I was molested by a half sibling at the young age of 5. My mother was a single parent, and I was told by my father to NOT let my mom know what was going on during my weekend visits to his home. Yes, it was an ongoing problem...for 4 more years. When I was 9, I opened up about this to my maternal grandmother. For the next several years, we were in and out of court, I was receiveing extensive counseling, visits with DHS, and I had no contact with my father. I was already involved in basketball and volleyball, and those things proved to be an outlet for me. My mom struggled financially through it all, but was determined that I remain active in what I loved, continue my counseling and therapy, allthewhile allowing me to be a "normal" kid. I played softball as well, and have made lifelong friends because of my love of sports. It hasn't been easy for my mom. During the process of growth and healing, my father hasn't helped with any extra cirricular activities, much less pay his child support obligations and my healthcare obligations, my counseling and therapy. My mom has had to carry the burden for routine doctor visits, braces, necessities for my sports, and so much more, all while receiving little or no child support. When I turned 16, she managed to save enough money to get me a used car. It was a Godsend to us both, as I now have a little brother who is also very sportsminded and busy with school and sports. My mom has managed to help with my insurance, gas, and maintenance and I help where I can from my parttime job. Sports takes presidence over everything, except grades, for both my brother and me. Mom always told us that as long as the grades are right, we can continue with sports and she would do what she had to do to make sure we got to do what we love. Through this entire ordeal, I have been ostersized from my father's side of the family. It's as if it was my fault that he didn't stop the abuse from happening to me. It's sad but my mom has been supportive to me at all times. She's very strict and had a lot of rules, but we've managed through it all. I am looking forward to playing basketball at Quincy University, and will do so with my head held high and with the same motivation that has kept me going all these years later. I know my mom will be in attendance for every game she can, and I know I will also be looking to the crowd to see her beautiful face at EVERY game!!! Mom won't be able to help financially while I'm on my college path, so I will therefore be looking for assistance so that I am not swimming in debt after college. I am determined to achieve and excel at my goals. Being a victim is NOT an option. I have and will survive. Receiving this much needed assistance will help me do that very thing. I would appreciate your consideration for this scholarship opporunity.