Thanks to the generosity of our donors, each year a deserving undergraduate student in Psychology is awarded a scholarship. As an endowed scholarship, this will continue each year in perpetuity. These are truly amazing young people who have the same career goals as Aric had: helping young people with emotional and mental health challenges. Each of them will greatly impact the lives of thousands of young people over their careers. The descriptions below were taken from the UW Psychology Department Newsletter, with a few additional comments from us. We have met each of them and they are truly special. Please meet these wonderful young people!

2021 Scholar: Janaia Hemphill
“The goal of uplifting youth is one that I share with Aric and this scholarship makes it that much more possible for me to achieve my academic goals and make that a reality.”
When we met Janaia this Spring, she was taking 18 credits per quarter and working two jobs! She told us the scholarship enabled her to quit the second job and focus on her schoolwork and graduate in June. Janaia transferred to UW in winter of 2020 from South Seattle Community College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. “I grew up in Seattle so that natural love and appreciation for the UW was instilled in me,” recalls Janaia, “so I was ecstatic when I was admitted and given the opportunity to finish my degree at such a well-established and innovative institution.” Although she was only able to study on campus for a few months before the pandemic moved all instruction online, Janaia says that the highlight of her UW experience so far has been the professor and students that she has met in the virtual environment while everyone is working together to figure out the “new normal.” She observes that a “new level of intimacy” has formed among the community of faculty and students.
Janaia observes that her decision to study psychology was strongly influenced by her own mental health experiences and the resources that were introduced to her when she sought out help. “As a black woman,” says Janaia, “I have first-hand experience with the stigma that surrounds mental health in the black community.” As she began to learn more about the field of psychology through her own experiences, she became passionate about furthering her education toward a goal of establishing a career in the mental health field. A broader goal is to work toward “quieting the stigmas” in her community.
Following graduation with her BA in psychology, Janaia plans to enter a PsyD graduate program where she can pursue her passion for clinical work. “The Aric Chandler Scholarship will play a large role in my ability to make an impact on young people in my community,” Janaia explains, “and being a resource for them as I work toward making therapy as accepted and accessible as possible.”
“The goal of uplifting youth is one that I share with Aric and this scholarship makes it that much more possible for me to achieve my academic goals and make that a reality.”
When we met Janaia this Spring, she was taking 18 credits per quarter and working two jobs! She told us the scholarship enabled her to quit the second job and focus on her schoolwork and graduate in June. Janaia transferred to UW in winter of 2020 from South Seattle Community College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. “I grew up in Seattle so that natural love and appreciation for the UW was instilled in me,” recalls Janaia, “so I was ecstatic when I was admitted and given the opportunity to finish my degree at such a well-established and innovative institution.” Although she was only able to study on campus for a few months before the pandemic moved all instruction online, Janaia says that the highlight of her UW experience so far has been the professor and students that she has met in the virtual environment while everyone is working together to figure out the “new normal.” She observes that a “new level of intimacy” has formed among the community of faculty and students.
Janaia observes that her decision to study psychology was strongly influenced by her own mental health experiences and the resources that were introduced to her when she sought out help. “As a black woman,” says Janaia, “I have first-hand experience with the stigma that surrounds mental health in the black community.” As she began to learn more about the field of psychology through her own experiences, she became passionate about furthering her education toward a goal of establishing a career in the mental health field. A broader goal is to work toward “quieting the stigmas” in her community.
Following graduation with her BA in psychology, Janaia plans to enter a PsyD graduate program where she can pursue her passion for clinical work. “The Aric Chandler Scholarship will play a large role in my ability to make an impact on young people in my community,” Janaia explains, “and being a resource for them as I work toward making therapy as accepted and accessible as possible.”

