In December of 2018, my world was turned upside down. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I unexpectedly found myself filing for divorce. The dissolution of my marriage came as a complete shock, revealed to me in the form of a "Dear John" letter typed on his iPhone. The heartbreak and trauma I experienced in that moment were overwhelming, but it also marked the beginning of a journey toward healing and self-discovery. In the aftermath, I knew I needed to rebuild my life—not only for myself but for my young child. One of the first things I did was seek counseling for my six-year-old, recognizing how important mental health was in navigating such profound change. At the same time, I turned to therapy for myself. Though I didn’t yet understand all the challenges that lay ahead, I knew I needed to prioritize my emotional well-being and find a path to peace and happiness again. While counseling played a pivotal role in my healing process, I also found solace in self-care practices: reading self-help books, spending time with my pets, connecting with nature, listening to educational podcasts, exercising, and meditating. At the same time, I began the daunting task of reimagining my career. For years, I had worked part-time to focus on parenting, putting my professional ambitions on hold. Despite earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Michigan State University, I had sacrificed my broadcasting career to support my husband’s professional path. Now, with the support of my counselor and loved ones, I began to explore a new full-time career that aligned with my desire to help others. During this time of reflection and growth, I realized I wanted to give back in the same way so many had given to me during my healing journey. I wanted to help others who were struggling, to provide the same compassion and guidance that had helped me rebuild my life. This realization led me to pursue a degree in counseling despite the fear and uncertainty I felt about returning to graduate school after being out of academia for two decades. But I knew it was the right path, and I took the leap. The trauma of midlife has taught me invaluable lessons. It has shown me the importance of independence—both financially and emotionally—and the power of surrounding myself with my chosen family, including my friends and pets. It has strengthened my resilience and deepened my sense of courage. Most importantly, it has shown me how transformative a single act of care, like that from a counselor, can be in someone’s life. It has reinforced my belief that our mental health is just as crucial as our physical health, and it is something that, once nurtured, can never be taken away. Now, as I enter the third year of my counseling program at Central Michigan University, I am more passionate than ever about this field. My life is centered around my son, my pets, and my love for helping others. I've rediscovered joy in small moments, and I even found love again. My late father always told me, “Get your education. No one can take it away from you.” I hold those words close to my heart, just as I believe in the power of taking care of our mental well-being. My goal as a future counselor is to help people heal—whether it’s mending broken hearts, advocating for at-risk populations, or guiding individuals through their darkest moments. I hope to be the kind of counselor who inspires others to rise, just as I have, from the ashes of their struggles.

In December of 2018, my world was turned upside down. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I unexpectedly found myself filing for divorce. The dissolution of my marriage came as a complete shock, revealed to me in the form of a "Dear John" letter typed on his iPhone. The heartbreak and trauma I experienced in that moment were overwhelming, but it also marked the beginning of a journey toward healing and self-discovery. In the aftermath, I knew I needed to rebuild my life—not only for myself but for my young child. One of the first things I did was seek counseling for my six-year-old, recognizing how important mental health was in navigating such profound change. At the same time, I turned to therapy for myself. Though I didn’t yet understand all the challenges that lay ahead, I knew I needed to prioritize my emotional well-being and find a path to peace and happiness again. While counseling played a pivotal role in my healing process, I also found solace in self-care practices: reading self-help books, spending time with my pets, connecting with nature, listening to educational podcasts, exercising, and meditating. At the same time, I began the daunting task of reimagining my career. For years, I had worked part-time to focus on parenting, putting my professional ambitions on hold. Despite earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Michigan State University, I had sacrificed my broadcasting career to support my husband’s professional path. Now, with the support of my counselor and loved ones, I began to explore a new full-time career that aligned with my desire to help others. During this time of reflection and growth, I realized I wanted to give back in the same way so many had given to me during my healing journey. I wanted to help others who were struggling, to provide the same compassion and guidance that had helped me rebuild my life. This realization led me to pursue a degree in counseling despite the fear and uncertainty I felt about returning to graduate school after being out of academia for two decades. But I knew it was the right path, and I took the leap. The trauma of midlife has taught me invaluable lessons. It has shown me the importance of independence—both financially and emotionally—and the power of surrounding myself with my chosen family, including my friends and pets. It has strengthened my resilience and deepened my sense of courage. Most importantly, it has shown me how transformative a single act of care, like that from a counselor, can be in someone’s life. It has reinforced my belief that our mental health is just as crucial as our physical health, and it is something that, once nurtured, can never be taken away. Now, as I enter the third year of my counseling program at Central Michigan University, I am more passionate than ever about this field. My life is centered around my son, my pets, and my love for helping others. I've rediscovered joy in small moments, and I even found love again. My late father always told me, “Get your education. No one can take it away from you.” I hold those words close to my heart, just as I believe in the power of taking care of our mental well-being. My goal as a future counselor is to help people heal—whether it’s mending broken hearts, easing troubled minds, or guiding individuals through their darkest moments. I hope to be the kind of counselor who inspires others to rise, just as I have, from the ashes of their struggles.

