Katy spoke at our 110th Grand Birthday Gala. She and her husband attended the event to thank Seattle Milk Fund supporters in person for providing child care grants while Katy attends the University of Washington.

Read below for her story and heartfelt remarks…

Hello, I’m Katy. I am here tonight to thank you for your generous child care grant. I also want to tell you more about myself to help explain why furthering my education will mean so much to my family’s future.

As a family of 3 who is trying to get ahead…it has been difficult. Our financial situation is less than ideal. My husband works very hard to support us and takes overtime shifts at a job that pays a little over minimum wage. My degree will mean a more stable financial future for me, my husband, and our little boy.

My road to higher education has had a few twists and turns. And, thanks to the support of family, friends, and now Seattle Milk Fund—my long-time dream of becoming a psychologist is inching closer to reality with every paper I turn in and every exam I take.

Beginning at an extremely young age, I was a perfectionist and I strived to be the best. This led me to some of my most amazing achievements, along with many hardships and pain. When I was 12, I almost lost my life to manic depression, compulsive exercising, and severe Anorexia Nervosa.

I conquered the disease with much thanks to a wonderful psychologist who would not give up on me. The medical department at Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington played a huge part in my recovery. I believe I am alive today because of their help and the support of my family and friends. Since then, I have committed to help other people fight eating disorders. While continuing to battle my own demons, I have found that volunteering my story to help others has had a huge impact on keeping myself healthy along with contributing to my success.

After I graduated high school, I had an opportunity to pursue a passion of mine, acting. So, off I went to California…and for several years I was a successful actor. However, the lifestyle and film industry took its toll and lead me to an unhealthy state of mind. Realizing this, I came back home to my family and friends in the Pacific Northwest to pursue my original goal of becoming a psychologist.

Because of my exposure to doctors when I was a teen, I’ve known for a long time now that I wanted to be a psychologist. I want to help others who are struggling with their mental health and to fight mental health stigmas.

I married my wonderful husband a few years ago and had my beautiful son. While being near my support system has been what I needed to move onward and upward with my life…we continue to find that making ends meet is extremely difficult without a higher education degree.

My husband and I have this amazing little man and we are hoping to do the best we possibly can for him and by him. This grant will ensure that my son receives the best possible education and guidance for his social, emotional, and physical development. Thanks to YOU, my bright and loving son will be prepared to succeed in Kindergarten in a few years.

Attending Bellevue College was a smart and financially savvy decision for getting my Associate of Arts degree. I was able to finish my prerequisites while taking some amazing courses in psychology and social sciences.

I began taking classes at the University of Washington—my dream school—a few weeks ago. I am officially working toward my bachelor’s in psychology and it feels like this is the right place for me. My ultimate education goal is to receive a doctorate in Psychology.

I want to thank you with all my heart for this opportunity. You are helping to make my dream of becoming a psychologist a reality. Your support means so much to my little family.

Thank you.