This award allows me to focus on my studies without worrying about the financial burden that comes with higher education. The financial help I receive reminds me that there are many people invested in my education. Knowing this motivates me to work as hard as I can.

My ultimate career goal is to move back to my native country, Guinea, as an MD and open a clinic that focuses holistically on the health of women and girls.

2021–22 Community Refugee Immigrant Services

Immigrants/International Social Work; Healthcare

While being a scholarship recipient allows me to achieve my goals without added financial stressors, this honor is more than just a monetary benefit. Being a scholarship recipient means that someone has seen the potential in me as a Social Worker and in my ability to impact the field positively, and this is truly a privilege.

In recent years, the demand for mental health services has increased drastically, and because of this, the accessibility of proper mental health care for all is incredibly important to me. Whether at a micro level working to support individual clients or at a macro level working in policy change, I want to make a positive difference in the mental health field.

Syntero (Delaware City Schools)

Clinical Mental Health

Being a scholarship recipient means to me that someone believes I can make a difference and someone hears me.

I hope to change people's perception of the intersectionality of Autism Spectrum Disorder and creating romantic relationships.

The Buckeye Ranch

Sexuality and disability

I received this scholarship after the death of both of my parents during my college experience. By getting this scholarship I felt accomplished that I had gone through this experience while remaining an excellent student.

I hope to change the world by starting one on one with children and adolescents. I want to use the experiences I have been through to help these children feel seen and understood.

Kinship Care One-on-one Counseling

I am honored to be a scholarship recipient. Through my future endeavors, I hope to live out and exemplify the mission of the College of Social Work. Our role as social workers is to enhance the well-being of those around us, celebrate differences, and promote justice. Honoring this distinction will mean staying true to my professional mission of motivating others by empowering them to reach their own health goals, which will inspire community-wide improvement.

As a school social worker, I hope to change the world on a macro level. It is important for me to work in an environment that values diversity and collaborative teamwork. I can contribute to the district's efforts to meet the needs of all members of the school community by using my strengths as a believer, coach, and philomath. In my role as a believer, I will not compromise the values of the code of ethics we serve. As a coach, I strive to find the potential for growth in all people. As a philomath, I strive to have an enduring love of learning.

Pleasant Local School District

School Social Work

Being a scholarship recipient means so much to me because it allows me to pursue an education in the field that I aim passionate about. I appreciate all the help this scholarship gives me because I would not be where I am today without it.

I hope to change the world by changing the way that local police forces handle calls that are involved in social work. I also hope to help rehabilitate both juveniles and adults who are in correctional facilities.

Juvenile Correctional Social Work, Police Social Work

I am a grateful and proud recipient of The Sean and Anna Delaney Endowed Scholarship in Veteran Services for the College of Social Work. This has been a great honor that shows there are others out there who believe in the work I am looking to do. I could not be more thankful for this support and it has greatly expanded what I can achieve academically and in my career.

I hope to be apart of the end to homelessness. I hope to bring more resources to Veterans, adults with mental illness, and adults experiencing homelessness. I hope to be a light in the darkness that these individuals are experiencing.

Community Support Services Residential Treatment Program

Homelessness, Severe & Persistent Mental Illness

Being a scholarship recipient means that there are those that believe in me and my work and are willing to invest in it. This makes me feel incredibly valuable as a person, confident, and highly motivated to pursue my work and research. The faith investment of others has allowed me to highly focus on my schooling, research, community outreach, and organizing efforts, and bring my full and present self into these interactions. The quality of these interactions continue to shape and grow my work and my community, as well as my own capacities that will allow me to give back to others from the skills I have acquired from my tertiary education and related experiences.

I hope to encourage the shift in cultural attitudes and justice practices around the LGBTQ+ population. My current research seeks to reshape and inform the cultural competency, resource availability, and protective legislation efforts for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Age-Friendly Innovation Center

Older Adults; LGBTQ+

Receiving the Dodie Thomas Memorial Scholarship means that I can focus fully on my studies and equip myself to be the best social worker I can be.

I dream of empowering others with the tools they need to thrive in life, I dream of contributing to a world where vulnerable and hurting people are given their voice and choice back, and I dream of fighting for equitable healthcare and education for individuals who would otherwise receive none.

Nationwide Childrens Hospital

Children and adolescent counseling; Geriatric Social Work

So much! Of course the money is helpful, but more than that, it was so validating, to think that I am working hard enough and loving people well enough that I am worthy of some extra support. My kiddos and I are living on loans while I attend school, so this saves us from many loan payments. I will always be grateful to this program.