Two days after Christmas in 2018, my life as I knew it fell apart. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had to file for divorce. It was an unexpected breakup I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had a million little things to do to rebuild my life after this heartbreak and trauma. The two most important things I did included finding a counselor for my 6-year-old and going to counseling myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find peace and happiness again. Mental health was always at the core of my mind. I also threw myself into self-care outside of the counseling office: self-help books, time with my pets, time in nature, educational podcasts, exercise, meditation and much more. Next, I went soul-searching for a new full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I sacrificed my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me so much joy. I realized that a degree in counseling is what I should pursue. I was truly terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This midlife trauma has taught me so many things. It has taught me to not depend on any one person for my livelihood or contentment. It has reminded me that my friends and pets are the families I get to choose. It has also taught me courage and resilience. And it has taught me that just one person caring, like a professional counselor, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. I am in my second year of my counseling program at Central Michigan University and I love it more with each course I take. My son, my dog, my two cats and I are so happy in our smaller, older home. I even found love again. My deceased father once told me, “Get your education. No one can take it away from you.” I believe this to my core. I also believe that you must take care of your mental health. No one can take that away from you either. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

My name is Lindsay Warren. I am a non-traditional student – a single mom in her 40s – in my second year at Central Michigan University. I am working toward a Master’s in Counseling. I was inspired to pursue a career in mental healthcare for two major reasons. The first reason I chose mental healthcare as a midlife career change is that I have seen the devastating effects of gun violence in America and how victims and survivors desperately need mental healthcare. The second reason is that I have personally seen the restorative effects of going to counseling. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention since 2016. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence also disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community. Everytown reports that in an average year, 25,000 hate crimes in America involve a gun – which averages out to around 69 hate crime shootings EVERY DAY. Black Americans are twelve times more likely than white Americans to die by gun homicide. As a mom, the Sandy Hook massacre is what originally spurred me into action. What keeps me in my activism is what does not make big news headlines, if at all: tragedies like domestic violence, daily violence in urban areas and the intersection of gun violence and racism, misogyny and homophobia. These things do not occur in peer nations. And I am also keenly aware that the most pressing issue for me is two-thirds of gun violence is suicide. Gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 25,000 people in America every year. (https://everytownresearch.org/issue/suicide/) Where I live, a Michigander dies by gun suicide every 11 hours, on average. The latest statistics on American mental health are also eye-opening: • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental health disorder each year. (https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021NSDUHFFRRev010323.pdf) • 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2724377?guestAccessKey=f689aa19-31f1-481d-878a-6bf83844536a) EverytownResearch.org reports that 1 in 4 adults know or care about someone who attempted or died by suicide with a gun. And, “Most people who attempt suicide do not die—unless they use a gun. Across all suicide attempts without a gun, 4% result in death. But when a gun is involved, that figure skyrockets to 90%. That second chance matters: the vast majority of people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die from a later attempt.” Mental Health America (MHA) reports that nearly 25% of adults with mental health disorders reported that they tried and could not get treatment. MHA also reports that there are an estimated 350 Americans for every ONE mental health provider! (https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america) That feels truly horrifying to me that we do not have enough mental health providers in America. How many American adults with mental health disorders will have a mental health crisis while waiting to find treatment? I desperately want to see these terrifying statistics reduced in my lifetime. I also desperately want to treat people who have been affected by the uniquely American problem of gun violence. Many of these deaths *can* be prevented. And for those who had a loved one taken by gun violence, I would be honored to treat them. What they have been through is trauma and trauma must be treated! There should be no stigma in treating our brains. “Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” said Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I agree. I would also add, “Taking care of one’s mental health is also the rent we should pay to live on this planet.” As I mentioned, I have learned the value of mental healthcare through personal experience. My son and I both went to counseling after my unexpected divorce. My husband left after losing his brother who died due to addiction. Counseling was a life changer for both my young son and me. Having an impartial third party and expert on mental health care help treat anxiety and depression was what it took to return to happiness. After some deep soul-searching following the divorce, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my midlife experiences: Receiving help changed my life, but helping others is my life’s calling. I know that being an activist and a mental health advocate matters and has impacted many lives. I am also passionate about sharing my mental health story. I believe that the more of us who share how counseling has helped us, the more people may do the same. And that will also decrease stigma. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor. I want to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

