Fourteen months ago, I came across the New Yorker article, “R U There?” I learned about Crisis Text Line, a life-saving organization on a mission to provide support to those in crisis. I applied to be a volunteer crisis counselor, spent forty hours training, and began taking conversations by the end of 2015. I had embarked on the most transformational experience of my life.

On December 20th of last year, I hit my one-year anniversary as a crisis counselor, completing our volunteer commitment of one four-hour counseling shift each week for a year. I spent more than 240 hours on the platform, conversing with 200+ individuals in crisis.

On that exact same day just over a month ago, I was offered a position to join Crisis Text Line’s Data Science team. I was beyond words seeing my passion for Data Science intersect with my dedication to Crisis Text Line’s mission; it was pure magic.

Today I am in New York, midway through my first day of work. I will be here for two weeks before returning to San Francisco to be a part of our growing West Coast team.

I am grateful to have this tremendous opportunity to drive impact as both a volunteer and a full-time employee at this life-saving organization. I worked tirelessly to earn this position. Now, with a heart full of warmth and a mind brimming with curiosity, the real work begins.

Special thanks to all of my family, friends, and mentors who helped make this dream possible.

Much love,

Scotty