My educational goals have been a long-term dream of mine since I was a young child. As I have gotten older, these goals have become more and more focused. My current goal is to earn a PhD in Consciousness, and I am well on my way to achieving this dream. Unfortunately, my educational journey has been full of obstacles that have made this goal more difficult to attain. I have been incarcerated for the past 18 years, which has limited my access to resources and educational opportunities. Despite this limitation, I have worked hard to earn an associate degree, two bachelor's degrees, and a master's degree. This has been a challenging journey, as I have had to find creative ways to access the necessary materials to complete my courses. Despite the obstacles I have faced, these challenges have made me a stronger and more resilient individual. My experiences have taught me to never give up and to always strive for the best. I have learned to be patient and to persevere even in the face of adversity. These lessons have been invaluable, and I know that they will serve me well as I continue down my educational path. The obstacles I have faced have given me more tools to earn a Ph.D. in Consciousness. I believe that technology can play a major role in reducing aggression and increasing efficacy in a prison setting. I intend to investigate how technology can be used to improve educational opportunities for prisoners, as well as how it can be used to monitor and enforce rules and regulations, and how it can be used to improve communication between prisoners and staff. I also plan to look into ways in which technology can be used to reduce recidivism and provide a more humane environment for inmates. My research would include an analysis of current technology in use in prisons, as well as methods to improve and expand current technology use. I would also examine the social and psychological effects of technology in prisons, such as its impact on the relationships between prisoners and staff and its potential to reduce aggression and increase efficacy. I would also compare and contrast the use of technology in prisons to that of other correctional facilities, such as detention centers and halfway houses. My research would include examining the efficacy and effectiveness of different types of correctional technology, such as GPS tracking systems, virtual reality, and surveillance cameras. Finally, I would make recommendations for how to best implement technology in a way that is both effective and humane. I would suggest ways to ensure that technology is used responsibly and that it does not create a climate of fear or oppression. My research would also focus on ways to ensure that the technology is used to improve the quality of life for both prisoners and staff. Achieving a Ph.D. in this area would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the field of corrections and would provide me with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of prisoners and staff. I believe that with the proper guidance and support, I can achieve this goal and make a lasting change in a maximum security prison. Overall, my experience with overcoming obstacles has taught me to never give up and to continue striving towards my goals. As I move forward with my educational journey, I am confident that these lessons will help me to reach my ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D. in Consciousness.

Mental illness has been a pervasive factor in my life and that of my family. Growing up, I was always very aware of the negative impact mental illness had on my family. My mother, who has been diagnosed with depression, has had a difficult time dealing with her mental health issues. She has had periods of despondency and, at times, suicidal thoughts. This has led to numerous visits to the doctor and mental health professionals, not to mention the financial burden this has caused. My father has also struggled with mental illness. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been medicated for the condition for many years. His mood swings have been difficult for the entire family to manage, and it has been particularly difficult for my mother to witness these episodes. These experiences have taught me the importance of understanding mental illness, and they have made me more compassionate and understanding towards those who are similarly afflicted. I, too, have had to deal with my own mental health issues. My mental health and substance abuse landed me in prison. It has motivated me to earn two bachelor's degrees, and get certified in mental health and human services. I later earned a Masters's Degree in Positive Psychology. I was inspired by the idea of using psychology to go beyond the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, to focus on the science of human flourishing. Through the program, I had the opportunity to learn about the science of well-being, resilience, and thriving. I learned how to apply evidence-based strategies to my own life to enhance my mental health. The program also provided me with the opportunity to develop my self-awareness and self-care practices. I learned about the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude. I was able to identify and challenge the negative self-talk that was hindering my progress. I was also able to practice self-care strategies such as taking breaks, engaging in leisure activities, and getting enough sleep. All of these strategies have been incredibly helpful in managing my mental health issues. Earning a Masters's Degree in Positive Psychology has been a life-changing experience for me. It has not only helped me to better manage my mental health issues, but it has also given me the skills and tools to live a more meaningful and purposeful life. I am now more aware of my emotions, more mindful of my thoughts, and more compassionate toward myself and others. I am also more confident in my ability to make positive changes in my life and to be a part of a larger community. Now I am getting ready to start the Ph.D. where I will look at ways to improve the well-being of incarcerated residents. I am now more aware of how to better manage my stress and anxiety and I can recognize when I am struggling to cope. Mental illness has been a challenging factor in my life, but it has also made me more aware of the importance of mental health. It has helped me to be more compassionate and understanding toward those who suffer from mental illness and it has encouraged me to be more open and honest about my own struggles. Mental illness has been a difficult journey, but it has made me a better and more understanding person.