My name is Lindsay Warren. I am a non-traditional student – a single mom in her 40s – in my second year at Central Michigan University. I am working toward a Master’s in Counseling. I was inspired to pursue a career in mental healthcare for two major reasons. The first reason I chose mental healthcare as a midlife career change is that I have seen the devasting effects of gun violence in America and how victims and survivors desperately need mental healthcare. The second reason is that I have personally seen the restorative effects of going to counseling myself. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention since 2016. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence also disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community. Everytown reports that in an average year, 25,000 hate crimes in America involve a gun – that averages out to around 69 hate crime shootings EVERY DAY. As a mom, the Sandy Hook massacre is what spurred me into activism. What keeps me motivated is what does not make big news headlines, if at all: tragedies like domestic violence and the intersection of gun violence and racism, misogyny and homophobia. These things do not occur in peer nations. The most pressing issue for me is two-thirds of gun violence is suicide. Gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 25,000 people in America every year. (https://everytownresearch.org/issue/suicide/). Where I live, a Michigander dies by gun suicide every 11 hours, on average. I desperately want to see these terrifying statistics reduced in my lifetime. I also desperately want to treat people who have been affected by the uniquely American problem of gun violence. Many of these deaths *can* be prevented. And for those who had a loved one taken by gun violence, I would be honored to treat them. What they have been through is trauma and trauma has to be treated! When I’m not volunteering in gun violence prevention, I also give my time to my amazing neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. My 6-year term on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council just ended and I hope to serve on our Human Rights Commission next. I also help administer several local Facebook groups helping neighbors in need. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped many neighbors in need. As mentioned, I am passionate about mental healthcare because of personal experience. My son and I both went to counseling after my unexpected divorce. My husband left after losing his brother, who died due to addiction. I know how critically important it is treat one’s mental health. Counseling was a life changer for both my young son and me. Having an impartial third party and expert on mental health care help treat anxiety and depression was what it took to return to happiness. After some deep soul-searching following the divorce, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my midlife experiences: While receiving help changed my life, helping others is now my life’s calling. I know that me being a good neighbor, an activist and a mental health advocate has impacted many lives. I have chosen to take it a step further and make a more lasting impact by working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ultimately, I want to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

Calvin, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear mother Sheri. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and share my story. I am a single mother and a first-generation college student. Two days after Christmas in 2018, my life changed forever. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had to file for divorce. It was an unexpected break up, one I never saw coming...one I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had countless tasks to do to rebuild my life after this heartbreak and trauma. Two important things I accomplished included finding a counselor for my 6-year-old and going to counseling myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find contentment again. Since then, I learned how to do all the things a single parent must do. I learned how to cut the grass and run the snowblower. I finalized my divorce. I purged many of the items in my home. I got really frugal. I downsized to a home we could afford and where we would find peace. I read all the self-help books and listened to educational podcasts. Then came my soul-searching about a full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career, it is no longer my passion. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. As a volunteer for Moms Demand Action, I knew how pervasive death by gun suicide was. As you mentioned, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. It kills someone every 12 minutes. In Michigan, someone dies every 12 hours from gun suicide. I knew I wanted to figure out a way to reduce these harrowing statistics. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me joy. I realized that a degree in clinical mental health counseling is what I should pursue! I was terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This experience taught me to not depend on any one person for my livelihood or contentment. It also taught me courage. And resilience. And it taught me that just one person caring, like a professional counselor, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. My deceased father once told me, “Get your education. No one can take that away from you.” I had no idea that I would go back to school in midlife, but it was the best decision I have made in my life, outside of choosing to become a mom. I am now a year and a half into my program at Central Michigan University and have a 3.95 GPA. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes. This scholarship would help me so much! In addition to being in graduate school, I am working part-time, volunteering part-time as well as trying to save for my son’s college career. My bank account dedicated to graduate school tuition is dwindling. Going to college has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced in my life. I want my child to be able to experience it as well. I do not want us to go into debt. If you would like any additional information on my grades or extracurricular activities, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you so much for your consideration.