I love to help the people with issues like homelessness, substance use disorders, chronic incarceration, mental and behavioral health. While my primary role will be as a clinician for a few years, my real goal is to help people with agrotherapy—gardening and being out in the earth and sky.

Southeast

Cooking and gardening with family and friends

Being a scholarship recipient shows the acknowledgement of the work and dedication that I have put in to the BSW degree at The Ohio State University. Having the opportunity to be supported by donors has helped me get closer to my goals that I have set out for myself. Growing up, education was not familiar in my household due to my parents not being provided an educational opportunity back in their home country. Being a scholarship recipient has helped me continue through to getting closer to completing a college degree and coming on my journey of being a first generation college student and soon to be First Generation College graduate.

I hope to change the world by providing a voice for the voiceless. Growing up, I would not have thought that I would be able to make it to where I am today. Through the various inequalities and obstacles that I have had to face, it has been a blessing to be where I am today.

Columbus Public Health Department - CARE Coalition and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services

Education and Healthcare

A scholarship recipient has meant so much to me. From a support aspect, it has showed that the social work community is here to support me throughout my education. Even though times may be difficult finically the community is here to assist me and watch me thrive in my education. Which means a lot especially since my family is far away.

While taking social work classes I have been exposed to many injustices that exist in America. Which has caused me to want to get involved and make a differences. I hope to give people the opportunity to succeed. There are so many different minority populations that do not even have the access to success because of the barriers America puts on them. For example, those released from prison have no chance at success because they do not have homes, families or ability to get a job. That is not right since they served the time that the judge thought was appropriate. Overall, I hope to advocate for the inequality and change the access.

I am interested in Child Welfare and the incarcerated population

It means that I have been given the support needed to be able to work where I feel called and to be the best social worker I can be. I feel honored to be a recipient of the Jeanette Zupancic scholarship.

I want to play a role in combatting human trafficking, locally and around the world.

Amethyst

Being a scholarship recipient means more to me than I can put into words. I am honored to have been selected. Before receiving the scholarship I was very stressed out because I was not sure how I would pay for my education while also taking care of my children as a single mom. The financial burden was relieved and for that I have so grateful. I am also very proud of myself and feel that I can accomplish anything.

When I graduate in May of 2024, I hope to change the world by removing the stigma surrounding mental health for Palestinians and Muslims. I also hope to support and empower survivors of domestic violence by helping them work through their trauma. I believe that my experiences as a minority woman, and the trials I have overcome will be my guide in changing the world.

ASHA Ray of Hope

Mental health and domestic violence

Being a scholarship recipient has been so meaningful to me as I further my education. It has allowed me the ability to be more focused on this opportunity to grow as a social worker, and puts me in the position post-graduation to feel secure as I move forward in life.

I hope to help children and families realize the strengths they hold within themselves as well as build additional tools in order to live fulfilling lives.

Worthington City Schools

Child & Youth Services School Social Work

Being a scholarship recipient for me means an investment has been made to my future that bridges the gaps and breaks down the barriers, creating the opportunities for me to reach my dreams.

I hope to change the world by being professionally prepared and equipped to make positive impacts to the lives of the children and families I service, engage with and support. I want to represent a beacon of light that helps others find their way.

Franklin County Children Services

Child Welfare Children and Family

Being a scholarship recipient means that I have the opportunity to continue my responsibility in life-long learning to strengthen my endeavors in building a better culture of understanding and reestablishing our marginalized communities.

I hope to change the world by prioritizing the building of long-term collective power in our marginalized communities. In building collective power, means addressing issues at the community level through the connection of like residents and amplifying local voices to stimulate action. With this, it will be very powerful to share knowledge and information to coordinate action that organizes sustained growth within our communities. I hope that publicizing these kind of spaces will advocate for networking, building leadership, and engaging in community activities and involvement that will allow for us to access resources in order to make strategic decisions for everyone’s future.

OSU ACCESS Collaborative - CCAMPIS Program

Public/Social Policy; City/Urban Planning

It is an honor to be recognized as a scholarship recipient alongside many of my fellow classmates. I am grateful for the College of Social Work's investment in my future and recognition of my academic achievements. This reward has increased my motivation to continue my education in the social work realm as I know I have the support of other distinguished figures in this field behind me.

