My commitment to the mental health field is deeply personal and rooted in my lived experience as a Black woman navigating grief, trauma, and healing within systems that were not designed with people like me in mind. I am pursuing a career in mental health because I understand what it means to carry pain silently, to lack access to culturally responsive care, and to witness how marginalized communities are often expected to survive without adequate support. I was raised in a single parent household after my father was murdered when I was twelve years old. That loss shaped my understanding of mental health long before I had language for it. Grief, fear, and emotional instability were present, yet mental health was rarely discussed in my community. Instead, we were taught to be strong, to push forward, and to manage pain privately. Over time, I recognized how this silence contributed to unresolved trauma, not only in my own life, but throughout my family and community. As I moved through adulthood, education became both a survival tool and a calling. I saw how Black and Brown individuals, particularly those facing housing insecurity, substance use challenges, or chronic stress, were often misunderstood or criminalized rather than supported. Working alongside marginalized populations confirmed what I had lived myself. Access to mental health care is not equal, and when services are available, they often lack cultural understanding. These experiences strengthened my resolve to become a mental health professional who provides care rooted in empathy, context, and respect. My approach to mental health is grounded in cultural humility and community connection. I believe healing must acknowledge systemic oppression, medical racism, and the intergenerational trauma carried by BIPOC communities. As a provider, I aim to create spaces where clients feel safe expressing their experiences without fear of judgment or dismissal. Representation matters. When individuals see themselves reflected in their providers, trust grows and healing becomes possible. Beyond individual counseling, I am committed to mental health advocacy and education within marginalized communities. I plan to engage in outreach efforts that normalize conversations around mental health, grief, burnout, and emotional wellness. Too many people delay seeking help because of stigma or mistrust. I want to be part of the change that meets people where they are and empowers them with knowledge and support. My career aspirations are driven by purpose rather than position. I intend to use my education and lived experience to advocate for equitable mental health services, influence systems of care, and uplift voices that are often ignored. This work is not abstract to me, but personal and necessary. I have a sister that identifies as LGBTQIA+, as well as colleagues and friends. With this in mind, I understand the needs of this community and remain a student so that I never assume what other populations need and respect their needs. I want to continue to advocate for marginalized communities and populations. Receiving the Arnetha V. Bishop Memorial Scholarship would support my continued growth as a mental health professional and affirm my commitment to serving marginalized communities with integrity and compassion. I am dedicated to honoring this legacy by advancing mental health awareness, expanding access to care, and standing as a representative for those who deserve to be seen, heard, and healed. I will uphold the memory and honor of Arnetha V. Bishop and ensure that her life, light, and legacy continues to live and shine on.

Being a first generation student means learning how to navigate unfamiliar spaces without a roadmap. It means believing in the power of education even when no one in your immediate family has experienced it firsthand. For me, being first generation is not simply an academic label. It represents courage, responsibility, and the decision to build a new legacy. I was raised in a single parent household after my father was murdered when I was twelve years old. My mother carried the weight of raising me alone while managing grief and financial strain. Although education was always valued in our home, there was limited guidance on how to apply to college, seek financial aid, or navigate higher education systems. I learned through trial and error, asking questions, making mistakes, and often figuring things out on my own. Each step forward required persistence and self advocacy. I dream of continuing to break generational curses in my family such as teen pregnancy, poverty, minimum wage jobs, and little to no education. This scholarship will help me to continue to pave the way for others behind me to believe in themselves when they see me overcome barriers as a first generation college student. I want to make my family, friends, community, and generations behind me proud. The challenges I faced as a first generation student extended beyond academics. I balanced school with work, managed ongoing financial pressure, and carried the internal responsibility of not wasting the opportunity I was creating. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I remained committed to my goals. I understood that earning an education was not only about personal achievement, but about changing the trajectory of my life and creating opportunities for those who would come after me. Despite these challenges, I persevered. I earned my degrees through discipline, sacrifice, and resilience, and I continue to pursue advanced education and professional growth. My experiences shaped my passion for mental health and community advocacy. I am driven by the belief that access, representation, and culturally informed care can change lives. I want to be a professional who stands in the gap for individuals who feel unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed by systems they were never taught how to navigate. My dream is to continue building a career that allows me to serve underserved communities while creating stability, healing, and opportunity. This scholarship would provide meaningful support as I manage the ongoing costs of education, licensing, and professional development. More importantly, it would affirm the perseverance and determination required to succeed as a first generation student. Being a first generation student means choosing hope over fear and progress over comfort. I am proud of the path I am carving, and I am committed to using my education to create impact, advocate for others, and honor the sacrifices that made this journey possible.

Growing up in a single parent household shaped both my resilience and my sense of responsibility. My father was murdered when I was twelve years old, leaving my mother to raise me alone while navigating grief, financial strain, and the pressure of holding everything together. Watching her sacrifice taught me early that survival often requires strength without recognition. We did not always have access to extras, but I learned the value of discipline, gratitude, and persistence. Those lessons stayed with me as I moved through school, work, and adulthood. Coming from a low income background forced me to be intentional about my goals. I understood that education was not optional for me, it was a pathway to stability and impact. I worked while attending school, pursued higher education step by step, and learned how to advocate for myself even when resources were limited. I have since earned multiple degrees and continue to invest in my professional development despite financial challenges related to textbooks, technology, and licensing costs. My life experiences have shaped my desire to serve others who face similar barriers. I am actively working toward becoming a licensed mental health professional and community advocate, with a focus on supporting underserved populations. I use my lived experience to connect with others authentically, helping them feel seen, supported, and capable of building a better future. I am learning we all just want to be seen and supported. I believe perseverance is not just about surviving hardship, but about using what you have learned to uplift others. One of my favorite quotes is, "To Whom Much Is Required, Much Is Given", and it reminds me to keep going when life gets hard, and that there is always a reward for my labor and perseverance.

