Honor Society® member
Sara Kelley
- psychology
- Class of 2027
- Sheridan, OR
Member since June 2026
About
Hello! My name is Sara Kelley, and I am a sophomore at George Fox University studying Psychology and Mental Health. My academic journey began from a deeply personal experience. As the spouse of a veteran, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many veterans and their families face when seeking mental health support and resources. Seeing the gaps in available services inspired me to pursue an education in psychology so that I could better understand these challenges and be part of creating meaningful solutions.
I am passionate about helping others, advocating for mental health awareness, and supporting individuals and families through difficult circumstances. Through my studies, I have developed a greater appreciation for the importance of compassion, resilience, and evidence-based care in promoting overall well-being.
As a member of the Honor Society, I value academic excellence, leadership, service, and lifelong learning. I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact in my community and to support those who may feel unheard or underserved.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy volunteering, caring for animals, spending time with family, and finding opportunities to strengthen community connections. I believe that even small acts of service and understanding can make a lasting difference in someone's life.
Thank you for visiting my dashboard. I look forward to continuing my educational journey and using what I learn to advocate for mental health, support veterans and their families, and contribute to positive change in the lives of others.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My primary career interest is working in the field of mental health, with a focus on supporting veterans, military families, and individuals who have experienced trauma. As the spouse of a veteran, I have seen firsthand the challenges that many service members and their families face when trying to access mental health resources and support. These experiences inspired me to pursue a degree in Psychology and Mental Health and motivated me to become part of the solution.
I am particularly interested in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, advocacy, and community-based mental health services. My goal is to help individuals build resilience, improve their well-being, and access the resources they need to thrive. I am also interested in working with underserved populations and contributing to programs that improve mental health awareness and accessibility.
Through my education and future professional experiences, I hope to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while promoting compassion, understanding, and positive change within communities.
Career Goals
Mental Health Counselor
Veteran and Military Family Advocate
Trauma-Informed Care Specialist
Community Mental Health Professional
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Social Services and Outreach Coordinator- Graduate school interests
Following the completion of my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Mental Health, I am interested in pursuing graduate studies that will allow me to work directly with individuals and families facing mental health challenges. My long-term goal is to gain the advanced education and clinical training necessary to provide meaningful support, particularly for veterans, military families, and individuals who have experienced trauma.
I am especially interested in graduate programs focused on counseling, clinical mental health, trauma-informed care, and community mental health services. My experiences as the spouse of a veteran have shown me the importance of accessible, compassionate mental health care and have inspired me to continue my education so I can contribute to improving the lives of others.
Through graduate study, I hope to deepen my understanding of psychological principles, develop strong clinical skills, and prepare for a career dedicated to advocacy, healing, and service. My ultimate goal is to help bridge gaps in mental health support and make a positive impact within my community and beyond.
- Outside the classroom
Outside of my academic studies, I enjoy spending time with my family, caring for animals, and being involved in my community. I have a strong passion for animal welfare and have dedicated much of my time to rescuing, fostering, and helping animals find safe and loving homes.
I also enjoy volunteering at community events, connecting with neighbors, and participating in activities that bring people together. Building relationships and creating a sense of community are important to me, and I enjoy finding opportunities to make a positive impact where I live.
When I have free time, I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, spending time outdoors, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. These experiences help me maintain balance, gain new perspectives, and stay connected to the people and communities that matter most to me.
My hobbies and interests reflect my values of compassion, service, lifelong learning, and a commitment to helping both people and animals thrive.
Volunteering
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One organization I have been involved with is the Astoria Regatta Association, where I have contributed to efforts that support community events and celebrate local traditions. Through this involvement, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, event support, and community engagement.
Astoria Regatta Association
Dec 2010 – Dec 2024
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
