A Calling Fueled by Faith and Perseverance : I am not the typical college student. At 59 years old, I work full-time on my feet for over 10 hours a day while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies. I returned to school after decades of raising four children alone, surviving personal loss, and sacrificing my dreams so my children could pursue theirs. Now, I have finally stepped into the calling God placed on my life—to study His Word and minister to those who are hurting, as I once was. My academic goals are not about career advancement or prestige. They are about purpose. In 2018, my daughter died, and I was consumed by grief, guilt, and despair. There were moments I wondered if life was worth living. I felt like a bruised reed and a smoldering wick—barely holding on. But God did not abandon me. Through the Bible, especially the Psalms, and tearful prayer, I slowly found hope again. I began to believe that my pain could serve a greater purpose. That is when I knew I needed to study theology and become a source of comfort to others who feel forgotten, broken, or spiritually lost. What sets me apart from other applicants is not just my age or my hardships—it is my resilience and my faith. I don’t just believe in healing; I have lived it. I don’t study Scripture for theory; I study it for survival and ministry. Every page I read, I read with someone else in mind—someone who needs the same healing I received. Financially, my journey has been difficult. My school does not qualify for federal financial aid, so I pay everything myself—tuition, books, rent, and bills—while managing personal debt. And yet, I have maintained A and A+ grades through hard work and discipline, often studying late into the night after returning from work. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance. It would be confirmation that my story matters, that perseverance has value, and that it’s never too late to follow God’s calling. I may not be the youngest or the strongest, but I bring life experience, spiritual depth, and unwavering commitment to my studies and future ministry. I don’t want to become someone important—I want to become someone useful in God’s hands. That, I believe, is what gives me an advantage. I have walked through fire, and I came out holding onto faith. With your help, I will walk with others through their fire, too.

Selected Paragraph: " A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."(Isaiah 42:3) The day before I learned that my daughter had taken her life, I had just finished reading the book of Job. I didn’t realize that I was about to live my own version of his suffering. The next morning, my world collapsed under the weight of unbearable grief. For six months, I breathed, but I was not alive. I existed in a fog of sorrow, confusion, guilt, and despair. I was the bruised reed. I was the smoldering wick. Every moment felt heavy. Every breath felt undeserved. The future was not a concept I c... Isaiah 42:3 presents a radically compassionate view of divine justice, portraying the Messiah not as a harsh reformer but as a gentle restorer who values human fragility. This verse challenges the traditional belief that strength is found in force by showing us that God's grace flows through brokenness. It is not just a theological statement—it is a revelation of God’s heart. In a world that measures people by success, productivity, and strength, God turns His attention to those who are barely holdin... The imagery of a “bruised reed” evokes a person who has been crushed—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—by life’s burdens. A reed is already fragile; a bruised one is even closer to breaking. Likewise, a “smoldering wick” suggests a soul whose light is barely visible, whose hope is almost extinguished. These metaphors are deeply personal. After my daughter’s death, I lived as one whom the world would call broken, perhaps beyond repair. And yet, God did not discard me. He did not rush me through... During that dark time, I couldn’t even form prayers. I sat in silence, letting the tears fall, and trusted that somehow God heard them. I returned to the Bible. Having completed Job, I opened the Psalms. These ancient songs of lament and praise gave language to my pain. David’s raw cries for help and his fierce declarations of faith became my own. The Psalms did not erase my sorrow, but they invited me to carry it to God—to mourn with hope. God’s response to brokenness is never rejection—it is restoration. He does not erase pain with empty words, but He walks with us through the storm. That is what I learned in my grief. His presence didn’t remove the loss, but it made survival possible. He held me, quieted me, and carried me when I could not stand. He did not snuff me out. He stayed. This prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Jesus. His ministry revealed the very heart Isaiah described. Jesus sought out the marginalized. He healed the diseased, welcomed sinners, wept with the grieving, and defended the outcasts. His was a ministry of gentle restoration. In His kingdom, strength is revealed through compassion, and healing is more powerful than judgment. Even now, I continue to face spiritual battles. The enemy whispers lies that death would be easier than carrying the weight of loss. But I choose life. Daily. I cling to God's promises. I walk forward not because the pain is gone, but because He walks with me through it. I have learned that healing is not a destination—it is a journey of grace, one I walk with trembling steps and persistent faith. As a theology student and grieving mother, I want to embody this verse in my life and future ministry. I want to be someone who whispers hope to the broken, who sits beside those who suffer, and reminds them that God does not abandon bruised souls. In a world obsessed with perfection, I want to reflect a God who chooses restoration over rejection. Isaiah 42:3 is more than a beautiful verse to me—it is my story. It has shaped how I see God, how I see others, and how I live each day. It teaches me that ministry begins not with authority or eloquence, but with mercy and presence. And in that, I find my calling.

