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.