Hobbies and interests
Photography and Photo Editing
Volleyball
Beach
Coaching
Mentoring
Mental Health
Physical Therapy
Nutrition and Health
Public Health
Health Sciences
Community Service And Volunteering
Volunteering
Reading
Action
Horror
Romance
Adult Fiction
I read books daily
ALIYAH WALDON
2,195
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerALIYAH WALDON
2,195
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
I am a HS senior heading to Mercer University in 2023 to play Volleyball and continue my education in Psychology. I plan on specializing In Children’s Psychology. After going through some trauma as a child and completing a great deal of counseling myself, overcoming my trauma, I feel I can make an impact in others lives. I also have a creative side, I love interior decorating and photography. I opened my own photography business one year ago and hope to put those skills to use as a student at Mercer. I am an IB student with a 3.9 GPA and the captain of my volleyball team for the past 5 years. I was raised by a strong independent single mother that never allowed us to use circumstance as an excuse and required we strive for excellence and happiness in every venture. I love to lead, coach, and mentor
Education
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Psychology, General
Career
Dream career field:
PSYCHOLOGY
Dream career goals:
Children’s psychology
Owner
Ali Waldon Photography2021 – Present3 years
Sports
beach volleyball
ClubPresent
Awards
- multiple championships
Volleyball
ClubPresent
Awards
- Lead Team Captain
- phenom list and multiple all tournament and player of the month awards
Research
Behavioral Sciences
Bishop MCLAUGHL school — Student2021 – Present
Arts
School yearbook also opened my own photography business
PhotographyPresent
Public services
Volunteering
Via my catholic school — VolunteerPresentVolunteering
T&B foundation — VolunteerPresent
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Alma J. Grubbs Education Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Richard Neumann Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Chris Ford Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Williams Foundation Trailblazer Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Xavier M. Monroe Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Wellness Warriors Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Career Search Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Connie Konatsotis Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Lillian's & Ruby's Way Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Ron & Janell Lunan Black Girls in STEM Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
DV Awareness Scholarship in Memory of Teresa Cox, Rhonda Cox and Jimmie Neal
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Trever David Clark Memorial Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Hester Richardson Powell Memorial Service Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
I Can Do Anything Scholarship
My future goal is to help others learn they don't have to be a victim of their circumstances, and that we as individuals have the power to make our lives better and in turn, change the world.
CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
I believe it is each individual who needs to find the strength to better their circumstances and not become a victim of past. In doing so, one by one we can change society. Let me share my story how I I overcame my struggles and how that has led me to a passion of helping others. Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, I take pride in knowing people can count on me. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel for success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to a degree in Psychology, I believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Eunice Richardson Scholarship for Girls
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship
Many things in life are meant to be taken slowly, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes to come out of college sports, on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic father that impacted my personal life. By age 12 I had been through a custody battle, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental health and learned different techniques to manage and cope allowing me to focus on my goals and my game.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school to make a name for myself, one that didn’t have “my father's daughter” attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery from tear after tear was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I can push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
When I look at myself, I see a high school student-athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choose a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others manage trauma, especially as children.
Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship
My youngest cousin was born with a form of eye cancer, Retinoblastoma. He started chemo at only 2 weeks old. After watching him and our family go thru years of treatments and surgeries, having to travel out of state every two weeks for 6 years, we became involved in giving time and donations to The Ronald Mcdonald House which supported his journey and gave the family a place to stay during his treatments. My aunt then started a non-profit foundation making patient pouches filled with activities to keep children occupied during their chemo and radiation treatments. This had a big impact on me knowing that we could make a major difference in such a small way for children. I organized donations of the materials needed and helped make pouches as well. Throughout my Highschool years, I have participated in many volunteer opportunities for children with special needs, as well as coaching young girls in volleyball for my non-profit volleyball club that I have played for since I was 9. I enjoy watching kids fall in love with a sport that I fell in love with at such a young age and had an impact on my life. Helping kids find an outlet for some of life's struggles is important to me. I grew up in a home with an abusive father, at age 8, my mother and he separated and I have lived with her ever since. Due to the abuse I went thru with him, I spent a great deal of my younger years in counseling and learned so much about coping skills and how to focus my energy on my goals. I believe that everyone goes thru hardships for a reason. After a great deal of work, I learned that I am in control of my future and that I do not have to live as a victim of my circumstances. I have pushed myself to excel in an IB program thru HighSchool all while playing at a high level of Volleyball and helping kids grow along the way. I have decided to pursue my MA Degree in Psychology, specializing my focus on childrens mental health. Coming from a low-income single-family household, with no support from my father makes expenses difficult. I have been accepted to Mercer University for my academics and volleyball achievements but will continue to have additional costs and expenses for books and living expenses that could impact my ability to complete my goals. I would be grateful to have a little support along my journey.