My health journey has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. I used to be an unhealthy teenager who ate junk food, drank sugary drinks and energy drinks, and exercised very little. I was overweight and had low energy. However, over the years I have made a conscious effort to improve my health and lifestyle. I started by making small changes such as drinking more water and cutting out sugary drinks, reducing my intake of processed junk food and replacing it with healthier options like fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular physical activity. I also started taking multivitamins and omega 3 supplements to help me stay healthy. I gradually made more changes to my lifestyle, such as eating breakfast every day, monitoring my calorie intake and ensuring I get enough protein and fiber, and making sure I get enough sleep. These changes, along with increased physical activity, have helped me lose weight and feel more energetic. My health journey began many years ago with the simple desire to live a more full and healthy life. At the time, I had no idea how much my life would change and the impact yoga and meditation would have on it. I started with yoga, which was a great way to build strength, flexibility and balance. The physical practice of yoga was beneficial, however, the mental and spiritual aspects were even more profound. Through yoga, I learned how to better connect with and understand my body. I found that my body was much more than just a physical form; it was also a spiritual vessel. Through yoga, I was able to explore the connection between my physical and spiritual selves. As I continued to practice yoga, I began to notice changes in my physical, mental and emotional health. Meditation was the next step in my health journey. Meditation allowed me to explore my inner self and become aware of my thoughts and emotions. With meditation, I was able to uncover hidden beliefs and patterns that had been holding me back from living my most joyous and abundant life. Through meditation, I was able to gain a greater understanding of myself, my emotional triggers and my life’s purpose. Yoga and meditation have had a profound impact on my life. They have helped me to become more mindful of my physical and mental health. I’ve become more aware of my thoughts and emotions, allowing me to make more conscious choices. I’ve become more present in my life, allowing me to appreciate the small moments and recognize the beauty in life. I’ve become more connected to my spiritual self, allowing me to live with greater joy and purpose. My health journey continues to evolve each day. I’m grateful for the tools I have gained through yoga and meditation and the life they have helped me create. All of these lifestyle changes have helped me become healthier, both physically and mentally. I have more energy and feel more balanced and in control of my life. I’m happier and more productive, and I’m more aware of what I eat and how it affects my body. Overall, my health journey has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve learned to take better care of myself and make healthier choices that have had a positive impact on my life. I’m grateful for the changes I have made and for the improved health and well-being that have come with them.

College is an exciting time in a person’s life. It can be a time of exploration, growth, and independence. The opportunities for learning and experiences are seemingly endless, and I am thrilled to be taking part in this journey. The most exciting thing about college for me is the chance to explore my interests and potential career paths. College offers a range of courses, activities, and resources that I can use to gain a better understanding of the world and my place in it. I am excited to join diverse communities, to seek out mentors and engage in thoughtful conversations, and to challenge my assumptions and beliefs. The chance to be around people who come from different backgrounds and cultures is especially stimulating and allows me to gain insight into different perspectives. In college, I am also looking forward to pursuing my academic and professional goals. I am eager to build my knowledge and skills in my chosen field of study, and to explore the many career paths that are available to me. I am determined to make the most out of this opportunity and to pursue my goals with passion and dedication. At the same time, college can be a challenging environment and it is important for me to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul amidst the academic and social pressures. To achieve this, I strive to take care of my physical health by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. I also make sure to take breaks from studying and to make time for enjoyable activities like playing sports or going for a walk. In addition, I prioritize my mental health by creating a space where I can relax and de-stress. This includes taking time to connect with friends and family and engaging in activities that bring me joy. I also try to practice mindfulness, such as meditating or taking a few deep breaths, to help me stay present and reduce stress. Finally, I stay connected to my spiritual side by participating in activities that bring me closer to my faith, such as prayer and reflection. This helps me to remember my purpose, to stay thankful and humble, and to stay in touch with my values. Overall, college is an exciting and challenging journey, but with the right attitude and dedication, it can be an incredibly rewarding one. By taking care of my mind, body, and soul, I am confident that I can make the most out of this opportunity and to be successful in my academic and professional endeavors.

