Supermom Scholarship

It is said that motivation is the key to success. I believe that to be true in many ways. Without motivation, I wouldn't be where I am today. But what is motivation? Why is it so important when pursuing a career? What does it have to do with motherhood? What motivates me, Keely Ray, to follow my dreams? I will explain. It's easy for me to say what motivates me. My children. They are the biggest, and most important, motivation to continue shooting for me dreams. Motivation is a tricky word, and many people don't realize what it truly means. The definition of motivation is: 'the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way'. I feel it's easier for people to define what their motivation is, by digging deep into the true meaning of motivation. For me, it's easy to determine what it is that motivates me, and that will always be my kids. Throughout motherhood, I've faced a tremendous amount of struggles. From homelessness, to post partum rage, eventually leading to my oldest son being removed from my care. I worked very hard, and jumped through every hoop, to regain custody of my son. Since then, I have made it my mission to provide my children with the happy and loving life they deserve. I refuse to have the traumas from my childhood define me, and instead, I choose to break the cycle of abuse within my family. This ends with me. My experiences with being a single mom definitely shaped me into the mother I am today, and I am so grateful to have had that eye opener, that then led me to be a better mom. Being a single mom is one of the hardest struggles I've ever had to face. What some people don't realize, is how incredibly stressful it truly is for mothers who receive no support. I pay for all expenses, I show up to every school event, and i take care of my kids solely on a daily basis. I receive no help when it comes to my children. Luckily, I am a strong independent women, trying to better my career for the sake of my kids. It's still very hard though, regardless. In September of 2020, I received the text that changed mine and my son's life forever. His father, 22 at the time, passed away in a horrific car accident, leaving me to care for our son alone. My daughter's father on the other hand, is currently facing time in prison for felony charges, also leaving me to care for our daughter independently. I can honestly say, I don't think I ever truly finished grieving. I had to pick myself up, and show my kids that I am strong, and that i can do this. As a mother, my kids come first. Luckily, as time has gone by, I've gained access to more support in the community, and have taken 7 different parenting classes in the past 3 years. My biggest goal in life, is to be the mother that tried her best, and succeeded. I am determined to create a loving life for my children, even if I have to do it by myself. As long as my children are happy and healthy, that's all that matters.