My name is Lindsay Warren. I am a non-traditional student – a single mom in her 40s – entering my second year at Central Michigan University. I am working toward a Master’s in Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. I was inspired to pursue a career in mental healthcare for two major reasons. The first reason I chose mental healthcare as a midlife career change is that I have seen the devasting effects of gun violence in America and how victims and survivors desperately need mental healthcare. The second reason is that I have personally seen the restorative effects of going to counseling. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence also disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community. Everytown reports that in an average year, 25,000 hate crimes in America involve a gun – that averages out to around 69 hate crime shootings EVERY DAY. Black Americans are twelve times more likely than white Americans to die by gun homicide. As a mom, the Sandy Hook massacre is what originally spurred me into action. What keeps me in my activism is what does not make big news headlines, if at all: tragedies like domestic violence, daily violence in urban areas and the intersection of gun violence and racism, misogyny and homophobia. These things do not occur in peer nations. And I am also keenly aware that the most pressing issue for me is two-thirds of gun violence is suicide. Gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 25,000 people in America every year. (https://everytownresearch.org/issue/suicide/) Where I live, a Michigander dies by gun suicide every 11 hours, on average. Additionally, the rate of gun deaths increased by 25% and the rate of gun suicide increased by 26% from 2012 to 2021 in Michigan. (https://everystat.org/#Michigan) The latest statistics on American mental health are also eye-opening: • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental health disorder each year. (https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021NSDUHFFRRev010323.pdf) • 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2724377?guestAccessKey=f689aa19-31f1-481d-878a-6bf83844536a) The global pandemic did not help mental health in America either. What was once a serious problem has now become a crisis. The American Federation for Suicide Prevention reports that there were 1.7 million suicide attempts and 48,183 Americans who died by suicide in 2021. (https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/) EverytownResearch.org reports that 1 in 4 adults know or care about someone who attempted or died by suicide with a gun. And, “Most people who attempt suicide do not die—unless they use a gun. Across all suicide attempts without a gun, 4% result in death. But when a gun is involved, that figure skyrockets to 90%. That second chance matters: the vast majority of people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die from a later attempt.” Mental Health America (MHA) reports that nearly 25% of adults with mental health disorders reported that they tried and could not get treatment. MHA also reports that there are an estimated 350 Americans for every ONE mental health provider! (https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america) That feels truly horrifying to me that we do not have enough mental health providers in America. How many American adults with mental health disorders will have a mental health crisis while waiting to find treatment? I desperately want to see these terrifying statistics reduced in my lifetime. I also desperately want to treat people who have been affected by the uniquely American problem of gun violence. Many of these deaths CAN be prevented. And for those who had a loved one taken by gun violence, I would be honored to treat them. What they have been through is trauma and trauma must be treated! That is what drives me! When I’m not volunteering in gun violence prevention, I also give my time to my amazing neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I am the Chair of the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council. I also help administer several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped many neighbors in need. A few examples of ways include: • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly by suicide with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Managing an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. “Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” said Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I agree. I would also add, “Taking care of one’s mental health is also the rent we should pay to live on this planet.” As I mentioned at the beginning of this essay, I have learned the value of mental healthcare through personal experience. My son and I both went to counseling after my unexpected divorce. My husband left the marriage after losing his brother, who had not treated his mental health disorder and died due to addiction. I know how critically important it is to stop the cycle of not treating one’s mental health. Counseling was a game changer for both my young son and me. Having an impartial third party and expert on mental health care help treat anxiety and depression was what it took to return to happiness. After some deep soul-searching following my divorce, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my midlife experiences: Receiving help changed my life, but even more so, helping others is my life’s calling. I know that being a “good neighbor,” an activist and a mental health advocate matters and has impacted many lives. I have chosen to take it a step further and make a more lasting impact: I returned to graduate school to become a licensed professional counselor! I passionately believe that the more available mental healthcare becomes, the lower the stigma about mental health will be. Counseling works. And we need to continue to talk about just how well it works. Just as I would recommend a person with heart issues to see a cardiologist, or a person with diabetes to see an endocrinologist, I recommend everyone with any mental health issue to see a licensed professional counselor. I am also passionate about not only my education but educating others. Words matter so much. I try my best to share the meaning behind words. One important example is the terms “die by suicide,” versus “committed suicide.” There is enough stigma about suicide and “committed” is a word commonly used to describe a crime. Therefore, I no longer use the word “committed” with regard to suicide. I am also passionate about sharing my mental health story. I believe that the more of us who share how counseling has helped us, the more people may do the same. And that will also decrease stigma. This scholarship would help me immeasurably. I am currently one year into my Master’s of Counseling degree at Central Michigan University and I have all As. I also continue to work part-time for a non-profit and volunteer. I am also trying to save for my son’s college career. My bank account dedicated to graduate school tuition is dwindling. Going to college has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced in my life. I want my child to be able to experience it as well. And I do not want us to go into debt because of college. If you would like any additional information on my specific grades or my other extracurricular activities, please do not hesitate to contact me. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor. I want to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

