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Nicole Van Schaik

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Criminology
  • Beading
  • Volunteering
  • Counseling And Therapy
  • Mental Health
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Music
  • Spirituality
  • Songwriting
  • Writing

Reading

  • Adventure
  • Art
  • Business
  • Health
  • History
  • Literature
  • Spirituality
  • Suspense
  • Thriller
  • Adult Fiction

I read books daily.

Bio

I am a nontraditional student, writer, and advocate pursuing a degree in Psychology with a focus on using my lived experiences to create meaningful change. My path has not been linear. I have navigated early independence, personal loss, addiction, and long term recovery, and I now live with muscular dystrophy as a wheelchair user. These experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to helping others feel seen and understood. I am deeply interested in mental health, addiction recovery, and disability advocacy, particularly where these issues intersect with access to care and education. As a fundraiser and advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I have helped raise over $2 million through events and galas while using my voice to challenge misconceptions and raise awareness. These experiences have reinforced my belief in empathy, representation, and the power of lived experience. Outside of academics, I am a lyricist and storyteller focused on emotional honesty and human connection. I am also developing a nonprofit initiative, elevateHER Access, dedicated to removing systemic barriers for women and girls with disabilities. My goal is to deepen my understanding of human behavior and expand my ability to advocate and lead. I am committed to using both my voice and my work to challenge stigma and contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world.

Education

Lipscomb University

Bachelor's degree program

2026 – 2027

Majors:
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Psychology, General
GPA4.0 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Vanderbilt University
Majors of interest:
Psychology, General, Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time, Hybrid
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Counseling, Mental Health Care, Non-Profit Organization Management, Psychology
Work experience:
10+ years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Military

ROTC:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Nicole Van Schaik Student Profile | Bold.org