Our Baer Scholar Community

One of those surprising but wonderful outcomes from the horror of the COVID pandemic was the beginning of our virtual peer meetups for our Baer Reintegration Scholar community. As groups moved their gatherings virtual at the start of the pandemic, it was inspiring to see communities grow and change with the times. It motivated us to eventually bring about virtual meetups for our scholars, who are located across the country, to connect and form bonds of support with one another. Attending school with a mental illness can feel quite vulnerable and isolating for many, and our scholar meetups are a safe space for students to come to for support, laughs, advice (when asked), and even pet, hobbies, and plant stories.

Just this past month, two scholars who found out they lived near each other in Massachusetts got together in person! This is the power of community and what bonds us. We are so happy to see new friendships formed through our scholarship program. Thank you Regina and Sam for sharing this picture with our Reintegration Community!

A French Tutor: A Scholar Story

Today we are learning more about a Baer Reintegration Scholar Alum, Katie. Katie was a scholar with us for a number of years and we had the honor of supporting her as she earned her Master's in French. Read on to learn more about her journey!

1. What did you attend school for when you were a Baer Reintegration Scholar?

I attended school for French, specifically French and Francophone literature. 

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your story of living with a mental illness, for instance how and when you were diagnosed, and how that impacted your life as a whole?

 I was first diagnosed when I was 17, during my senior year of high school. I had become really withdrawn and was experiencing some psychosis, and I was just overall not well, so my family took me to the psychiatric emergency room. In addition, I recently got a new diagnosis at age 29. Living with a mental illness has impacted my life as a whole by really motivating me to understand myself, my strengths and my limitations. And of course I see both a therapist and a psychiatrist quite frequently.

3. What effect did your mental illness had on your educational path? Did it interrupt it? Did it shift your course of focus and/or study?

 Since I was first diagnosed a few months before finishing high school, I wasn’t sure whether I was going to be able to go to college right away. Fortunately I was able to attend, but it took a very wide support system for this to be possible. My mental illness hasn’t changed my course of study — I have been passionate about studying French since I was 15 and still am at 29! — but it has contributed to me working at a very slow rate. I took a reduced course load some years as an undergraduate and was very part time as a graduate student. 

4. What has helped you most with your recovery and reintegration back to school, work, and life in your communities?

What has helped me the most is finding good friends that I share interests with. This has sometimes taken the form of a group of two or three friends, and sometimes it has taken the shape of a larger community coming together around a specific activity. Accepting and embracing my illness has also been hugely helpful. 

5. How did you hear about the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program, and what motivated you to apply?

My mom has always been a huge part of my support team, and when I was near the end of my time as an undergraduate and thinking about graduate school she decided to do research to see if there were any scholarships available for people with mental illness. And she found the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program! It really seemed like this scholarship was meant for me! And there was no reason not to apply! It made me feel more positive about my mental illness that having a major mental health diagnosis could help me pay for graduate school. 

6. How has being a Baer Reintegration Scholar impacted your education and your life? 

It has impacted my education and my life in many ways! I met some of my best friends during my time as a graduate student, and since paying for graduate school without help would have been very challenging, it’s likely I would never have met those friends if I hadn’t been a Baer Reintegration Scholar! Likewise, my graduate studies took my French language learning and French and Francophone cultural understanding to a much higher level! Since language learning is a passion of mine, this deeper understanding has had a huge positive impact on my life and my sense of achieving my life goals. 

7. As a Baer Scholar Alum, what do you do now? Do you enjoy your career? Do you have other parts of your life that you enjoy or are proud of (for instance, pets, family, hobbies or involvement)

As a Baer Scholar Alum, at the moment most of the paid work I do is tutoring French! I also work very part time for an independent college advisor doing administrative work for her. I am very proud of my involvement in a Capoeira group (see the question about hobbies below), and also of my service in a support group that I joined during the pandemic — both these communities have become like second families to me. 

8. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness? 

I would tell someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness to be patient with themself and to give themself time to understand and to see the big picture. It’s very challenging to go from being someone who has no experience at all with the mental health system to being someone who depends on it for their well-being. It will make more sense with time!

9. What advice would you give to someone applying for the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program or a current scholar?