Healing Through Hope and Presence : After losing my daughter in 2018 to emotional suffering that ended her life, I faced overwhelming grief, guilt, and depression. At 59, I’m now a theology student, and I live every day with the weight of PTSD-like trauma. Mental health care saved me—but not through traditional therapy, which I could not afford. It was through prayer, community, and God’s Word that I found hope. My unique contribution to mental health care is to make healing accessible through spiritual support, especially for underserved people of color—like single mothers, immigrant women, and trauma survivors. I want to create community spaces where mental health is not stigmatized, and where healing comes through presence, prayer, and practical connection. Many people suffer in silence because they can’t pay for therapy or don’t trust it. I’ve been there. My vision is to start free small-group healing ministries where people can share their burdens, reconnect with purpose, and be seen without judgment. I also want to use digital media—like YouTube or podcasts—to share messages of emotional and spiritual healing in multiple languages. I believe mental health care must be holistic—addressing body, mind, and spirit. I can't erase trauma, but I can walk with others through it. My experience has given me compassion, and my faith has given me tools. I want to give both freely to those who are suffering and feel alone.

From Silent Grief to Purposeful Hope After losing my daughter in 2018, my world collapsed. Her death, a result of deep emotional pain that even I—as her mother—could not fully reach, left a hole in my heart that still bleeds today. In the weeks and months that followed, I felt like I was drowning in guilt, sorrow, and helplessness. And then the thoughts began—“What if I joined her? Would that be easier?” These were not abstract questions. They were whispers from the enemy of life, seeking to drag me into despair. I realized I was experiencing a form of post-traumatic stress that never quite went away. It shows up unexpectedly—in memories, in dreams, and sometimes in the quiet moments when I least expect it. Yet in that same darkness, I found God again—not in theology, but in the deep cries of my soul. I began praying not just for strength but for survival. Through the Word of God and the promise of the resurrection, I started to breathe again. The thought that I will see my daughter again when Christ returns is what keeps me moving. My understanding of mental health completely transformed. I no longer see depression or trauma as shameful or weak, but as spiritual wounds that need care, presence, and truth. I have learned that grief doesn't leave—it simply takes new shapes. And I’ve also learned that healing isn’t about forgetting, but about living forward with purpose. This journey has shaped my goals entirely. I now study theology not just to understand God’s Word, but to comfort others who suffer silently. I want to walk with those in pain—whether they’ve lost a loved one, feel abandoned by hope, or carry trauma others can’t see. It has also shaped my relationships. I listen more. I don’t judge. I notice when someone seems to be smiling, but their eyes are tired. I know what it means to look fine and feel broken. Mental health is no longer a hidden shame in my life—it is a sacred battlefield where the Spirit of God fights for me every day. And I want others to know they’re not alone on theirs.

