- Pumpkin, Peach, Tangerine, Coral
Squash- Zucchini, Butternut, Summer, Spaghetti
Beyoncé Songs- Irreplaceable, Countdown, Formation, Déjà vu
Memory- Jog, Commit, Serves, Lane
At 17, my life changed unexpectedly when I fractured my foot while dancing with my family. This led to a gradual decline in mobility and excruciating pain. After years of searching, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder known for intense physical agony. CRPS is nicknamed "The Suicide Disease" due to its incurable nature and the intense pain that drives many to take their lives.
Despite CRPS, I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Sadly, I only worked for 29 days before becoming completely immobile.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents. Bedridden for about seven years, every moment was filled with agonizing pain. Simple tasks like showering or cooking became nearly impossible, and I lost all independence. I tried countless treatments, therapies, and medications, only gaining long hospital stays, large bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Five years ago, I met my current neurologist. I had lost all hope of improvement, but to my surprise, their new treatments began to relieve my pain. Maintaining this progress requires at least three days of medical infusions each month, consisting of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, insurance companies label this treatment "experimental," forcing me to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion. This doesn't include other medical costs like transportation and medication.
Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, each treatment takes a significant emotional and mental toll. Reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I'm blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends, but financial difficulties persist in covering medical bills and living costs. Social workers have been lifesavers, and I want to help others similarly. This scholarship would greatly help me pay for tuition, and I hope you'll consider my application. Thank you.
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
So You Want to Be a Mental Health Professional Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Autumn Davis Memorial Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Dwight "The Professor" Baldwin Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Candi L. Oree Leadership Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
My current filed placement is at the Crisis Text Line, where I have supported over 500 texters. Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the darkness from the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Dr. G. Yvette Pegues Disability Scholarship
In 2007, at the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense physical agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. Trying to shower or make dinner became an almost impossible task and I lost all sense of independence. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained long stays at medical facilities, hefty bills, and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
When I met my current neurologist about five years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. However, to my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at minimum, three days of medical infusions each month. These infusions consist of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium. However, health insurance companies label the treatment as “experimental”, forcing me to pay several hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for each infusion just to stay alive. This does not include other costs related to the medical necessities like transportation and prescription medication. Moreover, since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, there is a huge emotional and mental toll with each treatment. Fully reintegrating into my life can take days, further limiting my ability to live and work.
I have been blessed that I have such a strong community of family and friends that supports me, but there are absolutely financial difficulties in finding help paying for medical bills, as well as the general cost of living. Social workers have saved my life, and I want to help others in the same way. This scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity to help me pay for tuition, and I hope you consider my application. Thank you.
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
At the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. I tried every possible treatment, experimental-treatment, medication, diet, physical therapy, electrotherapy, and infusion available. Unfortunately, I only gained hefty medical bills and trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
When I met my neurologist years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. To my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at least three-monthly medical infusions, consisting of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium.
Seventeen years have passed since I broke my foot, and it continues to astonish me that I not only survived but am now actively pursuing a master's degree in social work. I acknowledge my privilege and that my journey would not have been possible without my invaluable support system, health insurance, and access to healthcare professionals, therapists, and medication. Those people saved me from the darkness.
As I successfully gained control over my pain management, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping those in need. I decided that I could best utilize my education and life-experiences by earning a master’s in social work. The diverse array of roles within the field, encompassing therapy, community advocacy, and involvement in legislative initiatives, resonates with my passion and commitment to helping others.
I am currently in my field placement at the Crisis Text Line, serving as a trained crisis counselor. Over the course of more than 175 hours, I've assisted over 250 texters in crisis. Some conversations become emotionally taxing, particularly when the texter is deemed high-risk, posing a potential threat to themselves or others, thus leading to the dispatch of emergency medical services. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to support individuals at their lowest points and potentially help in guiding them towards safety. I find profound satisfaction in conversations where texters feel genuinely heard without the weight of being a burden. Every person deserves a safe space to explore their emotions without judgement, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to creating that space for someone in need.
Diverse Abilities Scholarship
At the age of 17, my life took an unexpected turn when I fractured my foot while dancing in the kitchen with my family. Subsequently, I experienced a gradual deterioration in mobility, accompanied by excruciating, debilitating pain. After years of seeking answers, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a neurological disorder notorious for its intense agony. The nickname for CRPS is jarring – “The Suicide Disease”. However, the nickname illustrates that CRPS, which has no cure, creates such intense pain that many people take their lives. Despite the absence of a cure for CRPS, I managed to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a business degree, a 3.75 GPA, and a promising job offer. Regrettably, I could only work for 29 days before complete immobility set in.
I went from being ready to take on the world to moving back in with my parents, which marked a stark contrast in my life. Bedridden for approximately seven years, every waking moment became a nightmare of agonizing pain. I tried every possible treatment or experimental-treatment available, and only gained trauma in the form of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
When I met my neurologist years ago, I had lost all hope in getting better and accepted that my physical health would continue to deteriorate. To my utter shock, the new treatments provided by my neurologist began to bring me relief from the pain. Sustaining my progress and managing my pain requires a regimen of at least three-monthly medical infusions, consisting of ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium.
Seventeen years have passed since I broke my foot, and it continues to astonish me that I not only survived but am now actively pursuing a master's degree in social work. As I successfully gained control over my pain management, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping those in need. I decided that I could best utilize my education and life-experiences by earning a master’s in social work. The diverse array of roles within the field, encompassing therapy, community advocacy, and involvement in legislative initiatives, resonates with my passion and commitment to helping others.
I am currently in my field placement at the Crisis Text Line, serving as a trained crisis counselor. Over the course of more than 175 hours, I've assisted over 250 texters in crisis. Some conversations become emotionally taxing, particularly when the texter is deemed high-risk, posing a potential threat to themselves or others, thus leading to the dispatch of emergency medical services. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to support individuals at their lowest points and potentially help in guiding them towards safety. I find profound satisfaction in conversations where texters feel genuinely heard without the weight of being a burden. Every person deserves a safe space to explore their emotions without judgement, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to creating that space for someone in need.
Upon graduation, I eagerly anticipate opportunities to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Following the successful completion of the Licensed Social Worker exam, my aspiration is to further my education and attain the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This step will enable me to broaden the scope of groups with whom I can collaborate. The profound journey of overcoming immense pain and reclaiming my life has instilled in me an extraordinary drive and determination to serve those in need. I find beauty in transforming the negative experiences I've endured into a radiant light in the darkness.