We’d like to formally introduce our Fall 2025 3rd Place Scholarship Recipient, Jacie Manning. 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 $250 scholarship to assist Jacie this year. Jacie is majoring in Psychology at Carlow University.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I would describe myself as someone who’s been shaped as much by hardship as by achievement. Losing my mom when I was young and then later my grandfather taught me about grief early, but it also gave me resilience and a strong appreciation for the people who are still here with me, like my dad. I’m motivated, reflective, and determined to make the most of opportunities like this one. I love learning, writing, and connecting with people. I’d like to think of myself as someone who works hard, but also someone who finds humor and light even in the heavy moments.
Q: Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What goals and ambitions do you have for yourself, personally, academically, and professionally?
Ten years from now, I see myself not only established in my career that has a basis in psychology, but also balanced in my personal life. Academically, I want to have pursued my degree all the way through to my masters, building a foundation of knowledge I can continue to grow from. Professionally, I want to be in a role where I can make a direct impact, whether that’s through therapy or advocacy, I want my work to mean something beyond a paycheck. Personally, I hope to have built stability for myself and the people I love, to create the kind of support system that I know the importance of firsthand.
Q: Aside from a college degree, what do you hope to gain from your college experience?
I hope to gain growth—not just intellectually, but personally. I want to learn how to live on my own, navigate challenges without automatically turning for help, and really step into adulthood. I also want to build relationships: friends who laugh with me, mentors who guide me, and a community I can lean on. College isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom, it’s about discovering who you are and who you want to become, and I’m excited for that.
Q: What motivates you to continue working towards accomplishing your goals?
I’m motivated by the people I’ve lost, the people I still have, and the person I want to be. My mom and grandfather can’t see me graduate college, but I carry them with me every step. My dad motivates me because I want to make him proud as a first generation student and give him reasons to keep pushing forward too. And finally, I motivate myself because I know where I’ve been and I know how hard I’ve worked to get here. I want to prove to myself that I can create the future I’ve dreamed of, despite the obstacles.
Q: What advice would you give to other students who have been through circumstances similar to yours?
I would tell other students that your past doesn’t define your future, even though it shapes you. Hardship leaves scars, but it also leaves strength. It’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to fall apart sometimes—but what matters is that you don’t stop moving forward. Ask for help when you need it, lean on the people who love you, and give yourself credit for how far you’ve already come. You’re not behind; you’ve gone through so much, and never compare where you are in life with someone else. You’re just building a different kind of strength, and that will serve you well.
The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund 