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Shannon Block-Whitcher

945

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am deeply passionate about healing the planet and, more importantly, the mind. After overcoming life-altering challenges, I’ve realized that there is no set timeline for growth—we each carve our path. At 33 years old and 7 years clean and sober, I know firsthand that transformation is possible, no matter what the past looks like. I believe wholeheartedly in spiritual growth and lifelong learning, and I’m embracing both as I step into the role of a college student. Balancing a full-time job as an office assistant while pursuing my education is difficult, but nothing will stop me from achieving my goals. I’m committed to completing my AA degree by mid-2026 and then transferring to FAU to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This is just the beginning of a much larger journey—one where I aspire to be a bold beacon of inspiration, a role model, a change-maker, and a chain-breaker. I’ve learned that growth isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding path with ups and downs. But I’m ready for whatever challenges come my way because I believe in the power of perseverance. My journey is not just about my success but about creating a ripple effect of hope and change for others. I am determined to show you can always make a new future, no matter where you start. I appreciate your support as I continue this journey. I’m excited about the path ahead, and I am confident that the work I put in today will pave the way for a future where I can inspire and uplift others to pursue their dreams.

Education

Palm Beach State College

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Social Work
    • Psychology, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Psychology, General
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Social Work
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Individual & Family Services

    • Dream career goals:

    • Office Assistant

      2021 – Present3 years

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship
    Recovery means life. Sobriety means freedom. I followed both of my parents into addiction from a very young age. My father overdosed when I was 3 years old and my mother recently overdosed in November of 2022. I traveled down the rabbit hole and into chaos from the age of 16, till I was 26. I found myself desperate, coldhearted, hungry, homeless and hopeless. On the last day of my decade-long binge, I looked up to the sky and prayed to God for help with the physical toll it would take to get clean. I promised that I would stay sober if my physical suffering was somehow lessened. A few hours later I was put into handcuffs and removed from society, in which I was lucky enough that they detoxed me. When I was released, I stayed in a 90-day rehab, got a sponsor, worked my steps, went to meetings and started to build this new life that I had never experienced before. Recovery and sobriety is the most precious gift this life has ever given to me. After dropping out at 16, I have finally found the confidence to enroll in college. Today I work a full-time job, take care of my body, nourish my mind, and I am capable of being there for the ones I love. Without recovery, I would more than likely be dead. My major will be psychology, where I aim to inspire as many souls as possible through my life experience. Thank you.