2021 Jared Monroe Scholarship Winners

Krista A.

Kristi is a senior at Indiana University Purdue University- Indianapolis (IUPUI) studying to be a Nurse. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II in 2011 at the age of 21.

“My passion lies in empowerment. Empowerment is what I am eager to employ in my future career as a nurse in the hospital and the community, working to recognize where my patients and community need education and support the most.” 

Chloe B.

Chloe B. a freshman at University of Las Vegas earning a B.A. in Psychology and plans to achieve a master’s degree in neuroscience. She started experiencing Bipolar symptoms 4 years ago and faces her challenges with the help of her family, friends, therapist, clinical psychologist, and her psychiatrist.

Annie S.

Annie S. a Freshman at University of Richmond. She lived through a severe childhood trauma being diagnosed with PTSD and depression. She was later diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in high school and still graduated with a 4.795.

“My goal is to work with kids who have experienced trauma, helping them to understand both the physiological and emotional aspects of their reactions. I want to make sure that treatment is effective and accessible. No one should suffer alone because they can’t afford help or don’t know where to look to find it.”

Carolyn S.

Carolyn is currently pursuing a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

She wants to create the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of substance abuse. “Doing so would make a tremendous impact on the lives of those in our community suffering with substance use disorders.”

Isabella R.

Isabella is a freshman at Marist College working on getting a dual certification in Special Education and Secondary Education while majoring in English. She hopes to be a high school teacher, making a difference for students dealing with mental illness. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Bipolar Disorder at the age of twelve.

Tim S.

Tim S. a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University with goals of becoming a computer programmer. He also will be playing soccer IWA.

“I am aware that life with bipolar is challenging, but I realize that I have the determination to not let it stop me from achieving my goal of being a programmer.”

Ashley W.

Ashley is a Freshman at Seattle Central Community College in a culinary program with hopes of opening her own Sweet Shop.

“Baking and making food for others has been a big part of recovery. I feel the happiest when I can make food for people to enjoy.”

Annabel M.

Annabel M. a freshman at Hope College majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. In 2019, she was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. She reports there are always setbacks and obstacles to hurdle but has an never ending support system to help her get through them.

Darren A.

Darren A. a freshman pursuing an AFA in Creative Writing at Normandale Community College. He has plans to use his bipolar disorder to write books and stories, to help others understand the condition.

Samantha V.

Samantha is a Sophomore at Chatham University majoring in Policy Studies. She will be a published author in the peer-reviewed, academic journal “Film Matters” this fall.

“As an individual with mental illness, my main focus in life is to loudly present myself on the battleground in the fight against
the stigma of mental illness.”

Richard M.

 Richard M. is Sophomore at Iowa Western Community College in hopes of becoming a nurse.

“Overcoming the challenges of having Bipolar Disorder has been a battle for me for a few
years but I have truly grown this past year and have been working on school specific coping
skills to incorporate into my academic success.”