Congratulations to the 2021 John Santos Memorial Scholarships

Graduates of Bridgewater/Raritan High School: Polina Rogalsky and Oberti-DiRico

scholar-2021

Below are some excerpts from the winning essays:


…” I am want to pursue a career in the psychological therapy and counseling field because of my family and friends experience and struggles with mental health. Change isn’t going to happen overnight, but if we could end this horrible stigma surrounding the idea of going to therapy and fear of being judged for needing help. I know there will be positive change! Just the thought of being part of that change is so honoring and liberating and I know this is my future!!! Another huge inspiration I had was watching the world change around me. The changing world is a scary thing. We still haven’t had enough studies done around the effects of social media on young adults and teens, which is something that I am also passionate about. The amount of young people that feel bad about themselves is way too high, and with therapy, I have hopes to talk these negative thoughts and feelings out of the next generation so we can all be a happier, healthier society. I hope to be able to help all walks of life, from young to old, depressed to grieving, and even those that just need someone to talk to….”




…” My career goal is to become a child psychologist or psychiatric. Much of my reason I want to work with children with mental health challenges is due to personal experience. I had been a happy and impulsive child until fourth grade. Once entering fifth grade the class work become more difficult and I was unable to focus. I went to see a child psychiatric and started on a treatment plan. My grades improved significantly and for a couple of years life was much better! However, in high school I started having negative thought and self-doubts. Could not stay organized in my classes and developed severe anxiety around initiating papers and projects. I was assessed by a neurodevelopmental pediatrician who recommended a different treatment plan. The pandemic has also made my struggles more difficult. Being away from friends and stuck in my bedroom has led to greater isolation! However, I have been very fortunate to have the support of my family, friends and therapists/doctors. I have also realized that things I need to do to calm my anxious thoughts and keep myself from slipping into the abyss of depression. I hope to have a career in which I can help other young people who are struggling with mental health challenges much in the same way as I have been helped…”


Click below for previous scholarship recipients...


2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011