
Hobbies and interests
American Sign Language (ASL)
Reading
Academic
I read books multiple times per month
Reagan Young
1x
Finalist
Reagan Young
1x
FinalistBio
Hi, I’m Reagan Young from Scottsdale, AZ. Life has thrown some serious challenges my way - including a major accident that temporarily paralyzed me, but I’ve learned to turn setbacks into strength. I’m driven by a passion for mental health and aspire to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, helping others navigate mental health challenges. Outside the classroom, I push myself physically and mentally through home workouts and community involvement. I’m ready to take every opportunity to grow, give back, and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Education
Paradise Valley Community College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Brand Marketing/Advertising
Middleman the Agency2024 – 20251 year
Sports
Basketball
Club2019 – 20245 years
Research
Bible/Biblical Studies
Rivers Church Assembly of God — Disciple2025 – Present
Arts
n/a
Ceramics2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
St. Mary's Food Bank — Filling bags and Handing Out2025 – Present
Christopher Charles Owan Memorial Scholarship
For years, mental health has been a deeply personal part of my life. I have struggled with my own mental health for a long time, and there was a period when things became so overwhelming that I attempted to take my own life. Surviving that experience forced me to confront how serious mental health struggles can be and how important support, understanding, and proper care truly are. It also changed the direction of my life and the purpose I want to pursue.
Through my own experiences, I learned how isolating mental health challenges can feel. At the same time, I learned how powerful compassion and professional support can be in helping someone begin to heal. Those moments helped me realize that there are many people who are struggling quietly, often feeling like no one understands what they are going through. That realization is what motivated me to pursue a career in the mental health field.
My goal is to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner so I can provide compassionate, evidence-based care to people facing the same kinds of challenges I once did. I want to create a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and respected. Mental health care is not just about treatment; it is about helping people regain hope, stability, and confidence in their lives.
My experiences have shaped the person I am today and strengthened my determination to help others. I believe that my past struggles have given me a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. By pursuing a career in mental health, I hope to turn my own challenges into something meaningful by helping others find support, healing, and a path forward.
Saswati Gupta Cancer Research Scholarship
When I was recovering from a major accident that temporarily paralyzed me, I experienced firsthand how essential compassionate and skilled mental health care can be. During that time, I faced fear, frustration, and uncertainty, and I realized how much a supportive professional can influence someone’s ability to heal, stay motivated, and regain confidence. That experience inspired my passion for helping others navigate their mental health challenges, especially during moments when they feel most alone, overlooked, or overwhelmed.
I aspire to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing care that is both evidence-based and empathetic. I want to focus on underserved communities, advocating for mental health awareness, and creating programs that teach coping strategies while reducing stigma. I believe that combining direct clinical care with education and community outreach will allow me to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and access the resources and guidance they truly need.
Outside the classroom, I actively challenge myself physically and mentally. From structured home workouts to volunteering in community programs, I develop resilience, leadership, and empathy—skills essential for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences reinforce my dedication to helping others and preparing for a meaningful career in healthcare, where every interaction can make a real difference.
Ultimately, I aim to inspire other young women to pursue careers in this field. By blending clinical expertise, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, I hope to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities. My goal is not only to provide care but also to educate, empower, and inspire, showing that challenges can become the foundation for meaningful, positive, and lasting change.