My name is Jackie Lee, and I am a 59-year-old undergraduate student at Los Angeles Adventist College, where I am pursuing a degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies. My journey to higher education began later in life, after raising four children as a single mother. I work full-time, standing on my feet for more than ten hours a day, while managing my household, caring for my pets, and studying diligently. My life has been marked by challenges, yet it has also been shaped by resilience, determination, and a desire to serve others. Though I do not have the youthful energy of most of my classmates, I approach each day with ambition and drive. I am committed to excelling academically; I currently hold a strong GPA and have received high marks in all my courses. What fuels me is not just the goal of earning a degree, but the larger purpose behind it: to minister to those who are hurting, to bring comfort to the brokenhearted, and to help people find hope through faith, especially in times of uncertainty and crisis. Community service has been a constant part of my life. I am actively involved in my church community, where I have served as a Sabbath School superintendent, organized programs, and participated in special music and ministry activities. My life experiences—including profound personal loss and ongoing physical challenges—have deepened my empathy for others, and I am passionate about empowering those who struggle silently. This scholarship would have a tremendous impact on my life. As a working adult student with significant financial responsibilities, including living expenses and student tuition, the financial relief this scholarship offers would enable me to stay focused on my studies and graduate on time. More importantly, receiving this scholarship would affirm that the path I am on matters—that even at my age, with all the responsibilities I carry, my ambition and drive are recognized and valued. In honoring Kalia D. Davis’s legacy, I feel a connection to her example of excellence, kindness, and purpose. Like Kalia, I strive to live a life that is not only about personal success but about encouraging and uplifting others. I hope to inspire my community through my perseverance, my faith, and my commitment to serving those in need. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my calling: to impact lives with compassion, to teach and counsel, and to help others discover hope and strength despite their struggles. I want to leave a legacy not defined by my circumstances, but by my commitment to learning, loving, and serving—a legacy that echoes the spirit of Kalia D. Davis.

I have never served in the military, but I live with a wound that feels like war. On August 4, 2018, I lost my beloved daughter. Her death was not an accident. It was a decision born of deep, silent suffering—pain I could not see or fix. That day changed everything. And it continues to change me. To this day, I still experience the trauma of that loss. The moment of her death replays in my mind unexpectedly. Sometimes, it comes in the middle of the night. Sometimes, it invades my thoughts while I’m walking, working, or even studying the Bible. I see her pain. I hear her silence. I feel the weight of what she endured. These memories come like waves—relentless and uninvited. The grief is not something I’ve "overcome." It is a war I still fight, every single day. This pain presses on my chest, whispering lies like, "You should have seen the signs," or, "Wouldn’t it be easier to let go, like she did?" In those terrifying moments, I cry out to God—not just as a believer, but as someone clinging to Him for dear life. Without prayer, I know I would not survive. There are times when death feels like it would be relief, and only the Spirit of God keeps me anchored to life. That is why I study theology. I didn’t enroll in school to build a career. I study because the Word of God is the only thing that quiets the storm in my mind. I hold on to the promise that one day—on that glorious day when Jesus returns—I will see my daughter again. That hope is the only breath I have when the grief tightens around me. This world itself is a battlefield between good and evil, and I am engaged in my own spiritual warfare every moment. I cry out daily for the help of the Holy Spirit to guard my heart, mind, and soul. I believe it is God’s will that we live in wholeness—physically, mentally, and spiritually. And so, I long for the image of God to be restored in me, even as I struggle. I pray the same for all who live with deep inner wounds and trauma—that they too would be renewed in His image, through His Spirit. Through this journey, I’ve learned that trauma doesn’t always wear a uniform. There are so many people, including veterans, who walk around with silent wounds. They don’t need clichés or quick fixes. They need compassion. They need someone who understands what it feels like to want to give up—and what it means to keep going anyway. I want to use my experience to walk beside others who are suffering, especially veterans with PTSD. I know what it’s like to live through a battle no one else can see. But I also know what it’s like to find peace—not from the world, but from Christ. And I want to share that peace with those who are still in the trenches.

