THE SANCTUARY BRIDGE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY
Dear Sanctuary Staff,
Growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Housing Projects, a community riddled with gangs, violence, and poverty, I defied the odds, earning a Bachelor's Degree in theatre from Syracuse University and Master's Degrees from Harvard University. These accomplishments, celebrated by many as the epitome of success, did little to shield me from the traumatic experiences of my youth, experiences that would shape the course of my life.
As I transitioned into adulthood, the insidious effects of the trauma I had endured began to surface. The echoes of my past haunted my emotional well-being, and it became increasingly clear that my journey was far from the conventional success story that others perceived. At the age of 35, the toll of my tumultuous background manifested in a series of devastating losses — my cousin and best friend Andre, fell victim to gun violence; my uncle succumbed to a heroin overdose, and tragically, my 9-year-old cousin Janari met a similar fate.
Amidst this heart-wrenching turmoil, I found myself grappling with my own demons, seeking refuge in prescribed medications from Harvard's Health Services. These substances, initially meant to alleviate panic attacks and ADHD, unwittingly became a crutch, masking the profound trauma I had yet to confront.
The turning point arrived with a brutal force when a retaliatory shooting marred the funeral of my little cousin Janari. Trapped in a chaotic frenzy, I was trampled, an experience that unveiled the raw reality of my suppressed trauma. My addiction, fueled by this traumatic event, reached an all-time low, propelling me into a downward spiral.
In an unexpected twist of fate, my painful journey led me to an extraordinary place — The Sanctuary at Sedona. Here, surrounded by compassionate professionals and a supportive community, I embarked on a path of healing I never thought possible. A benefactor's generosity covered my tuition, but the aftermath left me financially strained, burdened by student debt from a predatory institution.
Taking a hiatus from work for over a year, I dedicated myself to a full-time outpatient program, a necessary step in reclaiming control over my life. However, the financial strain persisted, and the stark reality of Medicaid's limited resources loomed, underscoring the urgency of my request for a scholarship to The Bridge Program.
Two years after my transformative experience at The Sanctuary, I find myself in need of its unique medicine once again. A scholarship would not only rescue me from financial despair but would reignite my commitment to my life's purpose — healing others through the transformative power of the arts.
Art, for me, has been a lifeline — a source of solace and a catalyst for personal growth. My journey through trauma has imparted a profound understanding of the therapeutic potential inherent in artistic expression. It is this realization that fuels my desire to give back to the world through art therapy.
If granted a scholarship for aftercare with The Sanctuary, I pledge to devote my life to this calling. I envision leveraging my experiences, combined with specialized training in the healing arts, to create something magical from my pain. The healing journey, which I have traversed with The Sanctuary, has equipped me with insights, a connection to my spirit and soul, and a newfound understanding of the healing process that I never thought possible.
This scholarship is not just a financial lifeline; it is an investment in the promise of my ability to contribute meaningfully to the world. My commitment extends beyond personal healing; I am dedicated to being a beacon of hope and light for others navigating their own dark paths.
My story, as a rare young African-American client of The Sanctuary, carries the potential to bring diversity and inclusion into a space where such representation is often lacking. Other beautiful souls might find the inspiration and guidance that my experience could provide. I aim not only to share my journey but to become an open example of the transformative gift that The Sanctuary offers.
In essence, I am not merely seeking a scholarship; I am seeking the means to become a living testament to the impact of The Sanctuary — a rare example of what this transformative space can achieve. I am not just a statistic; I am a story of resilience, worthiness, and the extraordinary potential for healing.
Beyond my personal journey, I see this scholarship as an opportunity to contribute to the broader world through art therapy. I am passionate about utilizing my recovered self to pioneer the next evolution of The Sanctuary's legacy. Through vulnerability and openness, I aspire to attract more beautiful souls that might otherwise be left neglected in their journey toward deep inner healing.
The transformative power of The Sanctuary has shown me that I am not just a survivor; I am a potential catalyst for healing on a larger scale. By sharing my story, I aim to inspire and guide others toward their own paths of recovery.
In conclusion, I am not just seeking financial aid; I am seeking the means to be a success story, to fulfill my life's purpose, and to contribute to the world through art therapy. A scholarship to The Bridge Program is not just a personal triumph; it is an investment in the positive change I can effect in the lives of others. Through my journey with The Sanctuary, I have come to understand that I am not only worthy of healing but capable of being a beacon of hope and light in a dark world.
With Much Gratitude,
Tramaine Montell Ford
WWW.SANCTUARY.NET
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