Dema Dimbaya Humanitarianism and Disaster Relief Scholarship
My youngest cousin was born with a form of eye cancer, Retinoblastoma. He started chemo at only 2 weeks old. After watching him and our family go thru years of treatments and surgeries, having to travel out of state every two weeks for 6 years, we became involved in giving time and donations to The Ronald Mcdonald House which supported his journey and gave the family a place to stay during his treatments. My aunt then started a non-profit foundation making patient pouches filled with activities to keep children occupied during their chemo and radiation treatments. This had a big impact on me knowing that we could make a major difference in such a small way for children. I organized donations of the materials needed and helped make pouches as well. Throughout my Highschool years, I have participated in many volunteer opportunities for children with special needs, as well as coaching young girls in volleyball for my non-profit volleyball club that I have played for since I was 9. I enjoy watching kids fall in love with a sport that I fell in love with at such a young age and had an impact on my life. Helping kids find an outlet for some of life's struggles is important to me. I grew up in a home with an abusive father, at age 8, my mother and he separated and I have lived with her ever since. Due to the abuse I went thru with him, I spent a great deal of my younger years in counseling and learned so much about coping skills and how to focus my energy on my goals. I believe that everyone goes thru hardships for a reason. After a great deal of work, I learned that I am in control of my future and that I do not have to live as a victim of my circumstances. I have pushed myself to excel in an IB program thru HighSchool all while playing at a high level of Volleyball and helping kids grow along the way. I have decided to pursue my MA Degree in Psychology, specializing my focus on education and treatments for low-income communities and children's mental health. Coming from a low-income single-family household, with no support from my father makes expenses difficult. I have been accepted to Mercer University for my academics and volleyball achievements but will continue to have additional costs and expenses for books and living expenses that could impact my ability to complete my goals. I would be grateful to have a little support along my journey.
Lauren Czebatul Scholarship
My youngest cousin was born with a form of eye cancer, Retinoblastoma. He started chemo at only 2 weeks old. After watching him and our family go thru years of treatments and surgeries, having to travel out of state every two weeks for 6 years, we became involved in giving time and donations to The Ronald Mcdonald House which supported his journey and gave the family a place to stay during his treatments. My aunt then started a non-profit foundation making patient pouches filled with activities to keep children occupied during their chemo and radiation treatments. This had a big impact on me knowing that we could make a major difference in such a small way for children. I organized donations of the materials needed and helped make pouches as well. Throughout my Highschool years, I have participated in many volunteer opportunities for children with special needs, as well as coaching young girls in volleyball for my non-profit volleyball club that I have played for since I was 9. I enjoy watching kids fall in love with a sport that I fell in love with at such a young age and had an impact on my life. Helping kids find an outlet for some of life's struggles is important to me. I grew up in a home with an abusive father, at age 8, my mother and he separated and I have lived with her ever since. Due to the abuse I went thru with him, I spent a great deal of my younger years in counseling and learned so much about coping skills and how to focus my energy on my goals. I believe that everyone goes thru hardships for a reason. After a great deal of work, I learned that I am in control of my future and that I do not have to live as a victim of my circumstances. I have pushed myself to excel in an IB program thru HighSchool all while playing at a high level of Volleyball and helping kids grow along the way. I have decided to pursue my MA Degree in Psychology, specializing my focus on childrens mental health. Coming from a low-income single-family household, with no support from my father makes expenses difficult. I have been accepted to Mercer University for my academics and volleyball achievements but will continue to have additional costs and expenses for books and living expenses that could impact my ability to complete my goals. I would be grateful to have a little support along my journey.
