Kit Slocum Named Chandler Scholar

"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

Kit Slocum		Aric Chandler

This fall, numerous psychology majors applied to become the 2019-20 Aric Chandler Scholar. Applicants were asked to demonstrate their interest in child or adolescent psychology by outlining their relevant volunteer, research, work, or personal experiences, as well as their educational and career goals. The recipient of this year's $4,000 Aric Chandler Memorial Scholarship is psychology senior Kit Slocum.

In 2016, Aric Chandler had been admitted to the UW as a transfer student from Bellevue College and was on the way to fulfilling his dream of studying psychology here. Just days after being admitted, that dream was cut short when Aric died unexpectedly from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). What did not die on that day was Aric's passion and commitment to working with adolescents. Aric's parents, David and Kacee Chandler, along with his family members and friends, established an endowment to keep Aric's dream alive by providing support for transfer psychology majors who plan to work with children and adolescents.

Kit Slocum transferred to UW from Seattle Central College in the fall of 2018 and is pursuing 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 will allow 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."