
Hobbies and interests
Birdwatching
Ashley Melton
515
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Ashley Melton
515
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Accounting and Computer Science
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Accounting and Computer Science
Career
Dream career field:
Accounting
Dream career goals:
CPA
Arkansas Women in Accounting Scholarship
My name is Ashley Melton, a 39-year-old single mother of 3 amazing young humans. We are a homeschooling family that loves to explore Arkansas and spend time with each other. Twenty years ago, when I was fresh out of high school, I did not have motivation, clear career goals, or mentors to help guide me. Not having the resources needed to succeed, I failed. Once I became a mother fourteen years ago, I slowly started to gain a better understanding of the career path I hope to achieve, the motivation to show my kids it is possible to complete goals late in life and to create a better life for us. I also have many advisors and amazing professors who have done everything needed to mentor me for success.
I love being an online student attending Arkansas State University Beebe. I’m currently studying to earn my Associate of Science, Business Accounting, and Associate of Science, Health Science. I expect to transfer to the University of Arkansas Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas, or Arkansas State University in spring 2026 and join their accelerated Master of Accounting or bachelor then my master's and eventually get my CPA licensing around the end of 2028 or sometime in 2029 depending on the program.
This is a great career path for me because I am a “numbers” person. I have completed taxes professionally in the past and enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to want to be an accountant. With the Master of Accounting CPA licensing, I will be able to achieve that goal. The Master of Accounting would also allow me to teach at a 2-year college, opening a whole new career option. The Associate of Science, Health Science, could further assist me if I were to work as an accountant in a healthcare setting, which is another personal interest.
Over the past 14 years of being a single mother, we have often fallen below the poverty level. Gaining this education, from an associate's and possibly a PhD in accounting one day, will help raise my income and improve the quality of life for myself and my children. As I navigate being a single mother and a student, the Arkansas Women in Accounting Scholarship would help me have more financial freedom. I could spend a little less time working and would have more time for my education and my children’s education.
I look forward to completing my education and becoming a successful accountant in Arkansas.
I want to thank you all for considering me as a recipient of the Arkansas Women in Accounting Scholarship.