2026 IL Fund Minority Scholarship Program Winner Bio

Briana Turner

Autobiographical Statement

Supporting students is something that is of great importance to me. Progressing through the school system can be challenging to students for a number of reasons. This could be a result of academic, social, emotional, physical, and mental challenges. Hence, why I am pursuing a degree in School Psychology to become a School Psychologist. I have had multiple experiences and roles that have solidified my aspirations. These experiences and roles have affirmed my goals.

As a school psychologist, I aim to improve students’ experiences in regards to their unique backgrounds. I plan to accomplish this by promoting diversity and advocating for inclusive practices. I want to ensure that my presence is known and welcoming in the community not only when problems arise. Throughout my education thus far, I have recognized that a school psychologist’s role expands far beyond assisting students. School psychologist help teachers alongside other practitioners to support the school. As a result, I also want to be willing to learn new things and to collaborate effectively with other practitioners.

During my undergraduate education experience, I worked with multiple recreation associations such as West Suburban Special Recreation Association and McDonough County Recreation Association. I had the opportunity to provide individualized services and recreational activities and experiences to individuals of all ages with various disabilities. These hands-on experiences solidified my realization that school psychology is the path for me. Each experience was one-of-a-kind, creating a mutually educational environment as each experience taught or sharpened a skill. My passion for helping students with unique needs stems from my belief that all children deserve to be set up with resources to thrive. School psychology alongside its many different roles aligns with my aspirations.

My most recent experiences range from shadowing teachers in the classroom to assisting a school psychologist with collecting data and report writing. Shadowing teachers gave me an understanding of their responsibilities and roles. It also helped me practice rapport-building skills as it will be required to collaborate with teachers and other practitioners. Collecting data through observations and assessments helped me practice observing skills alongside report writing. These experiences further affirmed my decisions alongside practicing skills with supervision and guidance.

In closing, I am eager to work toward my goals and objectives to grow in my future endeavors. My goals are to collaborate effectively with other practitioners, advocate for inclusivity, and be engaged in the community. I will continue to make the most out of my master’s program experience as I continue applying for internship sites in the upcoming months. I will utilize the resources and experiences I have received and will receive to shape into a great practitioner.