My name is Skye, and becoming a therapist isn’t just a career goal — it’s the continuation of a journey that began long before I ever stepped into a psychology classroom. I was raised by a single mother whose strength shaped my understanding of resilience, but as I grew older and navigated my own experiences with anxiety, depression, and identity, I realized I didn’t just want to succeed — I wanted to help others feel seen in ways many of us never were. Growing up, I witnessed how stigma, cultural expectations, and family dynamics can determine whether someone receives support or suffers in silence. Although I’ve been in therapy for much of my life, it wasn’t until I met a therapist who reflected parts of my identity that I truly felt understood — a moment that solidified my commitment to this path. Since then, I’ve dedicated my undergraduate years to preparing for a career centered on empathy and connection. I’ve conducted research on family relationships and adolescent development, volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to reduce stigma in my community, and taken on leadership roles that strengthened my ability to support others. These experiences confirmed my purpose: helping people who feel caught between worlds — culturally, emotionally, or socially — find spaces where they belong. Now, I have the opportunity to continue this work through graduate training, but the financial reality is something I cannot carry alone. Tuition, clinical training hours, books, and living expenses create a gap that feels overwhelming. Asking for help is not easy for me, but I’ve learned that community is often what allows dreams to become real. I’m pursuing this path so that others — especially young people navigating identity, stigma, or family struggles — don’t have to feel alone the way many of us once did. Thank you for believing in my story and helping me continue this work.

Sally L West

Anonymous

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