The war in Ukraine has not affected me the way it has the people who have lost their homes, families, or countries. But it has impacted me deeply in my heart, soul, and daily prayers. As a theology student, a believer, and a mother who has known grief, I feel a profound connection to those who are suffering in silence and despair. The images of bombed buildings, terrified children, and separated families stay with me. They have stirred something inside me—an urgency to pray, to prepare, and to serve with greater purpose. I am 59 years old, working full-time while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies at Los Angeles Adventist College. I began this journey late in life after raising four children as a single mother. My life changed dramatically after the death of my daughter in 2018, a loss that broke me emotionally. But through that darkness, God gave me a new calling—to study His Word and bring comfort to others who are brokenhearted. Though the war is physically far from where I live in North Carolina, its emotional and spiritual impact reaches me daily. I start each morning in prayer, often crying out for peace in Ukraine, and for the nations affected directly or indirectly. I pray for South Korea—my homeland—for protection, unity, and for leaders guided by wisdom and righteousness. As tensions rise globally, I feel the need to prepare spiritually, intellectually, and physically to help people find hope in uncertain times. My educational goals are rooted in this desire to serve. I don’t study theology simply to earn a degree, but because I believe God is preparing me to minister to the wounded, to those suffering from war, trauma, fear, and spiritual confusion. I want to teach people how Scripture speaks even in times of crisis and help them understand that true peace comes from God alone. Balancing work, school, finances, and health at my age is difficult. I work standing more than ten hours a day, care for my pets, and manage household duties alone. I have knee and ankle pain but stretch and walk each morning to stay strong. My health habits—such as eating simply, supplementing wisely, and praying consistently—are part of how I remain faithful to this calling. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but would affirm that the path I’m walking is meaningful. It would help me stay focused, graduate with strength, and be ready to serve my church, my community, my country, and a world that is yearning for hope, justice, and peace.

Putting My Health First to Keep Going With Purpose My name is Jackie Lee, and I am a 59-year-old theology student at Los Angeles Adventist College. I am also a full-time worker who stands on my feet for over 10 hours a day, six days a week. Balancing work, study, and daily responsibilities at my age is a constant physical and emotional challenge. But several years ago, I learned the hard way that unless I prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical health, I cannot keep walking the path God has called me to. After I lost my daughter in 2028, my grief became overwhelming. I was emotionally shattered and physically exhausted. But it was during this time that I turned to prayer and daily Bible reading as my lifeline. I began waking up early every morning to start my day in quiet prayer, followed by a cup of warm lemon water and black coffee to cleanse and awaken my body. I simplified my diet and adopted intermittent fasting, focusing on two simple meals a day rich in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables. These small, intentional choices became a healing routine that helped me find peace and clarity in my pain. I also began walking my dog every morning, even just for 20 minutes, to breathe fresh air and connect with God in nature before heading off to work. In the evenings, though I often come home exhausted, I still dedicate time to study God’s Word, trusting that each page I read is part of His purpose for my life. I take vitamin C and other supplements daily to support my immune system, and I use stretching and cold therapy to manage my joint pain. Through all of this, I’ve learned that taking care of myself is not selfish—it is sacred. My body is the vessel through which I live out my calling, and without preserving it, I cannot serve others. This realization has changed how I approach everything—school, work, ministry, and life. I no longer ignore signs of burnout or pain. I pay attention, pray, rest, and reset. That is how I continue to grow stronger, even in this late season of life. Preparing for the future now means more than earning a degree. It means staying healthy and balanced so that I can continue to study, teach, and encourage others for years to come. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm that my journey—founded on faith, discipline, and health—is worth continuing. Thank you for considering my story.

