Harvey and Geneva Mabry Second Time Around Scholarship

Harvey and Geneva Mabry Second Time Around Scholarship Essay My name is Angela Garrett, and if you had told younger me that I’d one day go back to college in my late thirties, I probably would’ve laughed, rolled my eyes, and changed the subject. Not because I didn’t love learning—I always did—but because life hit hard and early. At eleven, I was dealing with kidney failure. As I got older, I carried the anxiety, PTSD, and emotional aftermath that came with years of health issues and bullying. School was something I wanted, but surviving took priority. For a long time, my life felt like a series of emergencies followed by long stretches of trying to rebuild. I spent years just trying to feel steady again—emotionally, physically, and financially. And when you’re in that kind of cycle, dreams feel like luxuries you can’t afford. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted more than survival. I wanted purpose. I wanted to understand myself, my community, and the world around me in a deeper way. I wanted to heal the parts of me that had been ignored because everything else had to come first. And most of all, I wanted to use my experiences to help others who feel unheard or unseen. That’s what inspired me to return to school. Being an adult learner means I carry my life with me into every classroom—my struggles, my victories, my scars, my humor, my stubborn determination. When we talk about disability, race, trauma, or social justice, it’s not abstract for me. It’s lived experience. And instead of seeing that as a “nontraditional” challenge, I’ve learned to see it as a strength. I’m studying Disability and Human Development because it’s the first time my identity—Black, disabled, resilient—has felt reflected in what I’m learning. Going back to school hasn’t been glamorous. I don’t have a big financial safety net. Balancing chronic health issues, limited income, and trying to set myself up for a stable future isn’t easy. But every semester reminds me why I came back: I want to build a life where I can advocate for people like me—people who’ve been told to “be grateful,” to stay quiet, to tough it out, to lower their expectations. Reading about Geneva Mabry’s story genuinely moved me. The fact that she returned to school after two strokes—not out of pride, but out of purpose—reminds me that it’s never too late to choose yourself. It’s never too late to build the life you imagined before everything got in the way. Her determination feels familiar. Her courage feels like something I want to grow into. Returning to school has given me direction, confidence, and a sense of belonging I didn’t know I needed. I’m not just earning a degree; I’m rebuilding the future I once thought I missed my chance at. I’m learning how to use my voice, not just for myself, but for my community—especially those who are disabled, marginalized, or overlooked. I’m proud to be a “second time around” student. It means I didn’t give up. It means I chose growth over fear. And it means I’m honoring the legacy of people like Geneva—people who kept going, even when the world gave them every reason not to.

Returning to college has been driven by a combination of factors that have influenced my decision. As a mother, I am fully aware of the professional limitations imposed by my current level of education. As I grow older, Finding a job that can support my family's needs becomes increasingly difficult. This realization has strongly motivated me to pursue higher education. Enrolling in college also means setting a positive example for my five children. By demonstrating the benefits of education and hard work, I hope to instill in them the values of determination and perseverance. My ultimate goal is for them to understand that with the right mindset and dedication. They can achieve anything they set their minds to. Returning to college would also provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As it would offer an escape from life's daily challenges. Pursuing higher education would expose me to new experiences and allow me to connect with different individuals. I am broadening my horizons and helping me grow as an individual. Pursuing knowledge and personal development holds significant importance for me, and by investing in my education, I can become an improved version of myself and make a meaningful contribution to society. However, being a mother also means facing financial burdens regarding continuing education. With a low income supporting a large family and justifying expenses such as tuition fees, study materials, and transportation costs can be challenging. Nevertheless, I am determined to explore scholarship opportunities and constantly seek available resources. My commitment and passion for my educational journey remain unwavering. This resilience demonstrates my determination to overcome adversity and rise above difficult circumstances. I genuinely hope that by acquiring the necessary resources and support, not only will my own life improve significantly but also the lives of my family members. Higher education can open doors of opportunity and serve as a stepping stone toward a more prosperous future for all of us. Through the knowledge and skills gained from college, I can secure a stable and fulfilling job, ensuring a better quality of life for my family. In conclusion, I have decided to return to college for various reasons. One of the main factors driving this decision is my desire to overcome the limitations in my professional life. Additionally, I want to set a positive example for my children by furthering my education. Moreover, I seek purpose and fulfillment, which can be achieved through educational advancement. Lastly, I plan to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge base through this opportunity. However, financial constraints may present challenges. I am determined to overcome them. I am committed to actively seeking scholarships and taking advantage of any available opportunities that come my way. I need to emphasize that no matter the obstacles. My resolve remains unshaken. I would like to express my deep appreciation for your time reading this essay and considering my story of resilience and pursuit of educational growth. It is my sincere hope that by sharing my experiences. I can inspire others on their journey toward personal and professional development. I extend my gratitude for taking the time to read my essay.

Greetings! My name is LaJuana Powell. I last attended college in 1992, but did not complete my degree. I got married, had a baby, and began working. I started as an Accounting Assistant and found my love for that field. However, after the divorce and relocating, I accepted the first temporary assignment I received which was with AT&T. That is when my IT Professional career began. Since then (1999), I have been promoted, transferred, I started with another company. That company I’ve been with for 10 years now. But IT has moved on without me and now I’m stagnant in my job. I never forgot how happy Accounting made me, but I had to make a living for me and my daughter. I made the decision to go back to school and major in Accounting within the last few months. Unfortunately, I had to borrow money for books, and things I need to go to school. Federal funding states that I should have more disposable income and I do not. My financial need exceeds what I can pay. I, like some others, have little left after financial responsibilities, even though I work. I have a full time job, but that income goes out to expenses and I’m overextended. I have an empty nest now and it’s now my time. It took some time and soul searching to not feel guilty about that. I am so close to my educational dream. I am not seeking this award to make my life easier. I am seeking this award to make my life possible. I thank you for your time and consideration.