Growing up, my mother, a teen mom, sacrificed her dreams to provide for my brother and me. She worked multiple jobs, and after pursuing her GED in her mid-thirties, she became a symbol of resilience for me. "It's never too late, Amber," she would often say, a mantra that profoundly influenced my approach toward my dreams. As I entered my final year of high school, I explored colleges with my best friend while feeling pressure from my boyfriend to choose a school closer to home. And he would often ask, "Do you really think this is a good idea? Most people flunk out of college, and you struggled with your grades throughout high school." Wanting to appease him, I decided against attending college, believing he was looking out for me. By graduation, I lived with him full-time in a new state and no longer talked to my family because they disagreed with my choices. One fateful morning, while he was driving me to work since I didn't have a license, he told me he wasn't happy anymore, announcing that I had until Friday to leave. Panic gripped me as I begged him not to abandon me, confessing that I had no one and nothing left, only to discover he had been cheating on me. Desperate and feeling lost, I quit my job and contacted my cousin, who kindly took me in for a few weeks. Eventually, I called my grandmother to ask if I could return home, and she welcomed me back. However, I soon fell into a deep depression and relied on drinking and smoking to cope. My grandmother urged me to seek help and consider going to college, but I began to lose sight of my dreams, believing it was too late for me to chase them. During this tumultuous time, I began dating someone else who also struggled with alcohol. Our relationship spiraled into a toxic cycle, and after ten months together, we decided to move in. Six months later, I discovered I was pregnant—an unexpected turn that changed everything. I immediately prioritized my health and the health of my baby, stopping drinking and smoking. Thankfully, my boyfriend recognized the need for change and ultimately gave up alcohol by the time I was three months pregnant. I've built a loving family nearly five years later, and our son means everything to us. In October 2024, at 27, I finally decided to pursue my dreams by attending college. Balancing classes and family is challenging, but the journey is rewarding. My family's support makes late-night studying worthwhile, reinforcing my belief that our sacrifices now will lead to a brighter future. The Carol B. Warren You Are Loved Scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on my studies. This support is vital for my aspiration of becoming a therapist and serving others in my community. The rewards far outweigh the challenges ahead. With the scholarship's support, I can realize my aspirations and inspire my family to believe in the power of education and perseverance. Like my mother, I know it's never too late to pursue my dreams.

In the face of adversity, we often find our true strength. As a college student and mom balancing the demands of coursework and the high-spirited nature of my four-year-old, I've learned that each obstacle presents a unique opportunity for growth. By embracing this mindset, I've developed ways to navigate physical and mental barriers between me and my future career aspirations. I look at every day as a new day to grow and learn. I start by reflecting on my goals, ensuring they align with my values and circumstances. My goals might change as my son grows, but continually reflecting on my journey allows me to stay receptive to fresh opportunities and directions. My support network of friends, family, and mentors is vital in this journey. Sharing my challenges brings fresh perspectives and encouragement, especially from those who have walked similar paths and can guide me through the most challenging times. Focusing on what I can control is essential. In the face of overwhelming demands, concentrating on aspects of my studies and personal development that I can influence fosters a stronger sense of agency. Breaking down my larger goals into smaller, actionable steps has proven invaluable. This approach makes my aspirations feel more manageable and allows me to celebrate small victories, boosting my confidence. A key part of my mental health journey involves training for a 5K. This commitment has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for me. Engaging in this training not only helps me take better care of my mind and body, but it also addresses something I have struggled with throughout my life: my weight and health. As I lace up my running shoes, I embrace the physical and mental strength I'm cultivating—each step forward becomes a testament to my resilience. Lastly, focusing on my physical and mental well-being is essential. In addition to training for the 5K, I participate in a book club and a support group for college moms. These communities have been invaluable in helping me stay motivated and committed to my dreams of completing my degree, being a supportive mother, and embracing self-love. They encourage me to overcome stress and remain focused on my goals. In conclusion, balancing my student and mother roles presents challenges. Still, I am determined to push forward through reflection, a supportive network, control over my development, manageable goal-setting, and self-care. My journey is fueled by the desire to build a better future for my son and myself, overcoming adversity while working toward my career aspirations. Each day, as I run toward my goals, I remind myself of the strength within me, and I know that with determination and perseverance, I can achieve anything.