My name is Jackie Lee, and I am a 59-year-old theology student. For most of my life, I wanted to study the Bible deeply, but I couldn’t because I was a single mom raising a big family. I worked hard to support my children, and there was no time or money for school. But after my daughter passed away in August 4, 2028, everything changed. Losing her was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I felt broken, but in that sadness, God met me. He didn’t take away the pain right away, but He gave me strength and peace that I couldn’t understand. Through prayer and reading the Bible, He slowly healed my heart and showed me a new purpose. That’s when I knew He was calling me to study His Word and teach it to others, especially people who are hurting, like I was. So, at an age when many people are thinking about retirement, I started college. I am now working full-time and studying for a bachelor’s degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies. My dream is to become a Bible teacher who helps people see how God’s Word can change their lives. I don’t just want to explain the Bible—I want to help others feel its hope and power, the way I did when I needed it most. But going to school while working is very hard. My school (Los Angeles Adventist College) doesn’t qualify for government financial aid, so I pay for everything myself—tuition, books, rent, and bills. I also still have some debt from raising my family. Every day is a struggle to balance work, school, and life. But I keep going because I believe this is what God wants me to do. I have four semesters left, and I am determined to finish. But the financial stress is heavy. This scholarship would be a huge help. It would allow me to focus more on studying instead of worrying about money. More than that, it would remind me that I’m not alone—that there are people who believe in my calling, even at this stage of my life. I know my story is different from many students. Most people my age are not starting a new career. But I believe God has a plan for every season of life. Everything I’m learning now will be used to help others later. I don’t want a degree just for myself—I want it so I can serve others better. If I receive this scholarship, I will be so grateful. It will not only help me pay for school but also encourage me to keep going. I want to be a good student, a faithful servant of God, and a caring teacher for those who need hope. Thank you for reading my story and considering my application. It means so much to me.

I am a 59-year-old theology student currently studying in a bachelor's program while working full-time. For most of my life, I had to put off school in order to support my big family as a single mom. I've always carried the desire to learn God's word more deeply, but I didn't have the time, money, or energy to pursue it. Everything changed when I lost my daughter. It was the most painful experience of my life. In that deep sorrow, I felt like I was falling apart. But during that time, God met me. He didn't take away the pain right away, but He gave me strength and peace I couldn't explain. Through prayer and the Word, He began to heal me and give me new purpose. That's when I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life studying and sharing the Bible. I enrolled in a theology program with a major in Theological and Ministerial Studies. My goal is to become a teacher of the Word-someone who can study deeply, live faithfully, and help others understand and experience the truth of Scripture. I want to teach in a way that brings the Bible to life, especially for people who are hurting, lost, or searching. But studying while working is very hard. My school doesn't qualify for federal financial aid, and I'm already paying living costs, tuition, and managing the debt I've had to take on to support my family. I do my best to keep up with everything, but it's a constant weight. This scholarship would not just help me-it would make it possible for me to continue. I still have four semesters left, and I'm committed to finishing this journey, step by step. I believe all that I'm learning now will become a treasure later as I teach others. I'm not doing this for a career or a title. I'm doing this out of faith and calling. I know that God led me to this point, and I want to be faithful to His leading. If I can be considered for this scholarship, I will be deeply thankful. It would not only relieve some of my burdens but also confirm that I'm not walking this path alone. I know there are others who understand what it means to pursue education later in life with a clear sense of purpose. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application

As a 59-year-old theology student, single mother, and immigrant woman, my life has been shaped by adversity, perseverance, and a renewed sense of mission. While many might assume that age limits learning or new beginnings, I am living proof that peace, love, unity, and respect—PLUR—can ignite personal transformation at any stage of life. For many years, I lived in survival mode—raising four children alone, working 10 to 11-hour shifts in a physically demanding job, and carrying the weight of financial strain while grieving the loss of my eldest daughter. But through it all, God's unseen hand was guiding me. When I returned to faith, I experienced true peace—not the absence of trials, but the assurance that I am never alone, that even in my lowest valleys, I was never forsaken. This spiritual awakening gave my life new direction and meaning. Faith awakened in me a mission to love and serve. In my local church, I lead and organize praise teams, bringing together diverse members to offer spiritual music during worship. Our songs are more than melodies—they are acts of unity, where hearts meet in harmony and burdens are lifted. I’ve witnessed people cry during praise, healed by the love flowing through sacred lyrics. I also take part in Sabbath School and mission outreach, striving to be a light to others, especially women facing silent struggles. Beyond church walls, I now produce YouTube Shorts—short videos sharing inspirational quotes from Ellen G. White, a respected Christian writer and reformer. These clips provide respectful encouragement to those struggling in silence, just as I once did. Through these efforts, I’ve learned that real ministry happens wherever people are: in sanctuaries, on screens, and even through songs sung in the night. I am also studying to become a licensed notary public, hoping to serve my community with integrity while supporting my education. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve financial pressure but also affirm that every voice—regardless of age or background—matters. It would allow me to complete my studies and step more fully into my calling to teach, serve, and bring light to those in spiritual darkness. I may not attend EDM festivals, but my life reflects the soul of PLUR. My mission is to spread peace through faith, love through service, unity through music, and respect for every soul I meet. These values are not just ideals. For me, they are a way of life.