The lack of diversity in the medical and wellness field is not theoretical. It is deeply personal. As an African American woman pursuing graduate training in mental health, I understand how representation and cultural understanding can determine whether a patient is believed, supported, or left to suffer in silence. My commitment to challenging the status quo in healthcare is rooted in lived experience and a desire to advance equity, dignity, and culturally responsive care. In 2021, I was pregnant and experiencing complications that led me to the emergency room. I waited for over four hours without being seen as my pain intensified. I communicated that the pain was worsening and that something was wrong, yet I was repeatedly told to continue waiting. As the labor pains became unbearable, I went to the restroom because I could no longer sit upright in the waiting area. The pain overtook my body, and I fell to the floor. With no relief and no assistance, I pulled the emergency cord because it was the only option left. Only then did a nurse and security rush in with a bed and take me to the back. Once admitted, I was placed in a bed and had to continue miscarrying without immediate intervention. I ultimately lost my child due to a tail gut cyst in my abdomen, a condition that had not been previously identified or addressed. What stayed with me most was not only the loss itself, but the realization that my pain was not treated as urgent until it became visible and disruptive. That moment clarified for me how Black women’s pain is often minimized, delayed, or dismissed within medical systems, particularly in emergency care settings. This experience transformed my purpose in health and wellness. It reinforced that cultural specificity is not optional. It is essential. As a future leader in mental health, I am committed to challenging systems that rely on stereotypes rather than listening. Healing must be rooted in empathy and an understanding of the historical, social, and systemic factors that shape how Black communities experience care, including medical racism, intergenerational trauma, and barriers to access. In my work, I intentionally center culturally informed practices that honor lived experience. I believe healing requires providers who listen with humility and recognize the emotional and psychological realities of those they serve. Beyond direct care, I am committed to advancing community rooted wellness efforts that normalize conversations around mental health, grief, stress, burnout, and emotional well being in Black communities. Too often, wellness spaces feel inaccessible or disconnected from cultural realities, and I aim to bridge that divide through education and advocacy. Women’s health remains central to my mission. Black women continue to experience disproportionate rates of maternal complications and medical neglect. I am dedicated to creating spaces where Black women are believed when they speak about their bodies and mental health, and where care is collaborative rather than dismissive. As a future Mental Health Counselor, I am committed to being both a clinician and an advocate for those whose voices are too often overlooked. I understand what it feels like to need care and to not be heard. That reality fuels my dedication to represent, impact, and advocate for others who need someone willing to stand with them and speak when systems fail to listen. Through my education, lived experience, and professional calling, I will work to ensure healing is culturally informed, compassionate, and equitable.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a woman of faith, purpose, and perseverance, and I am honored to share my journey of Christianity and how my relationship with God continues to guide my life and career. It is my sincere belief that God has carried me through every season, and I stand today not only as a student but as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. My relationship with Christ began in childhood, growing up in a home where faith was present but often tested by the harsh realities of life. I remember attending church with my mother and learning Bible verses in Sunday School. But it was not until I faced personal heartbreak and pain that I began to develop a relationship with God that was deeply personal and transformative. One of the most defining moments in my faith journey happened when I was twelve years old. My father was murdered. He had battled addiction, incarceration, and poverty throughout his life. I was left with grief, unanswered questions, and a longing for comfort that nothing in the world could satisfy. I didn’t understand why God allowed such a tragedy, but I kept talking to Him. Even when I did not have the language for prayer, I whispered to Him. I asked Him to hold me, to help me, and to show me who I was beyond the pain I carried. Through the years, I experienced many more trials. I struggled in relationships, often seeking validation and love in places that only led to more emotional pain. I battled feelings of unworthiness, especially as a Black woman trying to navigate life without a safety net. But it was in those lowest momentsalone in my car, crying after work, writing in my journalthat I felt the presence of God most clearly. He reminded me of my identity. Not in who left me, or in what I had been through, but in who He created me to be. My Christian faith became not just a belief system, but a lifestyle. I began seeking out scripture that reminded me of His promises. Verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 became lifelines. Worship music and sermons began to replace the noise of self doubt. I returned to church with a new hunger for truth, accountability, and transformation. I began to feel God restoring the broken parts of me and calling me to something greater. This sense of purpose became clearer as I entered the mental health field. I discovered that counseling was not just a career, but a ministry. I began to see how my own healing journey could be a source of strength for others. As I counseled clients dealing with trauma, addiction, grief, and family separation, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me in sessions. Sometimes that guidance came in the form of a gentle word, other times it was simply being fully present. I realized that God was using me, even in secular settings, to bring peace, hope, and compassion to people who desperately needed it. One particular experience that strengthened my calling involved a client who was facing homelessness and addiction. She had been disconnected from her family and had very little trust in people. Over time, through consistency, patience, and unconditional regard, I witnessed her begin to believe in herself again. She eventually secured housing, began reconnecting with her children, and started planning a future she never thought she could have. During one of our final sessions, she said to me, "You didn’t just see what I was. You saw who I could become." I believe that is how God sees us allbeyond our brokenness, into our potential. My Christian values guide me in everything I do. They inform how I speak to people, how I lead teams at work, how I show up for my family and friends, and how I make decisions. I believe in grace, integrity, forgiveness, and service. I believe that to be Christlike is to extend love to those who least expect it and to show compassion where the world has turned cold. Currently, I am completing my graduate studies while working full time and fulfilling my counseling internship. It is a demanding schedule, but I do it with joy and gratitude. I know that every hour spent in study or service is another brick laid in the foundation of my calling. I plan to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, obtain additional certifications in trauma and addiction counseling, and ultimately earn a Doctorate in Psychology. I envision opening a practice that not only offers therapy, but also spiritual mentorship, life skills coaching, and court approved educational programs for justiceinvolved individuals. One of the programs I am developing is called Case Closed Academy. It is designed to help individuals who have been affected by the criminal justice system find a pathway to healing, accountability, and restoration. The program will offer classes in anger management, parenting, substance use education, and personal development. My dream is that this academy will be a place where people come to rediscover their worth and walk in the direction of their Godgiven potential. In the next five years, I plan to expand my reach by speaking at churches, conferences, and schools about mental health and spiritual wellness. I want to equip the Body of Christ with the tools needed to address trauma in real and effective ways. Far too often, people are told to just "pray it away," when they really need both prayer and professional support. I believe that God is raising up a new generation of Christian mental health professionals who will bridge that gap, and I want to be one of them. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. Financially, it would help ease the burden of tuition, licensure fees, and study materials. Emotionally and spiritually, it would serve as confirmation that my steps are ordered and that God is providing through the generosity and faith of others. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on the stress of stretching every dollar. More than anything, this scholarship represents hope. Hope that people still invest in purpose. Hope that faith based leadership, like that of Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr., still inspires people to lift others as they climb. Hope that God uses everythingour pain, our process, and our persistencefor His glory. I am committed to honoring this opportunity. I will continue to walk with integrity, to study with discipline, and to serve with compassion. I will pour into others as God continues to pour into me. And I will not stop until I see the vision He gave me come to pass. Thank you for your time, your belief in students like me, and for carrying on the legacy of a man whose faith and service still speak volumes. I pray that I, too, can leave a legacy of light, love, and leadership in the name of Jesus Christ.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a 38 year old Black woman, first generation college graduate, and full time mental health professional, I know firsthand what it means to push forward through adversity and pursue higher education with faith and determination. I am applying for this scholarship because, like many students balancing work and graduate school, I am navigating the financial weight of tuition, books, and living expenses. Receiving this scholarship would not only be a blessing but a necessary support to help me reach the finish line of my academic journey. Once I graduate with my Master’s degree, I plan to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and continue providing culturally responsive care to underserved communities. I am already a licensed chemical dependency counselor, and I currently work full time in the mental health field while also completing my internship hours. My dream is to one day earn a Doctorate in Psychology and open a counseling practice that offers affordable therapy, court approved educational programs, and wellness services to individuals and families who have often been overlooked or excluded from traditional mental health systems. The heart of my career aspiration is service. I want to walk alongside people who are battling addiction, navigating grief, or healing from trauma. I want to offer more than just clinical interventions. I want to provide hope. I have seen what happens when communities are ignored, when mental illness is misdiagnosed, and when emotional pain is met with punishment instead of compassion. I want to be part of a new generation of counselors who do things differently. Counselors who honor culture, uplift stories, and help others build lives filled with peace and purpose. One of my long term goals is to launch a program called Case Closed Academy. This program will offer court approved anger management, parenting, and substance use education courses for individuals navigating the legal system. The goal is to combine therapeutic support with practical tools for change. I want people to feel empowered to take accountability for their growth and believe that they are more than the worst thing they have ever done. I would like to share one of my most heartfelt moments from the field. Recently, I worked with a young woman who had been struggling with substance use, homelessness, and a long history of family trauma. She had almost given up on herself. Through consistent support, counseling, and guidance, she began to believe that her life could look different. I watched her find stable housing, reestablish contact with her children, and walk into her first job interview with confidence. She cried in our last session, looked at me, and said, “You saw me when I didn’t even see myself.” That moment reminded me why I do this work. It reminded me that healing is holy and that being a vessel for someone’s transformation is one of the greatest honors. In addition to my work and education, I have faced significant personal challenges that have shaped my understanding of resilience. I lost my father to violence when I was just twelve years old. He struggled with addiction and incarceration, and his loss left a deep wound in my heart. That experience gave me a unique perspective on the importance of mental health, stability, and family healing. It also planted the seed for my interest in counseling, long before I knew what that career path would look like. These dreams require funding, strategy, and consistency. As a graduate student who works full time and self funds her education, every dollar counts. This scholarship would allow me to breathe a little easier. It would help cover remaining tuition costs, professional development resources, and required fees for licensure preparation. It would allow me to focus on finishing my degree without the looming anxiety of financial hardship. It would also allow me to begin preparing for the National Counselor Examination with high quality materials and confidence. Beyond the practical, this scholarship would serve as a spiritual encouragement. My journey has not been easy. I have had to recover from heartbreak, disappointment, and the exhaustion that comes with being the strong one in every space. There were moments when I doubted whether returning to school at this stage in life made sense. But through prayer, support, and determination, I have kept going. I remind myself often that I am not just earning a degree. I am building a life of purpose. I am becoming the person I needed when I was younger. In the next five years, I plan to complete my Master’s degree, pass the National Counselor Examination, apply to a Doctoral program in Psychology, and begin building the curriculum for Case Closed Academy. I also plan to become certified to offer courses in parenting, anger management, and substance use through various professional associations. I want to develop mobile-friendly resources for clients who may not have access to transportation or reliable child care, and create healing spaces in churches, schools, and shelters. I want to be a resource in my community, someone who young girls can look up to and say, “If she did it, maybe I can too.” I want to serve as a mentor, speaker, and counselor who brings both professionalism and authenticity to every space I enter. I want to build a legacy that reflects faith, resilience, and restoration. My mission is not just about academic success. It is about kingdom work; helping others see that they are worthy of love, healing, and hope. Receiving this scholarship would be a powerful reminder that I am not in this alone. It would affirm that people still believe in investing in women who are rebuilding their lives, pursuing purpose, and doing so with limited support and unlimited hope. It would allow me to focus on building bridges, not just for myself, but for others who are walking this path behind me. Thank you for considering my application. If awarded this scholarship, I will carry the spirit of Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. in my heart, using this opportunity not just for personal success, but for community transformation. I am deeply grateful for the chance to be supported on this journey and will do my part to honor the investment through action, excellence, and service.

