For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Craig Vanbury

705

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

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 program
2023 - 2025

New York University

Bachelor's degree program
2008 - 2011
  • Majors:
    • Psychology, General
  • Minors:
    • Public Health

Clarence Senior High School

High School
2004 - 2008

Miscellaneous

  • 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
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Professional Training & Coaching

    • Dream career goals:

    • Service Delivery Leader

      The Precisionists, Inc.
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Quality Testing Analyst

      HSBC Bank
      2017 – 20192 years
    • Business Analyst/Management Development Program

      M&T Bank
      2014 – 20173 years
    • Learning and Development Manager

      OneTouch Direct
      2019 – 20234 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    2020 – Present4 years

    Research

    • Behavioral Sciences

      NYU — Research Analyst
      2010 – 2011

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Dining Out for Life — Ambassador
      2014 – Present
    • Volunteering

      The Phoenix — Volunteer
      2022 – 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.