Scholarship Winner

Haley Wilson is the winner of The Psychology In Seattle Podcast $2,000 Scholarship, which is awarded to mental health students who have already made the world a better place and have firm plans to continue making a positive difference. 

Haley’s bachelor’s degree was in women and gender studies, and she is currently enrolled as a master’s in counseling student at Oregon State University. She eventually wants to get a doctorate and become a professor. 

She is a first generation college student and she said that she would benefit from this scholarship because she grew up incredibly poor and her family does not have the funds to provide any sort of support. She also wrote, “Growing up in the ‘bible belt’ as a queer teen, I have felt the weight of prejudice and have been affected by the actions of those who do not understand nor value diversity.”

Haley has dedicated much of her time and energy to making the world a better place. Haley has worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer and an advocate at Saving Grace, a local non-profit that provides support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. 

In her application essay, Haley wrote: “Sometimes I am really tired when I come home, but I wake up every day wanting to help those in need and hear those who have not been heard.”

Several of her colleagues have attested to her dedication to making a positive difference, both in her professional life and her personal life. Christi Smith wrote that she observed her impressive capacity to help people in crisis while remaining compassionate, grounded, client centered, and trauma-informed in her advocacy. Christi also said she is a fantastic listener and is able to hold space for anyone that needs to process difficult emotions. Lynne Fleming wrote that Haley is brilliant and kind. Amy O'Hana wrote that Haley is passionate about helping others succeed and overcome their life challenges, especially people who identify with marginalized populations. She also wrote that Haley helped create a "Mom’s Support Group” for mothers who had left their abusive partners.

After graduation, Haley plans to focus on helping those who have experienced trauma. She also wants to provide access to counseling services to underserved populations, such as the geriatric community, inmates, and to those who live in rural areas. She also hopes to one day learn Spanish and perhaps serve in the Peace Corps.