I would wholeheartedly encourage any current scholars to stick with their school program and to stick with the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program — it’s such a great opportunity!

10. What was your favorite aspect of being a student? What was your least favorite?

My favorite part of being a student was meeting people from all over the world! Since French is spoken in many different places, there were a lot of different countries represented in my French classes. My least favorite part was when we had end of term exams rather than term papers!

11. What are some of your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time? 

 I recently became very interested in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art/dance/musical art form. There is a huge language learning component to Capoeira, too — the songs we sing are in Brazilian Portuguese and many of my fellow Capoeiristas speak Portuguese! This has been an especially important hobby for me because of how important exercise is for mental health. 

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?

I would like to share that one positive thing I have found about mental illness is that it has set me on the beautiful journey of recovery and healing! I don’t think I would have become so interested in well-being if it weren’t for my mental illness. 

A Computer Scientist: A Scholar Story

Today we are chatting with Joey, who is getting his masters in computer science, and planning to graduate in 2023! We are so happy to hear from so many scholars this fall. Enjoy Joey’s interview, we love his candid honesty, his amazing and inspiring perseverance, and his sound advice. Thanks, Joey!

1. What are you attending school for now, and how long have you been in school?

I have been in school 6 years. I am getting my Master’s in Computer Science in my 6 th year. The first 4 years were for my undergraduate in Information Systems.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your story of living with a mental illness, for instance how and when you were diagnosed, and how that impacted your life as a whole?

Originally I was a Computer Engineering major from the ages of 18-20. I attended Texas A&M College Station and had no history of psychosis, hallucinations or paranoia. During my stay in College Station over about a year at 20 years old I began to develop psychosis.

After about 6 months into developing psychosis I had gotten to a point where negative symptoms, hallucinations and delusions were out of control. I had had insomnia from it all and eventually, due to lack of sleep, got into an accident at high speeds, 75+mph. I hit my head in the accident, spurring the psychosis to a much more severe degree very quickly. I had to drop out of school and was committed. At the time I had hallucinations, delusions, insomnia, paranoia, lack of cognitive ability, the inability to communicate, a very severe headache that lasted months, black outs, loss of time/consciousness and after being committed I was promptly diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia.

The psychosis would last about 5 years where I would be in and out of the hospital in severe mental pain and symptoms of Schizophrenia. My psychiatrist gave my family a prognosis that I very likely would never recover. Basically, my case was too severe and chronic. Given the prognosis I gave up on a normal life and wanted to commit suicide for the entirety of my time in psychosis, as it was extraordinarily painful. Thankfully I did not commit suicide as you can see. My family told me I need to try going to school. At the age of 25 I started again at a community college, slowly but surely my symptoms were going away.

By 28 my symptoms were completely gone and I had a Bachelor’s in Information Systems. Going to school and achieving a degree gave me back my confidence that I can make something of myself despite my diagnosis and history.

3. What effect has your mental illness had on your educational path? Did it interrupt it? Did it shift your course of focus and/or study?

Yes, originally I wanted to do Computer Engineering but the major was not available at a reasonable price in San Antonio. I had to start my college studies mostly all over again as a lot of my credits from TAMU @ College Station did not transfer to TAMU @ San Antonio. I had taken upper level Computer Engineering courses and the classes I needed were basics and business classes.

Texas A&M University San Antonio

4. What has helped you most with your recovery and reintegration back to school, work, and life in your communities?

I attribute my healing and the fact I am still alive to my Christian faith. I had gone through so much severe pain for so long, loss of friends, loss of social status, loss of who I was, the Holy Spirit had given me the inner strength to endure it all in worship and hope for a future. I have 100% faith in Jesus and the blessings that come with Him. I prayed a lot that I would get this scholarship and look, I got blessed!

5. How did you hear about the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program, and what motivated you to apply?

4 years ago my academic advisor told me to apply for a scholarship bundle application. She said I was guaranteed to get $1000. So, I applied and got the school scholarship. It was the first scholarship I had gotten so easily and the money helped me so much I decided to study how to get scholarships. I ended up reading a section from a book which explained a methodology for applying for scholarships. I applied to several bundles of scholarships and searched on Google for relevant scholarships, found this one and applied every year for 2-4 years. On the 3 rd year I got the Baer Reintegration Scholarship.

