My experience with mental illness has been a thread running through my life, weaving moments of struggle and resilience that have shaped who I am today. Growing up, my parents' divorce was a pivotal event that left me grappling with feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt. It was during this time that I first began to experience anxiety and depression, though I couldn't yet put names to those emotions. As I have grown, I have come to understand that these challenges are not unique to me. They are shared among my family in ways that connect us but also challenge us. My mother and older brother also face anxiety, which has created this unspoken bond between us. This also leads to moment where we struggle together to navigate through communication and hardships. My dad's battle with anxiety and PTSD, stemming from his years as a Marine, has given me a deep appreciation for the scars, both visible and invisible, that life can leave behind. Watching him struggle with his past life has been heartbreaking. Yet it also has taught me the power of resilience and the importance of finding support from others. These experiences have profoundly shaped my outlook on life and my career aspirations. Living through my own mental health struggles while supporting my family has instilled in me a passion for helping others find strength in their vulnerabilities. That passion led to pursue a degree in Psychology with the ultimate goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist. I want to an individual who not only listens but helps others rebuild their lives, whether they are overcoming trauma, battling anxiety, or simply in need of growth and support. Mental illness has taught me that life is not about avoiding the hard moments but about finding the meaning within them. It has given me a deep perspective of empathy, patience, and determination to make a difference. This scholarship would help me continue my journey towards a career where I can use my personal experiences to inspire and empower others. I believe that my story, though marked by challenges, is ultimately a story of growth and perseverance. For me, mental illness is not just a struggle, it is a reminder of the strength we carry, even when we feel at our weakest. It is shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined, and I am determined to use those lessons to create a brighter future for others.

My experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Growing up in a constant atmosphere of negativity due to my parent's divorce when I was only five years old, I had to learn to navigate a tumultuous and ever-changing environment. Adapting to living in different homes, meeting new spouses, and dealing with sudden changes in my life was a significant challenge. My father quickly met my stepmother, and her swift move into our home led to abusive fights, yelling, bickering, and physical abuse. From as young as seven years old, I experienced countless sleepless nights due to the persistent verbal abuse from my father. At that young age, I could not wrap my head around the situation; I did not know any better than the life I was living. I felt this life was normal at the time and just learned to live with only seeing my mom part-time and vice versa. While these experiences led to many negative aspects that I still struggle with mentally today, they have contributed to my growth and resilience. I learned to shape my goals and become a hard worker at a very young age. The adversity I faced instilled in me a strong sense of independence and the ability to speak my mind and stand up for myself. Putting my needs first before the needs of others becomes a crucial survival skill. These early experiences with mental health challenges have profoundly influenced my career goals. I am currently studying Psychology with a minor in Exercise Science at Chatham University, and I am on track for the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. My ambition is to become a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist, specializing in pediatrics and working with children with disabilities. Having a twin brother with Autism has also deeply influenced my passion for this field. His experiences and my desire to help individuals facing similar challenges have driven me to pursue a career where I can make a positive impact. My understanding of the world has been shaped by the adversity I faced in my childhood. I have developed a deep sense of empathy and commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and those who have experienced trauma. I believe that promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with disabilities can break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society. My experiences have taught me the importance of creating a supportive environment where individuals can thrive despite the challenges they may face. In my relationships, I have learned the value of open communication and mutual unwavering support. The turmoil of my childhood taught me to appreciate the stability and trust that healthy relationships can provide. I strive to build and maintain relationships based on respect, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the impact that positive connections can have on mental health and overall well-being. In summary, my experiences with mental health have shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in profound ways. The challenges I faced during my childhood have fueled my passion for helping others and advocating for those in need. My personal journey has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As I continue my education and career in occupational therapy, I am dedicated to using my experiences to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

