Hobbies and interests
Coaching
Dance
Exercise And Fitness
Poetry
Reading
Reading
Fantasy
Psychology
Self-Help
Romance
I read books daily
Shannon Block-Whitcher
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FinalistShannon Block-Whitcher
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FinalistBio
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 programMajors:
- 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
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.