6. How has being a Baer Reintegration Scholar impacted your education and your life? 

Being a Baer Reintegration Scholar has validated my efforts as a student. The award has lit a fire for my own life, that I am worthy of recognition and my efforts mean something. I am proud to say I am a Baer Reintegration Scholar.

7. What career goals and life goals do you have once you have graduated from your program?

I want to be able to take care of myself and work well. The goal is just to live a normal life, invest money, take care of my immediate family. The vehicle for that for me is programming/Computer Science. Once I am fully adjusted to working I may or may not get married. I do not know what is a good path. In the more present time I want to graduate and build a career.

8. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness? 

The brain is plastic. It has the ability to heal in miraculous ways. If you are consistent, take care of yourself and seek treatment there is a good chance you will recover. Even if you have to live with hallucinations or symptoms of any kind, life is beautiful and worth a try. Also, try reading books on your diagnosis and try getting opinions from a diagnostician to rule out other brain oriented health causes.

9. What advice would you give to someone applying for the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program?

If you get denied once, apply again. Also try to keep your grades up.

10. What is your favorite aspect of being a student? What is your least favorite?

There is a sense of purpose, a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to getting that degree. Your goal is very specific and you have only 1 purpose, learn while getting that degree. This very purpose is my favorite aspect of being a student. We have a purpose set out for us.

My least favorite part is being poor. With no job I am constantly pinching pennies, getting clothes from donations, asking my parents for money, budgeting my meals. I hope when I graduate I will finally be able to afford nicer things.

11. What are some of your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time? 

My free time and my school time are all about programming. Thankfully I love Computer Science to the point where I am always studying my major in and out of class. In my free time I work on a Runescape MMORPG Remake in Java. The project has been in progress for 8 years now. I joined development 3 years ago and have learned about databases, web design, game design, basically everything necessary to make a game.

It all applies to being a programmer and transfers over technical skills to the ability to work as professional in any Computer Science field. Right when I am done writing this I will go back to writing Runescape in Java. I also only play our own remake I don’t play many other video games.

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?

This covers it, thanks guys!

*All images are free stock images through our website provider, or found and included with permission from the interviewee. Scholars’ privacy is an upmost priority at the Center for Reintegration, this scholar has chosen to go by nickname only.

The Reintegration Podcast!

We are so very excited to bring some of our Scholar Stories to audio format in our new podcast, The Reintegration Podcast! On our show you will hear from our Baer Scholars, and gain advice and insight from them about living with mental illness, going to school (sometimes after a break or a difficult time academically), taking care of yourself, and… applying for our scholarship! These conversations are candid and personal, and really give a window into the lives of those who make up our incredible community, while inspiring us all.

So far we have the stories of a scholar earning her PhD in psychology, and a scholar training to be a certified doula. Episodes are released (roughly) every other week. We hope you will take a listen, we are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

Links below!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Amazon Music

Listen on iHeartRadio

Apply with Bev - Basic Info

This past week I filled out my basic info for the application. This is mostly information I already have, so I wanted to just get it out of the way. From last week:

1. If I am applying online, I am going to login to my SmarterSelect account and hit “Applicant Information” on the righthand side.

2. I’m going to fill out my basic demographic info, my diagnostic info, my education info, job info, and additional info.

3. This week I am NOT attaching transcripts, tuition costs, my resume, an accolade, or a sample of my work. I’m just getting all my info down and hitting save. Also! Notice the reassuring green check next to my references section, since I did that piece last week.

4. If I am applying by mail, I am filling out the first page of the application.

5. Whether I am applying online or by mail, I am also going to firm up the list of schools I want to apply to, should I not be in school right now. I do not need to know where I plan to go to school right now. If I am a finalist in the spring, this program will want a specific school then. So, now is a good time to finalize the schools where I can see myself thriving.

A Professional Photographer: A Scholar Story

Read on to hear about the path of one of our current scholars, Kelly! We have a number of incredible folks this year receiving scholarships from us, Kelly is studying to be professional photographer, and also has aspirations to be a professor in this field. Enjoy!

1. What are you attending school for now, and how long have you been in school?

I am attending school for MFA in Photography. I have been in school since June 2022. 