My mental health journey began in January 2019. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had no choice but to file for divorce. It was an unexpected breakup, one I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had a million little things to do to rebuild my life after trauma. Two important things I did included finding a therapist for my 6-year-old and going to therapy myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find contentment for us again. Since then, I learned how to do all the things a single parent must do. I learned how to cut the grass and run the snowblower. I finalized my divorce. I purged many of the items in my home. I downsized to a home we could afford and where we would find peace. I read all the self-help books and listened to educational podcasts. I spent time with my friends, my son and my pets. I spent time in nature. Next came my soul-searching about a full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career, it is no longer my passion. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me joy. I realized that a degree in counseling is what I should pursue! I was terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This mental health journey taught me that just one person caring, like a therapist, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” I am now one year into my program at Central Michigan University and have all A’s. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

“Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I could not agree more with Shannon. My passion is in helping others. I have applied this passion in a multitude of ways. One way is through my activism. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American and as a mother, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ community. Mass shootings like the Pulse Nightclub massacre should not have happened. These things do not occur in peer nations. I also acknowledge that 2/3 of gun violence is suicide. In fact, in Michigan, someone dies by gun suicide every 12 hours, on average. I want to reduce these horrifying statistics in my lifetime. I also give tirelessly to my neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I have served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council for over 6 years. I also help run several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped countless neighbors in need. In addition to my ongoing gun violence prevention work, a few examples of ways I have helped people in need include: • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly by suicide with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Organizing/promoting an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Organizing/managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. In addition to being a “good neighbor” and an activist, I have returned to graduate school to become a therapist. I know all too well the value of my son and me going to individual therapy after an unexpected divorce in midlife. After soul searching, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my volunteerism: helping others is my life’s calling. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

“Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I could not agree more with Shannon. My passion is in helping others. I have applied this passion in a multitude of ways. One way is through my activism. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American and as a mother, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ community. Mass shootings like the Pulse Nightclub massacre should not have happened. These things do not occur in peer nations. I also acknowledge that 2/3 of gun violence is suicide. In fact, in Michigan, someone dies by gun suicide every 12 hours, on average. I want to reduce these horrifying statistics in my lifetime. I also give tirelessly to my neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I have served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council for over 6 years. I also help run several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped countless neighbors in need. In addition to my ongoing gun violence prevention work, a few examples of ways I have helped people in need include: • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly by suicide with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Organizing/promoting an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Organizing/managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. In addition to being a “good neighbor” and an activist, I have returned to graduate school to become a therapist. I know all too well the value of my son and me going to individual therapy after an unexpected divorce in midlife. After soul searching, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my volunteerism: helping others is my life’s calling. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

“Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I could not agree more with Shannon. My passion is in helping others. I have applied this passion in a multitude of ways. One way is through my activism. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American and as a mother, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ community. Mass shootings like the Pulse Nightclub massacre should not have happened. These things do not occur in peer nations. I also acknowledge that 2/3 of gun violence is suicide. In fact, in Michigan, someone dies by gun suicide every 12 hours, on average. I want to reduce these horrifying statistics in my lifetime. I also give tirelessly to my neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I have served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council for over 6 years. I also help run several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped countless neighbors in need. In addition to my ongoing gun violence prevention work, a few examples of ways I have helped people in need include: • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly by suicide with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Organizing/promoting an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Organizing/managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. In addition to being a “good neighbor” and an activist, I have returned to graduate school to become a therapist. I know all too well the value of my son and me going to individual therapy after an unexpected divorce in midlife. After soul searching, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my volunteerism: helping others is my life’s calling. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

“Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I could not agree more with Shannon. My passion is in helping others. I have applied this passion in a multitude of ways. One way is through my activism. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because as an American and as a mother, I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. Gun violence also disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ community. Mass shootings like the Pulse Nightclub massacre should not have happened. These things do not occur in peer nations. I also acknowledge that 2/3 of gun violence is suicide. In fact, in Michigan, someone dies by gun suicide every 12 hours, on average. I want to reduce these horrifying statistics in my lifetime. I also give tirelessly to my neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I have served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council for over 6 years. I also help run several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped countless neighbors in need. In addition to my ongoing gun violence prevention work, a few examples of ways I have helped people in need include: • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly by suicide with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Organizing/promoting an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Organizing/managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. In addition to being a “good neighbor” and an activist, I have returned to graduate school to become a therapist. I know all too well the value of my son and me going to individual therapy after an unexpected divorce in midlife. After soul searching, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my volunteerism: helping others is my life’s calling. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

Two days after Christmas in 2018, my life as I knew it fell apart. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had to file for divorce. It was an unexpected breakup I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had a million little things to do to rebuild my life after this heartbreak and trauma. The two most important things I did included finding a counselor for my 6-year-old and going to counseling myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find contentment again. Mental health was always at the core of my mind. I also threw myself into self-care outside of the counseling office: self-help books, time with my pets, time in nature, educational podcasts, exercise, meditation and much more. Next came my soul-searching about a full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me joy. I realized that a degree in clinical mental health counseling is what I should pursue. I was terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This experience taught me so many things. It taught me to not depend on any one person for my livelihood or contentment. It reminded me that my friends and pets are the families I get to choose. It also taught me courage and resilience. And it taught me that just one person caring, like a professional counselor, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. I am now one year into my program at Central Michigan University and have all A’s. My son, my dog, my two cats and I are so happy in our smaller, older home. There is nothing but better memories here. My deceased father once told me, “Get your education. No one can take it away from you.” I believe this to my core. I also believe that you must take care of your mental health. No one can take that away from you either. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

I am a single mother and a first-generation college student. Two days after Christmas in 2018, my life fell apart. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had to file for divorce. It was an unexpected breakup, one I never saw coming. One I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had a million little things to do to rebuild my life after this heartbreak and trauma. Two important things I did included finding a counselor for my 6-year-old and going to counseling myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find contentment again. Since then, I learned how to do all the things a single parent must do. I learned how to cut the grass and run the snowblower. I finalized my divorce. I purged many of the items in my home. I got really frugal. I downsized to a home we could afford and where we would find peace. I read all the self-help books and listened to educational podcasts. Then came my soul-searching about a full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career, it is no longer my passion. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me joy. I realized that a degree in clinical mental health counseling is what I should pursue! I was terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This experience taught me to not depend on any one person for my livelihood or contentment. It also taught me courage. And resilience. And it taught me that just one person caring, like a professional counselor, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. I am now one year into my program at Central Michigan University and have all A’s. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes. If I were able to receive $10,000 from the Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship fund, I would not have to take out any graduate school loans. Additionally, I would be able to save more money for my son to go to college, an opportunity I want for him more than anything in the world!

January 2019 is when my “tenacity” journey began. After nearly 24 years with my college sweetheart, I had no choice but to file for divorce. It was an unexpected breakup, one I learned about when he read me a Dear John letter that he typed up in his Notes app on his iPhone. I had a million little things to do to rebuild my life after trauma. Two important things I did included finding a therapist for my 6-year-old and going to therapy myself. I did not yet know all the things I would have to do to persevere, but I knew my primary goal was to find contentment again. Since then, I learned how to do all the things a single parent must do. I learned how to cut the grass and run the snowblower. I finalized my divorce. I purged many of the items in my home. I downsized to a home we could afford and where we would find peace. I read all the self-help books and listened to educational podcasts. Then came my soul-searching about a full-time career. I had been working part-time since becoming a parent. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career, it is no longer my passion. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was not entirely sure how. At the same time as I was soul-searching, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me while I healed from heartbreak. I unmistakably saw how caring for others brought me joy. I realized that a degree in counseling is what I should pursue! I was terrified to go back to graduate school after being out of college for 20 years. But I did it! This experience taught me to not depend on any one person for my livelihood or contentment. It also taught me COURAGE. And it taught me that just one person caring, like a therapist, can make all the difference in my one, precious life. I am now one year into my program at Central Michigan University and have all A’s. My goal as a future counselor is to heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

