Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

I wanted to start school when I got out of high school because that's usually what people try and do, but my life had other plans. My life got rocked back and fourth when I found out I was going to be having a baby boy in January of 2019, I was only 21 years old. Words can not describe how happy, scared, and amazed I felt. I was diagnosed with reproductive diseases that had my doctors telling me I could never have kids, and I was scheduled for my Hysterectomy June 25th of 2018, and I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks prior to that surgery date. My son Levi, he is my MIRACLE child, all I ever wanted was to be a mom, and going from almost not have the chance, to living out what was told would be impossible felt like a dream come true. However like I mentioned, I was 21 living at home, no steady career, lost in life, and immature. As I was preparing for Levi's arrival I had really kicked myself into gear, finding out I was going to be a single mom doing this whole journey on my own was the most difficult and mentally taxing thing I have been through. I needed to figure out how I was going to make a good life for us, because I refused to bring a child into this world and not be able to provide for the things he needed. Unfortunately covid came around and knocked us flat on the ground and out of our apartment so it took a couple years for us to get back on our feet. Being a single mom while having to hold everything together is one of the most difficult things I have endured in my life. However, knowing I am doing right by my son, and working to give him the best possible life with everything he needs, and never has to worry if he will have clothes, food, or necessities. At age 27, I began working at the hospital as a phlebotomist to get my foot in the healthcare door. My son was 4 at this time. I got to work with Respiratory Therapists during my shifts, and I was very fascinated with the work they were doing and how much of an effect it had on patients. I decided to go to Pima Medical School and discuss their respiratory therapist program. I left the school about an hour later and after passing entrance exams and interviews I had a start date 4 months away! When you have little eyes looking at you, counting on you, cheering for you, it makes all the difficult times not seem too bad. As much of a struggle it has been financially, physically, and mentally, I am happy to know that I am almost at the finish line! I am now 5 months away from graduating and I could not be more proud of myself for doing it while working full time, school full time, and mom full time. I absolutely could not have done this without my sons eyes looking at me giving me the motivation, he is almost 6 and I can't wait to show him that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I cannot wait to care for my patients, make them feel heard, cared for, and most importantly get them to better health so they can get home to their families. I want to be a sunshine for them in their hard times.

As a 31-year-old mother and non-traditional student, my journey to further my education has been anything but conventional. Like Charles Pulling Sr., I am deeply motivated by a desire to create a better life for my family and instill in my son the values of resilience and a love for learning. Returning to school in my 30s, while balancing parenting and work, reflects my commitment to these goals and my belief in the transformative power of education. My bright and curious three-year-old son, Angelo, inspires me daily with his eagerness to learn. As a mother, I prioritize creating an environment where education is celebrated. However, I also know the importance of leading by example. Pursuing my education allows me to show him that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and overcome obstacles. Balancing motherhood, work, and school has taught me invaluable lessons in time management and perseverance. While my schedule is demanding, I am motivated by my long-term goals and the belief that hard work pays off. I approach my education with the same determination I bring to parenting and homemaking, viewing it as a tool to provide my family with a brighter future. Becoming a teacher is at the heart of my decision to return to school. Nurturing my son’s development has sparked my passion for fostering critical thinking and independent learning in the next generation. I align with the educational philosophy of perennialism, which emphasizes timeless truths and deep inquiry. I believe this approach equips students to think critically and grow into thoughtful, capable individuals. My life experiences as a non-traditional student provide me with a unique perspective. Challenges such as managing diabetes and navigating family responsibilities have strengthened my resolve. Despite hurdles, I remain focused on my studies and determined to create a stable, enriching life for my family. These experiences have taught me the value of education and its power to transform lives. What drives me most is my son’s enthusiasm for learning. Angelo reminds me daily of the incredible potential education holds. By pursuing my degree and becoming a teacher, I hope to not only provide him with a strong foundation but also serve as a role model for resilience and determination. My journey as a non-traditional student demonstrates that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in your life. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of my education, enabling me to focus on my studies and my family. More importantly, it would affirm the values that guide my journey: the belief in the transformative power of education, the importance of perseverance, and the commitment to building a better future for those I love. Thank you for considering my application. This opportunity would support my educational aspirations and allow me to continue inspiring my son and others to embrace the lifelong value of learning.

