I had no intention of leaving the city, that I loved living in, in the early stages of my divorce. I considered getting a new career, but managing my life between caring for a child, working full-time, and going to school left me with little time to do so. My supervisor offered me a higher position with a better salary, so I did not have to leave the organization, but I was ineligible due to my education level. My supervisor was unable to make any changes to the available position since we were employed by a school district, which has its own set of rules and procedures that must be followed. I was disheartened but it seemed like a waste of time. I needed to figure out a way to live with my child while still allowing both of us to progress emotionally and academically. I decided to move out of state to live with my parents until I earn my bachelor's degree in accounting and find a secure career. I am a transfer student at a state university. I am anxious about how I will get through the next few years. When those feelings arise, I remind myself that I must be courageous because I am halfway there, I have gone through worse, and I am doing this for my child. I will never forget the day I was heartbroken since I was unable to apply for an available position at the organization where I loved and enjoyed working. I will continue to be fearless and grit to achieve my goal of earning a bachelor's degree, becoming a Certified Public Accountant, and returning to work for a school district or institution where I can contribute to and support the daily operation of providing quality education.

I struggle financially as I am a full-time student and a single mom with a lovely nine-year-old child. I receive government assistance, but it is insufficient to cover my educational expenses and tuition. I am working toward a bachelor's degree in accounting to not only create a better educational and living environment for my child but also to serve as a role model for her because I feel that teaching a child by demonstrating and behaving is effective. I am a first-generation college student. My parents both began working after graduating from high school because, in the old days in South Korea, college education was not available to children from households that lived paycheck to paycheck. My parents decided to leave their home country in their early forties, where they had lived their whole lives, and immigrate to the United States for the education of their children. My parents' courageous and adventurous decisions demonstrated and taught me that parents' unconditional love for their children is unwavering and fearless. Six months ago, I became a single mother. My child and I both suffered because of my unhappy marriage. I decided to face my fears and put an end to our pain. My child and I had to leave the city we were living in after my divorce, and we said our goodbyes with tears and broken hearts to friends and coworkers who listened to us with open hearts and sympathy since I could not afford to live there. Last month, I completed my final semester at a community college and received an associate's degree in business administration. It seemed like the moment would never come when I started taking classes. I am a transfer student accepted to a state university. I am anxious about how I will get through the next few years to get my bachelor's degree. When those feelings and thoughts arise, I remind myself that I must be courageous because I am halfway there, I have gone through worse, and I am doing this for my child. I will never forget the day I was heartbroken since I was unable to apply for an available position at the organization where I genuinely loved and enjoyed working. By recalling the emotions of that day, I will continue to be fearless and grit to achieve my goal of earning a bachelor's degree, becoming a Certified Public Accountant, and returning to work for a school district or institution where I can contribute to and support the daily operation of providing quality education.

I struggle financially as I am a full-time student and a single mom with a lovely nine-year-old child. I receive government assistance, but it is insufficient to cover my educational expenses and tuition. I am working toward a bachelor's degree in accounting to not only create a better educational and living environment for my child but also to serve as a role model for her because I feel that teaching a child by demonstrating and behaving is effective. I am a first-generation college student. My parents both began working after graduating from high school because, in the old days in South Korea, college education was not available to children from households that lived paycheck to paycheck. My parents decided to leave their home country in their early forties, where they had lived their whole lives, and immigrate to the United States for the education of their children. My parents' courageous and adventurous decisions demonstrated and taught me that parents' unconditional love for their children is unwavering and fearless. Six months ago, I became a single mother. My child and I both suffered because of my unhappy marriage. I decided to face my fears and put an end to our pain. My child and I had to leave the city we were living in after my divorce, and we said our goodbyes with tears and broken hearts to friends and coworkers who listened to us with open hearts and sympathy since I could not afford to live there. Last month, I completed my final semester at a community college and received an associate's degree in business administration. It seemed like the moment would never come when I started taking classes. I am a transfer student accepted to a state university. I am anxious about how I will get through the next few years to get my bachelor's degree. When those feelings and thoughts arise, I remind myself that I must be courageous because I am halfway there, I have gone through worse, and I am doing this for my child. I will never forget the day I was heartbroken since I was unable to apply for an available position at the organization where I genuinely loved and enjoyed working. By recalling the emotions of that day, I will continue to be fearless and grit to achieve my goal of earning a bachelor's degree, becoming a Certified Public Accountant, and returning to work for a school district or institution where I can contribute to and support the daily operation of providing quality education.