Hello, my name is Melody and I am a 1st generation, non-traditional student studying Business Management and Human Resources. I live in rural Southern Middle Tennessee. I dropped out of college after only 5 classes right after high school because there was a death in my family, my parents got a divorce, and there was so much going on that I was unable to concentrate on my studies. I have $12,000 in student loans that produced NO benefit for me, because I did not even receive credit for the classes I completed in 2007-2008 when I recently enrolled to return to college. It is a stupid mistake to be in debt with nothing at all to show for it. I worked in retail for 11 years and then my son was born. I have been a stay at home Mom for the past 6 years. My son is non-verbal and has severe Autism. He requires constant supervision and has many medical appointments. I am doing my degree online. Everything I am doing is to help create a better life for me and my child. He is my motivation, my heart, and my joy. He may not be able to tell me 'I love you' but his hugs and kisses sure let me know how much he loves his Mama. He is worth doing my homework in the bathroom late at night and as a 38 year old woman. I am motivated much more now than when I was younger. Scholarship money would be a total gift, which would allow me to better support my disabled child. I would be eternally grateful and will assuredly pay it forward.