Growing up with my twin brother Nicholas, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for me to follow. Watching him develop into the incredible young man he is today has fueled my passion for helping other individuals, particularly children with disabilities. Nicholas faced many hardships while growing up, from difficulties in basic communication and social interaction to certain sensory sensitivities and challenges in navigating everyday activities. These struggles were not only tough on him but also on our family, as we pined for ways to support and understand him better. Despite these challenges, Nicholas's journey has been a source of inspiration. His determination to overcome obstacles and his unique perspective on the world has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and resilience. His progress and growth have shown me the profound impact that the right support and interventions can have on a child's life. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This advanced education equips me with the skills and knowledge to provide essential interventions for children like Nicholas. My goal is to address their social, emotional, physical, and mental needs, enabling them to thrive and prosper in their environments. My work is not limited to direct intervention with children. I am equally committed to educating parents, educators, caregivers, and the community about autism. By awareness and understanding, I aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for these children. In the short term, my interventions help children develop crucial life skills, improve their social interactions, and enhance their overall quality of life. These early improvements lay a strong baseline for their future. In the long term, the skills and confidence they gain through early interventions will enable them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. They will be better equipped to pursue education, employment, and social relationships. Additionally, by educating those around them, I am working to create a society that is more accepting and supportive of individuals with autism. This societal shift can lead to further opportunities and a better community for all with disability. In summary, my dedication to educating and supporting low-incidence children holds significant benefits both now and in the near future. My commitment is driven by personal experience and a passion for fostering positive change, ensuring these children can lead their best possible lives.

Early childhood development trauma can have a profound and long-lasting consequences on a child's emotional, cognitive, and social development. When experiencing trauma during the formative years, it can disrupt the child's sense of safety, security, and well-being, leading to a multitude of challenges that can persist into adulthood. As an aspiring occupational therapist planning to specialize in pediatrics, particularly working with children with disabilities, I am deeply committed to addressing early childhood development trauma and its consequences. My passion for this field is deeply rooted in both professional and personal experiences. From a professional standpoint, I understand the significant impact that early trauma can have a on a child's life. Trauma can manifest in various ways, including emotional regulation issues, attachment problems, cognitive impairments, behavioral challenges, and an increased risk of mental health disorders. These challenges can significantly hinder a child's ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. To combat these issues, I plan to utilize a holistic approach to intervention, focusing on sensory-based and play-based therapies. Sensory-based interventions help children regulate their emotions, decrease anxiety, and improve self-regulation skills by engaging their sensory systems. Play therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping skills. Additionally, I will work closely with other healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers to provide comprehensive support tailored to each child's unique needs. On a personal level, I have experienced the effects of early childhood trauma firsthand. When I was five years old, my parents went through a difficult divorce. This experience deeply impacted me and shaped my understanding of the importance of addressing trauma in childhood. The divorce led to significant emotional upheaval and instability within my life. I struggled with feelings of confusion, sadness, and abandonment. My sense of security was shattered, and I found it difficult to trust others. I struggle currently with general anxiety disorder that stems from this hardship. These emotional challenges manifested in various ways, affecting my relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being. However, through the support of caring family and interventions such as counseling and therapy, I was able to navigate through the challenges of my childhood trauma. These experiences not only fostered my resilience but also ignited my passion for helping others who are or have experience hardships. My personal journey fuels my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children affected by early trauma. I understand the firsthand importance of providing children with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to heal and thrive. As a future occupational therapist, I am dedicated to advocating for these children, empowering them to reach their full potential, and creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

The ultimate goal in respect towards education is to become an Occupational Therapist (OT). This career goal of pursuing OT is deeply intertwined with fostering the social-emotional well-being and meeting the intellectual needs of gifted children, particularly those with disabilities such as Autism. Through my major of psychology, my committed involvement in athletics, and my personal experiences with my twin brother [who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two] and other individuals with disabilities, I have developed a profound understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of advocating for their rights and inclusion in society. As an aspiring Occupational Therapist planning to specialize in pediatrics, my primary focus will be on providing a holistic support to children with disabilities, including addressing the social-emotional well-being. Occupational therapy emphasizes the importance of enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities and participate fully in their daily lives. For gifted children with disabilities, this means not only addressing their physical and cognitive needs but also nurturing their emotional and social development. My career goals align with this approach by aiming to work in hospital settings or outpatient centers where I can provide individualized therapy sessions tailored to each child's unique strengths and challenges. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I can help gifted children with disabilities build confidence, develop social skills, and foster meaningful connections with their peers and community. Furthermore, my commitment to obtaining my doctorate in OT will allow the conduction of research on Autism and other intellectual disabilities to occur. This will contribute to expanding our understanding of these conditions and developing more effective interventions. By staying updated on the latest advancements and best practices in OT, I can ensure that my work is informed by evidence-based research and tailored to the specific needs of gifted children with disabilities. In addition to direct clinical work, I will also advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with disabilities within the broader community. By challenging negative stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, I hope to create a more supportive and welcoming society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, are valued and respected. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide me with the financial support needed to pursue my education and career goals but also validate my dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities. It would empower me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of gifted children with disabilities and contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society in the future.

