I am a 22-year-old single mother to two baby boys. I have always dreamed of going to college to give my kids a better life. I finally decided to go for dental hygiene which is something I have always wanted to do. I receive some financial aid but not enough to keep my head above water each month. I am having to take off from work in order to do my school work and I know it is for the greater good but for right now it puts me in a bind. I am planning to be done with school in 2.5 years and start my career in dental hygiene. I recently relocated to Blakely, Georgia where my father lives. My father is not able to help with my children much but he helps when he can. I have become almost like family with some of the people here. When I have spare time I help at the local thrift store by sorting clothes they allow me to keep a handful of things and their motto is "we do not give handouts, we give helping hands." I truly love where I live now and I love the people here. Everyone is like one big happy family and I am so very thankful to have friends houses I can stay if need be and friends who will watch my boys while I finish up school work. The saying, "it takes a village to raise kids," is very accurate and I am beyond thankful for mine.

As a mother, my one goal in life is to make sure my kids grow up to be successful, loving, independent individuals. To be independent means you have to have confidence in yourself. Every day no matter what I put on a confident face so my children have an example to go by. There are days I doubt my ability in myself, in being a mother, a student, and sometimes an employee. I work very hard to be someone my kids can be proud of.