If I could have everyone read one book, I would have them read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book is a quick, important read that readers of all levels/interests could benefit from reading. The four agreements: • Be impeccable with your word, • Don’t take anything personally, • Don’t make assumptions, and • Always do your best. Being impeccable with my word is my most important “agreement.” Integrity is everything. Ruiz talks about how important integrity is for not only how you talk to others, but how you talk to yourself. He writes that we are the only animal on earth with the power to speak and we need to use that power wisely. We can also build someone up or tear someone down with words. We can free ourselves or imprison ourselves with words. Ruiz adds, “Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” Not taking anything personally is also an important “agreement.” Even the most empathetic person can struggle with this. But Ruiz reminds us why we must push back against this struggle. He tells us, “All people live in their own dream, in their own mind, they are in a completely different world from the one we live in.” Taking anything personally means drinking their poison. He adds, “Their point of view comes from all the programming they received during domestication.” How powerful a statement to remember when someone miserable tries to bring us down with them. Trust yourself above everyone else! Next, don’t make assumptions. We learned the silly saying about the word “assume” when we were kids. But Ruiz explains this in greater detail. He understands that we as humans need to explain and understand everything to feel safe. This is how our nervous systems work. Therefore, he stresses the importance of asking for clarification instead of creating a scenario in our minds. Lastly, always do your best. This is the action part of the first three agreements. Ruiz emphasizes that “your best” can evolve from moment to moment. It can evolve depending on if you are tired or energized, sober or intoxicated, happy or sad, angry, jealous, etc. Ruiz adds, “As you build the habit of the four new agreements, your best will become better than it used to be.” I have made it a goal to read this book yearly for my mental health.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. My name is Lindsay Warren. I am 46 years old and have completed one year of my Master of Arts in Counseling program at Central Michigan University. “Activism is the rent we pay to live on this planet,” Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I could not agree more with Shannon. My passion is in helping others. I have applied this passion in a multitude of ways. One way is through my activism. I have volunteered in gun violence prevention for over 7 years. I give my time tirelessly and enthusiastically because I cannot accept that gun violence is now the number one killer of American children and teens. I also acknowledge that 2/3 of gun violence is suicide. In fact, in Michigan, someone dies by gun suicide every 12 hours, on average. I want to reduce these horrifying statistics in my lifetime. I also give tirelessly to my neighbors in Royal Oak, Michigan. I have served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council for over 6 years. I also help run several Royal Oak Facebook groups. Through these online and offline efforts, I have helped countless neighbors in need. In addition to my ongoing gun violence prevention work, a few examples of ways I have shown selflessness include: • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young mother of two who has terminal cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a young woman who had a stroke and ended up passing away; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor with breast cancer; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a neighbor who got in a car accident and has a traumatic brain injury; • Organizing/managing a fundraiser for a mother and children who lost their husband/father in a car accident; • Setting up a memorial scholarship fund for a mother whose son died by suicide; • Rallying the community to assist a family whose son died unexpectedly with meals, snacks, yard signs, luminaries and monetary support; • Organizing/promoting an annual toy drive for The Judson Center; • Organizing/managing charity auctions supporting these non-profits: Blessings in a Backpack, Mend on the Move and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network; • And finally, always finding a way to say “YES!” when a neighbor in need asks me to help them or a loved one in need. In addition to being a “good neighbor” and an activist, I have returned to graduate school to become a therapist. I know all too well the value of my son and me going to individual therapy after an unexpected divorce in midlife. After soul searching, I knew I needed to change careers to spend the rest of my life applying what I have learned through my volunteerism: helping others is my life’s calling. I am a non-traditional student, already holding a BA and MA, being 46 and being a single parent. I am seeking scholarships so I do not have to take out any loans to earn this MA in Counseling AND continue to save for college for my son, who deserves to have a college experience as well. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My goal as a future mental health provider: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. My name is Lindsay Warren. I am a non-traditional student in that I went back to school at age 45! I am now 46 years old and have completed one year of my Master of Arts in Counseling program at Central Michigan University. I returned to college at age 45 to pursue my true career passion. I became a single mother when I went through an unexpected divorce in 2019. I had been with my boyfriend / then husband for nearly 24 years when he suddenly left. My son and I were shocked and heartbroken. We immediately went to individual counseling to heal. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my original career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career in marketing, it is not my passion. So, after my divorce was finalized, I immersed myself in soul searching. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was unsure about exactly how to do that. In addition to going to therapy, I leaned on my friends who were constantly checking on me. As I healed, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me. I unmistakably saw how others caring for me brought me back to life. More importantly, I learned how assisting others felt even better! I realized that counseling is what I should have pursued all along. I know I was born to be a Licensed Professional Counselor. I also learned that it is never too late to pursue a dream, even if I’m one of the oldest people in my class! Today would have been my 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’m engrossed in my enthusiasm for my new degree. And instead of taking the three weeks I currently have off graduate school from doing any work, I am reading my textbook in preparation for my next course and applying for this scholarship. I am so motivated to learn everything I can about counseling! I cannot get enough of the material I am learning. My deceased father once told me, “Get your education. No one can take that away from you.” I had no idea that I would go back to school in midlife, but it was the best decision I have made in my life, outside of choosing to become a mom. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes. This scholarship would help me immeasurably. I am currently in graduate school, working part-time, volunteering part-time and trying to save for my son’s college career. My bank account dedicated to graduate school tuition is dwindling. Going to college has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced in my life. I want my child to be able to experience it as well. And I do not want us to go into debt. If you would like any additional information on my grades or extracurricular activities, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Lindsay Warren