I plan on changing the world through advocating for the betterment of the United States healthcare system as a whole as well as the trauma-informed services provided to patients on a macro-level. On a smaller scale, within the medical field I hope to provide my future patients with the comfort and resources they deserve in their times of need while serving as the liaison between medical personnel, patients, and their families.

The Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Trauma Recovery Center

Trauma-Informed Care, Medical Social Work

Because of this financial award, I was able to stress less on my financial situation and put more focus and attention into being a student; learning and growing in my social work skills. I am happy to share that my first semester ended with straight A's and I truly believe that was a result of having the financial privilege to navigate grad school, in which this scholarship was a huge part of. I am honored and incredibly grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship.

Social work makes the world go round. As social workers we dedicate our careers to embracing differences, seeking justice, and being the change. I hope to change the world through advocacy, collaboration, and using my tools and resources to improve the lives of those around me; specifically those who are vulnerable. I hope to change the world by teaching young minds the necessary skills to navigate and manage feelings.

Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential

Child and Youth Services

As a first generation college student, being a scholarship recipient helps affirm my ability, passion, and desire to pursue an MSW degree and a career in social work despite taking a different path. I'm so grateful for the support this scholarship has offered me in assisting me to achieve these goals!

I hope to change the world by being even just a small piece of the positive change that occurs in the lives of children and their families struggling with mental health issues in my community.

Best Point Education and Behavioral Health

Working with children in the mental health field

I'm very thankful for having received these scholarships. Without the extra support, I would not be able to take the time off work to pursue my MSW degree.

I am excited to focus my future endeavors on supporting the youth, strengthening families, and building networks that foster resilience within our community.

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

Children and families!

Being a scholarship recipient to me means that I have the potential to succeed in a challenging society we live in today. I also deem it as a reward for the hard work, the focus, the dedication to excellence, and the motivation that was put forth towards my academic achievements.

I hope to change the world by doing what I can to help those that want help and desire to make positive, effective improvements in the challenges they face in their lives. At work I have a signature motto that reads, "There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life," Mary Rose McGeady. With that said, I would love for individuals to be empowered, supported, inspired, and encouraged to know that they can be the change they set in their minds to become.

Child Welfare

I am humbled to have received this gift that will help me on my Social Work journey. This scholarship has reduced the financial burden of my education, which has given me more time and energy to put toward learning and growing as much as possible. Because of this scholarship, I will be even more prepared to serve those in need when I graduate.

I hope to change the world one young person at a time. Through trauma-informed practices, I hope to help youth overcome difficult circumstances and heal from their traumatic pasts. I believe every young person has innate strengths and potential, and I will help them utilize these in working toward a better future.

Life Stone Counseling Center

Trauma informed mental healthcare with youth

As an emancipated minor and first-generation college graduate, let alone a first-generation graduate student, I am forever grateful for the abundance of support that I’ve received from Ohio State. I am incredibly honored to be recognized through these awards; I’d like to thank Dr. Wayne R. Moore and Mrs. Laura B. Kaufman, as well as the faculty of the College of Social Work for this honor!

As I complete my graduate degree and begin my career, I hope to cultivate meaningful change in the lives of those who are unable to advocate for themselves through policy, planning and administrative work at the national or international level. I hope to “level the playing field” for communities in need, while serving as a leader and mentor; additionally, within the next few years, I hope to earn a Doctor of Public Policy to further engage with the populations I hope to serve!

The Body Project, hosted by the Student Wellness Center at The Ohio State University

Policy Analysis and Community Advocacy

It is an honor to receive this scholarship. It shows me that I am an asset to the social work field and that I have the support of my community behind me as I move through this program. I am thrilled to have been selected as a recipient and I can't wait to pay it forward to other social workers when I enter the field.

It is my mission to advance health equity by reducing barriers to care and increasing health literacy. I will do this by facilitating mezzo to macro programs that educate community members and make it easier for them to get access to behavioral healthcare. To me, changing the world starts by changing my community.

Rural Social Work; Behavioral Health

To me it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Being that my background is that of a foster child it just shows how hard work pays off and that I can do anything I put my mind to. It also allows me to feel so much gratitude for the one who has taken a chance on me and helped me on this journey.

I know that in child welfare and working with youth in the foster care system it can be difficult and things may not always go as planned. However If I can make an impact on even just one child or person it to me means I have made a change in this world. When we have good productive people in society I think this allows for a world that can be changed.

