My name is Mary Ford, and I’m creating this page (along with her father, Paul Ford) to support someone incredibly dear to me—my smart, driven, and kind-hearted niece, Ryleigh.

Ryleigh was recently selected for a highly competitive Study Abroad program through Drexel University that will allow her to spend a semester at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Out of all Drexel applicants, she was the only student accepted—a tremendous honor that reflects her exceptional academic and personal achievements.

Currently a senior at Drexel, Ryleigh has maintained a 3.8 GPA, earned a spot on the Dean’s List, and is an active member of both the Psychology and History Honors Societies. Her passion for learning is matched by her commitment to making a difference—whether it’s through volunteering at local animal and homeless shelters or completing a six-month internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Her dedication didn’t start in college. In high school, she graduated with honors from Tamaqua Area High School (Class of 2022) and was inducted into the National Honor Society, as well as the English, Math, and Spanish Honor Societies. She also received the Schuylkill County Academic Achievement Award.

Ryleigh’s dream of studying in Scotland is now within reach—but unfortunately, financial challenges are threatening to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity away. Due to a lack of upfront information, she was unaware that essential costs like housing, books, meals, and basic living expenses would not be covered or eligible for financial aid. These unexpected expenses now place her participation in serious jeopardy.

We are doing everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen—because no one has worked harder or deserves this opportunity more than Ryleigh. Her resilience, dedication, and heart are truly inspiring.

If you are in a position to donate, any amount will make a difference in helping Ryleigh pursue this incredible academic and cultural journey. And if you can’t donate, that’s perfectly okay—please consider sharing this message with your family and friends to help us spread the word.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, encouragement, and belief in Ryleigh.

Below is Ryleigh’s Essay that led to her Acceptance!

Application Essay:

Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, much of my childhood was spent observing a community that wanted to be and do more but couldn’t. I spent much of my teenage years helping my neighbors, whether in the small act of shoveling snow from their driveway or providing food, clothing, and shelter to friends who were impacted by their parent’s substance use disorder. Being exposed to the hardships of others and experiencing challenges myself, such as learning of my own mother’s substance use disorder, ignited a passion in me to help those in my community.

During high school, I began volunteering at a local coffee shop that not only provides the best coffee and baked goods in town but also advocates for addiction recovery. After volunteering there for over 50 hours, I was the first employee to be hired who was not on a personal journey of recovery. Instead, I was hired because of my passion to understand the impact of addiction in my hometown. After working there for three years, I moved to Philadelphia to study at Drexel University, where I continued to seek ways to understand the struggles in my community by volunteering at both a local animal and homeless shelter. Through my six-month internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), I was able to support the community further by working alongside the Poison Control Center (PCC), Urgent Response, Infection Prevention and Control, and their Opioid Response and Education program (CORE). I had the opportunity to be the first intern interested in their CORE program, supporting their initiative to help the surrounding community severely impacted by the opioid epidemic.

As a study abroad student, I bring a unique perspective to learning and the field of psychology by not only helping disadvantaged communities but also being from one. My goal through my academic, career, and personal pursuits is to understand the human condition and find ways to connect with others by instilling hope. This can be achieved through both psychological strategies and the act of writing, particularly storytelling. With over 100 clubs at this university, I plan to join the Psychology Society and the English Literature Society. I also plan to volunteer with Aberdeen Nighttime and Rape and Abuse Victim Support, providing direct assistance to students in need. Additionally, I am interested in joining a research lab, particularly the Aging Cognition and Emotion Lab and/or the Behavioral Testing Lab. I would like to be directly involved in research studies by participating through SONA, a system I have previously used to earn 12 credits.

Furthermore, I am interested in joining the University of Aberdeen Book Club to meet fellow students who love to read. I would also love to volunteer with Book Ends by donating extra books I have, contributing to the university's environmental sustainability initiatives. Another way I want to support environmental sustainability is by volunteering with Swap Shop and donating clothing I no longer wear. This activity is similar to a club I created at Drexel University called Drexel Thrift, which allows students to donate and thrift clothing for free. From this initiative, my peers and I won an environmental sustainability award of $5,000 to continue holding quarterly events. Given my experience, I would love to contribute to Swap Shop.

Studying abroad at the University of Aberdeen will provide me with valuable academic and career guidance while broadening my perspective on the human experience and the world. Moving from a small community to a big city, this opportunity will push me further by allowing me to experience life in a different country. With numerous clubs available, adjusting to student life will be both enjoyable and exciting. As a research-focused institution like Drexel University, I will easily adapt and gain research experience through various labs and the SONA system.

Additionally, being in Aberdeen, Scotland, the university's beautiful architecture and prime location for visiting local shops, cafes, historical landmarks, and museums will help me immerse myself in the surrounding community, beyond the university’s campus. My diverse background, combined with my enthusiasm for learning and community involvement, will ensure my success at the University of Aberdeen. I am confident that I will thrive in this new environment, making meaningful contributions and embracing the rich cultural experiences that Aberdeen has to offer.