Perseverance is the ability to persist in the face of adversity and to keep working towards a goal, despite the obstacles that arise. To me, perseverance is about having the desire to succeed, a determination to find a way forward and an unwavering commitment to never give up. Perseverance is something I have had to practice throughout my life, especially during my time in prison. I was convicted of a major felony and was sentenced to forty-three years in a maximum security prison after dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. This was a challenging time for me, and I have been determined to make the most of my time behind bars. I knew that education was one way I could make something good out of my situation and, despite the obstacles I faced, I was determined to pursue higher education. I started by enrolling in college courses and taking on a full course load of classes. I had to learn how to manage my time and stay disciplined, but I was able to complete my two-year Associate's Degree. This was an accomplishment in itself, but I was determined to keep going and I eventually completed two Bachelor’s degrees, in Liberal Arts and Mental Health and Human Services. Finally, I achieved my Master’s Degree in Positive Psychology. Getting an education in prison was not easy. I had to face many challenges, from lack of access to materials to the lack of support from other inmates. I also had to overcome my own feelings of discouragement and self-doubt. But, I persevered, and found ways to work around the obstacles. I was determined to stay focused and use my time in prison as a chance to better myself. Getting an education in prison was an example of perseverance. It required me to stay committed to my goal, despite the challenges I faced. I had to find ways to stay motivated and push through the difficulties. I had to keep working hard, even when it seemed impossible. I had to remain determined and never give up. Overall, perseverance is an important skill that I have had to practice throughout my life. It has helped me to stay focused on my goals, and to not give up when faced with adversity. It is a skill I will continue to practice, and one that I believe is essential for anyone wanting to achieve success.

Generational wealth is the concept of passing on wealth and financial assets from one generation to the next. It is the accumulation of resources, such as money, investments, property, and other resources, that can be used to create a better future for future generations. To me, generational wealth means not only the financial security of my family but also the security of my future. It means providing my children and grandchildren with the opportunity to go after their goals and dreams, while also having the resources they need to succeed. Achieving generational wealth is an ambitious goal, as it requires intentional planning, disciplined savings, and smart investments. To begin, I plan to create a budget and use it to start saving. I will use the budget to track my income, expenses, and investments, and to make sure I am saving more than I am spending. I will also use it to prioritize my financial goals, such as paying down debt, saving for retirement, and investing in stocks, bonds, and other assets. I will also use my budget to invest in myself, by taking classes and attending seminars on financial literacy and investing. This knowledge will help me build my wealth and also teach me how to manage it wisely. Additionally, I plan to diversify my investments and take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s. This will help me build wealth for the long-term and protect it from market volatility. The goal of achieving generational wealth is to create a lasting legacy for my family. To do this, I plan to teach my children and grandchildren about money management, investing, and other topics related to financial literacy. I will also strive to create a culture of financial responsibility in my family, by setting a good example and encouraging them to save and invest. This will help ensure that the wealth I create is passed on to future generations and used to create a better future. Overall, generational wealth is an ambitious goal that requires hard work and dedication. However, with the right planning and discipline, I believe it is achievable. By creating a budget, investing in myself and my investments, and teaching financial literacy, I believe I can create a lasting legacy of financial security and prosperity for my family. I also believe I am responsible for making this a reality to break the cycle of poverty my family has experienced for such a long time.

I am passionate about the United States Constitution because it is the foundation of our democracy and provides a framework for our government to operate. The Constitution protects the rights of all citizens and ensures that everyone has equal representation and access to justice. It also guarantees certain freedoms, such as freedom of speech, press, and religion, which are essential for a healthy society. As a result, it serves as a safeguard against tyranny and oppression. The Constitution is also a living document that has been amended over the years to better reflect the needs of our society. The 14th Amendment, for example, granted African Americans the right to citizenship, and the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. These amendments have helped to advance civil rights and create a more equitable society. I plan to continue to fight for civil rights through my career by advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights of all citizens. I believe that everyone should have the same access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status. I will also work to end discrimination in all forms, such as voter suppression, police brutality, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. I will work to ensure that laws are enforced fairly and that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Furthermore, I will seek to ensure that our government upholds the Constitution and that it is being interpreted correctly. This means that I will support efforts to ensure that the Supreme Court justices are impartial and that the Court is making decisions based on the law, not personal beliefs. I will also work to ensure that the Constitution is being applied in a way that is beneficial to all citizens and that it is not being used to oppress or discriminate against certain groups. The United States Constitution is a powerful document, and it is the foundation of our nation. It is a reminder of the progress that our country has made in the fight for civil rights, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who have fought for justice and equality. I am passionate about the Constitution because it is a living document that serves as a reminder of our country’s commitment to justice and equality. I plan to continue to fight for civil rights through my career by advocating for policies that protect the rights of all citizens and by promoting public education and awareness of civil rights. Finally, I plan to stay informed on current civil rights issues and to be an advocate for those who are often marginalized or forgotten. This means that I will use my voice to speak out against injustice and to call attention to issues that are often overlooked. I will also make sure that my work reflects my commitment to advancing civil rights and that I am always striving to make a positive impact in my community. In conclusion, I am passionate about the US Constitution because it is the foundation of our democracy and ensures that all citizens have equal representation and access to justice. I plan to continue to fight for civil rights through my career by advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring that our government upholds the Constitution, and staying informed on civil rights issues. Through these efforts, I hope to make a positive difference in my community and to help ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

I am a graduate student and I am currently incarcerated. Despite my current circumstances, I have a 4.0 GPA and I am about to start a Ph.D. at the California Institute of Human Sciences. I plan to go into energy medicine and holistic healing because I have seen the tremendous benefits that these practices have provided to those who use them. Energy healing and holistic healing involve the use of natural and alternative therapies to improve one’s health and well-being. Many of these therapies involve activating and balancing the body’s energy, using physical touch and movement, and using natural herbs and supplements to promote healing and balance. The positive effects of energy healing and holistic healing are well documented. People who use these practices report feeling more relaxed, more energized, and less stressed. They also report feeling more connected to their bodies and their environment. Energy healing and holistic healing can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve sleep and digestion, and boost the immune system. I have had firsthand experience with the powerful effects of energy healing and holistic healing. When I was in high school, I suffered from severe depression and anxiety. I was at a loss as to how to cope with the intense emotions I was feeling. My guidance counselor suggested I look into energy healing and holistic healing. I was initially skeptical, but I decided to give it a try. I began seeing a holistic healer and energy healer who helped me to learn how to work with my energy, release negative emotions and thoughts, and nurture my body with healthy foods, herbs, and supplements. I was amazed at how quickly I began to feel better. I noticed a marked improvement in my mood and energy levels. I also felt more connected to my body and my environment. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in energy medicine and holistic healing. I am now on my way to earning my Ph.D. in this area and I am excited to help others heal and find peace in their lives. I believe that energy healing and holistic healing can be powerful tools for improving mental and physical health and promoting overall well-being. I look forward to doing my part to spread the healing power of these practices. This scholarship would mean the world to me as I am only able to earn around 1.00 an hour at the prison. Thank you for your kidndness.