Ohio Guide Stone

Child Welfare

Receiving this scholarship validated the college's support of the need to support mental health of all people-- including refugees. This scholarship allowed me financial support to carry out my dissertation and I will forever be grateful!

I hope that my research with refugee communities created information and interventions that individuals feels like supports their mental health in a culturally grounded and familiar way.

Refugee mental health

Being a scholarship recipient has eased the stress of paying for my dual degree (MSW/MPH) and living expenses, including regular health care. It has also deepened my connection to the OSU College of Public Health.

I hope to change our state and beyond by promoting the wellness and resilience of Ohio's children - laying the groundwork for wellness over the lifespan and in communities.

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Adverse childhood experiences, maternal/child health

The confidence others have placed in me by providing me with scholarships that have enabled me to continue my education, has made me want to be a good steward of their investment by being the best student I can be.

Serving older adults as a medical social worker or working on research that helps inform how the needs of older adults are provided for in medical settings is how I hope to impact the world.

Hospice of Central Ohio

Research Medical Social Work

I am honored to be a scholarship recipient. It will allow me to pursue my dreams, and to always make a meaningful difference in my community. It also makes me feel valued as someone who is a minority and it recognizes my passion for helping others. Thank you for believing in me.

My hope is to change the world one person, one encounter at a time. It's the small things that make up the whole. Therefore, with each patient encounter I hope to leave people I come in contact with better than I found them. I want to advocate for the social inequities and stigma that impacts patients with Sickle Cell Disease. By being the person who is in their corner fighting until the end to protect the patient’s rights, improving communication between patients and providers, and proposing policies that deliver high-quality care for patients with Sickle Cell on a macro level.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center-Ross Heart Hospital

Health Care and Public Policy

I am so grateful to have received this scholarship. Coming from a less fortunate family, I knew that I would have to work hard to fund my education. When I was in high school, I thought I would be lucky to financially afford my undergraduate program, let alone a masters program. I had so many hopes and dreams, but didn't think they were possible. As a result of receiving this scholarship, I am getting ready to complete my last semester of my MSW degree. It wouldn't be possible without the Worthen Dowler Price Endowment Fund.

I am very passionate about anti-trafficking work. I want to use the education I have gained in the OSU MSW program to help survivors on their recovery journey. I want to advocate for them and be involved in fighting this injustice. I want to spread awareness and educate the community about the realities of human trafficking. In addition, I want to fight the stigma against mental health and addiction. Overall, I want to be a light for others to find freedom.

Out of Darkness

Anti-Trafficking, Mental health

Without the numerous scholarships I've received from Ohio State, I would be unable to maintain my current level of academic and extra-curricular rigor as being a student with disabilities adds additional challenges to being financially independent. I'm able to work fewer hours and spend more time working on my undergraduate thesis, student organization, and journal publication to further my future career in higher education. This scholarship is especially impactful as it is helping me overcome the barrier of disability.

I hope to continue my contributions to the growing body of social work literature and improve our field's understanding of minoritized populations such as people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. I'm currently developing a collage art-based trauma-reprocessing group therapy intervention for adults as I seek to proliferate more knowledge about art therapy as an avenue for traumatized adults who may be initially apprehensive about traditional approaches toward trauma recovery.

Research and higher education, focus on trauma recovery

Being a scholarship recipient has been a blessing to me. I have received a great deal of support through my graduate program and the financial support of scholarship donors has been on the forefront of that line of support. Financial support has allowed me to focus more on my academics as well as internship by lessening the stress that comes from the lack of finance. I am filled with gratitude for having been chosen as a scholarship recipient. It means a great deal to me, my family and my community. Thank you.

I have been positively impacted by social work services as a newcomer and a first generation college student, most importantly, I have experienced growth as an individual that has equipped me with ways to give back to the community what I first received. I hope to support families during their bravest and most vulnerable moments. With one family at a time, I hope to change the world's view of what it means to be receiver and giver of care.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Aging and Health, Medical Social Work in Hospital Settings

Being a scholarship recipient means the world to me. It gives me the opportunity to give back to my community by knowing that someone believed in me enough to award me such an opportunity. Being a scholarship recipient, makes me work even harder to make sure that I fulfill my goals and also make sure that this award was not given in vain. With my career goals and aspirations, I hope to one day be able to give back to another student that was in my shoes when I received this award. I am very appreciative and grateful for this opportunity.

