Plymouth Magazine-Summer26-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 45
PLYMOUTH SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS
Four young adults received Plymouth Service Scholarships,
which are intended to help with tuition/room/board expenses
for currently-enrolled college students (juniors/seniors/
Masters) preparing for a career of service to others.
Katie Cullen is in her second year of Graduate Studies in
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at the University of Northern
Iowa. In addition to her coursework, Katie is currently employed
as a graduate assistant within the Communication Sciences and
Disorders Department at UNI. Katie explained that SLPs care
for patients of every age to help them “communicate functionally
and swallow safely…fostering independence and inclusion. [SLPs
also provide support to] families and caregivers.” Katie is viewed
by others as “driven, dedicated, respectful,” “a woman of strong
character” and someone who is hard-working, patient, and
connects well with just about everyone.
Katie Cullen
Justine Gelner
Julia Strickland
Illia Yamchuk
Justine Gelner is beginning her journey towards a Masters
of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, potentially leading to
ordination into the United Church of Christ. Although
uncertain exactly where this path will lead professionally,
Justine is deeply interested in camp ministry, hospital
chaplaincy, and church ministry. Whichever she lands, Justine
says her ultimate service goal is “showing up for my local and
global communities in every capacity that I can...to show God’s
love in action.” A teacher with whom Justine once worked (as
a para-educator) stated that Justine “is kind and encouraging
to all…with wonderful leadership skill with people of all ages.”
Another former co-worker said Justine “listens and cares about
what other people think and believe.” Justine is excited to find
what’s next!
Julia Strickland is headed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
to undertake graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology.
Her goal is to “serve individuals whose communication challenges
affect their ability to connect with others and participate fully in
daily life.” Julia desires to “work with adults who have experienced
stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases that
affect cognition and communication.” Julia’s professors cited her
excellent communication and inter-personal skills as strengths,
noting her strong foundation of clinical skills and experiences
through her employment and volunteer opportunities. Help from
this scholarship will go toward textbooks, therapy materials, and
other program fees, allowing Julia to focus more on her studies
and clinical work.
Illia Yamchuk is the dancer/entertainer we were “imagining” at
the beginning of this article. He is now a full-time senior UNI
student, working to complete degree in Liberal Arts Studies with
an emphasis on Social Services. Since his arrival in Iowa, Illia
has worked with youth in the Ready4Life program through the
US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants; as a legal assistant
and interpreter with the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice;
and as a research assistant at the University of Iowa Problem
Management+ program to help immigrants and refugees
maintain mental health and learn practical skills managing
stress and difficult emotions. Illia continues to work full-time
as a translator and caseworker for LSI, now serving refugees of
many nationalities. Going forward, Illia says “Through my work
and education, I want to help strengthen communities across
Iowa by improving access to resources, education, and support
systems for anyone who needs them. I want to expand my ability
to serve not only newcomers but also local families, youth, and
individuals facing different life challenges.”
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