When I think about the kind of counselor I want to become, I always go back to the child I once was—bright, sensitive, and often misunderstood. I wasn’t the loudest or the most confident, and I felt things deeply in a way that made me stand out. I was teased, picked on, and left to navigate emotions that felt bigger than I knew how to handle. Looking back, I realize I had the traits of a gifted child: a mind that worked quickly, a heart that felt intensely, and a spirit that didn’t always fit into the expectations around me. Those early experiences are what drive my dedication to pursuing a psychology degree and supporting gifted children who feel out of place in the world. Gifted children are often seen only for their intelligence, but their emotional world is just as complex—sometimes even more so. They may think deeply, question everything, or feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their own thoughts. They can be sensitive to injustice, easily hurt by teasing, or misunderstood because they don’t react the way other kids do. I understand that kind of inner world because I lived it. I know what it feels like to be told you’re “too sensitive” or “too emotional,” when really you’re just processing the world in a different way. That connection is what inspires me to build a career focused on supporting gifted children’s social‑emotional well‑being. My goal is to become a mental health counselor who specializes in helping gifted kids understand themselves and feel understood by others. I want to create a space where they can talk openly about their feelings, their fears, and their hopes without being judged or dismissed. I want to help them develop coping skills that match the intensity of their emotions, and I want to guide them in navigating friendships, school pressures, and the expectations that often come with being labeled “smart.” At the same time, I want to support their intellectual needs by helping them find environments where they can explore their interests, challenge themselves, and feel proud of their abilities instead of burdened by them. As a single mother and a returning student, I’ve learned how important it is to meet people where they are. My own children have taught me that every child has a unique way of seeing the world, and that emotional support is just as important as academic success. These lessons shape the kind of counselor I want to be—someone who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and helps children feel safe in their own minds. This scholarship would ease the financial strain that comes with balancing school, parenting, and everyday life. Even with grants and loans, the smaller costs add up quickly, and being low‑income means I’m constantly stretching every dollar. Support like this would allow me to stay focused on my education and move closer to my goal of working with children who need someone in their corner. I want to honor Lieba’s legacy by dedicating my career to nurturing kindness, understanding, and emotional strength in gifted children who often feel misunderstood. My dream is to help these children grow into confident, emotionally healthy adults who know their worth and feel proud of who they are. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that future, and I’m determined to use my education to create a lasting impact on the lives of the children who need it most.