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.

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.

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.

A Professional Photographer: A Scholar Story