1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Shanita Sheppard. I am a 38 year old woman from Houston, Texas, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a proud, educated Black woman, raised in a Creole household, and a first generation college graduate. My life has been shaped by experiences of trauma, healing, perseverance, and purpose. I am someone who believes deeply in the power of education, transformation, and faith. I am also a woman who has not had anything handed to her. Every step I have taken in my academic and personal journey has required grit, vision, and grace. I currently work full time in the mental health field, supervising others while also completing my counseling internship. I am a fully licensed chemical dependency counselor in Texas and am now working toward becoming a licensed professional counselor. I balance my professional obligations with my graduate studies, internships, and building out the early vision of my candle line and counseling education business. It is not easy, but it is meaningful work. What drives me is the belief that my purpose is greater than my pain. I have walked through grief, family loss, toxic relationships, and moments of deep emotional exhaustion. But through it all, I have stayed committed to evolving, growing, and pouring into my future. I believe in healing through community, creativity, and culturally relevant care. I know that everything I do is part of a bigger mission to serve others. That mission is what keeps me grounded. 2. What’s a real world issue you feel deeply connected to, and why? The issue that sits closest to my heart is mental health care access for underserved and historically marginalized communities. As a Black woman and mental health professional, I have seen the gaps, the barriers, and the consequences of a broken system. Mental health is still heavily stigmatized in many communities, especially among people of color. But beyond stigma, there is also the undeniable truth that access is a privilege many still do not have. I was 12 years old when my father was murdered. He struggled with addiction, incarceration, and systemic poverty before his death. I never got the opportunity to process that trauma with a therapist. I had to become my own source of healing at a young age. The emotional weight of that loss followed me through my teenage years and adulthood. For a long time, I did not have the tools or resources to name what I was feeling. I only knew I was hurting. Now, as an adult and aspiring psychologist, I see similar pain in the clients I serve. I hear stories of abandonment, unresolved grief, and cycles of incarceration. Many of my clients are trying to survive systems that were never designed for their healing. Some are parents who want to do better for their children but have no idea how to break patterns they inherited. Others are survivors of abuse or neglect who carry shame and confusion without support. This issue matters to me because I lived it. I believe that everyone deserves access to healing, regardless of zip code, background, or bank account. That belief fuels my desire to become a licensed counselor, business owner, and community advocate. 3. If you had the power to make change in that area, what would you do? I believe I do have power, and I am already planting seeds of change. If I had the opportunity to fully implement my vision, I would create trauma informed wellness centers in underserved communities. These spaces would provide sliding scale mental health counseling, support groups, parenting classes, substance use recovery groups, and expressive therapies including art, music, journaling, and candle making. These centers would be culturally rooted, meaning they would reflect the communities they serve. The therapists would look like the clients. The materials would be inclusive and affirming. The language would be accessible and empowering. There would be prayer spaces, resource hubs, and community events that promote wellness as a lifestyle. Additionally, I would implement mental health curriculum in schools that centers emotional literacy and cultural humility. Students would learn how to manage stress, name their emotions, and support one another. Parents would be offered workshops on conflict resolution, healthy communication, and how to support their children’s mental health. One specific initiative I am passionate about is the development of my future candle line, that I plan to launch as a line of healing candles designed to help people decompress, reflect, and feel emotionally safe. These candles will include scents and affirmations inspired by themes of peace, resilience, and restoration. They will serve as tools to bring calm into people’s homes and hearts. I envision these candles being sold online, at community markets, and included in wellness care packages distributed to families, schools, and clients in crisis. Healing should not be a luxury. It should be accessible, beautiful, and familiar. That is the change I want to see. 4. How did you choose your area of study, and what do you hope to do with it? My area of study chose me through lived experience. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and later my Master’s in Sociology, I realized I wanted more than academic knowledge. I wanted to be equipped to offer tangible support. I was tired of studying the problems. I wanted to become a solution. I have always been a listening ear for others. Even before I became a counselor, people would come to me with their pain, their dreams, and their traumas. My spirit has always been nurturing and discerning. As I began to learn more about trauma, addiction, and the effects of systemic racism, I saw myself in the material. I saw my family. I saw my community. So I made the decision to return to school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This journey has not been easy, especially balancing work and life responsibilities. But every paper, every session, and every discussion has confirmed that I am exactly where I need to be. With this degree, I hope to become a licensed counselor and one day pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. I want to be a provider, a speaker, and an educator. I want to help people unpack their pain and find their purpose. My long term dream is to open my own counseling practice and community wellness center where healing and learning intersect. 5. What’s one goal you’ve set for yourself in the next 5 years, and how do you plan to get there? In the next five years, my biggest goal is to become a Doctor of Psychology and launch Case Closed Academy, a community focused program that will offer court approved mental health classes, restorative justice education, and therapeutic support. It will focus on helping people heal and rebuild after justice system involvement. To reach this goal, I will first complete my Master’s degree by December 2025. I will then take the National Counselor Examination and apply to Baylor University’s PsyD program for Summer 2026. In the meantime, I plan to continue building the curriculum for Case Closed Academy, apply for startup funding, and earn certifications that enhance my credibility. I also plan to continue working in the field to gain experience and strengthen my leadership skills. I am currently in a supervisory role where I mentor and guide new employees and interns. This role has taught me the importance of being both compassionate and accountable. The work ahead is challenging, but I believe it is possible with discipline, faith, and community support. 6. How has education helped you better understand yourself and your purpose? Education has been the mirror that showed me my strength. It has also been the anchor that kept me grounded when life felt unstable. Through education, I have learned that I am not just a student or a professional. I am a vessel for transformation. Learning about trauma, behavior, and mental health gave me language for what I had felt in silence for years. It helped me understand the grief I carried from my father’s death. It allowed me to release shame that never belonged to me. It also helped me find peace in being a work in progress. School has also introduced me to mentors, professors, and classmates who reflect my values and sharpen my thinking. I have learned the value of boundaries, collaboration, and self compassion. I now understand that purpose is not about perfection, it is about alignment. Every lesson, every paper, and every practicum experience has prepared me to walk confidently in my calling. I now move with the understanding that education is not just a path to a degree. It is a pathway to legacy. 7. How has your identity as a woman influenced the way you move through the world? Being a Black woman influences everything I do. It shapes how I lead, how I love, and how I navigate systems. It means I am often the first or only in the room, and that I must work twice as hard to be seen as equal. But it also means I carry the legacy of strength, creativity, and resilience that my ancestors passed down to me. There have been moments where I felt dismissed, unheard, or underestimated because of my gender or race. I have had to learn how to advocate for myself, to take up space without apology, and to challenge systems that try to keep me small. I have also learned to rest, to soften, and to receive. I have learned that my femininity is not a liability. It is a gift. I walk with intention, knowing that every room I enter is a chance to disrupt stereotypes and open doors for the women coming after me. Whether I am leading a team, sitting in class, or counseling a client, I move with purpose and dignity. To be a woman is to carry life, wisdom, and vision. I embrace that every day. 8. What does leadership mean to you, and how have you embodied it? Leadership means being rooted in service, grounded in humility, and guided by vision. It is not about having a title. It is about taking responsibility for the energy you bring into every space. It is about using your voice and influence to uplift others. I have embodied leadership in many ways. As a Team Lead II in my current role, I supervise, train, and support new staff and interns. I also hold space for them when they feel overwhelmed or unsure. I lead by example, showing up prepared, honest, and empathetic. In my academic setting, I lead through participation, collaboration, and encouragement. I have been called upon by professors to mentor newer students. I have also taken initiative to create safe spaces for dialogue and support. Outside of work and school, I lead in my family and friendships. I am often the person people turn to for guidance and prayer. I carry that responsibility with love and grace. Leadership, to me, is about integrity. It is about showing up even when you are tired, and about creating room for others to rise. 9. Describe a time you had to be resourceful or resilient. What did you learn from it? One of the most defining moments of resilience for me was ending a relationship that no longer served my growth. I had invested years into a long distance relationship that left me feeling emotionally drained and spiritually unfulfilled. Despite my efforts to communicate and heal together, I realized I was holding onto potential, not partnership. Walking away was painful, but necessary. I wrote a letter expressing my feelings, read it out loud, and made the decision to prioritize myself. I flew back home, journaled, cried, and began focusing fully on school, healing, and my dreams. That decision taught me that peace is worth protecting. It taught me that love does not require self abandonment. It also reminded me of my strength. I began studying more consistently, applying for scholarships, investing in my health, and finding joy again. Resilience is not just surviving. It is choosing to heal even when it hurts. That experience deepened my compassion and made me a better future therapist. 10. If awarded this scholarship, how would it help you pursue your dreams? This scholarship would be a life changing support for me. As a working student balancing a full time job, an internship, and graduate level coursework, the financial strain can feel overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to cover tuition, pay for study materials, and invest in certifications that will support my counseling work. It would also allow me to continue laying the foundation for my vision without the added stress of financial pressure. I would use the support to begin developing my candle line, complete required supervision hours, and continue pouring into my education. More than anything, this scholarship would affirm that my journey is seen, valued, and worth investing in. It would be a reminder that I am not alone, and that there are people who believe in women like me. I am not asking for a handout. I am asking for a chance to keep going. And I promise to pay it forward every step of the way.

Mental illness has impacted my life in both personal and profound ways. I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student, but long before I entered this field academically, I experienced the effects of mental illness firsthand. My father battled addiction, incarceration, and untreated mental health issues for most of my childhood. When I was twelve years old, he was murdered. His absence and instability left behind wounds that shaped my sense of identity, security, and purpose. That early loss introduced me to the realities of unresolved trauma, and it ignited in me a lifelong desire to understand, heal, and help others who have also been touched by mental illness. Growing up in a household affected by generational trauma and untreated emotional wounds made me deeply aware of the silent struggles many families endure. Although my mother did her best to hold everything together, I often found myself emotionally supporting others while suppressing my own pain. I carried high-functioning anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, and emotional exhaustion into adulthood without even knowing they were symptoms of unaddressed trauma. It wasn’t until I began doing the internal work through therapy, education, and spiritual growth that I realized how deeply I had been affected. That journey of healing led me to pursue Clinical Mental Health Counseling so I could help others break cycles of pain and rediscover their strength. Today, I am turning my pain into purpose. I work in the mental health and substance use field, providing services to underserved individuals who are facing challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and psychiatric diagnoses. I am also a new small business owner of Case Closed Academy, a registered LLC that provides court-mandated assessments and educational services to individuals navigating the legal system. My goal is to expand Case Closed Academy into a trusted and trauma-informed mental health resource, offering support and second chances to those who need them most. Through this business and my graduate training, I am building sustainable solutions for individuals and families who are often overlooked by traditional systems of care. Receiving the Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship would be a tremendous support in helping me complete my graduate degree and fulfill the requirements for licensure. As a full-time student, intern, and small business owner, I carry many responsibilities with limited financial resources. This scholarship would help offset the cost of tuition, books, and clinical supervision, allowing me to continue showing up for my community with excellence and integrity. More importantly, it would affirm the work I am doing to not only overcome my own story but to transform it into a tool that empowers others. I want to be the kind of counselor and advocate I needed growing up—someone who sees the whole person and believes in their ability to heal. Mental illness left an undeniable mark on my childhood, but it also gave me a calling. It taught me that the most painful experiences can also birth the most powerful purpose. I am walking in that purpose every day—through my education, my counseling work, and the services I offer through Case Closed Academy. The life and legacy of Elizabeth Schalk serve as a powerful reminder that we are not defined by our struggles, but by how we rise from them. I am honored to apply for a scholarship that carries her name and mission forward, and I hope to continue that legacy by making mental health care more accessible, affirming, and transformative for all.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student devoted to helping women heal, reclaim their power, and rise. As a Black woman who has endured personal loss, navigated educational challenges, and worked on the front lines of mental health, I understand firsthand how important it is for women to have spaces where they are seen, heard, and supported. My calling is to build those spaces through therapy, education, and entrepreneurship. I am pursuing my degree so I can expand my impact and provide mental health services, community-based education, and wellness resources to women and families across the country. Growing up, I lost my father at the age of twelve to addiction and violence. That trauma shaped my desire to break cycles, not just for myself, but for other women and girls who carry silent pain. Today, I use that pain as purpose. I have earned a Master’s in Sociology, and now I am completing my second Master’s in Counseling. I am being trained to provide therapy for individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. My goal is to become a licensed therapist and eventually earn my Doctorate in Psychology so I can serve women at every level, from personal healing to community leadership. My dream is to launch multiple wellness-based businesses that directly serve women and marginalized communities. One of those ventures is Case Closed Academy LLC, a private practice that will provide affordable therapy for women, especially those affected by poverty, abuse, incarceration, or generational trauma. I plan to contract with various court systems and family protective systems to help advocate for women, children and families to keep them together and provide appropriate substance abuse and mental health services. I want every product, program, and practice I create to be a soft place for women to land. I envision safe, sacred spaces where women can rest, reflect, and grow into their full potential. This scholarship would support me in completing my final year of graduate school and moving forward with licensure, advanced certifications, and launching my first community wellness initiative. Financial support means more than paying for tuition. It allows me to remain focused on my goals and continue building my vision without delay. I have already begun laying the foundation through community service, group counseling, and advocacy work. I understand that mental health care is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and too many women are still navigating life without access to healing spaces that affirm who they are. Helping women is not just a passion of mine, it is my mission. I want to be a voice for the voiceless and a bridge for those trying to cross from survival to peace. I want to build a legacy of empowerment, love, and service that makes room for women to rise into who they were always meant to be. This scholarship is not just an opportunity, but a confirmation that I am on the right path to service and fulfilling my dreams.Thank you for believing in women like me and for helping to fund the kind of work that will change lives, families, and generations to come.

As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student and proud Black woman, I am committed to creating a life of purpose, impact, and healing. I chose this field because I believe deeply in the power of mental health to change lives and uplift communities. My educational journey is about more than earning degrees; it is about building tools that allow me to serve others with excellence, compassion, and scientific insight. Reading about Kayla Nicole Monk’s life reminded me of my own purpose. Like Kayla, I dream of launching multiple businesses that serve people, educate minds, and promote healing. This scholarship represents far more than financial help. It is an opportunity to carry forward Kayla’s legacy through the work I feel called to do. I chose to further my education in mental health because I know what it means to experience loss, trauma, and the desire to heal. I lost my father at the age of 12 to addiction and violence. That moment changed the trajectory of my life and ignited a passion in me to understand how the brain, heart, and spirit respond to pain. This led me to earn my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Sociology, and now I am completing my second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Through my education and clinical training, I have learned to support clients facing depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and grief. I am learning how to combine empathy with science to meet people where they are and guide them toward a better future. Mental health counseling is deeply rooted in STEM. My studies include human development, neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions. What excites me most about this field is how it blends science with humanity. I am building a future where I will use my education to open wellness-based businesses that address the mental and emotional needs of underserved communities. One of my projects, Case Closed Academy, offers court-mandated assessments and educational services. Another venture, Angelic Soul Candle Co., is a wellness brand that uses science-backed aromatherapy to support emotional balance and self-care. These ideas are inspired by a desire to make healing more accessible and personal, especially for those who often feel forgotten or misunderstood. Receiving this scholarship would help me complete my final year of graduate school with less financial stress and more focus on my internship and national licensure. It would also affirm the importance of my mission and the legacy I seek to build. Kayla dreamed of opening several businesses to help others. I feel deeply connected to that dream. I want to create programs, products, and services that help people heal, grow, and live fulfilling lives. I want to serve schools, courts, families, and individuals who are navigating life’s hardest moments and need a voice of reason and hope. This scholarship would help bring those dreams to life. Kayla Nicole Monk’s legacy is one of joy, vision, and purpose. It is an honor to walk a similar path as a young Black woman filled with dreams of service and innovation. Her life, though brief, left a mark that continues to inspire. I pray for the opportunity to carry her light forward through my work in mental health, my future businesses, and the countless lives I hope to impact. With this scholarship, I will not only reach my next academic milestone but continue building a legacy that reflects everything Kayla stood for: strength, passion, and the power to change lives through love and service.

As a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, I have learned that mental wellness is not only something I study in theory, but something I must actively practice in my daily life. Balancing a full-time academic load, employment, internship responsibilities, and personal obligations requires intentional effort to protect my peace and preserve my well-being. Like many women in higher education, I have faced moments of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. These challenges have taught me that maintaining my mental health is essential for both academic success and personal growth. During my first year of graduate school, I experienced overwhelming stress due to the intense demands of my coursework, the emotional weight of clinical work, and the reality of managing life without financial aid. I was working full-time while completing an internship and attending classes, which often left me physically tired and emotionally depleted. I noticed how the quality of my sleep declined, how my focus diminished, and how I began to feel disconnected from the very passion that led me to this field. That was a turning point for me. I realized that if I wanted to continue this work and show up for others, I first had to learn how to consistently show up for myself. I began prioritizing my mental health through simple, intentional practices. I returned to therapy for myself, not just as a professional obligation, but as an act of self-respect. I created a consistent bedtime routine, started journaling again, and incorporated mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and guided meditation. I also began setting boundaries around my time, learning to say no to commitments that drained me. These changes helped restore my energy, renew my motivation, and sharpen my clarity as both a student and a clinician. Mental health is not only important to me personally, it is also the foundation of my career. I am pursuing a license as a Professional Counselor because I want to help others find healing, especially those from underserved and marginalized communities. I believe that when women prioritize their mental health, they become stronger leaders, nurturers, and changemakers. I am particularly passionate about creating safe spaces for women to be seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My long-term goal is to open a wellness-focused counseling practice that integrates therapy, holistic care, and education. I want to host workshops, lead support groups, and offer programs that help women manage stress, process trauma, and build emotional resilience. I also plan to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) beginning in Fall 2026 to deepen my clinical expertise and expand the services I can provide. I believe that true healing happens when we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, and I want to be a leader in creating those spaces of transformation. In addition to my personal healing and academic progress, I serve as a mentor for other counseling students. I guide interns at my site, offer support to peers, and participate in mental health awareness events. I share openly about my experiences to encourage others to care for their own emotional well-being, no matter how busy or overwhelming life becomes. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to complete my final year of graduate school without the added financial stress that often weighs heavily on women pursuing higher education. More importantly, it would affirm the importance of honoring our mental health as a necessary and courageous part of the academic journey. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to continuing this work with compassion and intention.

As a first-generation college student and proud Black woman from Fort Worth, Texas, my journey into the field of mental and behavioral health has been rooted in both personal experience and scientific curiosity. I am currently completing my final year of graduate school at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also plan to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) beginning in the Fall of 2026. While my path into STEM may not look traditional, it is fully aligned with psychology and neuroscience, both of which are essential disciplines in the broader STEM community. My passion for the mental health field began when I experienced the loss of my father to addiction and violence during my childhood. That tragedy shaped my understanding of trauma and inspired me to explore how the human mind copes, heals, and survives. Today, I work full-time as a Case Manager serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, many of whom are facing housing insecurity or are involved with the justice system. I am also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and through both my academic and clinical work, I use evidence-based practices grounded in psychological and neurological science. Mental health care is a vital part of STEM. The work I do is based on clinical research, brain-behavior relationships, trauma studies, and cognitive development. I apply this knowledge daily as I help clients recover, rebuild, and find meaning in their lives. However, I also understand that science cannot operate in isolation. It must be inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive. As a Black woman, I bring a much-needed perspective to this field. Representation in mental health and behavioral science matters. When people see professionals who understand their lived experiences and cultural background, they are more likely to trust the process of healing. Financial barriers have been a consistent challenge throughout my educational journey. I am currently self-funding my final year of graduate school without financial aid while balancing full-time work and clinical internship hours. It has been difficult, but I remain committed to my purpose and mission. I believe that every hardship I overcome brings me closer to becoming the kind of clinician and leader who can transform communities from the inside out. In addition to my work and studies, I am involved in mentoring other counseling students. I guide and support interns at my clinical site, helping them develop cultural competence and trauma-informed approaches. I have also participated in community mental health events and have been invited to speak about the importance of emotional wellness, brain health, and self-care in underserved communities. My long-term goal is to open a counseling and wellness practice that provides affordable therapy, education, and outreach programs. I want to create safe spaces where people of color can learn about their mental health, receive proper support, and build resilience. I believe that mental health is not a luxury but a necessity, and I want to make it more accessible and relevant for the people who need it most. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a significant financial burden and allow me to continue pursuing my degree and future doctoral studies without interruption. More importantly, it would allow me to keep showing up for my community with the energy, excellence, and empathy that this work requires. I am committed to using my education to create meaningful change and help build a more inclusive, compassionate future in the STEM field.Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.

I am a proud first-generation college student from Fort Worth, Texas, currently in my final year of graduate school at the University of Houston Clear Lake, where I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My passion for mental health stems from both personal experience and a deep desire to serve those who are often overlooked. Growing up in a community heavily impacted by trauma, addiction, and lack of access to adequate mental health care, I saw firsthand how untreated pain can cycle through generations. When I was twelve, I lost my father to addiction and violence. That loss became a pivotal moment in my life and planted the seed for my future work. Instead of allowing grief to harden me, I allowed it to deepen my empathy. It made me ask hard questions about healing, justice, and access; it eventually led me to this field. Currently, I work full-time as a Case Manager, providing supportive housing and employment services to individuals living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. I’m also completing my counseling internship, gaining hands-on experience in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic care. My days are often long and emotionally demanding, but the work is meaningful. I love walking alongside clients as they rediscover their strengths, reclaim their voices, and begin to heal. I believe this is what I was born to do. My long-term career goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) beginning in Fall 2026. I want to specialize in trauma and addiction treatment while integrating culturally competent care that honors the lived experiences of diverse populations. I am especially passionate about serving communities of color, justice-involved individuals, and those who have experienced generational poverty and systemic neglect. Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health is not just part of my professional philosophy; it’s part of my identity. As a Black woman working in a system that has often failed to meet the needs of people who look like me, I understand the importance of representation, language, and trust. I strive to create safe, affirming spaces for clients to be seen, heard, and valued, not just as patients but as whole people. My academic journey has not been easy. I am self-funding this final year of graduate school with no access to financial aid, while working full-time to cover tuition and living expenses. It’s been a challenging season, but my commitment to this path has not wavered. I know that the sacrifices I’m making today are creating a better future for me, my future clients, and the communities I will one day serve more broadly. Receiving this scholarship would relieve financial stress and allow me to focus fully on my final year of graduate studies, licensure, and preparation for doctoral applications. It would also serve as a reminder that the work I’m doing matters and that others believe in my potential to make a difference. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to being a changemaker in mental health,one who uplifts, transforms, and makes space for healing where it’s needed most. This opportunity would bring me one step closer to that vision. Again, thank you for your time and consideration for this scholarship.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am a 39-year-old graduate student pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My journey has been anything but easy, but every trial has fueled my passion to create change, give back, and break generational cycles in my family and community. I was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, by a single mother. My father was murdered when I was just 12 years old due to his involvement in drugs. My mother, despite her love for us, battled her own challenges and was incarcerated for selling drugs during my high school years and again while I was in college. I spent many years of my youth navigating school and life without parental support. My younger brother is currently incarcerated, and my older sister has also served time. I am the only one in my immediate family who has not been to prison because I chose a different path. A path of healing. That choice led me to education, which became my escape and my lifeline. I’ve earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Sociology. In February 2025, I became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I am now working full-time while finishing my graduate degree in Counseling. I’m also serving as an intern at a community clinic, helping individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and mental illness. Many of them remind me of my family. My passion for mental health was born from growing up around unspoken pain. I had an aunt, a sister, and a best friend all diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I also survived a toxic, abusive relationship in 2021 that left me physically and emotionally scarred. I required multiple surgeries and time to heal. I’ve been on both sides;caring for others and needing care myself. This dual experience gave me a deeper level of empathy and resilience. I aspire to open my own trauma-informed counseling center that serves underserved communities, particularly those impacted by incarceration, addiction, and generational trauma. I want to create a safe space where people feel seen, valued, and supported, regardless of their past. I’ve had to fight for everything I’ve achieved. I’ve worked multiple jobs, studied late at night, cried silently, and prayed my way through. But I never gave up. I believe that purpose can grow from pain and that healing is possible when someone finally says, “You matter.” I want to give this to my future clients, the ability to simply be , "seen and heard". Receiving the Doc & Glo Scholarship would be a tremendous honor and support on my path. I see myself in Sloane’s story,pushing through adversity, anchored by legacy, and committed to impact. Like her grandparents inspired her, my story is driven by the ones I’ve lost and the ones I still hope to help. My grandparents drove me to Houston, Texas 21 years ago,and dropped me off at college at 18 years old. I have been making them proud my entire life, and I wont stop until they see a reward for their labor and sacrifices.I'm ready to change lives, starting with my own. I am learning to do, "hard things" now, so I can help my clients get through, "hard things" in the future.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while working full-time and serving my community through counseling, mentoring, and advocacy. I became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in 2025, and I am now completing my clinical hours toward full licensure as a professional counselor. My mission is to serve individuals and families affected by trauma, mental illness, substance use, incarceration, and special needs—especially those who have been overlooked by traditional systems. My interest in helping people with special needs began early. I grew up seeing friends and classmates with developmental disabilities and emotional disturbances being dismissed, excluded, or simply misunderstood. As I got older and began working in community mental health, I saw the same pattern,especially among youth of color. Many children with learning disorders, autism, or undiagnosed neurodivergence were funneled into disciplinary systems rather than supported through therapeutic ones. That reality shook me. I realized how deeply ableism and inequality intersect, and how often people with special needs are silenced instead of supported. In my current internship at a Houston-based clinic, I serve individuals of all ages, including clients with intellectual disabilities, trauma-induced behavioral issues, and emotional regulation challenges. I help them develop coping skills, improve communication, and strengthen social functioning. I also work with parents and caregivers, teaching them how to support their loved ones more effectively while addressing their own stress and burnout. Each interaction reminds me of the urgent need for providers who are patient, trained, and truly committed to inclusive care. My ultimate goal is to open a trauma-informed counseling and wellness center that offers sliding-scale services for low-income families, including those raising children with special needs. I plan to integrate mental health counseling, family support, and partnerships with schools and developmental programs to ensure clients receive wraparound care. I also want to provide professional development for educators and clinicians on how to better serve neurodivergent and disabled populations with compassion and competence. I come from a background shaped by trauma, incarceration, and loss. My father was murdered due to his drug involvement when I was 12, and my mother was incarcerated during my teen and early adult years. Despite the odds, I chose to rise and help others do the same. That lived experience fuels my drive, but my love for people and my belief in equity fuel my purpose. I believe that people with special needs deserve more than services,they deserve dignity, visibility, and respect. They deserve to be met with care that sees their humanity first. I am committed to being a provider who advocates, educates, and elevates those who are often left behind. This scholarship would help me complete my education and continue preparing for the impact I intend to make. I am not just building a career. I am building a safe, inclusive future one client, one family, and one breakthrough at a time.

Receiving this scholarship would be a blessing, not just financially, but emotionally and purposefully. As a full-time graduate student working toward my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while also working full-time, every dollar, every resource, and every bit of encouragement matters. I am committed to becoming a licensed counselor who not only provides therapy but creates spaces for deep healing in communities that have long been overlooked. This scholarship would help me continue walking that path with less financial burden and greater focus. My educational journey is not easy, but it is necessary. I am the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree. I come from a background shaped by trauma, incarceration, addiction, and loss. My father was murdered when I was 12 due to his involvement in drug use and street life. My mother was incarcerated for drug offenses during my high school and college years. My older sister and younger brother have both been to prison. Despite all of this, I chose a different path. I chose to break generational cycles and pursue healing, not only for myself but for those who share stories like mine. In 2025, I became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and I’m now on track to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. I currently intern at a community clinic that serves individuals struggling with substance use, trauma, and mental illness. Many of our clients are uninsured or returning citizens trying to rebuild their lives. I see myself in them. I listen, support, educate, and help them find the light they forgot they had. It is not just a job,it is my calling. This scholarship would allow me to keep showing up fully. With less financial pressure, I could focus more on mastering my craft, completing required clinical hours, and building the foundation for my future counseling practice. My long-term goal is to open a trauma-informed, sliding-scale counseling center that serves domestic violence survivors, those in crisis and acute trauma, marginalized communities, and low-income individuals and families. I also want to offer healing retreats, school-based mental health programs, and mentorship for future clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds. Education has always been my way forward. Even when I was struggling emotionally, I never gave up on school because I knew it would be the door to something greater. I’ve maintained a strong GPA while working and serving my community, and I’ve done it all with a heart full of purpose. I’m not just earning a degree, I’m building a legacy. Receiving the OMC scholarship would be an investment in more than my future. It would be an investment in every life I plan to help, every space I plan to transform, and every system I hope to disrupt through the power of healing. I am ready to rise, and this scholarship would help me do exactly that.

The life of my dreams is soft, free, and rooted in peace. I wake up in my own home, filled with warmth and natural light, in a city I love. It’s beautifully decorated with neutral tones, plants, and meaningful art collected during my travels. There’s no alarm clock, just the sound of birds, sunlight pouring through my curtains, and the smell of fresh coffee and lavender in the air. My heart is light because I no longer live in survival mode. I live in flow, in alignment, and in joy. In this life, I am married to my best friend, a man who is kind, God-fearing, emotionally intelligent, and gentle with my heart. We laugh daily, pray together, and build a peaceful home where love is safe, and communication flows easily. We raise children in an environment full of patience, affirmation, and freedom. Our home is our sanctuary, and our family is our greatest blessing. I have the energy and presence to love them fully because I have learned to love myself first. I own several businesses that align with my purpose. My counseling and wellness center serves individuals and families with culturally affirming, trauma-informed care. Clients walk in and instantly feel safe, seen, and supported. I host healing retreats, both locally and abroad, where women unplug, reconnect with themselves, and return home renewed. I also run a nonprofit that provides therapy scholarships, mentorship for aspiring clinicians, and community-based mental health workshops. My businesses are thriving, but I am not exhausted. I no longer trade time for survival. I have a team that supports my vision, systems that create ease, and the freedom to design each day with intention. Entrepreneurship has allowed me to break every generational curse attached to lack, burnout, and burnout disguised as, “success ". I travel often domestically and internationally; intentionally, joyfully, freely. Some trips are solo, some are with my family, and others are with clients for healing retreats. I’ve explored the coast of Ghana, the beaches of Bali, and the markets of Morocco. I’ve watched sunsets in Santorini, danced in Havana, and journaled in the hills of Tuscany. Travel feeds my spirit, reminding me that there is life beyond struggle, and joy beyond hustle. My money flows in peacefully and purposefully. My student loans are paid, my credit is excellent, and I am financially free. I’ve invested in land, real estate, and multiple income streams that allow me to pass down wealth,not just wisdom to my children. I no longer work to survive. I work to serve. The life of my dreams is not loud, fast, or performative. It is soft, clear, abundant, and whole. I spend my days creating, loving, giving, and resting. I walk fully in purpose, surrounded by people who nourish me, doing work that sets souls free,starting with mine. I am no longer the woman fighting to escape her past. I am the woman who made peace with it and built the life she once cried for. My dream life is a life that me and God will cultivate, create and maintain. I know my purpose and it is to: Serve People. So, because I know my reason for being in the earth I can live freely loving and building up others and simply leave the world a better place than when I found it.

I chose a career in mental health because I am the product of a system that often forgets people like me and I’m determined to change that. I was raised by a single mother, and my father was murdered when I was 12 due to his heroin use and involvement in drug trafficking. My mom went to prison for selling drugs when I was in high school, and again during my first few years of college. My younger brother is currently incarcerated, and my older sister has been to prison as well. I’ve lived surrounded by trauma, addiction, and incarceration. And still, I chose healing. I am a first-generation college student, now pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Clear Lake. In February 2025, I became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and I currently serve as a mentor for interns while completing my clinical work at a community-based mental health clinic. Every day, I work with people who have lived through what I’ve lived through people who were never given a chance, who were misunderstood, and who are still struggling silently. My passion for mental health is personal. I’ve watched my aunt, sister, and best friend struggle with bipolar disorder. I’ve loved people with undiagnosed conditions and seen how untreated mental illness can destroy families. In 2021, I faced my own mental health crisis. I was in an abusive relationship, became pregnant, and suffered a miscarriage. Shortly after, I had surgery to remove a rare tailgut cyst and wore an ileostomy bag for months. I felt physically weak, emotionally broken, and completely overlooked. Providers treated my body but never asked about my mind. That experience solidified my purpose. I want to be the kind of provider who sees the whole person. Someone who understands the impact of generational trauma, poverty, incarceration, and loss. I want to be the counselor I needed when I was 12, when I was 18, and when I was 33. My goal is to open a trauma-informed counseling center that offers sliding-scale therapy, peer support groups, and culturally competent care for people impacted by substance use, abuse, incarceration, and grief. I want to bring therapy to places it’s never been;schools, shelters, prisons, and churches,and make it feel safe, welcoming, and life-changing. Receiving the Ethan To Mental Health Awareness Scholarship would help me complete my degree and continue doing the work I know I was born to do. My life has been shaped by struggle, but it’s also been shaped by hope. I am breaking generational curses through service, education, and healing. And I believe that every person, no matter their past, deserves access to the support they need to rise.

Mental health has always been a part of my story, personally, relationally, and now professionally. I didn’t stumble into the mental health field by accident. It was something I lived before I ever studied it. From growing up with an aunt who had bipolar disorder to supporting a best friend and a sister through their own battles with bipolar symptoms, I learned early on how complicated and misunderstood mental illness can be. But I also learned that love, consistency, and understanding are powerful tools. I witnessed how mental health affects not only the individual but entire families, and how silence, shame, and stigma often keep people from receiving the help they need. Even before I understood what counseling was, I found myself drawn to people with mental health challenges. I have always had a heart for the misunderstood, the ones who act out, isolate, or get labeled without anyone asking what they’ve been through. I could recognize the signs of undiagnosed conditions long before I knew the clinical terms. Working in communities with limited access to care only heightened my awareness of how important culturally competent, judgment-free mental health support really is. In 2021, I entered one of the darkest periods of my life. I was in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship with someone I had known since college. I became pregnant and miscarried just a couple of months later. Around that same time, doctors discovered a rare tailgut cyst near my rectum and reproductive organs. I underwent a major surgery that left me with incisions on my abdomen and a temporary ileostomy bag. I lived in pain, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I had very little support. The medical providers treated the physical wounds, but no one asked about my mental health, my grief, or my trauma. I felt invisible. That experience woke me up. I realized that the system is deeply flawed, especially for women of color, low-income individuals, and those who carry invisible pain. I also realized I didn’t want to just survive. I wanted to heal. And I wanted to help others heal too. In 2023, I returned to school to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In February 2025, I earned my LCDC, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, credential, and now I’m on track to become a Licensed Professional Counselor by the end of my program. My beliefs around mental health have evolved into a deep understanding that it is not just about therapy. It is about access, education, and advocacy. It is about removing shame and making care feel safe, affirming, and relevant. I believe that mental health support should not be one-size-fits-all. It must reflect the unique cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs of the people it serves. Through my internship at a Houston-based community clinic, I’ve worked with individuals and families facing housing instability, trauma, substance use, and generational mental health struggles. Many of them are uninsured, undocumented, or have never seen a therapist in their life. I currently mentor other counseling interns and lead by example, modeling empathy, professionalism, and advocacy. My clients have taught me as much as I’ve helped them. I’ve learned that healing requires patience and that trust is earned, not given. Attending the University of Houston Clear Lake has also been instrumental in my growth. With a student body that is 45 percent Hispanic or Latinx and graduate counseling classes that are nearly 80 percent Latinx, I’ve had the opportunity to grow in cultural humility and expand my understanding of mental health across diverse identities. This has reinforced my commitment to serving those who are underrepresented and underserved in the mental health field. My relationships have deepened as a result of my healing and education. I now understand how to set healthy boundaries, engage in open and honest conversations, and support others without losing myself in the process. I value emotional safety and accountability, and I bring those same values into the therapeutic spaces I create for others. I have also become an advocate within my own family, educating loved ones about the importance of seeking help and breaking generational cycles of silence and suffering. Looking ahead, I plan to open a trauma-informed counseling practice that serves women, children, and marginalized communities. I want to offer affordable, sliding-scale services, provide bilingual care, and create group programs focused on healing from trauma, grief, and addiction. I envision community workshops, support groups, and peer mentorship programs that normalize therapy and build connection through shared experience. I want those that are at risk for suicide or have suicidal ideations to have a place to come decompress, get support and feel safe in a non-judgmental environment. I also want to train future counselors, helping to diversify the field and ensure the next generation of providers are not only clinically skilled, but culturally and emotionally aware. Mental health care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is as essential as clean water, food, and shelter. It should not be reserved for the privileged few, and I am committed to being part of the change. My dream is not just to have a license or run a practice. My dream is to create spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and whole, regardless of their background, income, or identity. The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship would not only support my education, but would also affirm the mission I live out every day. I carry the stories of my aunt, my sister, my best friend, and every client I’ve had the privilege to serve. Their journeys inspire me to keep going, to keep learning, and to keep showing up. I didn’t just choose mental health. It chose me through the people I love, the pain I’ve survived, and the purpose that guides me now. I would uphold your mother's honor with this scholarship by giving sound to the voiceless.

My name is Shanita Sheppard, and I am an Afro-Latina graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Clear Lake. I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), a trauma survivor, and a future Licensed Professional Counselor committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care to marginalized communities. I am also part of a sobering reality: only about 11 percent of licensed counselors in the United States are Black. Being part of that small percentage is not just a statistic to me,it is a mandate and responsibility. As a BIPOC woman in a field where I am often one of the only people who look like me, I understand the weight of representation. I have been in rooms where my voice was minimized, my experience misunderstood, and my presence questioned. Still, I remain committed to showing up, not only for myself but for the communities who rarely see themselves reflected in their providers. I may be a minority in this field, but I am determined to help the majority,those whose pain has been silenced, whose trauma has been normalized, and whose healing has been delayed because of race, class, gender, or identity. My passion for mental health came from personal experience. In 2021, I survived an abusive relationship, suffered a miscarriage, and underwent major surgery that left me wearing an ileostomy bag for several months. I lived with grief, shame, and physical pain while trying to maintain my daily responsibilities. Mental health care was not easily accessible, and support was limited. Through time, therapy, and faith, I found strength. That strength turned into purpose. I returned to school in 2023 to become the kind of counselor I once needed; one who listens, sees, and affirms. At UHCL, 45 percent of the student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and nearly 80 percent of my counseling peers are Latinx. This environment has allowed me to learn how culture, language, and lived experience influence how individuals approach therapy. My internship at a Houston-based community clinic has exposed me to the realities of low-income clients, LGBTQIA+ youth, and families navigating trauma and addiction. I am committed to being a safe space for them all. My long-term goal is to open a counseling practice rooted in equity, education, and empowerment. I plan to offer services that reflect the unique needs of Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, and underserved individuals. This scholarship would support my continued education and allow me to expand my training to better serve those who have been historically overlooked. I pay out of pocket for school 100% and this scholarship would help me significantly. Being part of the 11 percent is not a limitation, it is my motivation. I am not just entering the mental health field, I am helping to transform it one client at a time.

As a proud Afro-Latina pursuing my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, my desire to serve the Latinx community is deeply personal and professional. I have witnessed the cultural and systemic barriers that often prevent Latinx individuals from accessing mental health care barriers like stigma, language gaps, lack of representation, and economic hardship. These experiences, paired with my own journey of healing, have shaped my purpose: to be a therapist who sees, understands, and empowers Latinx individuals and families to seek and receive the care they deserve. I currently attend the University of Houston Clear Lake, which has one of the most diverse student populations in Texas. In 2023, approximately 45% of UHCL students identified as Hispanic or Latino. In my graduate classes specifically, about 80% of my classmates are Latinx. This diversity has allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations and collaborate with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds, many of whom share firsthand experiences of the challenges their families and communities face when it comes to accessing mental health care. Being in this environment has broadened my cultural competence and deepened my motivation to serve this population with empathy and authenticity. My passion for mental health is also rooted in my own lived experience. In 2021, I survived a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, suffered a miscarriage, and underwent a major medical surgery.I almost lost my ability to have children. These events forced me to confront my own trauma, and in the process, find my calling. I enrolled in graduate school in 2023, and I am now on track to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. At my internship at a community mental health clinic, I work with underserved clients, many of whom are Latinx. I’ve seen how a lack of insurance, cultural stigma, and limited access to bilingual providers create significant barriers to care. I’ve supported families dealing with generational trauma, youth navigating identity and academic stress, and adults who’ve never had a safe space to talk. These experiences remind me daily that mental health care must be more accessible, more culturally relevant, and more compassionate. My long-term goal is to open a trauma-informed counseling center that serves Latinx and underserved communities with dignity and respect. I plan to offer bilingual services, hire diverse staff, and partner with local schools and faith organizations to offer outreach and education. I want to remove the shame often associated with seeking help and replace it with encouragement, safety, and healing. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education while expanding my training in culturally competent care. It would also validate the mission I’ve committed my life to ensuring that Latinx individuals, regardless of income, immigration status, or background, have access to quality mental health services. I believe healing is a human right,and the Latinx community deserves counselors who not only look like them, but who live, learn, and lead with them. That is the kind of professional I am becoming, and that is the future I am building.

The national health issue I am most passionate about is mental health within marginalized communities, particularly among Black and Brown individuals who face trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and generational patterns of emotional pain. This issue is personal to me, not just professionally, but through lived experience. I survived an abusive relationship in 2021, endured a miscarriage, and underwent major surgery for a rare tailgut cyst. During this time, I was physically weak, emotionally overwhelmed, and mentally depleted. Yet, I had limited access to mental health care and support systems, which only deepened the isolation I felt. I have seen how untreated mental health issues, compounded by poverty, cultural stigma, and systemic racism, can leave people trapped in cycles of survival instead of healing. After my own recovery, I felt a strong pull to go beyond my pain and use it to serve others. That is why I returned to school to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In February 2025, I earned my LCDC license and am currently working toward my LPC. Through both my personal experiences and professional work, I have seen how communities often lack access to care that feels safe, relatable, and free of judgment. In many Black households, therapy is rarely discussed, and emotional struggles are often met with silence or spiritual dismissal. I care deeply about this issue because I know what it feels like to suffer silently and to be told to just "be strong" while your world is falling apart. In my internship and volunteer work, I serve clients who are dealing with housing instability, substance use, domestic violence, and generational trauma. I currently mentor counseling interns at a community clinic and help guide them in working with underserved populations. What I’ve learned is that therapy alone is not enough. We must create culturally competent and trauma-informed spaces that restore dignity and offer practical support. My passion extends beyond the therapy room. I plan to develop group healing workshops, peer support circles, and outreach programs that incorporate holistic mental wellness. I want to normalize conversations around emotional wellness in churches, schools, and shelters, making healing feel less intimidating and more inviting. Mental health care should not feel like a luxury; it is a basic need, especially for those who have endured repeated adversity. This scholarship would allow me to complete my graduate program and invest in additional training to better serve those affected by trauma and addiction. I hope to become a leader in the movement to reimagine mental health care as accessible, empowering, and rooted in equity. I want to be a voice for those who feel invisible and a source of light for those still finding their way. I care about this problem because I lived it. I overcame it, and I am determined to help others do the same. My goal is not just to treat symptoms, but to transform lives by meeting people where they are and helping them believe in where they can go. We all need someone to believe in something better for our lives, even if we don't see it yet. I want to give that hope to others through the cause of mental health.

Community saved me. It didn’t happen in one moment, but in a series of quiet, consistent, intentional moments that reminded me I wasn’t alone. After surviving a domestic violence relationship, losing a pregnancy, and undergoing life-altering surgery in 2021, I could have isolated and shut down. Instead, I chose to step forward. And in doing so, I found that community is where healing and hope live. One of the most pivotal moments came in 2023 when I began graduate school to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I had just started rebuilding my life emotionally, spiritually, and financially after years of trauma. I was unsure of how I would manage school, work, and healing all at once. But I found support in the unlikeliest places: my professors, my classmates, my church community, and my internship at a mental health clinic in Houston. At Hope Clinic, where I currently serve as the Lead Mentor for new counseling interns, I have the opportunity to give what I once needed; guidance, encouragement, and connection. I work alongside students and staff from diverse backgrounds to serve vulnerable populations, including those impacted by addiction, homelessness, and generational trauma. Many of our clients are navigating pain in silence, just like I once was. I see myself in them, and I meet them with empathy. I mentor interns who are unsure of their voice, unsure of their worth, and I remind them that they belong in this field. We grow together, and that’s the power of community. Outside of school, I contribute to my community through volunteering with housing and mental health initiatives across Houston. I attend coalition meetings, support faith-based community events, and uplift those in transition by connecting them to counseling and support resources. One of my proudest moments was helping secure housing and job readiness services for a single mother fleeing an abusive situation. She cried when she received the keys to her new apartment, and in that moment, I saw the ripple effect of kindness and the possibility of generational change. These experiences have taught me that community is not about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, holding space, and reminding others that they are worthy of love, safety, and opportunity. Being a part of something bigger than myself, whether it’s my graduate program, my professional team, or my neighborhood, has renewed my faith in humanity. More than anything, community has given me hope. Hope that systems can change. Hope that stories like mine, and others, can become testimonies, not tragedies. Hope that one day I’ll open a trauma-informed counseling center where people feel seen, heard, and healed. A place where connection and compassion lead the way. This scholarship would not only help me financially, it would fuel my mission to continue pouring into others while completing my degree. As a Black woman, a survivor, a counselor-in-training, and a leader in my community, I carry both the scars and the wisdom of my past. And I choose to use them to uplift those still finding their way. I have learned that nothing in this life is done in isolation and we all need someone along the way. That is what community has been for me living in Houston for 21 years alone leaving home at 18 with a dollar and a dream to go to college. And, now still succeeding years later it was community that carried me and sustained me. Community has taught me resilience. It has taught me that hope isn’t just something we hold, it’s something we build, together.

In 2021, I was in a domestic violence relationship with someone I had once trusted,a college friend I reconnected with years later. He was verbally, physically, and emotionally abusive. He showed clear signs of untreated mental illness,mood swings, paranoia, deep depression,but he resisted help. I tried to support him, but I was his only support system, and it was slowly breaking me down. That same year, I became pregnant by him. I miscarried just two months later. Around the same time, doctors discovered a rare tailgut cyst near my rectum and reproductive organs. I had to undergo invasive surgery, which left me with incisions on my stomach and lower back, and I wore an ileostomy bag for four months. Doctors feared I had cancer and that a hysterectomy might be necessary. It was one of the darkest times of my life,facing physical pain, grief, and emotional trauma from a toxic relationship all at once,but I persevered. After we separated, Jason’s behavior escalated. He went on to choke another woman and is now serving time in prison. That chapter of my life closed painfully but clearly. I could not save him,but I could save myself. And I could use everything I had survived to help others do the same. In 2023, two years later, I enrolled in graduate school to pursue a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. At the time, I wasn’t licensed yet, but I knew that my calling was to be a healing presence for people who felt invisible, unheard, and broken. In February 2025, I officially became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and I’m currently continuing my education to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and I graduate December 2025. My goal is to open a trauma-informed private practice that centers on healing for women, survivors of intimate partner violence, and underserved communities. I want to provide therapy that feels safe, affirming, and culturally responsive. Beyond one-on-one sessions, I plan to create peer-led support groups, community-based workshops, and programs that combine emotional healing with holistic self-care. I believe that healing doesn’t only happen in therapy rooms,it happens in community. My experience as a survivor gives me a unique lens. I don’t just understand trauma academically,I’ve lived it. I know what it feels like to be trapped, second-guess your own reality, grieve in silence, and to start over when you don’t feel strong enough. That’s what makes my approach compassionate, grounded, and deeply intentional. My goal is to help others not just survive their pain, but grow through it and find purpose on the other side. This scholarship would provide crucial support as I continue my education and training. It would also symbolize something greater,proof that my story, while painful, can be transformed into purpose. My past does not define me, but it does drive me. And I plan to use it to help others see that healing is possible, help is available, and hope is real. I’m committed to becoming the counselor I once needed. Someone who listens without judgment, holds space for pain, and reminds people that starting over is a form of strength,not weakness. I want to create therapeutic and judgment free spaces for women to get resources and grow in grace. I plan to use my degree and my story to change lives. And I’m just getting started.

Mental health has not only shaped my life, it has defined my path, redirected my pain, and given purpose to my voice. As a 38-year-old Black woman raised in Texas, my earliest experiences with mental health were silent battles behind closed doors. My father struggled with addiction and was in and out of prison before he was murdered when I was just twelve years old. That loss changed me forever. At the time, no one talked about grief, trauma, or therapy in my world. You just kept going, pretending you were okay. But pretending became exhausting. And eventually, I stopped pretending and started healing. My personal battles with anxiety, grief, abandonment wounds, and toxic relationships have deeply influenced the woman I’ve become. Over time, I’ve realized that unaddressed pain doesn’t disappear,it simply finds new ways to show up. I’ve watched it show up in my relationships, in perfectionism, in emotional shutdowns, and in choosing people who mirrored my childhood wounds. But my decision to prioritize mental health,to seek therapy, to return to school, and to serve others,has helped me reclaim power over my story. My goals today are rooted in that reclamation. I’m currently a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and I will graduate with my second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2025. I plan to pursue my LPC, become certified in trauma and grief, and open multiple mental health-focused businesses: court-mandated counseling, private therapy, and a candle company which will fuse healing with creative expression. I also plan to launch a nonprofit, to help kids of color embrace education and emotional intelligence with pride. These goals are all born from my belief that healing must be accessible, culturally competent, and rooted in compassion. Mental health has also reshaped my relationships,especially with myself. I no longer romanticize chaos or accept love that hurts. After ending a two-year relationship that was emotionally unsafe, I realized that being in tune with my mental health means honoring my peace, even if it means walking away. I've learned that healing isn't just about therapy, it's about boundaries, choosing partners who are emotionally safe, and creating a life that nurtures me, not drains me. This shift has also impacted my family and professional relationships. I’ve set new standards for communication, empathy, and accountability. As a mentor and supervisor, I now lead with emotional intelligence, creating workspaces where my team and clients feel safe, seen, and supported. My mental health journey has made me a better counselor, one who doesn’t just offer interventions but embodies them. Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, my worldview has expanded. I now understand that trauma is generational, healing is revolutionary, and mental wellness is a form of resistance, especially for marginalized communities. The stigma around therapy in Black and Brown families is real. But I see it changing, slowly, with every conversation, every counseling session, every moment of truth. I’ve learned that vulnerability is strength, rest is necessary, and transparency is transformative. I see the world through a trauma-informed lens now. I no longer ask, “What’s wrong with them?” but “What happened to them?” That shift alone has deepened my empathy and softened my judgments. It’s made me a bridge-builder, an advocate, and a truth-teller in rooms where silence once reigned. If awarded this scholarship, I will use the funds to finish school strong and expand my reach. I want to speak, teach, and lead in a way that not only destigmatizes mental health but also humanizes it. I want to remind people,especially those who look like me, that it's okay to not be okay, and it's powerful to ask for help. In closing, my experience with mental health didn’t just shape me,it saved me. And now I’m on a mission to use every part of my story to save others.

I am currently in school studying the subject of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am completing my 2nd year in the graduate program at University of Houston Clearlake. My world has been shaped, molded, and impacted by mental health as long as I can remember it. I grew up in a small city of Fort Worth, Texas and I like to say that I was raised by, “A Village”. My mother was a young single mother with 4 small children, and I spent most of my time with my aunt while she cared for my grandmother. I watched my grandmother give what I thought was, “a hard time”, for many years and what I would learn much later in life once I left and went to undergrad where my grandmother was battling both Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia. This was a hard battle to watch since my aunt was the youngest sibling she was left at home to do most of the medicine distribution, meal prepping, bathing, and some days when my grandmother was in crisis, my aunt also suffered the most verbal and emotional abuse I have ever been a witness to. Growing up the other kids would call my grandmother, “Crazy”, and it did not make it any better that not only was she battling mental and physical illnesses, but she was also legally blind. So, she would have a crisis and start swinging and hit anyone and anything in her path, including visiting neighbors’ children who would just stand and stare when she began to have one of her many episodes. I grew up seeing my grandmother’s illness affect my aunt and as a result, my aunt began using drugs that a boyfriend introduced to her and before I knew it, my once very normal aunt began displaying some of the similar erratic behaviors that my grandmother, her mother, displayed. My aunt would have moments when she would be loving, cooking, and nurturing one moment. And, then the next moment she would begin to curse everyone out, and sometimes even pick up objects to hit others impulsively with. In present day I have taken both my family and friendship experiences with mental health and decided to further my education and get my LPC so that I can not only have the knowledge and lived experience with mental health, but I can now have a license and advocate to truly helping those in need. I want to take my story and help others learn how to understand and get their loved ones the help they need and take some of the stigma in communities of color and low-income communities off our mental health. I plan to help others take mental health to be just as important as we take physical health. I have taken training recently such as ASIST suicide training, educating myself on prevention and detection methods when someone does have suicidal or homicidal ideations and to ensure that I operate truly as a helper to intervene as early as possible. This scholarship will help me to complete my goal of finishing my master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling as I plan to graduate next year in December 2025. I am currently paying for my education out of pocket in cash and scholarships semester by semester. I am working a full-time job and a part time job to sustain my life and paying for summer school currently, as I prepare to see how to pay for Fall 2024. Thank you for your time and consideration for this scholarship to continue to further my education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I am currently in school studying the subject of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am completing my 2nd year in the graduate program at University of Houston Clearlake. My world has been shaped, molded, and impacted by mental health as long as I can remember it. I grew up in a small city of Fort Worth, Texas and I like to say that I was raised by, “A Village”. My mother was a young single mother with 4 small children, and I spent most of my time with my aunt while she cared for my grandmother. I watched my grandmother give what I thought was, “a hard time”, for many years and what I would learn much later in life once I left and went to undergrad where my grandmother was battling both Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia. This was a hard battle to watch since my aunt was the youngest sibling she was left at home to do most of the medicine distribution, meal prepping, bathing, and some days when my grandmother was in crisis, my aunt also suffered the most verbal and emotional abuse I have ever been a witness to. Growing up the other kids would call my grandmother, “Crazy”, and it did not make it any better that not only was she battling mental and physical illnesses, but she was also legally blind. So, she would have a crisis and start swinging and hit anyone and anything in her path, including visiting neighbors’ children who would just stand and stare when she began to have one of her many episodes. I grew up seeing my grandmother’s illness affect my aunt and as a result, my aunt began using drugs that a boyfriend introduced to her and before I knew it, my once very normal aunt began displaying some of the similar erratic behaviors that my grandmother, her mother, displayed. My aunt would have moments when she would be loving, cooking, and nurturing one moment. And, then the next moment she would begin to curse everyone out, and sometimes even pick up objects to hit others impulsively with. I had a professional experience with suicide when one of my clients snuck a screwdriver into a crisis respite facility that I was the administrator at the time. He was experiencing psychosis, and we were awaiting his case manager to bring his medications. Once, I left for the day my staff called me and told me that he attempted suicide in the restroom and once I arrived, he was transported to the hospital. I immediately went into action and my assistant, and I cleaned up the crime scene out of the restroom and because my first thought was to protect the other clients and staff from seeing it and getting traumatized, I never even considered my own needs. I attempted to go on with life as usual, but I started having nightmares, and my daily activities were being interrupted. I am grateful that I advocated for myself, because I reached out to my company and asked for therapy for both me and my staff. I realized at this time how important processing emotions from crisis, especially suicide or suicide attempts is very important. I also realized how important self-care, advocacy and being willing to ask for help was. I then went on to college and had a best friend of 20 plus years suffer my bipolar disorder. We went through many highs and lows in college and his mental illness ultimately put a strain on our friendship, and due to him not wanting to comply with medications and not self-medicate with illicit drugs and alcohol we had to go our separate ways unfortunately. I still miss our friendship at times, but when I think of the emotional, verbal, and mental abuse that I had to suffer and endure during the relationship I can’t return to it. Now, in present day I have taken both my family and friendship experiences with mental health and decided to further my education and get my LPC so that I can not only have the knowledge and lived experience with mental health, but I can now have a license and advocate to truly helping those in need. I want to take my story and help others learn how to understand and get their loved ones the help they need and take some of the stigma in communities of color and low-income communities off our mental health. I plan to help others take mental health to be just as important as we take physical health. I have taken training recently such as ASIST suicide training, educating myself on prevention and detection methods when someone does have suicidal or homicidal ideations and to ensure that I operate truly as a helper to intervene as early as possible. This scholarship will help me to complete my goal of finishing my master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling as I plan to graduate next year in December 2025. I am currently paying for my education out of pocket in cash and scholarships semester by semester. I am working a full-time job and a part time job to sustain my life and paying for summer school currently, as I prepare to see how to pay for Fall 2024. Thank you for your time and consideration for this scholarship to continue to further my education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