​At 59 years old, I am a full-time worker, theology student, and a woman who has walked a long and winding road back to God. For much of my life, I was unaware that God was guiding me even during my darkest moments. But through a deep experience of repentance and spiritual awakening, I came to see the living Creator—loving, just, and merciful—had never left my side. That realization changed the course of my life. Now, in the later chapter of my journey, I am committed to spending the rest of my days making Him known to others. I currently attend Los Angeles Adventist College, pursuing a degree in theology. My goal is to serve others through teaching the Word of God, especially helping those who have been spiritually broken or searching—just like I once was. I am not seeking this degree for status or career, but to gain a firm theological foundation so I can minister with clarity, compassion, and truth. I am also deeply influenced by the sanctuary message and the writings of Ellen G. White, which inspire me to live a holy life and lead others to the present truth. Returning to school at my age is extremely challenging. I work full-time in a physically demanding job where I stand for over 10 hours a day. After returning home around 8:30 p.m., I study late into the night. My financial burdens are heavy—tuition, living expenses, loan payments—and I have no outside support. Despite all this, I have maintained top grades, including consistent A and A+ results, and a strong spirit because I know this is the path God called me to walk. In addition to school and work, I actively serve in my local church. I organize special music teams for worship, lead practice sessions, and participate in multicultural ministry. Recently, I launched a new outreach project—creating YouTube Shorts to share inspirational quotes from Ellen G. White in Korean and English. This digital ministry allows me to reach souls online who might never attend a church and provides a creative outlet to witness to a broader audience. I pray that this can someday also provide small income to support my studies. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial strain but would be a powerful affirmation that my journey matters. It would allow me to work a little less, study a little more, and ultimately graduate to serve more effectively. I am not just seeking funding—I am seeking support to fulfill a sacred mission. I want to use my remaining years to uplift others, finish the gospel work, and glorify God with everything I have left.

At 59 years old, I am a full-time worker, theology student, and a woman who has walked a long and winding road back to God. For much of my life, I was unaware that God was guiding me even during my darkest moments. But through a deep experience of repentance and spiritual awakening, I came to see the living Creator—loving, just, and merciful—had never left my side. That realization changed the course of my life. Now, in the later chapter of my journey, I am committed to spending the rest of my days making Him known to others. I currently attend Los Angeles Adventist College, pursuing a degree in theology. My goal is to serve others through teaching the Word of God, especially helping those who have been spiritually broken or searching—just like I once was. I am not seeking this degree for status or career, but to gain a firm theological foundation so I can minister with clarity, compassion, and truth. I am also deeply influenced by the sanctuary message and the writings of Ellen G. White, which inspire me to live a holy life and lead others to the present truth. Returning to school at my age is extremely challenging. I work full-time in a physically demanding job where I stand for over 10 hours a day. After returning home around 8:30 p.m., I study late into the night. My financial burdens are heavy—tuition, living expenses, loan payments—and I have no outside support. Despite all this, I have maintained top grades, including consistent A and A+ results, and a strong spirit because I know this is the path God called me to walk. In addition to school and work, I actively serve in my local church. I organize special music teams for worship, lead practice sessions, and participate in multicultural ministry. Recently, I launched a new outreach project—creating YouTube Shorts to share inspirational quotes from Ellen G. White in Korean and English. This digital ministry allows me to reach souls online who might never attend a church and provides a creative outlet to witness to a broader audience. I pray that this can someday also provide small income to support my studies. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial strain but would be a powerful affirmation that my journey matters. It would allow me to work a little less, study a little more, and ultimately graduate to serve more effectively. I am not just seeking funding—I am seeking support to fulfill a sacred mission. I want to use my remaining years to uplift others, finish the gospel work, and glorify God with everything I have left.