“Young Buddhist Devotee” by Kelly Han

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your story of living with a mental illness, for instance how and when you were diagnosed, and how that impacted your life as a whole?

I am diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and ptsd. The symptoms started 9 years ago after I experienced intimate partner violence. It impacted my life tremendously. I couldn’t work or do anything that required focus because I was hearing voices. I lost my apartment and had to move in with a family. I feel that I lost 7 years of my life. But now I feel that I’ve reclaimed it and am living a fuller life. 

3. What effect has your mental illness had on your educational path? Did it interrupt it? Did it shift your course of focus and/or study?

My mental illness has actually provided time and opportunity to pursue education. Because I had to take time off from full-time work due to my illness, I was able to focus on my art. This led to applying to graduate schools. 

“Balinese Farmer” by Kelly Han

4. What has helped you most with your recovery and reintegration back to school, work, and life in your communities?

Fountain House has helped me the most with recovery and reintegration back to school by providing me with professional and social support. My medication has helped me tremendously as well. I am stable and free of voices on medication. 

Fountain House, in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, was the first clubhouse of its kind

5. How did you hear about the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program, and what motivated you to apply?

I heard about Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program through Fountain House. Their Education Unit informed me about it when I went to discuss applying to graduate schools. 

6. How has being a Baer Reintegration Scholar impacted your education and your life? 

IIt has given me a sense of pride and confidence in my pursuit of education and my life. I feel validated in my decision and appreciate the financial support. 

7. What career goals and life goals do you have once you have graduated from your program?

I will become a professional artist/photographer and professor. I will exhibit my photographs at galleries, do commercial and editorial work, and teach at a university. 

“Fisherman With Extra Thumb” by Kelly Han

8. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness? 

Seek help, allow others to help you, accept yourself, be patient, be strong. Recovery is possible. You may emerge out of the situation even stronger than before. 

9. What advice would you give to someone applying for the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program?

Education is the key to growth and freedom. Baer Reintegration Scholarship will help you achieve your goals. It will not only help you financially but you’ll feel validated in your pursuit. 

10. What is your favorite aspect of being a student? What is your least favorite?

My favorite aspect of being a student is learning something new about photography, a topic I love, refining my skills, and being encouraged to experiment. My least favorite is having to meet deadlines. 

11. What are some of your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time? 

I like to go to museums and galleries in my free time. I also enjoy traveling. 

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?

Mental illness shouldn’t stop you from pursuing education. Education can be an integral part of the recovery process. 

You can learn more about Kelly’s work at her website, KellyHan.com.

Apply With Bev - Recommendations

This week I am tackling my references. Especially my psych recommendation as that can be a headache. I thought about and reached out to two people in my life who are willing to write a recommendation. They are my former boss and someone I currently volunteer with. I know that I can’t use family members to be a rec but man my mom would write something nice if she could!

1. I’m going to reach back out to all of my recommenders and let them know the form is headed their way imminently.

2. If I am applying online, I am going to log back into my Smarter Select application and just click into the Recommendations, even though I haven’t started anything else yet. The boxes will be red, indicating it isn’t done yet, which can feel intimidating but I haven’t done anything wrong.

3. I’m going to send out the requests through SmarterSelect! I just need their name, number, email, and organization/company. If a reference doesn’t have a place they work, I can just put N/A. My recommenders will get an email from my application and can fill out the form right in their inbox. I will get an email when they have completed it, which is very helpful to ease any stress on that front!

4. If I am doing a mail in application, I am filling out the top portion of each of the forms. I am then going to give the forms to my references in person. If they plan to give it back to me in person, I will give them an envelope to place it in when complete, and ask them to sign their name over the sealed part to prove I didn’t peek. If they want to mail it back to me, I can give them an envelope that I addressed to myself with a stamp on it, and wait for it in the mail. I will include all three of these unopened envelopes when I mail in all of my materials.

5. The recommendations felt like the hardest part, and it was so tempting to wait until the last minute to ask my three people. But, I am glad I got it over with, especially because they have PLENTY of time now to fill them out!

That should be it! But there are always tricky bits. Some fast answers to the hiccups that may come:

1. If one of my references wants to send in their stuff on their own, that is allowed. They can head to our website, download the form, and mail it or upload it to the HIPAA secure server. Or! They can write their own letter of rec and send that in one of those ways as well. Important: Should a reference want to fill out the form off of our website, they need to print it, complete it, and scan it. There is not an option to fill out the form directly from our website.

