In 2019, after my divorce and the birth of my fourth child, I knew it was time to return to school and achieve financial stability for my family. I enrolled in Rose State College and attended online classes and earned an Associate Degree in Sociology. I then applied to Northwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I will be starting my MSW program at the University of Oklahoma in May. While completing my degree, I worked full-time and raised four children as a single mother, in a single income home. My family has relied on Soonercare, SNAP Benefits, and free and reduced lunches to get by. I have shopped for groceries at the food pantry and have been blessed by Western Plain Youth and Family Services, who made sure my children had Christmas presents in 2022 and 2023. Nothing about this journey has been easy, there were days when I wanted to quit and nights when I cried myself to sleep. I have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to my education. I want to set a strong example for my children and show them they can follow their dreams despite life’s challenges. Currently, I am employed as a medical social worker at a hospice organization. There I am able to serve vulnerable populations in Northwestern Oklahoma. My hard work has paid off and I am proud to say that my four children and myself are no longer struggling with poverty. I firmly believe that due to the education I received, my family will never struggle with poverty again. I want to give back to the community and state that helped me when I needed it most. I have big goals after I graduate, in 2026 I will be able to go under supervision and complete 4,000 hours of clinical supervision, working directly with clients. I will then be able to take the LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) exam and become licensed in the state of Oklahoma to provide mental health care and advocate for families like mine who had trouble accessing local resources. I hope to use my experiences and the connections I have already made within the community to become a positive force in Northwestern Oklahoma. I want to provide holistic mental health care and overall support to children and families who are struggling. I also want to advocate for the families in Northwestern Oklahoma at the state level to get more government resources here.