Hello. I received my BA in Psychology in 2020, then, my MA in social work (MSW) in 2023. During these programs, I worked at a company called Sheppard Pratt, which is the largest nonprofit provider of mental health. I worked with adolescent boys in RTC while with this company. I soon moved to the largest mental health organization in my county, Cornerstone Montgomery and held two positions there- a crisis counselor where I worked in crisis homes, step-downs from the hospital and I served adults struggling with psychosis, suicidal/homicidal ideation, personality disorders and trauma. The other position I held was a Rehabilitation counselor, working with adults struggling with SUDs in a RTC. Once I graduated with my MSW, I began working at a private practice near my home. It's only been a couple of months since being an LMSW (Licensed Master in Social Work), but since then, I have completed a 50-hour training and became a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and I have about 20 hours left until I am certified to practice using EMDR. I strive to get my PsyD, with an expected graduation date of 2027 so I can teach students not only what I know now, but all the information I will have attained by that time. I think I deserve this scholarship because I have a lot of experience. The training I spoke of is to increase my scope of practice and/or to be the most effective therapist I can be; since I am an LMSW, I won't receive those CE credits and was fully aware of that before signing up. I am always willing to learn more and refine my interventions and ways of working. This scholarship will benefit me by allowing me to continue taking more trainings and certifications without the constraint of my current and past student fees/loans. I chose this career field because I've had friends and family members who have gone for therapeutic treatment and have received less than ethical care that continues to weigh heavily on them to this day. While I cannot undo every wrong, I hope to be able to create a space safe enough for my clients to heal and strive to not be the therapist my love ones had. By attaining my PsyD, I hope to mold and form students into therapists who authentically strive to do no harm. Thank you for taking the time to listen to what I had to say.