An award-winning San Diego City College student worries deeply about children who have severe mental illness.

Issanna Loughman said she is planning to become a research psychologist. “I want to do research to help support policy change”, she said.

Earlier this month, the organization Phi Theta Kappa named her Californiai’s New Century Scholar for being the highest scoring applicant in the state. The honor comes with $2,000 cash prize. Phi Theta Kappa honors academic achievement and outstanding service among community college students statewide.

In addition, Loughman was named to PTK’s 2016 All-California first team. Another City College student, Jennifer Yonker, was named to its third team.

Loughman is a psychology major at City College planning to transfer to a university. She’s been accepted to the University of California San Diego and California Poly, but has her eyes set on New York University for its program on child and adolescent mental illness.

As president of the Psi Beta organization at City College, Loughman donated her time and service to help the community. She started programs like the HART project, which stands for healing art.

“We design therapeutic art activities for children,” she said.

“Being part of the organization is a big reason why I won this award,” she added.

Her application is being considered for the All-USA Academic Team, made up of only 20 students across the nation. Each winner will receive $5,000, Se could be the first student from City College to be named to this team.

Loughmann said everyone who competed for these honors has a story and a great GPA. She said the reason she stood out is because of her involvement in the community and her participation in the Phi Theta.

“Don’t just be in a club, be active in a club, and be in the executive committee.”