Stockton University senior Julie Coker was presented with a $100,000 check from Justin Bieber during his appearance on MTV February 7. The Monmouth County resident was honored for her work on mental health with the non-profit organization Active Minds.
While Active Minds has helped Coker learn about mental health and leadership, she is also a huge fan of Bieber. The “Intentions” singer was interested in assisting someone involved with mental health and chose the New Jersey student after learning she was the president of the Stockton chapter.
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“You don’t go into social work for the money but for the deep desire to help people, Coker said in a Stock University press release. “So this life-changing gift will help me start my career on the strongest financial footing possible and will enable me to help even more people. I’m so grateful to Justin Bieber for helping me forward on that path.”
The press release revealed that Coker battled depression and anxiety after her family lost their home in Hurricane Sandy in 2012. She has used her voice ever since through a Resiliency Project to help break the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Coker is set to graduate in May from Stockton University with a social work degree. She plans on using the funds from Bieber’s donation to attend graduate school for social work as well.