My name is Kaitlyn Simmons and I am a graduate from Karen Wagner High. I was in the National Honor Society and in the top 15% of my class. I currently have a 3.6 GPA. I am currently a freshman at both Northeast Lakeview College and UTSA in the transfer program. I just started college on 8/22/16. I am planning on getting a double Degree in Education and Psychology. I recently was awarded Honorable Mention for Excellence in Poetry by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in the Scholastic Art & Writing Contest. My poem “Missing Piece” being published this spring in the National Book of New Authors /Writers in a book of poems called “Where the Mind Dwells”. I am a member of Liturgical Dance Team in my Church. I played Varsity Volleyball my first two years of high school and was assistant team captain. I played on the JV team my junior year. My senior year I started working at Ft Sam AFFES(Subway) where I am currently still employed and working evenings and weekends 25 to 30 hours a week. I have a younger sister who I want to be a role model for her. I want her to see as well as my younger relatives and friends that by staying strong and doing positive works that an African American female and achieve all she sets her mind to do. In 2008 my brother was killed. He told me growing up that graduating school and getting an education were very important. These words have stayed with me daily. I went through grief counseling to help me cope with the loss of him. It was through the Counselors way of helping that I decided I wanted to help other children with problems and sadness. I want to be a Child Psychologist. I want to be that person that makes a difference in a child’s life I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the support of not only my family but my church and the Lord. The way everyone is there for me, to help aid and guide me for the preparation of my future is amazing. When I become a child psychologist I will definitely give back to my community and church. Why? Because the only way we can repay the kindness that has been shown us is by showing kindness to someone else. I would love it if I could be an advocate for the younger generation. Whether a child has difficulties over anything or just wants to talk, I would love to guide and counsel that child. I feel working with children in a classroom or as a counselor is a great stepping stone for me on my way to becoming a Child Psychologist. I will give 110 % of myself to achieve my dreams. Ultimately, I want to make a difference not only for myself but my community.