I will make a positive impact in the field education as a school psychologist. I will not only be focused on the grow of students with disabilities but I will also be focused on the growth of all the children within the school that I work in after graduate school. I want to implement new ways of supporting students to help them grow and be the best versions of themselves. More importantly I want children and students and parents to know that schools should be a safe place, a protected environment in which they can learn, make meaningful relationships and have fun. My impact on education may not be directly hands on in a classroom but I can’t wait for the day that I can make a positive change for the students and the schools that I’ll work with in the future.

I am a sophomore at western New England University, working towards my undergraduate degree in psychology. Following graduation I plan on attending graduate school to earn a masters degree and certifications in school psychology. I have always known that I wanted to work in a school but never thought I could be a teacher. I was very fascinated with psychology throughout high school and over the last few years I was able to put my two interests together to find a passion. I want to be able to help students of any age succeed in life. A child’s education is extremely critical in development and learning important life skills. I want to be a part of that, where I can help students grow to their fullest potential. Even if I’m not directly hands on in a classroom I will be working with the teachers trying to find the best way to teach each class because no student and no class is the exact same. Every student deserves to earn and education and be the best version if themself. I want to be part of a world where children grow up comfortable and confident in a safe and healthy environment in the home and in the school.

I am currently a sophomore working on my undergraduate degree in psychology at Western New England University. Post-graduation I plan on continuing my education and receive a masters degree in school psychology. I’ve always found education to be a critical point in every child’s life. When I do become a school psychologist, hopefully in an elementary or middle school setting, I can work with the school administration and create workshops during classes for the students to learn about the dangers of substance abuse. It’s important that kids learn this from a young age and if I could implement this in whatever school system I end up in I know I’d be saving at least a few lives.

If I was awarded with this scholarship I would use it to pay for my undergraduate degree that I am currently working for. At Western New England University I am a psychology major with a minor in education. I have hopes of attending graduate school following graduation in two years to peruse a masters in school psychology. I’ve always dreamed of working with children and being in a school system but I knew I could do more for students mostly behind the scenes as opposed to being directly in front of a classroom. As of right now grad school is unfortunately not definite for me just because I do have to pay for all my schooling myself and may not be able to pay for grad school as well as paying any loans for my undergraduate. Any amount would help and I would love to pursue my dream career if I can do so financially.

Education means a lot to me, my friends call me a nerd because I tell them quite frequently that I love school and I love learning. Education has taught me how to work hard, how to set goals for myself and how I can achieve those goals in timely manners. I’m a very organized and structured individual and the structure that exists in a school system whether it be within my high school or the college I attend, really help me feel comfortable. I know education doesn’t mean the world, it does not mean someone is smart. People who don’t have formal education are just as smart and can be smarter than others and I absolutely respect everyone’s views on education because it’s not for everyone and I know it’s not my place to judge their views. However, for me education is essential, especially because I want to persuade a career in school psychology which includes having completed a bachelors and masters degree and in some instances further schooling. I really want to be able to help children in school settings to succeed in life and my ability to continue my education is crucial in my being able to do so.

My parents divorced when I was in elementary school and because they no long could maintain a civil relationship my three sisters and I were solely raised by my mother from that time on. It was a struggle for her having to work three jobs to be able to move us out of our grandparents house and be able to live in a small apartment that she could afford. Durian this time she met a man Dan who took my sisters and I in as his own. He taught us so much and would always tell stories about his time in college. It always sounded so appealing whenever he talked about it which was the first time I ever thought that I may want to go to college. However, Dans time with us was brief because only three years after he and my mother met he unexpectedly passed away leaving my mother once again alone with four children. Watching my mother overcome this loss and grow from it was the most inspiring thing I have ever witnessed. She was able to get a full time job away from the three jobs that she put herself through for years and was eventually able to buy her own home during my senior year of high school. With my mothers courage, bravery and dedication and Dans stories and desire to enjoy life I knew that had to go to college. I knew I’d have to pay for school myself without any assistance from my family so I never considered being able to go unless I got scholarships or even with loans, I had options but I didn’t know that at the time. I never knew what I wanted to go to school for but I knew that if I set my mind to it then I absolutely could. Before Dans passing he told me that if I got straight A’s in school then he would quit smoking and from then I have achieved straight A’s in high school and even maintained presidents list at the university I currently attend. But this is no longer just for him, it’s for me because I would hate to let myself down when I know my potential. After completing three semesters at Western New England University within the psychology department I decided to declare a minor in education. I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher and after lots of research I stumbled across school psychology which is now what I am working towards. I would love to be able to help students succeed in school and help them thrive, this career feels right for me and I’m excited to continue learning about this.

1. I don’t deserve this scholarship because big bird and Batman got in a fight about coleslaw and then told my grandma I’m grounded. 2. I’m currently majoring in the methodology of porcupines with a minor in kung fu. My career goal after graduating is to become a professional porcupine wrestler. 3. A time when I overcame an obstacle would be when I came back to campus after winter break to see that the chicken tender restaurant was gone. I was devastated, how would I ever get chicken tenders again. But then I was courageous and decided to order from the new restaurant. They did in fact have chicken tenders. By far the scariest obstacle I’ve over come since going to college.