2. If my new doctor doesn’t know me well enough to fill out the form, they can simply just verify my diagnosis on letterhead and sign it and mail or upload it. That is the most important aspect of their input.

3. One of my references is going to be nice and just submit their form through SmarterSelect. One is going to write a letter and mail it. My doctor is going to verify my diagnosis and upload it. As long as the program gets the recommendations, our program doesn’t mind if they come in a few different methods!

Check out our social media accounts for photos of this process!

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: A Scholar Story

Read on to hear about the path of one of our current scholars, Sam! We have a number of incredible folks this year receiving scholarships from us, Sam is studying to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, to treat, empathize, and inspire folks living with mental health issues. Enjoy!

1. What are you attending school for now, and how long have you been in school?

I am attending school at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University for a Post-Masters Certificate to be a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started the program in January 2022, and this fall is my third semester. I graduate in just two months!

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your story of living with a mental illness, for instance how and when you were diagnosed, and how that impacted your life as a whole?

I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder when I was 28, when I had my first psychotic manic episode. When I got sick from my first episode, my whole life was derailed. I had spent the previous 2 ½ years studying to be a family nurse practitioner at Boston College. During my final school year, I had been struggling with severe depression (and perhaps a useful hypomania), but after I graduated and when I was in the process of studying for the licensing exam, my mind went haywire in a way that I’d never experienced before. I was lucky in that my brother was a third-year medical student at the time, and he helped my family get me the right care. I had my first appointment with my outpatient psychiatrist on the day my psychosis became emergent. He diagnosed me on the spot, and I went directly to the emergency room, where my life restarted.

3. What effect has your mental illness had on your educational path? Did it interrupt it? Did it shift your course of focus and/or study?

My bipolar I disorder has had a huge effect on my educational path. After being hospitalized twice in a month recovering from my first episode, my family and care team decided it would be for the best for me to forego taking the family nurse practitioner licensing exam. I was so upset that I had worked so hard: I had just graduated with my Master’s in nursing and was inches from starting a career I had had as a goal since I was 17. But I was neither well enough to take the test nor interested enough to pursue the work anymore. After taking time to recover, I eventually went back to working as a registered nurse (which I had been for six years), only this time I decided that I wanted to shift my focus to mental health. I eventually started to rebuild my confidence in my ability to become a nurse practitioner. Considering my personal experience and newfound passion for behavioral health, I realized what would really make me feel fulfilled would be to become a psychiatric prescriber. In order to get a psychiatric license as a nurse practitioner, I only needed to complete one more year of study, through a post-Master’s certificate specializing in psychiatric-mental health. After 3 ½ years of recovery, I finally felt I was healthy enough to pursue this goal. Last October, I applied to a local university, was accepted, and began the program a few months later.

4. What has helped you most with your recovery and reintegration back to school, work, and life in your communities?

My parents have been a rock for me these past few years. I moved back in with them when I got sick, and it has been a lifesaver to be able to rely on them. I also found an outlet that really helped me reintegrate, which was that I joined an orchestra for people with mental illnesses. I found out about the Me2/orchestra from an article in the New York Times, and as a former oboe player, I knew I had to get involved. After nine years away from playing, I started practicing my oboe again, and joining the orchestra has been amazingly therapeutic. The directors of the organization, Caroline Whiddon and Ronald Braunstein, have become great mentors for me, and the rest of the orchestra has become a wonderfully supportive community. Me2/ reminded me that I could return to my innate talents and find my true self underneath my illness.

5. How did you hear about the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program, and what motivated you to apply?

Once I decided that I wanted to pursue the psychiatric certificate, my mom did a Google search for scholarship opportunities for people with bipolar disorder. It’s inspiring to find out that there are organizations like the Baer Foundation that believe in people like myself struggling with mental illness and provides this opportunity. It was really motivating to learn that my difficult journey was similar to those of other talented, intelligent people, and I felt more confident in my ability to succeed knowing there were these kinds of opportunities out there for people like me.