At 59 years old, I am a full-time worker, theology student, and a woman who has walked a long and winding road back to God. For much of my life, I was unaware that God was guiding me even during my darkest moments. But through a deep experience of repentance and spiritual awakening, I came to see the living Creator—loving, just, and merciful—had never left my side. That realization changed the course of my life. Now, in the later chapter of my journey, I am committed to spending the rest of my days making Him known to others. I currently attend Los Angeles Adventist College, pursuing a degree in theology. My goal is to serve others through teaching the Word of God, especially helping those who have been spiritually broken or searching—just like I once was. I am not seeking this degree for status or career, but to gain a firm theological foundation so I can minister with clarity, compassion, and truth. I am also deeply influenced by the sanctuary message and the writings of Ellen G. White, which inspire me to live a holy life and lead others to the present truth. Returning to school at my age is extremely challenging. I work full-time in a physically demanding job where I stand for over 10 hours a day. After returning home around 8:30 p.m., I study late into the night. My financial burdens are heavy—tuition, living expenses, loan payments—and I have no outside support. Despite all this, I have maintained top grades, including consistent A and A+ results, and a strong spirit because I know this is the path God called me to walk. In addition to school and work, I actively serve in my local church. I organize special music teams for worship, lead practice sessions, and participate in multicultural ministry. Recently, I launched a new outreach project—creating YouTube Shorts to share inspirational quotes from Ellen G. White in Korean and English. This digital ministry allows me to reach souls online who might never attend a church and provides a creative outlet to witness to a broader audience. I pray that this can someday also provide small income to support my studies. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial strain but would be a powerful affirmation that my journey matters. It would allow me to work a little less, study a little more, and ultimately graduate to serve more effectively. I am not just seeking funding—I am seeking support to fulfill a sacred mission. I want to use my remaining years to uplift others, finish the gospel work, and glorify God with everything I have left.

I am a 59-year-old woman who began studying theology later in life. For many years, I worked full-time while supporting a large extended family as a single mother. During that time, I had to put aside my dream of higher education. But after experiencing deep sorrow from losing my daughter, I turned to God and found comfort in His word. This painful turning point became a calling—leading me to study theology and commit my life to teaching God’s truth. My major is Theological and Ministerial Studies. Through this, I hope to become a teacher who not only studies the Bible deeply but also lives it and shares it with others. I believe God has led me to this path for a reason, and every class I take is preparing me for that mission. My life experiences have shaped my values in powerful ways. I’ve learned the importance of faith, compassion, and perseverance. Being a single mom has taught me resilience. Working long hours to support my family has taught me responsibility and sacrifice. And losing a loved one has taught me empathy toward those who are hurting. These values now shape how I want to serve others through ministry. One way I have already served is as the Sabbath School superintendent at my local church. This is not just a children’s ministry—it involves overseeing programs and Bible study groups for all age groups. For two years, I helped coordinate spiritual education for the entire congregation. This experience showed me the power of faith-based teaching to unite people of all backgrounds and ages. In the future, I plan to use my education to reach people in my community who may feel forgotten—immigrants, the elderly, those struggling emotionally or spiritually. I want to teach in small groups, offer Bible studies, and help others find strength in God as I did. I also hope to create a welcoming environment where people can ask honest questions and grow in faith together. But continuing my education is not easy. My school does not qualify for federal aid, and I am already carrying debt from tuition and living costs. Each semester brings financial stress. That is why this scholarship means so much. It is not just financial support—it is encouragement to keep going, a sign that someone believes in my journey. I still have four semesters left. My goal is to complete my degree and become a teacher and mentor who serves with compassion and truth. I know that what I am learning now will one day bless others. This scholarship would help relieve my burden so I can study with more focus and prepare for a life of meaningful service. Thank you for considering my application.