In the realm of academia, I proudly wear the badge of a non-traditional student. While the term "non-traditional" may imply a deviation from the norm, I view it as a testament to my resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to a better future. What sets me apart as a non-traditional student is not only my unique journey but also the driving force behind my pursuit of higher education - my three children and the desire to provide them with a life filled with opportunities. As a non-traditional student, I stand out due to my circumstances and responsibilities. Unlike the traditional path of entering college right after high school, my journey has taken a different trajectory. Instead, I have shouldered the weight of parenthood while simultaneously seeking educational advancement. Balancing the demands of raising three children, often as a single parent, and striving to excel academically requires a level of fortitude and determination that distinguishes me as a non-traditional student. What drives me to do more, to go beyond the limitations imposed by societal expectations, is the immense love I have for my children. They are my inspiration, my driving force, and the reason I strive to create a better life for them. Witnessing their innocent smiles, their unwavering faith in me propels me forward when the challenges seem insurmountable. The desire to provide my children with a life filled with opportunities is a flame that burns brightly within me. Education catalyzes transforming their future. By pursuing higher education, I not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for my children. The thought of instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible fuels my drive to push beyond my limits. As a non-traditional student, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices required on this path. Late nights spent studying after putting my children to bed, juggling parental responsibilities alongside academic commitments, and making tough choices regarding time and resources become routine. However, it is precisely these sacrifices that reinforce my determination and deepen my appreciation for the opportunities education can provide. I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for my children and me. It is a transformative force that can break the cycle of limited opportunities and create a new narrative of success. By becoming a non-traditional student, I am actively challenging societal norms, embracing the power of education, and showcasing the strength of a parent's love. In conclusion, as a non-traditional student, my journey is characterized by unique challenges, responsibilities, and a relentless drive to provide a better life for my three children. The love I have for them fuels my determination and pushes me to go beyond societal expectations. While my path may differ from the traditional student, it is marked by resilience, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of educational opportunities. By embracing my role as a non-traditional student, I am not only shaping my future but also creating a foundation for my children to thrive.

There is no testimony without the test. My testimony and my determination to never give up no matter what it may look like, feel like, or seem like are what make me a non-traditional student. My tests in life were made to stop me but they've only managed to slow me down. I am determined to complete college with my bachelor's degree at the age of 32! I am driven to complete college for the betterment of my future and my future family. Twenty-nine years old and I am still pursuing my education although my faith has been tested. My father (my hero) went to prison when I was 8 years old and was sentenced to life. I lost my best friend. I watched my mother struggle with substance abuse (alcohol) to mask her emotions and numb her pain. My older brother grew up angry with the world because our father made a horrible mistake and we were paying the ultimate emotional price for it. I have lived with over 4 different relatives, in two different states, because of my mother's depression and lack of income to support us all. She did her best and even put herself through nursing school to better our lives as a whole. She is my ultimate "why". My mother always told me "there is always someone else's story bigger than yours" and that little reminder is what keeps me going. The author of my life kept writing and my testimony kept growing. That 8-year-old girl grew up and was sexually assaulted at the age of twenty-three. I was enrolled in school at the time and that took a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I completed a semester with all A's and thought I could handle the next semester but the PTSD weighed on me too much and I ultimately failed all of my classes except one. That was detrimental to my GPA as well as the financial aid I was receiving. I could no longer afford school and I didn't return to my "normal" outgoing self until a full two years later but "there is always someone else's story bigger than yours". I always knew in the back of my mind that I would return to school and complete my degree. That time is now. The obstacles I've faced in life are what make me a non-traditional student. My pain and my struggles were temporary, and have come and gone, but I'll have my education forever and that is what drives me!