6. How has being a Baer Reintegration Scholar impacted your education and your life? 

One of the strongest triggers that gives me anxiety is financial security. Facing significant student debt from my original Master’s, I was a little hesitant to take the plunge and invest in more education. But receiving the financial assistance from the Baer Reintegration Scholarship has taken a huge weight from off my shoulders. Being able to have some of my tuition paid has given me the chance to reduce my hours at work so that I can focus more on my studies and devote essential time to my ever-important self-care.

7. What career goals and life goals do you have once you have graduated from your program?

I’ve had the great fortune of living in the Boston area where I’ve had access to some of the best psychiatric care in the world. I owe my life to the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital. It would be my dream to work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in their clinic, where I could inspire people with bipolar disorder like myself to live their best lives. I want to be an inspiration, and I think it would be the greatest success story for me to go back and work alongside the psychiatrists who saved my life.

8. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness?

When I was diagnosed, I felt a severe pessimism realizing I had to take medication for the rest of my life that had lots of side effects and made me feel less like my true self. But after several years of working with my brilliant psychiatrist and tweaking my medication to blend the perfect cocktail, I have found a balance where I feel stable and healthy. It’s a long road to finding the right medication – it took me three long years – but I’m glad I never settled for feeling “good enough.” My advice is to never give up on finding the right medications. Even if it seems impossible, have faith that you will eventually feel better, and you can go back to feeling like yourself again.

9. What advice would you give to someone applying for the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program?

It may seem like a difficult application, but bit by bit you can get it done! I found the recommendations the most intimidating part – I don’t like asking for professional help! – but if you give your references ample time, they’ll really appreciate it.

10. What is your favorite aspect of being a student? What is your least favorite?

My favorite aspect is that I get to meet and work alongside other students who have the same passions that I do. My cohort has become a supportive community, and I look forward to when we’ll all be colleagues out in our new careers. My least favorite aspect is the looming stress of the licensing exam. I’m particularly anxious about it because of what happened when I attempted the family NP licensing exam, but I’m confident that this time will be different now that I’ve taken care of my mental health.

11. What are some of your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time? 

I spend my Monday evenings practicing my oboe with the Me2/orchestra! Besides that, I have a passion for complementary and alternative medicine, especially yoga. (I even got a yoga teacher certificate in India in 2015!) I also like to cook and hike. In my free time I like to spend time with my boyfriend going on cute seasonal dates.

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

*All images are free stock images through our website provider. Scholars’ privacy is an upmost priority at the Center for Reintegration, this scholar has chosen to go by nickname only.

Apply With Bev - Getting Started

Starting up this application can feel so overwhelming, that some folks might not even begin. If this feels like you, consider joining me, Bev, as I do the application one little piece at a time, and post my progress here. You can join me each week with an action item, and finish well ahead of the deadline. If we do a little bit each week, it won’t feel so difficult. I will post to the blog, our Instagram, and Facebook accounts. You can check our social media account for pictures to go with this description!

This week I am starting nice and easy with the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Application.

1. I’m heading to the Applications Page on the website. I’m going to review that page as it has lots of good info about the process.

2. I’m deciding if I want to apply online or by mail.

3. If by mail, I’m printing the application.

4. If online, I’m heading to the Smarter Select portal, taking the eligibility quiz, and making an account.

5. Regardless of my method of applying, I’m going to think about who I want to ask to be my two general references. I know I also need a prescribing authority reference but I already know who that is.

6. For bonus points, I’ll get in touch with ALL my references, by texting or calling or emailing, that I plan to ask them to write a recommendation for me

I think I can get that done by the end of the week. Then it will be on to the next task! Join me if you like!

***Remember, this is just one pace for our application. Should you work better at a different pace, then definitely do that! Our goal is to make the application process as manageable as possible. You know best what works for you!

An Occupational Therapist: A Scholar Story

Read on to hear about the path of one of our current scholars! We have a number of incredible folks this year receiving scholarships from us, and this is the first of many stories to come! Enjoy!

