Erin Lancaster is a senior in the David C. Frederick Honors College and the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences completing a degree in psychology. She is a 2023 to 2025 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar.
In the summer before my junior year, I learned I was accepted into the 2023-2025 Voyager scholarship program cohort. Being a part of the Voyager program has been an extraordinary experience. In the program, I've had the opportunity to connect with other students passionate about public service all around the country, receive financial assistance during my 3rd and 4th year at school, and explore my interest in youth mental healthcare access advocacy during my summer voyage experience.
For my summer voyage, I had the opportunity to intern abroad with a non-profit organization in Thailand and the Philippines for six weeks. During my internship, I utilized my Psychology background to help the organization provide mental health support to LGBTQIA+ youth in the Asia-Pacific region. As an intern, I met various advocacy organizations and was able to immerse myself in the local Thai and Filipino cultures. Some of the most memorable experiences were attending my first pride event, where I marched in the Bangkok Pride parade with my team at the organization, and attending an outreach event at a local center for children in the Philippines. At this event, I gained insight into the center's mission through conversations with the staff and connected with some of the children, even though we spoke different languages. Learning about LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy and hearing inspiring stories from others about their careers in advocacy reaffirmed my desire to help address disparities in youth mental healthcare access and positively impact the lives of youth around the world.
Now, in my senior year, I am preparing for my next steps after graduation and focusing on a career in youth mental healthcare access advocacy. The program has helped me prepare for a career in public service by providing career preparation workshops and career coaching. My time in the Voyager program and during my summer voyage have been life-changing and helped me gain many valuable skills and memories I will never forget. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had in the program and the chance to connect with many wonderful people.