When my son said, “No one in our family has ever finished college,” it stopped me in my tracks. In that moment, I realized that I couldn’t keep encouraging him to pursue his dreams while leaving mine behind. After more than two decades away from the classroom, I made the humbling but powerful decision to return to college and finish what I started. I researched colleges that would allow me to pursue a degree human services online and enrolled. I’m now pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services at Western Governors University, determined to become the first in my immediate family to earn a degree. Over the years, life’s demands—raising two children, maintaining a home, and working full time—often came before my education. But with my children now grown—one a graduate and the other currently in college—I finally saw that it was time to lead by example. Returning to school as an adult student has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I’ve been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and invited to join the National Honor Society, achievements that remind me daily that perseverance pays off. Balancing school and work is still demanding, especially for a middle-class family that falls just outside many financial aid qualifications. Yet every course I complete moves me closer to breaking generational barriers and building a new legacy for my family. My passion for social work comes from lived experience. I grew up in a home where mental health support could have made a world of difference. That realization fuels my desire to become a licensed clinical social worker, focusing on mental health advocacy in the Black community. Before returning to school, I worked as a Housing Coordinator, helping young adults aged 18–23 secure housing and learn life skills. I also served as a Financial Specialist at a fertility clinic, guiding patients through emotional and financial challenges. Those roles deepened my belief in the power of empathy and education to change lives. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a significant financial burden, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and continue serving my community. It would also help my son and me—both full-time students—manage tuition without the constant worry of debt. Completing my degree isn’t just a personal goal; it’s a promise to my family and to myself. It’s proof that it’s never too late to grow, to lead, and to become the change you once needed.