May I start off with heartfelt thank you to Mr. Rosser for sharing the story of his beloved mom? Mr. Rosser, if you read this, as a mother of young adults, my heart beams with your mom’s heart at the wonderful things you’re doing. Please allow me to encourage you not to stop. Press on your path. It, and you, are worthy. This scholarship is an admirable way to honor your mom and pay her, and your, legacy forward. I had the honor of reading your mom’s story on the bold.org website and the Eulogy you linked. Thank you, again, for sharing. You and your mom’s journey could’ve been my journey. Like so much in life, my story differs. Knowing that, I invite you to read on if you wish. My heart dropped as I drove up to my mom, unattuned, walking purposefully yet aimlessly, along a curvy, mountainous road. My journey into the world of mental health has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences that have impacted my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. For many years, I watched my mom battle schizophrenia. There were times when it seemed like her illness would take her life and that she would never accept help. I’m grateful to share that after years of struggles, she was able to stabilize on medication. That transformation, watching her regain control of her life, had a significant effect on me. It not only shaped how I viewed mental illness but also sparked in me a passion for understanding and supporting those with severe mental health challenges. My mother’s journey showed me firsthand how crucial it is to have proper support, resources, and mental health care in the right timing. It also made me acutely aware of the stigma surrounding mental illness and how difficult it can be for families to navigate the U.S. mental health system. This experience inspired me to become someone who could help people like my mother, and their families, find the path toward stability and a hopeful future, ultimately leading me to return to school and pursue a master’s in direct practice social work. I wanted to understand mental health on a deeper level while helping individuals navigate the deep complexities of mental illness. I’m currently serving at an internship where I work with individuals who have severe mental illness, often with a comorbidity of chronic drug use. The population I work with is highly marginalized and underserved. Many of my clients have been through multiple treatment programs. Their severe mental illness and substance use disorders often feed into one another in a seemingly endless cycle. This has reinforced my belief that mental health is not something that can be treated in isolation. Instead, it’s deeply interconnected with other aspects of life, including physical and relational health, personal readiness, and access to resources. That said, I am acutely aware that the mental health system in the U.S. also fails individuals. My experience in my current internship, while actively being present and avoiding therapist-client transference, has solidified my commitment to becoming a mental health clinician. It has shown me the profound impact that empathetic, well-informed mental health care and wrap-around services can have on someone’s life. Many individuals I work with face significant barriers such as homelessness, substance dependency, and a lack of family or social support. Sometimes these factors make recovery feel impossible. However, when some individuals receive consistent, compassionate care, I’ve seen the emergence for hope, resilience, and the potential for lasting transformation. This is the foundation that drives me to be an advocate for others, helping them navigate the mental health system, and finding needed resources to regain stability and hope in their lives. The belief that drives me is that everyone deserves the chance to live at fulfilling life. I've seen how mental illness can negatively impact individuals and their families, but I have also seen the power of recovery when individuals are given the right opportunities, tools, treatment, and support, in the right timing. My hope is that, as a clinician, I will be able to walk along individuals in need, helping them discover their paths to recovery. The tools learned in graduate school will ideally unite, within professional boundaries, the empathic rapport, care, and genuine connection I have with clients. Returning to school has been wonderfully challenging. I recently chose to focus solely on my education and retired in my early 50s from 20 years of service as an administrative assistant in Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Disability Services at San Diego State University. I went through the first year of my full-time master’s program taking 5 grad classes, working 20 hours a week at SDSU, completing a 20 hour a week unpaid internship in Sport Social Work, all while trying to stay present within myself and managing family life as a single mom. Despite the challenges of a tiring, full schedule, my professional, academic, and personal experiences have made it clear to me that this is where I'm meant to be. Receiving a scholarship would be a tremendous help in continuing my journey. As someone who is balancing graduate school, an unpaid internship, future student loans, and the responsibilities of life outside of school, the financial burden is significant. A scholarship would lighten my financial concerns, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and internship, and give me more space to continue developing the skills I need to become an effective clinician. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with severe mental illness. This scholarship would provide needed support as I continue pursuing this goal. My experiences with mental health, both personal and professional, has shaped the person I’ve become today. They've influenced my relationships, strengthened my beliefs about the importance of comprehensive, empathetic care, and inspired me to become a therapist. I look forward to continuing this path and making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.

Watching “The Office” has not only provided countless moments of laughter but has also shaped my perspective on workplace dynamics, personal growth, and the power of laugher coupled with quiet leadership. In many ways, I resonate with Pam’s Beesley's character. Her story reflects my own journey, one of evolving dreams, steadfast empathy, and the courage to pursue a more fulfilling path. Pam Beesly, much like myself, began her professional journey in a role that was stable but unfulfilling. For almost two decades, I worked as an administrative assistant, a role that provided security but did not align with my deeper passions. Pam's early days as a receptionist at Dunder Mifflin mirrored my own experience—both of us felt a yearning for something more meaningful. Pam’s decision to pursue her passion for art, despite the risks, deeply resonated with me. I took a leap of faith and returned to school at age 51 to earn my bachelor’s degree in psychology and, last Fall, September 2023, to pursue a 2 year full time Master of Social Work graduate degree. Pam’s growth on the show is marked by her quiet but impactful leadership. While she might not be the loudest voice in the room, Pam’s empathy, creativity, and resilience make her a cornerstone of the office. This mirrors my own leadership style. Whether it was co-leading a single parenting group at my church, mentoring younger students in my graduate program, or helping to secure a $90,000 grant to support student-athletes’ mental health at San Diego State University, I always lead with empathy while focusing on uplifting others. Like Pam, I believe that leadership isn’t about commanding attention but about creating an environment where individuals feel valued and supported. The show also shaped my sense of humor and perspective on workplace dynamics. “The Office” is a masterclass in finding humor in the mundane and the absurdity in everyday work life. It taught me the importance of not taking myself too seriously and finding joy in the small, often overlooked moments. Pam’s ability to navigate the quirky dynamics of Dunder Mifflin with grace and humor is something I’ve tried to emulate in my own professional life. Whether it’s dealing with difficult colleagues or the challenges of balancing work and school, I’ve learned to approach situations with a sense of humor and a calm perspective, much like Pam. In my future career as a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, I hope to embody the qualities that Pam Beesly represents—empathy, resilience, and the courage to pursue what truly matters. Just as Pam eventually found her path in art and sales, I have found mine in social work, where I can use my leadership skills to make a meaningful impact. This scholarship would help me continue this journey, alleviating some of the financial burden of my education and allowing me to focus on developing the skills necessary to excel in my field. Pam Beesly’s journey of self-discovery, quiet leadership, and unwavering empathy is one that deeply resonates with me. Her story, much like my own, is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, embracing personal growth, and leading with kindness. I am committed to using these lessons to make a positive impact in the field of social work, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead to inspire and empower others, just as Pam's character has inspired me.