I am a 59-year-old student currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Theology and Ministerial Studies. As a single mother, I spent most of my life working full-time to support my extended family, setting aside my academic dreams. But after experiencing deep personal loss—particularly the passing of my beloved daughter Kelly—I encountered God in a new and life-transforming way. Through my grief, I was held by His presence, comforted by His Word, and awakened to a deeper purpose: to understand His truth and share it with others. Now in my fourth semester of study, I am fully committed to completing this program, despite facing significant financial hardship. Because my school is not eligible for federal aid, I’ve had to carry the full weight of tuition and living expenses alone. I also work long hours standing each day to meet basic needs. Balancing work and school has been difficult, but I remain steadfast, knowing that this journey is not just for me, but for those I will one day serve. For two years, I served as Sabbath School superintendent at my church, overseeing all age groups—from children to seniors. I led lesson planning, organized events, and supported volunteer teachers, creating a spiritually enriching environment. It confirmed my calling to minister and to teach God’s Word with clarity and compassion. This scholarship would allow me to study with greater focus and less financial pressure. It would not only lighten my burden but empower me to finish the degree that is equipping me to be a strong, Spirit-led Bible teacher. I hope to complete my program by 2029, and I believe every course I take is preparing me for real ministry. Looking ahead, I also feel a strong calling to serve Korean-speaking communities. As a native Korean speaker, I believe God has uniquely prepared me to reach those in areas where religious freedom is still restricted—like North Korea and certain parts of China, especially among the Korean-Chinese (Joseonjok) population. These regions remain under spiritual oppression, and though I may not physically enter them, I can be part of the mission through prayer, remote teaching, translation, and digital ministry. It is my prayer to support and prepare underground believers through safe channels and to train others who share a heart for these unreached people groups. I also hope to contribute to developing biblical education materials in Korean that can be shared securely where traditional mission work is not possible. Even from a distance, I believe the Lord can use my voice, my language, and my experience to bring hope and truth to those in darkness. As I prepare myself to serve in God’s work, I have also come to realize that caring for my health is part of that calling. Especially at my age, maintaining strength and wellness is essential for ministry. One of the most inspiring blessings is that our denomination carries a health message rooted in biblical principles. I now see health reform not only as personal stewardship but also as a powerful tool in evangelism and service. This scholarship is not just about money. It is about mission. It is about empowering someone like me—older, less resourced, but deeply called—to serve where others cannot. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in students like me who pursue God’s calling later in life with faith and perseverance.

I am a 59-year-old theology student currently studying in a bachelor’s program while working full-time. As a single mom, I spent most of my life taking care of my large family, always putting my own education last. The desire to study the Bible was always in my heart, but I simply couldn’t afford the time or money. Everything changed when I lost my beloved 23-year-old daughter, Min. She was my only child and the joy of my life. Losing her was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I felt completely broken. But in the middle of that sorrow, God came close to me. He didn’t take away the pain, but He gave me peace and strength that carried me through. In that dark time, I met God in a way I never had before. It was through that deep loss that I decided to follow the calling I had put off for so long—to study God’s word and live for something greater. Now I am majoring in Theological and Ministerial Studies. My dream is not about a degree or a career. I want to become a teacher of the Bible, someone who studies and shares the word of God with those who are hurting, searching, or longing for hope. I believe my pain has a purpose, and God can use it to help others through me. I’ve finished four semesters so far, with four more to go. My school doesn’t qualify for federal aid, and I’m working five days a week, over ten hours a day, to cover living expenses, tuition, and long-standing debts. It is not easy, but I study with sincerity every day because I know this path was prepared by God. This scholarship would not just help relieve the burden—it would help me keep going. It would be a sign that I’m not alone, and that others also believe in the value of this journey. I’m doing my best to be faithful to the calling God gave me, and I would be deeply thankful for your support. Thank you for considering my application.