We’d like to formally introduce our Fall 2025 2nd Place Scholarship Recipient, Kaylee Cueli. The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund was established to assist and recognize students who have lost a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, and/or spouse to substance abuse. We are proud to award a $500 scholarship to assist Kaylee this year. Kaylee is majoring in Education at Hamline University.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Kaylee Cueli and I am currently a freshman attending Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. I plan to major in education with an ESL and elementary concentration. I am inspired by the women in my family, namely being my grandma, aunts, and even my younger sister. Some of my favorite activities include painting, cooking, latin dancing, and spending time with my family.
Q: Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What goals and ambitions do you have for yourself, personally, academically, and professionally?
In 10 years I hope to have completed my education and have started my career. Whether I become a teacher, counselor, or have taken on a different profession, I hope to be continuing to assist others. Regardless of the route I end up taking, I know that I will end up in the right place and be able to positively impact the lives of others for as long as I possibly can. I hope that within these next 10 years I will reach a point in life where I can feel stability in all areas of life, not just financially. I strive to have built myself a community of loving family, friends, and colleagues that I can rely on.
Q: Aside from a college degree, what do you hope to gain from your college experience?
Throughout my college years I hope to expand my world knowledge by taking courses on diverse topics. Whether it’s challenging my thinking, coming to new conclusions, or pushing myself to express my opinion in a discussion, I am excited to open the door to new opportunities for personal growth.
Q: What motivates you to continue working towards accomplishing your goals?
One of my biggest motivators towards accomplishing goals would have to be my mom. Although she has passed, I believe that she is alongside me in this journey, guiding me towards where I am meant to be. Through my life I carry on hers and I hope to become someone she can be proud of.
Q: What advice would you give to other students who have been through circumstances similar to yours?
The best advice I could give to other students facing similar circumstances is to build your own community that you can call family. This is especially important for students who are facing or have experienced forms of abuse, neglect, and/or mistreatment within their households.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is complex because in most cases it doesn’t exist on its own and instead, rather coexists with trauma and mental health struggles. Whether it is you or someone close to you experiencing SUD, I encourage you to find individuals and resources near you that can help you understand and navigate your situation. Relationships on their own are complex, and with the added factor of SUD it can create barriers in navigating relationships which is why it is crucial to seek out support. It is important to know that support does exist and that it is already ready for you to access!
The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund 