I am a first generation college graduate who went back to school at 34 years old to better myself. After years of hard work and determination, I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology all on my own whilst working at a forensic intensive case management unit. I then began work as a counselor at a prison in the Bay Area where I realized I needed to continue my education in an effort to make a real difference and help others. I was then accepted into a master's program and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. Now, I am enrolled in a PhD program where I was inducted into the national honor society, Omega Nu Lamda in March of 2026 and Honor Society as recently as April 2026. I have just completed my first academic year with a 4.0 GPA at 42 years old and hope I can continue this journey to the end. 

I live with bipolar disorder and learning about and understanding my disorder through psychological assistance is what allowed me to fight for a better life for myself. This is why I am so passionate about psychology and finishing my doctoral journey.

Recently, I learned that I have lost funding for my education due to federal cuts. This means I will need to pay out of pocket for what my scholarship does not cover for the remainder of this academic year and the next two years as I work to finish my PhD. The financial burden of tuition and living expenses is overwhelming and I am reaching out for support so I can continue pursuing my dream.

Your help will allow me to continue my academic journey in an effort to better myself and have a positive impact on others as well as the academic world. When I finish my doctoral program, I will have the ability to assist others in chasing their dreams and I truly believe everyone deserves to do that. This opportunity means more to me than I can express, and I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer. Thank you for believing in me and helping me move forward.