Scholarship Helps a Helper

Xiola Sabastian, a returning student who plans to become a mental health professional, was recently notified that she is an EWURA 2025-2026 Golden Eagle Scholarship awardee.

After filling out an application and letter – and feeling hopeful – receiving the scholarship offer was a pleasant surprise, says Sabastian, noting, “I was very thankful. It was unexpected – but very much appreciated.”

The 30-year-old transfer student will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health psychology from Eastern Washington University in March 2026. She plans to continue on to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Eastern.

“Mental health is such a relevant topic all the time. Everybody probably has some sort of family history or they themselves struggle or deal with mental health [issues],” Sabastian says.

Sabastian currently juggles a four-day a week, appointment-based schedule working as a massage therapist for a local mental health clinic – along with taking full-time classes. “It’s definitely harder when you are self-sustaining and you are paying all your bills yourself,” she says.

Support from the EWURA gives Sabastian a little breathing room so that she can focus more time on academics – and finishing her degree – while preparing for the next leg of her educational journey.

When Sabastian first thought of becoming a counselor, at around age 16, she researched Eastern and felt the university would be an ideal fit for her career interests. However, she recalls being intimidated by the years of education required to realize her professional goals. As a returning student with a clear focus for her future, Eastern remained her top choice.

As an undergraduate student, Sabastian has learned about tick disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, general anxiety, and other mental health illnesses.

Ultimately, she plans to put the knowledge, tools and credentials developed through Eastern to work as an independent counselor helping teenagers and adults struggling with addiction, substance use disorders, and identity issues.

“I’d like to be someone who can be a support system – or part of someone’s support system – in the future.”

**Join us in building a future for hardworking students. Visit EWU/GIVE to learn about some of the many ways you can help.