Malia Joy-Yan Whitmore, 19 – FUNDED


As a first-generation college student, Malia Joy-Yan Whitmore has worked hard in pursuit of her dreams. “It has also made me have a very grateful heart and mindset for everything that I’ve received thus far,” says the 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship winner. At Washington State University, she is planning to study Pre-Speech and Hearing Sciences.
What is your professional dream?
I want to be a speech language pathologist.
How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?
I will be putting this money toward tuition.
How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?
It ensures that I don’t have to sacrifice my educational commitment to work more hours to pay for school.
What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?
I would say that if you want something go for it and don’t shy away from the hard work it will take.
Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?
The biggest setback I’ve experienced is the financial hardship of pursuing a college education. To move past this, I’ve had to make a commitment every day to be financially disciplined and ensure I have multiple incomes. It has become my normal.
What’s next for you? What is your next goal?
I will get my bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and then go to graduate school.