Blaine Sandoval Young American Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Black Excellence Scholarship
I will prosper with purpose!
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
And now I will GET IT DONE! I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Mochahope Black Excellence Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experience to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Dr. Meme Heineman Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children. I believe this scholarship will aid in my ability to complete my Masters in the field so that I can pursue a business career in helping children through difficulties and traumas just like me.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Maureen "Moe" Graham Memorial Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
John J Costonis Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Jennifer Webb-Cook Gameplan Scholarship
WinnerThere are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Dante Luca Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Do Good Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes in sports, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy sessions, and a toxic father that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, scheduled visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse. Thankfully I had a strong independent mother that wouldn’t give up on me.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his actions, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow twice, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at life from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and use them as fuel to lead me to success.
Now, I am a high school student athlete, committed to play D1 volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Jui2ced by Otis Anderson Jr. Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Theresa Lord Future Leader Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Tim Watabe Doing Hard Things Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Another Way Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
DeAmontay's Darkness Deliverance Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Jaqaun Webb Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Glen E Kaplan Memorial Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
Thanks to watching my strong independent mother that refused to give up, I choose now to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Yvela Michele Memorial Scholarship for Resilient Single Parents
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Holt Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
MedLuxe Representation Matters Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to be a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parent that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and therapy sessions all because of a father figure who used his manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with the challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my dads name attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, tore my Labrum, both Patellar Tendons, and my MCL. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me to this day is the inability to let myself, or others down.
I choose to look at setbacks from a different perspective. Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficult situations and turn them into fuel to lead me to success.
I’m proud to say that now, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim, someone who is hungry for more, and willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life led me to a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.
Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship
There are many things in life that are meant to be taken slow, maturing being one of them. Most kids have their whole childhood to figure out the process of becoming an adult, but my timeline was cut short. I grew up in the shadow of a professional basketball player by day, but an abuser by night. On one hand, I was grateful to learn from one of the best athletes around, but on the other hand, I wished I had the opportunity to experience being a kid without being exposed to mental abuse, therapy, and a toxic parental relationship that carried into my personal life. By the age of 12 I had been through custody battles, visitations, and weekly therapy sessions all because of a father who used manipulation to make me fall into a false sense of security. I was faced with challenges of living up to his athletic expectations as well as training my brain to mature at an early age to cope with the mental abuse.
I started playing volleyball in 6th grade to shift my focus. Because of my background, I put in an immense amount of dedication into this sport, and eventually grew into a very talented player. Although all contact with my dad had been cut off, he still made an appearance at some of my games. Since I was still young, his presence affected my performance. After accepting that I had no control over his whereabouts, I decided to tackle my mental situation and learn different techniques to put me at ease that way I could truly give my all to this sport.
Even though my father played a big role in my mental maturity, he wasn’t the only challenge I faced. I went into high school with the intention of making a name for myself, one that didn’t have my father attached to it. I started off my high school career strong, but then came the injuries. By the age of 17, I had broken my elbow, torn my shoulder and both knees. Recovery was exhausting, but my end goal sat prominently in the front of my head. I wanted to be just as successful as my father, but prove to myself and others that although having good genes was helpful, accomplishing your dreams was something only you had control over.
One thing from my trauma that I proudly carry with me is the inability to let myself, or others down.
Because of this, I am able to push myself to be the best person, student, and athlete I can be, and I take pride in knowing people can count on me in any situation. I’ve learned to take difficulty and turn it into fuel to lead me to success.
I know that when writing college essays, you are supposed to show how you’ve reached your full potential and why you deserve to be at that school but when I look at myself, I see a high school student athlete, verbally committed to play Division volleyball at Mercer University who pushed through years of unfair treatment and hardships to get to where I am now. But that’s not the only thing in my vision.
On top of my accomplishments, I see a person who is not a victim of my circumstances, someone who is hungry for more, and is willing to give my all in every situation. My experiences in life are what led me to choosing a degree in Psychology, I truly believe that I can use my experiences to help others cope and manage trauma, especially as children.