I hope to change the world by continuing to advocate for social injustices. By being an advocate and giving a voice to the voiceless populations, we are able to generate change on an ongoing basis. I hope to show up as my authentic self in the world and hope that my story, skills, and determination to end social injustices help to change the world one day.

Urban Strategies Inc.

Community development & organization/Policy/Advocacy Mental Health in minority groups

I am grateful for this scholarship which has helped me fund my education. Obtaining a masters degree is not a simple task, but this opportunity has made things a little easier for me as a full time student and full time worker.

I hope to change the world by advocating for myself and for others that often experience injustices of society. I might only be able to do this one person at a time but that makes a difference to me.

Upper Arlington Commission on Aging

Aging and Health

I've been very fortunate to receive countless opportunities to continue my growth and learning here at the University. This scholarship is yet, another contribution to my development as I navigate my current and long-term career goals. As a scholarship recipient, I am extremely grateful that someone else believed in my abilities, in my success, and most importantly, me as a person.

I've found my passion to lie in higher education. More specifically, increasing students accessibility to higher education institutes, increasing their college knowledge, and helping them navigate their development as a person. As an advocate for equitable access to education, my long-term goal is to implement programming within inner-city schools that provides students with the resources, mentorship, and the knowledge they need to transition to a college setting and be successful during their time spent there.

LiFEsports

Accessibility to higher education for older adolescent students and young adults

Being a scholarship recipient was a very special acknowledgement for me. I am an immigrant student and I have always had to work while attending school. There has always been another set of challenges and stress associated with having to support and rely on myself financially while maintaining my grades and engaging in classes. Being a scholarship recipient meant an alleviation in that stress and the ability to breathe knowing I will be supported while I continue my academic journey.

I want to make the world embrace people who are not like them and spark a movement in society in which we learn about differences and we treat everyone we meet with respect and kindness, regardless of their difference. I want to educate individuals about autism and neurodevelopmental differences. I want to work with organizations, agencies, and companies to develop and improve programs that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and awareness of neurodiversity.

Autism Society of Texas

Youth and family

I heard when you invest in a Black woman you not only change the trajectory of her life but those that are within her proximity. As a Black woman, I aspire to be a licensed clinical social worker due to my involvement in mental health and wellness initiatives for over a decade. I am honored that I am a recipient of this scholarship as these resources serve as a catalyst to my desire to be a tremendous, inspiring Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

I hope to explore opportunities for women of color to evolve their mental health as part of my efforts to address the mental health needs within the Black community. Additionally, I aim to explore best practices for changing the trajectory of mental health care for Black women by being a culturally responsive healthcare provider. I value sisterhood, support, and solidarity within the community.

Harding Hospital at OSU Wexner Medical Center

Mental Health

I feel honored to have been one of the recipients of The Anne Hayes Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence Fund. Although I never had the pleasure to meet Anne Hayes, I hope to lead a life as someone as altruistic and kind-hearted and as she was. Being a recipient of this scholarship means I have the honor and responsibility to actively work towards inspiring and creating positive change on micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Our society is filled with areas of opportunity and, as social workers, we each have the responsibility to work towards creating positive change within our specializations. The Deaf community in Ohio is vibrant; however, after talking with my local Deaf friends I learned of the limited number of mental health counselors who can directly communicate with Deaf clients using ASL.

I am interested in working with the Deaf community as a mental health counselor

I am incredibly grateful to be supported in my second career as a social worker. My background as a dance and video artist helped me develop a wide range of skills that have led me here. For OSU to recognize my potential offers me extra trust and confidence, while lightening the financial burden for my family.

I hope to share compassion as a practice that brings mindfulness and care to my clients, their families, and their networks. Love is contagious and powerful. I believe that social work practice can change the world through this attention to mindful compassion.

Family of Woodstock in Woodstock, New York

Couples/Family Therapy & PTSD

Being a scholarship recipient means to me that someone or some organization believes in me and the work that I am doing. It means that there is kindness, strength and motivation that is generously offering me an opportunity to explore my passions and lead by example in the work of reentry and addiction. It means we are stronger together and it means the possibilities are endless. It means opportunities, hope and support.

How do I hope to change the world? I hope to change it every night when I go to work by putting a smile on someone's face. Whether it is bartending or case management I want to take my interaction with a person and make it a positive one, providing them a safe space and listening non-judgemental ear.

Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope (ARCH) Reentry

Prison Advocacy and Reform including Reentry, Substance Misuse

I appreciate being a scholarship recipient as it allows me to pursue my undergraduate degree at more ease due to alleviating financial stress. Therefore, it allows me to focus more on my studies.

I hope to change the world by making a difference one child's life at a time. I strive to be a positive support system for youth in Central Ohio through prevention education.

After School All-Stars

Youth Prevention School Social Work

Being a scholarship recipient means that I am able to more efficiently work towards my goal of supporting students mental health and wellness and creating a safe space for them at the university.

I hope to help fight the stigma of mental health and change the world’s view on the importance of personal wellness through education and advocacy.

Program Coordinator at The Office of Student Life’s Student Wellness Center at OSU

Multiracial adolescents and racial identity development

Being a scholarship recipient means the world to me. It is so encouraging, as a student, that someone would want to invest in me financially to pursue my dream. I feel extremely humbled and grateful to be able to receive these scholarships and to be able to pursue my degree in social work whole heartedly.

I hope to change the world by intentionally loving and creating space for other people. I also feel called to live a life that pours time and love deeply into people. I want to make people feel as though they have a purpose and have immeasurable value as a human being.

The Allen County Education Service Center

International Social Work

Being a scholarship recipient is an honor and privilege. Initially, when applying to graduate school, I was on the fence about going back to pursue my graduate degree. Receiving a scholarship award not only reduces the financial burdens of school, but it is also reassurance that others believe in the pursuit of my learning and passion to serve others. In the field of social work, we put others before ourselves. It is inspiring to be a recipient of others serving me so that I can go out to serve and make an even larger impact.

Schools across the nation are suffering from poor attendance, behavioral health challenges, and stress and burnout. I hope to support the educators, leaders, and coaches who serve youth in schools by providing collaborative partnerships and positive youth development programming aimed to improve mental health, academic, and social outcomes for youth.

Ohio State Community and Youth Collaborative Institute/LiFEsports

School Social Work; Youth & Adolescent Mental Health

It means that there are people who believe in me and the need to fund the social work profession. It gives me further drive to complete my education and do my best in my future placements.

I want to make as much positive change in people's lives as possible, even in small ways.

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services

Domestic Abuse Shelter and Mental Health Crisis Center

I am honored to have received a scholarship from the College of Social Work as well as from the Donna Theresa and Preston McMurry Jr. Scholarship Fund for the year. Most importantly being a scholarship recipient has meant that I can enjoy the process of the MSW program and really focus on learning about the field. It has also helped me to see what I want to do throughout my career in social work and follow my dreams of helping people to the best of my abilities.

I want to make the world feel safer for everyone despite their backgrounds or experiences. I think that there are so many ways to do this whether it be through a micro level such as counseling or a macro level such as public policy. I hope that throughout my career I can gain as much experience as possible so that I can help run programs that reach as many people as possible despite their ability to pay.

Amethyst, an Alvis addiction program

Incarnations and Victims of DV/SA (domestic violence and sexual abuse)

It means that I have been enabled to do my work and supported in my attempts to make a change. It means that there are people out there who want me to succeed!

One child at a time! I want each child I work with to know they are loved and safe and that there are people out there who care for them.

Hamilton County Job and Family Services - Children's Services

Youth and children special needs and disabilities

I am very grateful to be a scholarship recipient. I am very passionate about improving the lives of older adults. OSU has provided me with many different experiences to help me reach this goal. It is exciting to be recognized for my accomplishments.

To conduct applied research to decrease ageism and improve healthy aging across the lifespan.

Adult development and healthy aging

Receiving this scholarship has meant so much to me and I am extremely grateful. The scholarship reduced the financial burden allowing me to pursue my Master of Social Work with a focus on the human-animal bond.

By utilizing my Master of Social Work degree, I hope to impact the field of veterinary social work by further advancing the importance of the human-animal bond across all social domains. In addition, I plan to facilitate an enhanced understanding of the importance of companion animals on human well-being and vice versa. It is only through an increased understanding of the human-animal bond that we can further engender empathy and respect for living beings, both human and non-human.

Columbus Humane

Veterinary Social Work

It means that people are willing to listen to my struggle and my efforts to arrive at the place I am today; it means that my work has been appreciated; it means that others have high expectations of my performance inside and outside of Ohio State; it means there are good people in the world.

