{Student Mama} Announcing The Winner Of The 2011 YML Scholarship!

About a month ago, I had the idea of using TheYoungMommyLife.com serve a purpose greater than just the “hot spot” on the web for young mothers to come chit-chat about what it’s like to be us. What if we raised money for a scholarship to help young mothers pay for college?

Instead of doing my usual overthinking, I just put it out there. I just did it, just to see what would happen this time, and I’d work out the kinks later.

I’m proud to say we raised $300 in two weeks (give yourselves a round of applause!).

I didn’t do all of the promotion I had planned (life happens), but I’m still proud of the amount and the world of good it will do.

We only had one applicant for the scholarship, which means all $300 will go to Emily Lingenfelser, a sophomore at Midwestern State University. Read Emily’s touching essay below:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That is a question everybody has been asked once, if not a million times. At numerous points in my life, I have changed the answer: doctor, teacher, lawyer, FBI agent, writer. Nothing was off limits. But part of growing up is making that lifelong choice and sticking to it.

After taking a required freshman level psychology course, I realized my calling was to help people heal their hearts and souls. I wanted to save lives and guide people through troubled times. This has been my passion for nearly two years, and I fall in love with the idea more and more every day.

I cannot imagine a more perfect career for me, which is why I have an entry-level position at a residential crisis unit. As a mental health aide, I care of patients that are going through a difficult time, and I enjoy every second of it. I am one of those annoying people who actually looks forward to going to work.

My ultimate goal, though, is to obtain my M.D./Ph.D and work as a Psychiatrist, specializing in either Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and brain trauma of war victims or substance abuse as it relates to the family as a whole. I specifically chose these specialties from personal experiences and feel like I can make the biggest difference in these fields.

It would be such an honor to receive a book scholarship because textbooks are far from being cheap, but the scholarship in general is such an amazing opportunity for all young mothers pursuing a higher education. No matter the outcome, somebody who works hard as both a mother and student will get an amazing gift, and that is what truly matters.

Isn’t she awesome? Please join me in congratulating Emily. I know she’s going to make an amazing psychiatrist!