My favorite concert memory was soooo amazing and the funny thing about my experience is that recently this past week saw that the artist was going back on tour, and I planned to catch her again in another city! My favorite concert of all time must be hands down Lauryn Hill! She has a reputation for not showing up to her shows or leaving her concert goers waiting for her at the shows for an insurmountable amount of time. So, I got creative with her concert and decided to look up the very 1st stop of her tour this year and it was in Oxnard, California. So, I told my boyfriend about the concert months in advance and because of the nature of his job being a traveling turbine engineer he said he may or may not be able to attend with me. I live in Houston, Texas and he is currently working on an assignment in Des Moines, IA. So, about a week rolls around before the concert and I reminded him about it and unfortunately, he told me he was not able to attend. So, I told him that I was going to still go without him, and that the experience was very meaningful to me so I would go solo to the concert. So, this concert was not just about the actual concert itself, but the entire memory that has attached to this experience from start to finish. I felt so strong, bold, and liberated buying me 1 plane ticket and searching for a hotel for myself to Oxnard, CA from Houston, TX. I felt like a real adult! I could not believe that I was doing it, but I was doing it!!! So, I bought my 1 solo plane ticket, and booked me a hotel not too far from the Toyota Center in Oxnard, CA where the concert was being held. Once I arrived in California, I knew it was really going to happen that night! I traveled the day of the concert so there was a rush the entire trip to get there due to excitement! I had an amazing Lyft driver that played Lauryn Hill on the radio the entire ride to the concert, and he was hyping me up the entire ride to the venue! Once I arrived at the concert, I was on time enough to grab me a little cocktail and snack and head to my seat. I sat between two couples, but both ladies were sitting next to me so there were not any uncomfortable vibes. Lauryn Hill came out on time, and she put on an amazing concert with every hit from the 90’s played back-to-back! I screamed and sang my heart out, and it felt so good to not only be at this concert, but to have done it afraid, scared, but fearlessly on my own! I will never forget this concert, because it showed me that no matter what happens in life, always do what makes you truly happy and do what makes your soul feel good and come alive, even if that means going alone. And, on the journey I met so many interesting and kind people that I never really felt alone, I felt alive! What a concert! What a memory for life!

I am a 2nd year graduate student obtaining my 2nd master’s degree. It has been a challenge for me, but I live my life according to a quote from one of my favorite books, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.” The book has one chapter called, “Begin with the End in Mind”. I like this because it sums up most of the achievements and disappointments in my life, because I have always kept my end goal as my focus to keep me going when the going got tough, or the tough got going. I am a small-town girl, living in a big city world. I am from Fort Worth, Texas, but I live in Houston, Texas. I have completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice as well as a master’s degree in sociology. I am in the process of completing another master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Counseling has been a passion of mine as long as I can remember, because being a “Helper” is a role that I have proudly and at times exhaustingly worn. I understand now what the meaning of “self-care” truly is, and I am able to find balance more these days by being honest with myself when I am approaching either, “compassion fatigue”, and/or “burnout”. I have been faced with adversity from birth being born to a single mother that both her and my father were drug dealers, and at times growing up I would discover that my father too struggled with a heroine and cocaine addiction occasionally. He was in and out of prison for the duration of his short lived 35-year-old life and losing him to a violent gunshot murder when I was 12 years old didn’t make my father-daughter wounds any better. My mother raised me and my other 3 siblings to the best of her ability, but she struggled not with an addiction to drug usage, but the thrill and excitement of the street life and all that came with it including the men and fast money had a grip on her. Through all of this, I maintained a focus that I would leave Fort Worth, Texas when I graduated in 2004 from high school and I would never look back. I am so proud to say I did that, and this August 2024 will make my 20-year anniversary that I moved to Houston, Texas and attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from there and I am not in process of completing a 3rd degree and 2nd masters. I overcame and broke the cycles of my parent’s addictions to money, lust, fame, and greed. I also broke the cycles of substance abuse and a need to be accepted by a world that no matter if I do good or bad will never truly accept me. In the very near future, I plan to help my community by obtaining my LPC and offering free and low-cost mental health services to low income and underserved communities. I want to help educate families and individuals on mental health and how we can all work together to make mental health less of a stigma and educate ourselves about it so that we can become empowered and knowledgeable about mental health.

I am a 2nd year graduate student obtaining my 2nd master’s degree. It has been a challenge for me, but I live my life according to a quote from one of my favorite books, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.” The book has one chapter called, “Begin with the End in Mind”. I like this because it sums up most of the achievements and disappointments in my life, because I have always kept my end goal as my focus to keep me going when the going got tough, or the tough got going. I am a small-town girl, living in a big city world. I am from Fort Worth, Texas, but I live in Houston, Texas. I have completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice as well as a master’s degree in sociology. I am in the process of completing another master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Counseling has been a passion of mine as long as I can remember, because being a “Helper” is a role that I have proudly and at times exhaustingly worn. I understand now what the meaning of “self-care” truly is and I am able to find balance more these days by being honest with myself when I am approaching either, “compassion fatigue”, and/or, “burnout”. I hold myself accountable by ensuring that I hold myself to the same standards that I hold others to. As a natural and professional leader, I never ask my team to do anything that I am not willing to either demonstrate or walk alongside them and do as well. I know how to encourage, motivate, guide, and inspire others around me, while still being able to maintain my own spark. I am always self-checking myself as well and doing my own personal self-audits to ensure that my values align with my action’s words. I want to always ensure that I am being a person of integrity and modeling the behavior of an individual that wants to be held accountable and receive constructive feedback and criticism from others. I am not afraid or unwilling to accept others’ opinions or critiques of my performance or character, because I utilize this as opportunity to grow and this allows me to hold myself accountable, but to also allow my peers or others to feel comfortable challenging my growth or contributing to it. Being able to receive constructive criticism from others and having the ability to model behaviors that I want to encourage have helped me tremendously in both my personal and professional life. It has allowed me to show humility and that no matter how highly I am elevated in life professionally or personally there is always still room for growth and improvement. If I am awarded this scholarship, it would be another testament to what happens when you remain faithful, motivated, and do not allow financial circumstances hold you back from getting a degree as a single woman.

My mental health has been challenged over the hills and through the woods as I pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling! I am in my second year of graduate school at University of Houston Clear Lake in Pearland, Texas. This is my third attempt to complete and finish this degree. I attempted once in 2017, again in 2019, and currently I began this attempt in Fall 2023 last year. My mental health has been affected in various ways, because both of my previous attempts I was in unhealthy romantic relationships that were mentally and emotionally draining for me. But this time, I am in a very healthy mental and emotional space that allows me to thrive and be a better version of myself that is reflective in both my personal and professional life. My mental health impacts my academic performance by allowing me to focus and retain information more effectively in my courses. When I am in a good place mentally, it shows up in my work and academic performance. And vice versa, it also shows up negatively when I am not in a good space mentally or emotionally. I am very intentional when it comes to ensuring the preservation of my mental health because I have so much to lose in my life currently, and so much at risk. I am 37 years old, and this is my third attempt getting this degree due to personal physical, emotional, and mental health issues. I intentionally ensure that I take care of my self by doing things that bring me pure joy and happiness. I get joy by doing nice things for others, and this makes me feel better mentally. I prioritize self-care by doing things that make me happy like hot yoga, working out, dancing, watching a good comedy movie, babysitting a loved one or friend’s child, or volunteering locally with some of the at-risk children in Houston. I also make sure that as a counselor in training I take mental health seriously, and I have a counselor of my own as well. I was told early in my program that every therapist needs a therapist. So, I am intentional on being aware of my own personal biases and issues so that I can ensure that I provide the best mental health guidance, services, and counseling to my future patients. I want to be able to develop my own mental health strategies and coping skills so that I can help my patients achieve the same goal of prioritizing their mental health so that they can be successful as well.