My name is Steven Clark, I am an incarcerated resident and a graduate student studying Positive Psychology. My goal in my education life is to use what I am learning to impact others in the system. As an incarcerated resident who is also a graduate student, my ambition is to use the degree to create a program that will be used throughout the entire system of mass incarceration. My why is to lift others up as I move through the education pursuit and provide others opportunities. My vision is to provide other incarcerated residents with opportunities to become change agents. This includes helping others change and heal their hearts. The vision of the program is to provide other incarcerated residents with hope and meaning in their lives. I am working on creating a conscious coach/mentorship program called the Awakening for those in the system of mass incarceration. My hope is to help others understand themselves better, heal, and create less victims. We are putting together training and modules that we hope can be used in prisons across the United States and Abroad. This program will affect the world because there will be more healing in the system of mass incarceration which this will translate into individuals leaving with hope in their hearts. This hope will provide others with the ability to get out of prison and have meaning and purpose.

Transforming Myself to Help Others My back to school movement was inspired by seeing the amount of individuals in prison who need support and opportunities for rehabilitation. As someone who has served time, I thought earning a masters degree in Positive Psychology would help me understand myself and learn programs to help others. My ambition is to use the degree to develop the Awakening mentorship and coaching program that will support the system healing. This will translate in those in the system learning skills that will help them help others.

My name is Steven Clark and I am currently an inmate at the Maine State Prison, in Warren, Maine. I am also a graduate student studying postive psychology at Life University. This degree is essentiual to change the way we are doing business in the Department of Corrections. I am hoping your University would be will willing to give me a chance to move forward with my vision. My dream is to earn my master’s degree, and later earn a PhD to provide other offenders with solutions that will allow them to better understand themselves. By creating a contemplative program that focuses on healing the enviroment, we could help offenders better reintergrate to society. Every day, I contemplate creating improved programs and services that will allow offenders to better understand themselves. I am fascinated with: human behavior, with how the brain works, and with ways to increase emotional intellegence, while healing trauma. I have also become interested with how we can utilize positive psychology, mindfulness, and yoga in the rehabilitation of offenders. Through my experience of schooling and personal research, I have recognized that there is very little research or literature from the prospective of an offender. The only way to truly understand this vicious system of mass incarceration and create solutions that work, is to gain the perspective of the offender that is non biased from an outsider gathering it. In the book the Body Keeps the Score, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk writes: “People’s family structure, housing employment, and educational opportunities affect not only their risk of developing traumatic stress but also their access to effective help to address it. Poverty, unemployment, inferior schools, social isolation, widespread availablity of guns, and substandard housing all breed grounds for trauma. Trauma breeds futher trauma; hurt people hurt people.” This cycle of perpetuated harm is going to continue unless we find and create more solutions. This is what has inspired me to move forward in the healthcare sector to be part of the solution. Unfortunately prisons are filled with men and women who deal with immense trauma issues, and prisons are a massively untouched source of important data and research about how to achieve the goal of healing. Prisoners are shielded from society. We don’t have confidence in administrators, researchers, counselors, or people from outside the walls in general. When researchers come in, we put the best version of ourselves on. We present our stage characters. For these reasons, authentic research is difficult to accomplish from outsiders, which is why I believe I have a unique opportunity to gather important data that can be used to help others. I believe we really create some positive ripples here.

Over the past several years I have been on the road to recovery. Prior, I suffered from depression and substance abuse challenges. These challenges lead to a life of unsurity and suffering. Today as a result of finding a spiritual path things have changed and I feel a sense of enlightenment. About 15 years ago, I was dealing with a serious addiciton to mind-altering chemicals to soothe the pain from depression. I grew up with a great deal of trauma and emotional abuse. This followed me for years. All the way to being incarcerated after getting in a fight with another man after a night of drinking and drug use. The man lost his life and I lost my freedom. When I first arrived at prison, I wanted to take my own life, I felt overwhelming guilt and shame. By the grace of God, I was invited into the college program. One of my professors invited me to a meditation and yoga class. Between what I was learning at the University and the feeling of peace I gained through yoga, my life began to change. I graduated at the top of my class and am enrolled into graduate school after earning two degrees and several certifications. Today, I am a graduate student studying postive psychology. My life is about volunteerism and service work. I am using my education to help other people in the system of mass incarceration. My life has purpose and meaning and I am in long-term recovery. I feel free today even though I am in prison.