First and foremost, by being the change I want to see. I also plan on doing quality honest work with individuals and groups. I also think writing a book and going on tour to share my thoughts on human development are in order.

Brooklyn SNAP

Clinical work: working in a clinical capacity with adults, children, and groups Expanding on the theoretical model of Client Centered Therapy

During a time when higher education is not always accessible to those who are seeking it, being a scholarship recipient is a significant honor. In being chosen for my scholarship, I was granted the incredible opportunity to pursue my career with less time worrying about my financial security and more time spent prioritizing my education. For that, I will be forever grateful.

Today, social workers are at the forefront of major social movements impacting our world, making waves every day to help people from all walks of life. Knowing this, I used to feel intensely overwhelmed trying to consider how I would fit into this narrative. However, over time, I have learned that change starts with just one person; that by helping one, we can go on to help hundreds more. I hope to cause change one client at a time by helping people work through moments so that each interaction can be a propagation of good.

Rooted and Restored Counseling

Mental Health and Crisis Intervention

It means the world to me, this scholarship provided me with opportunities that I would have never been able to have. I am so thankful!

I hope to change the world by helping children flourish and grow into their full potential. They are our future and early childhood mental health is very important!

Ohio Guidestone

School-Based Social Work Child & Youth Services

Being a scholarship recipient reminds me that great people have my back in the journey. The scholarship has watered, fertilized and shined light on the seed that was planted many years ago when I decided social work was going to be my career.

I hope to change the world by sharing authenticity and encouraging others to do the same. I will advocate for what is right no matter what. I will do everything that I can and more for positive social change.

Aging Adults

Having received this scholarship is such an honor to me for two reasons: It not only underlines that others see value in my ideas and my efforts, but it also enables me to conduct my dissertation research. This scholarship brings me one step closer to my career goal of being a clinician, researcher, and educator.

I am currently a PhD candidate in the College of Social Work, and my research centers around better understanding the role of healing from childhood sexual abuse for addiction recovery in men. By combining clinical work with social work education, I hope to have a meaningful impact on the world by specifically providing evidence-based services for men with histories of sexual victimization who use substances and contribute to their healing. Eventually, I would like to transfer my clinical expertise to the next generation of social work professionals.

Substance use; Trauma

Being a scholarship recipient is a tremendous honor. I am so thankful to have been selected and have the opportunity to further my education. I am incredibly blessed and will put this scholership to good use.

I am currently rereading a childhood favorite, Anne of Green Gables, and there is a quote in it that I resonate with on both a personal and professional level. It says, "I'd like to add some beauty to life. I don't exactly want to make people know more, but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born." My hope is to add beauty to the lives of those who have been impacted by domestic violence. My goal is not to change the world but to add beauty to it by empowering survivors! I plan to start my own non-profit where I will help women heal holistically and recover from abuse.

Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Domestic Violence Human Trafficking

Being a scholarship recipient to me means working hard to achieve your goals.

I hope to change the world by helping people individually.

Child Welfare

It has definitely encouraged me to continue learning and exploring effective treatment interventions for mental disorders and substance misuse with a harm-reduction approach. With the additional support, I can travel to international conferences and present the findings from my research, with the hopes that it will impact both the academy and future treatment alternatives. It’s also an acknowledgment of the hard work that I’ve put towards getting my Ph.D. and community service. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the donor and scholarship committee for choosing me as a recipient.

As a social work educator and researcher, I want to prepare our future social workers with the knowledge, values, skills, and critical thinking – like what I received at Ohio State. I believe it’s really important to equip our students with key tools, cultural humility, and a global perspective, and I want to be able to provide them with opportunities for leadership and professional development. I hope to one day follow in the footsteps of the donors who have helped to make my work possible, and set up my own scholarship fund for students someday.

Mental Health, Substance Use

Being a scholarship recipient is a reminder and a call to endless education and learning. With this scholarship, not only am I reminded of my academic privileges, but more importantly, I am reminded of my value as a learner, advocate, and professional. There are constant spaces I am being accepted in, not because of my appearance, culture, but rather my worth and intention. Receiving this scholarship means I am one step closer to being the best version of myself, as I continue to pursue academic excellence.

I hope to change the world by being authentic in practice, principles, and profession. Specifically, I hope to inspire young people to be proactive in their pursuits and remind them not to sell themselves short. I hope to continue to advocate for the voiceless and spread love and light everywhere I go.

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services After School Program

Child and Youth Services International Social Work