The most influential individual in my life is my mother. Growing up, my parents suddenly divorced when I was only five years old, which left me feeling utterly confused. Witnessing their arguments and then my father's abrupt absence from our home was a bewildering experience for me at such a young age. Soon after, my father was involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life, intensifying my fear of losing him. Despite this, our relationship became strained as I grew older, marked by manipulation and frustration on my part. About a year later, shuttling between my mom's and dad's homes almost every other day, a new woman entered my dad's life with a little boy. The situation was perplexing—was she now my other mom? What about my mom? Understanding the complexity of emotions at that time was beyond my reach. Moreover, growing up with two brothers, one of whom is my twin, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, created a unique dynamic. With my father rarely at home to assist my mother in caring for the three of us, their divorce left her alone, juggling two jobs, three kids, and a dog. At that age, I couldn't comprehend the hardships and determination she exhibited. Yet, she managed to provide for us on our birthdays, Christmas, and beyond. She ensured that I made it to my softball practices while also accommodating my older brother's involvement in every sport imaginable, all the while striving to keep us happy and engaged in sports. My mother exemplified true grit and compassion for her loved ones. Despite our family's complexity and numerous hardships, including weeks without seeing either of my parents or the challenge of navigating custody arrangements, my mother remained a steadfast presence in my life. Reflecting on my childhood, I realize that my mother provided me with the most impactful experiences that have shaped me into the individual I am today. The resilience and love my mother demonstrated in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on my character. Her unwavering support and sacrifices have not only shaped my values but have also taught me the importance of compassion, perseverance, and resilience in overcoming life's challenges. As I navigate through my academic and personal journey, I carry with me the lessons instilled by my mother—the importance of hard work, empathy, and never giving up. Her influence continues to guide me as I pursue my dreams of becoming an occupational therapist, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, just as she has done for me. In every obstacle I encounter, I draw strength from my mother's example, knowing that with determination and love, anything is possible. She remains not only the most influential person in my life but also my greatest source of inspiration and motivation.

My name is Siera Schmitt, and I am an undergraduate student at Chatham University studying Psychology with a minor in Exercise Science. I am on track for the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Additionally, I am involved in the Women's Varsity Swim and Dive team. Shifting to my career goals, I aim to complete my undergraduate degree in three years and then apply to Chatham's OTD program to pursue my doctoral degree and become a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist. I aspire to specialize in pediatrics, specifically working with children with disabilities. My main goal is to work in a hospital setting or an outpatient center while also conducting research on Autism and other intellectual disabilities. Having a twin brother who has Autism has profoundly influenced my passion for becoming an OT. He has been the driving force behind my desire to help individuals facing similar challenges, providing others with the opportunity to succeed. This career field came naturally to me, as I have always sought out opportunities to help others and have been curious about how Autism manifests, especially having grown up witnessing it firsthand. Moreover, I believe that creating inclusivity within disabilities and providing more education can alleviate the negative stereotypes and mental health struggles that often accompany them. By promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, we can break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society. As an inspiring Occupational Therapist, I am committed to advocating for my clients and providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through education and empowerment, I hope to contribute to a world where individuals with disabilities are valued and respected for their unique abilities and contributions. Receiving this scholarship would benefit me in several ways. Firstly, it would alleviate financial stress and allow me to focus more on my studies, research, and clinical experiences. As a dedicated student-athlete pursuing a demanding academic program, the financial support provided by this scholarship would enable me to dedicate more time and energy to excel in my coursework and achieve my academic goals. Additionally, the scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, internships, and conferences related to occupational therapy. These experiences are invaluable for gaining hands-on clinical experience, networking with professionals in the field, and staying updated on the latest advancements and best practices in occupational therapy. Furthermore, the scholarship would enable me to pursue research opportunities in the field of Autism and other intellectual disabilities. By conducting research, I aim to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding these conditions and develop innovative therapeutic interventions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Moreover, receiving this scholarship would not only validate my dedication and passion for occupational therapy but also serve as a source of motivation and encouragement to continue pursuing my career goals. Knowing that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my education would inspire me to strive for excellence and make the most of the opportunities available to me. In summary, this scholarship would provide me with financial support, academic opportunities, and personal validation, enabling me to pursue my passion for occupational therapy and make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship and am committed to making the most of this support to achieve my goals.