1. What are you attending school for now, and how long have you been in school?

I’m attending school for a doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD). The program is three years (9 semesters as there are summer semesters also), I’m in semester 8 currently.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your story of living with a mental illness, for instance how and when you were diagnosed, and how that impacted your life as a whole?
I was diagnosed with bipolar I in the middle of my senior year of high school after a manic episode shortly after 2006 New Year. Looking back I definitely had intermittent symptoms as far back as 9th grade including hypomania, depression, and an underlined impulsivity. It ultimately was beneficial to receive a diagnosis so I could address the issue with medicine and learning coping strategies. However, it took me 2-3 years to accept it and therefore all my initial plans for college were thrown off. I spent a lot of time in and out of psych hospital from 2006-2009. I eventually began working in mental health as a peer specialist, then a qmhp after I got my bachelors and soon I’ll practice as an OT. I would not have become an OT without getting a bipolar diagnosis as I was not on a healthcare tract at all. Ultimately I’m very happy with where my life has taken me even if it was an uphill battle after being diagnosed.

3. What effect has your mental illness had on your educational path? Did it interrupt it? Did it shift your course of focus and/or study?
Kind of just touched on this. It certainly interrupted it. I was on track to follow in my mother’s footsteps with the aim to get a business degree and end up in the corporate world. I was just too unstable for college out of high school though, and by the time I found stability I found another path. It started with a human services certificate that I received in 2010 to practice as a peer specialist. I worked as a liaison between a peer support center and a state psychiatric hospital part time. In 2011 I started part time studying at a community college while working as a peer specialist. I graduated with a general studies associates in 2014 before transferring to a four year university. In 2016 I graduated with a bachelors in Human Services. In 2014 I started full time as a peer clinician with a csb. In 2016 I also became a QMHP after gaining the bachelors. By 2017/2018 I began steps towards getting into OT school. I 100% think I would be on a different tract and person without being diagnosed with bipolar but I’m very okay with that.

4. What has helped you most with your recovery and reintegration back to school, work, and life in your communities?
I would say number one the right medication. And tied for second is good self care routine and good supportive relationships whether family, friends, or professional.

5. How did you hear about the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program, and what motivated you to apply?
I was initially told about a scholarship years ago through Lilly for individuals with mental health issues. My wife then encouraged me to look for scholarships when I returned to grad school and I googled mental health scholarships thinking I would find that one before finding this scholarship.

6. How has being a Baer Reintegration Scholar impacted your education and your life?
It has been tremendous. Keeping my loans down and not having to take a more high interest loan. It has been great to connect with other Baer Scholars too.

7. What career goals and life goals do you have once you have graduated from your program?
I plan to work as an OT. I am most interested to work in mental health or with assistive tech. This degree will allow me to make a respectable living to be able to buy a home, and joining with my wife’s income, support our family including our daughter and any other future kids. (I also really want a Rivian one day, which is an electric truck or suv)

8. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness?
Do research. Speak with your psychiatrist to find the right medication, and advocate for yourself if you feel over or under medicated. Find a good self care routine, limiting caffeine, good sleep routine, nutrition, exercise. Find fun leisure activities/ interest and surround yourself with good people. Also as tough as it may get know the sky is the limit for your recovery and life. 12 years ago I had just overcome three to four years of being in and out of psych hospital and going in and out of delusions and mania, now I’m married with a daughter and about to have my doctorate.

9. What advice would you give to someone applying for the Baer Reintegration Scholarship Program?
Keep trying. I applied twice and was not accepted. I didn’t give up and the third time was charm! If you don’t get accepted the first time, consider being more vulnerable in your next application to properly show what you’ve overcome and where you’re trying to go.

10. What is your favorite aspect of being a student? What is your least favorite?
Gaining a foundation to be able to practice in the field Im studying. Least favorite is just the stress of tests and managing a course load. I am in fieldwork right now so I don’t have the testing in the same way but being under the scrutiny of another can be stressful.

11. What are some of your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a big green egg grill so cooking on that is a fun hobby. Also I enjoy football season, eagles fan (go birds!). I like to mountain bike and snowboard too. I’m going to Colorado this Christmas to see my in laws and will snowboard out there too. Love live music too, been to many concerts/festivals. Into movies and tv shows too. Spend a lot of free time these days raising my daughter though.

12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?
It’s really such a great service reintegration and the Baer scholarship provides and I’m very thankful.

*All images are free stock images through our website provider. Scholars’ privacy is an upmost priority at the Center for Reintegration, this scholar has chosen to remain anonymous.