Hobbies and interests
Athletic Training
Ballroom Dancing
Yoga
Volunteering
Table Tennis
Ukulele
Volleyball
Travel And Tourism
Tennis
Student Council or Student Government
Self Care
Reading
Rowing
Public Speaking
Sewing
Meditation and Mindfulness
Mental Health
Community Service And Volunteering
Learning
Craig Vanbury
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FinalistCraig Vanbury
705
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FinalistBio
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I too have pulled my life back together after struggling from the disease of addiction for over half of my life. Everything changed on February 26th, 2022 when I decided to finally get and stay sober. It was because of addiction and poor choices, that I was not able to finish my original degree when I attended NYU from 2008-2012.
As a creative at heart, I have spent the past 12 years exploring a career in the corporate world, working for different companies and being a change agent. I have loved the creative mindset it takes to break and build processes, develop learning strategies and successfully implement change from a management perspective.
Now that I am sober and have reached the peak at what my career can achieve without further education, I have decided to return to what was once started, and finish my Bachelors and pursue a Master's Degree in Organizational Development.
Education
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor's degree programNew York University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
Minors:
- Public Health
Clarence Senior High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, Other
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Career
Dream career field:
Professional Training & Coaching
Dream career goals:
Service Delivery Leader
The Precisionists, Inc.2023 – Present1 yearQuality Testing Analyst
HSBC Bank2017 – 20192 yearsBusiness Analyst/Management Development Program
M&T Bank2014 – 20173 yearsLearning and Development Manager
OneTouch Direct2019 – 20234 years
Sports
Volleyball
Intramural2020 – Present4 years
Research
Behavioral Sciences
NYU — Research Analyst2010 – 2011
Public services
Volunteering
Dining Out for Life — Ambassador2014 – PresentVolunteering
The Phoenix — Volunteer2022 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship
Very early in my recovery, I heard the saying, "The opposite of addiction is connection." For me, this has rang true since February 26th, 2022. Before that date, I was isolated, incredibly alone in both the physical and mental space, and my sanity was all but lost.
Everything in my life now revolves around the connection I have been able to create with others, but ultimately myself. Despite my character defects and fleeting regrets I have of my life once lived, I am in love with the person I am today, and profoundly connected to my emotions, thoughts and physical body. Because of that connection with myself, I can wholly connect with others, be vulnerable in a world that scarred me, and find true love in fellowship and friendship.
Connection has also driven me to be of service to others. Through The Phoenix Organization, I can organically connect with others through sober-active activities from rock climbing, to yoga. It has allowed me to be a catalyst to create sober and safe spaces for people who need more than a 12-step room. The Phoenix provided the avenue for me to keep both my body and mind busy while surrounded by like-minded people. As a volunteer, I am now able to do the same for others.
Connection for me is electric, rejuvenating, enlightening, inspiring and calming. It has been the cornerstone of my recovery. I owe my life to the connection I have with myself and others.