CCAPS Scholarship Breakfast
Scholarships make a big difference in the lives of students. In recognition of this, CCAPS held its first annual Scholars Celebration. Dean Bob Stine welcomed students, alumni, and donors to the October event, where this year's scholarship recipients had a chance to meet and thank their benefactors.
CCAPS student Fardowsa Hassan received scholarship assistance to support her as she earned her master's in Integrated Behavioral Health. She stepped up to the podium during the celebration and shared her story, explaining how scholarships have helped her attain her educational and professional dreams. Excerpts from Fardowsa's remarks are below. Congrats, CCAPS Scholars!
For as long as I can remember, I have known what I wanted to do with my life. Health has always been an interest of mine. Medicine, in particular, has fascinated me since the beginning. Dedicating my life to improving the lives of others seemed very appealing to me, but after my first semester in college, I quickly realized there were other routes, besides heading to medical school that I could excel in. After taking courses in psychology, I realized that I’m far more interested in understanding mental health and how this changing dynamic shapes the health care sector today. I began to look for opportunities that would allow me to implement the curriculum and analyze how different health care opportunities were shaping patients. Most importantly, understanding the delicacy of mental health within different cultures and communities. These experiences have further solidified my passion for mental health diagnoses and implementation of the process of improving health programs.
By awarding me the CCAPS Quell Bridge the Gap Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals, just as you have helped me.
Mental health is something that affects Somali-Americans as well as Somali people in Somalia. PTSD in particular is something that has affected many people across the world, especially those who have been hindered from seeking help, whether it was out of choice or being shamed into it. I think that the changing narration of how care is being delivered today, although impacts many, can still be fine-tuned.
The health care sector is constantly improving and it’s time that we have stepped up to the plate of representing all groups of people. The best way to deliver care is to understand the people and what better way to do that than to train those who are connected to the underrepresented.
I would like to thank you for selecting me as one of your scholarship recipients. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. Thank you for taking the chance to fund my journey on seeking higher education. With contributors like yourself, you have helped lay down the foundation of allowing individuals like myself to prosper in life. With your kind contribution, I’m one step closer to my goals and aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist.
I chose the Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health at the University of Minnesota because it will allow me to further my career and impact in my community in every aspect. I knew that I wanted to continue my education right after undergrad and pursue a master’s degree. This program suits the needs of students like myself who are interested in providing clinical counseling while gaining valuable skills of alcohol and drug studies. It’s tailored for students who would like to further engage in the understanding of addiction disorders as well catering to the needs of their community.
By awarding me the CCAPS Quell Bridge the Gap Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.
Congratulations, scholarship recipients! And thank you to the generous donors!
Learn more about how annual giving serves students.
