Through my nonprofit work, I served historically marginalized communities via policy initiatives, cultural empowerment, community engagement, outreach, and education. Yet, I repeatedly encountered individuals burdened by unaddressed mental health struggles that advocacy alone couldn’t heal, igniting my pursuit of clinical psychology or marriage and family therapy. With only 9 credits and over a decade in business, nonprofits, certifications, and even amending Vermont’s constitution, the path seemed impossible, but faith and my brother’s tip about CCV’s Prior Learning Assessment changed everything.
I earned nearly an associate’s worth of credits, fueling my drive; now, one semester from my Vermont State University bachelor’s in Psychological Science, I’ve defied odds as a first-generation dad balancing presidency lists, DEI committees, work, and fatherhood to my sons. Earning this degree breaks generational curses, honors my mother, and equips me to save lives in my community through culturally responsive care, proving with God that all things are possible.