Balancing the demands of work, caregiving, and education has been a defining aspect of my academic and life-journey. I am a non-traditional student who worked as a single parent at San Diego State University part-time while raising my three children, who are now young adults in their early 20s. During this time, I also established my own business. Despite the challenges of juggling motherhood and work, after a 25 year collegiate gap, I finished my bachelor's degree in Psychology at the age of 51 and was accepted into San Diego State University's Master of Social Work Program at the age of 52. During my foundational year in the MSW program this year, I maintained my part-time job of 20 hours at SDSU, held down a 16-hour-a-week internship, and took five graduate classes each semester (three classes are considered full-time). For this upcoming and final academic year starting in August 2024, I will need to quit my job and take out loans to focus on a 20 hour/week internship and continue with 5 classes each semester. My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. As a mother of children with disabilities and struggling financially as an administrative assistant, I was motivated to pursue a higher education degree and choose the path of social work to help others. I am committed to advocating for and supporting individuals and families facing similar challenges, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in their lives. My motivation to continue schooling stems from my personal experiences and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Being a mother has always been my number one job and passion, and my children have always been my priority. Despite the demands and challenges, I have always and continue to strive to be present for my children, supporting them emotionally, financially, and academically. My experiences balancing motherhood, work, and education have shaped my career goals and fueled my passion for social work. I am excited to continue my journey towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker/therapist and to contribute to the important work of supporting and empowering individuals and families in need. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for Patrick Stanley and his loved ones! His dedication to learning and his commitment to making a positive impact on others' lives serve as an inspiration to me and others. Like Patrick, I am a lifelong learner who is passionate about education and committed to making a difference in the lives of others. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of education, resilience, gratefulness, and the power of knowledge in facilitating personal growth and healing. In conclusion, my personal and academic history is characterized by determination, hard work, and a deep commitment to learning and personal growth. Despite the challenges and demands of balancing motherhood, work, and education, I have remained focused on my goal of pursuing a higher education degree and a career in social work to help others. I am grateful for the opportunities and support that have enabled me to continue my education and pursue my passion for social work. I am excited to continue my journey towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker therapist and to contribute to the important work of supporting and empowering individuals and families in need, inspired by the legacy of lifelong learning and dedication to education exemplified by Patrick Stanley. Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship!

Athletes are an underrepresented population in the field of mental health and wellness. Often, student athletes avoid seeking services at their school's wellness center because they perceive their needs as different from those of their peers who may be grappling with issues like suicidal ideation or debilitating anxiety. This perception underscores the critical need for specialized support in the form of sport social workers. At the age of 52, as a former athlete and non-traditional student who graduated with a BA in Psychology at the age of 51, entering my second and final year of my Master of Social Work degree, I am deeply passionate about addressing this gap. My first year of grad school was dedicated to co-piloting a Sport Social Work program at a local high school with my internship instructor. During this time, I provided individual counseling to over 30 students and co-conducted psychoeducational trainings for more than 20 teams, teaching athletes about mental health skills and strategies, as well as the importance of prioritizing both their mental and physical health. In my journey towards becoming a sport social worker, my personal experiences with disability and neurodivergence have profoundly informed my perspective and approach. I was diagnosed with ADHD during my first semester in grad school. This diagnosis was a turning point for me, highlighting the importance of seeking and receiving appropriate services to access academic support, such as private testing accommodations. My personal experience navigating the academic environment with an undiagnosed neurodivergence has fueled my desire to work with students to promote and destigmatize disabilities and mental health resources. I am committed to advocating for student athletes to recognize and embrace their unique needs, helping them navigate the academic and athletic worlds with the support and resources they require to thrive. My personal journey and experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and empathy that I believe will be invaluable in my career as a sport social worker. I understand the challenges and stigma associated with seeking support for mental health and neurodivergent conditions, and I am passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where student athletes feel understood, validated, and empowered to prioritize their mental health and well-being. As a non-traditional student, I bring a wealth of life experience and resilience to my social work practice. My journey to this point has been non-linear and filled with challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding and has equipped me with a deep understanding of the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of support and empathy in facilitating personal growth and healing. I am deeply committed to focusing my social work career on supporting and advocating for student athletes, promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing disabilities and neurodivergence. My personal experiences with disability and neurodivergence have informed and enriched my perspective, and I am passionate about using my knowledge and empathy to make a positive impact in the lives of student athletes. I am excited to continue my journey towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker therapist working with high school and professional athletes, and to contribute to the important work of promoting mental health and well-being within the athletic community.