Scholarship Voice: Shaylee Erdmann

When I was attending Greenway High School, the psychology course was offered only to Juniors and Seniors. I remember complaining during registration for both my first and second years that I could not take it yet and in my first semester of my Junior year, it was the first course I signed up for. Even when I was just entering my high school career, I knew that I wanted to go to college for psychology. I wanted to work with people in some way, shape, or form and that was the way that I decided I wanted to do so.

By the time that I graduated from Greenway in 2016, I had not only taken the psychology class but I had also taken college courses through College in the Schools and started work part-time as a Direct Support Professional, working with people with developmental disabilities. I had also accepted my place in the incoming class at St Catherine’s University. One of the largest private women’s universities in the United States, I had considered it to a be ‘reach’ application and I cried with my family when the acceptance letter and scholarship award letter arrived.

Even though I had earned scholarships to assist me fund my education, it did not cover all of my tuition. My guidance counselor and teachers at Greenway helped me apply for scholarships available to me, which included the Blandin Foundation Scholarship. Although I did recieve a few other scholarships, the Blandin Foundation would be my largest scholarship provider outside of my college’s financial aid package and would continue to help support my education during my entire college career.

My college experience included not only my education but also many other activities. I began work as a writing tutor for my peers and as a service-learning coordinator matching students to local non-profit organizations. I drove the Voter Vans, allowing my fellow students access to the local polling places. In my senior year, I interned with Dress for Success Twin Cities, helping women in need access employment and job coaching as well as confidence in themselves and professional attire.

Even before my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to study abroad as well and travel outside of Minnesota where I was born and raised. However, study abroad is not traditionally allowed until becoming an upperclassman. In the spring of my freshman year, I applied as soon as I was able. In the fall of my Sophmore year, I joined my cohort with the HECUA program in Oslo, Norway. I had a chance to see my family’s heritage up close as well as spend travelling throughout Europe, which set me up well for many travel adventures since that time.

At least once a month, I drove the long drive between the Twin Cities and Itasca county to visit my family. My mom always had an open door and bed for me to return to, including on summer breaks, and always pushed me to become independent and able to stand on my own two feet. My dad told me how proud he was of me. My grandparents loved and supported me. When I graduated from St Catherine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 2019, I returned home to Itasca county.

During the COVID pandemic, I continued my work as a Direct Support Professional before beginning a new role as a Mental Health Case Manager with Northland Counseling Center. I worked with adults with severe mental health concerns and got to spend more time with a population of people that I enjoyed working with. My time there was very formative and I enjoyed working with my coworkers and clients alike.

In 2024, I moved away to the North Shore where I currently live with my loving partner, our two cats, and one dog. I now work at the Disability Hub MN as an Options Counselor where I help to provide education and information on programs in Minnesota available to people with disabilities and their families. Every day, I get to speak with people about common programs like Medical Assistance and Social Security, provide resources, and help them lead independent lives. Although I don’t live in Itasca County, my family and friends still do and I travel back when I am able. Due to their constant love and support, as well as the education afforded to me by sponsors like the Blandin Foundation, I have been able to be the best version of myself that I have yet known. I am excited to see how much farther that I can go.

Shaylee Erdmann
Greenway Senior High School, Class of 2016
St. Catherine University, Class of 2019