2020 Scholar: Kit Slocum
"For as long as I can remember, I have had two loves in this life: science and people. I am constantly amazed by the power of the mind."
Kit Slocum transferred to UW from Seattle Central College in the fall of 2018 and pursued a Bachelor of Science in psychology. While she was originally interested in studying biology, Kit made the switch to psychology upon her arrival at UW. She notes that as a psychology major, she is able to pursue her academic passions and to help others. "At UW I have found that I can fulfill my goal of helping others realize their full potential and become the best versions of themselves," observes Kit. Recently, Kit was part of a team of peer mentors who worked with new transfer students throughout fall quarter, helping them on the first leg of their journey as UW psychology students, and providing a home base and sense of community for them. Kit also works as an academic coach with UW Academic Support Programs, providing support and guidance for fellow students.
"Because Aric overcame his own difficult struggles with anxiety as a teenager, his passion was helping young people overcome their challenges and fulfill their life's potential," says David Chandler, who continues, "this endowed scholarship will help dozens of psychology students continue Aric's life's work and passion, who will in turn impact the lives of thousands of young people in our lifetimes and beyond." Kit is definitely carrying on that passion and desire to positively impact the lives of young adults. Her post-graduation plans include attending graduate school to research the cognitive processes behind self-compassion, human connection, vulnerability, and student empowerment. "I hope to bring a new facet of compassion to the field of psychology," says Kit, "that can be implemented in universities and in the workplace."
Kit explains that the scholarship allowed her greater financial stability while pursuing her dreams. "I think it is such an honor to be named the Chandler Scholar," observes Kit, "because Aric was the kind of person that I want to become."
"For as long as I can remember, I have had two loves in this life: science and people. I am constantly amazed by the power of the mind."
Kit Slocum transferred to UW from Seattle Central College in the fall of 2018 and pursued a Bachelor of Science in psychology. While she was originally interested in studying biology, Kit made the switch to psychology upon her arrival at UW. She notes that as a psychology major, she is able to pursue her academic passions and to help others. "At UW I have found that I can fulfill my goal of helping others realize their full potential and become the best versions of themselves," observes Kit. Recently, Kit was part of a team of peer mentors who worked with new transfer students throughout fall quarter, helping them on the first leg of their journey as UW psychology students, and providing a home base and sense of community for them. Kit also works as an academic coach with UW Academic Support Programs, providing support and guidance for fellow students.
"Because Aric overcame his own difficult struggles with anxiety as a teenager, his passion was helping young people overcome their challenges and fulfill their life's potential," says David Chandler, who continues, "this endowed scholarship will help dozens of psychology students continue Aric's life's work and passion, who will in turn impact the lives of thousands of young people in our lifetimes and beyond." Kit is definitely carrying on that passion and desire to positively impact the lives of young adults. Her post-graduation plans include attending graduate school to research the cognitive processes behind self-compassion, human connection, vulnerability, and student empowerment. "I hope to bring a new facet of compassion to the field of psychology," says Kit, "that can be implemented in universities and in the workplace."
Kit explains that the scholarship allowed her greater financial stability while pursuing her dreams. "I think it is such an honor to be named the Chandler Scholar," observes Kit, "because Aric was the kind of person that I want to become."

2019 Scholar: Cristian Rivera-Nales
"Through the knowledge that I have gained from my multi-disciplinary classes at the University of Washington, I've become familiar with the adversities that those from impoverished communities - especially children - face. I want to become a pediatric clinical psychologist to better assist those with mental health problems in these communities."
Cristian Rivera-Nales transferred to UW from Pierce College in winter of 2018 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology. A member of the rigorous departmental honors program, Cristian works with Psychology Associate Professor Shannon Dorsey. The research he is involved in aims to identify plausible and sustainable implementation practices that assist lay counselors in Kenya in delivering trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to children who have experienced a traumatic event. "Global mental health is a relatively new field that has focused mostly on the disparities in access to mental health services in developing nations to provide feasible and sustainable services," explains Cristian.
A first-generation college student, Cristian credits the support of his parents, family, and friends with allowing him to be inspired and to pursue his passion for psychology. Reflecting on being named this year's Aric Chandler Scholar, Cristian notes that the award will assist him in multiple ways. "Not only will this scholarship benefit me financially," says Cristian, "but it will allow me to have additional time to continue my own research project and to become greatly immersed academically."
"Through the knowledge that I have gained from my multi-disciplinary classes at the University of Washington, I've become familiar with the adversities that those from impoverished communities - especially children - face. I want to become a pediatric clinical psychologist to better assist those with mental health problems in these communities."
Cristian Rivera-Nales transferred to UW from Pierce College in winter of 2018 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology. A member of the rigorous departmental honors program, Cristian works with Psychology Associate Professor Shannon Dorsey. The research he is involved in aims to identify plausible and sustainable implementation practices that assist lay counselors in Kenya in delivering trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to children who have experienced a traumatic event. "Global mental health is a relatively new field that has focused mostly on the disparities in access to mental health services in developing nations to provide feasible and sustainable services," explains Cristian.
A first-generation college student, Cristian credits the support of his parents, family, and friends with allowing him to be inspired and to pursue his passion for psychology. Reflecting on being named this year's Aric Chandler Scholar, Cristian notes that the award will assist him in multiple ways. "Not only will this scholarship benefit me financially," says Cristian, "but it will allow me to have additional time to continue my own research project and to become greatly immersed academically."

2018 Scholar: Sunny Allen
Sunny transferred to UW from Seattle Central College. A full time student, Sunny recently served as a peer mentor for the Psychology Department's Transfer Academic Community (TRAC) class, which helps first quarter transfer students find their academic home and build community within the psychology major. Looking forward, she hopes to work with children and adolescents in the area of treatment and diagnosis of ADHD.
"I want to be an advocate for children and teens and work to reverse the effects of implicit bias that begin early in life," says Sunny. Refecting on being the inaugural recipient of this scholarship, Sunny continues, "I am so grateful and honored to receive the Chandler Award this year and I hope to carry on Aric Chandler's vision by helping disadvantaged children realize their potential and achieve their goals."
Sunny transferred to UW from Seattle Central College. A full time student, Sunny recently served as a peer mentor for the Psychology Department's Transfer Academic Community (TRAC) class, which helps first quarter transfer students find their academic home and build community within the psychology major. Looking forward, she hopes to work with children and adolescents in the area of treatment and diagnosis of ADHD.
"I want to be an advocate for children and teens and work to reverse the effects of implicit bias that begin early in life," says Sunny. Refecting on being the inaugural recipient of this scholarship, Sunny continues, "I am so grateful and honored to receive the Chandler Award this year and I hope to carry on Aric Chandler's vision by helping disadvantaged children realize their potential and achieve their goals."