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am Lindsay Warren. I am 46 years old and have completed one year of my Master of Arts in Counseling program at Central Michigan University. Like Steven, I returned to college at age 45 to pursue my true career passion. I became a single mother when I went through an unexpected divorce in 2019. I had been with my boyfriend / then husband for nearly 24 years when he suddenly left. My son and I were shocked and heartbroken. We immediately went to individual counseling to heal. Despite having a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Michigan State University, I gave up my original career aspirations in broadcasting for my husband, who was the higher wage earner in our family. While I have enjoyed some moments of my 20-year career in marketing, it is not my passion. So, after my divorce was finalized, I immersed myself in soul searching. I knew I wanted to help people, but I was unsure about exactly how to do that. In addition to going to therapy, I leaned on my friends who were constantly checking on me. As I healed, I began to repay the kindness so many showed me. I unmistakably saw how others caring for me brought me back to life. More importantly, I learned how assisting others felt even better! I realized that counseling is what I should have pursued all along. I know I was born to be a Licensed Professional Counselor. Today would have been my 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’m engrossed in my enthusiasm for my new degree. And instead of taking the three weeks I currently have off graduate school from doing any work, I am reading my textbook in preparation for my next course and applying for this scholarship. I am so motivated to learn everything I can about counseling! I cannot get enough of the material I am learning. My deceased father once told me, “Get your education. No one can take that away from you.” I had no idea that I would go back to school in midlife, but it was the best decision I have made in my life, outside of choosing to become a mom. I plan to incorporate mind, body, soul and spirit into my future practice by utilizing my creative background. I want to specialize in many types of therapy, such as art and music therapy. I currently work for an animal rescue and hope to incorporate therapy animals into my practice as well. Emily Dickinson said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person Into happiness again I shall not live in vain.” That is my goal as a counselor: heal hearts, ease minds, help lonely souls and cheer on Phoenixes as they rise - like me - from the ashes. This scholarship would help me immeasurably. I am currently in graduate school, working part-time, volunteering part-time and trying to save for my son’s college career. My bank account dedicated to graduate school tuition is dwindling. Going to college has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced in my life. I want my child to be able to experience it as well. And I do not want us to go into debt. If you would like any additional information on my grades or extracurricular activities, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Lindsay Warren

A practical solution to help people who struggle with mental health is to teach them how to be their own best friend. Being your own best friend means advocating for oneself. It means being OK without a partner. It means truly loving yourself no matter your weight, your age or your job. Being your own best friend also means knowing your innate worth. It is acknowledging you are enough just by being alive. It also means praising oneself when a goal is met or an accomplishment is made, no matter how big or small. It means not waiting for external validation. Being your own best friend also means talking to yourself the way you would talk to a best friend. It means giving yourself the benefit of the doubt and giving oneself grace. It is forgiving oneself when mistakes are made. It is remembering we are all human and mistakes are OK. Lastly, being your own best friend means having the ability to self-soothe. So, how does one get there? As someone who has been in talk therapy and will be attending graduate school this fall to receive a Master's of Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am a huge proponent of pursuing counseling. A counselor is an impartial, third party who is not only an amazing sounding board, but someone who will help their client(s) be accountable and find real solutions to their mental health challenges. Counseling also helps one become more self-aware, which is key in achieving better mental health. The more self-aware one is, the less self-sabotaging one will be.