Being a single mom and going back to school at the same time hasn’t been easy, but it’s one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. I’m not just working toward a degree, I’m working toward a completely different life for me and my kids. What makes me uniquely deserving of this scholarship is the reality of what I carry every day and the fact that I still keep going. I’m a full-time Patient Access Specialist at Kaiser Permanente, a full-time student, and a full-time mom. There’s no pause button. My days are structured around work, school, and my kids, and most of the time, I’m handling all of it at once. I’ve had nights where I’m finishing assignments late after my kids go to sleep, and mornings where I’m up early getting everyone ready while trying to stay on top of deadlines. I’m currently pursuing my degree with a focus on Family & Human Services and Gerontology because I want to work in spaces that actually support people especially families, older adults, and individuals navigating healthcare systems. Working at Kaiser has opened my eyes to how complex and overwhelming healthcare can be, especially for vulnerable populations. I don’t just want to be part of the system. I want to be someone who helps improve it and makes it more accessible and supportive for others. My “why” is simple, but deep. I went back to school because I knew I wanted more and not just financially, but in purpose. There was a point in my life where I had to step up and be the sole provider for my family, and that experience changed me. It made me realize that stability isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you build. Going back to school after being away for so long was scary, but I knew staying the same would be even harder in the long run. I’m doing this for my kids, but also for myself. I want them to grow up seeing what determination looks like in real life. Not perfect, not easy, but consistent. I want them to understand that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you can still push forward and create something better. Being a single mother comes with constant challenges, financial pressure, time limitations, and emotional responsibility. There’s no backup plan, and that can feel overwhelming. But instead of letting that stop me, it’s what drives me. It’s why I stay focused, why I push through hard days, and why I refuse to quit even when things feel heavy. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would give me the ability to focus more on my education without constantly worrying about how to balance everything financially. It would also be a reminder that the work I’m putting in matters and that someone sees the effort behind it. I’m not just going to school to get a degree. I’m building a future where I can provide stability, give back to my community, and create real impact in people’s lives. I want to be in a position where I can help others navigate the same systems, I’ve experienced especially those who feel overlooked or unsupported. I’ve come a long way from where I started, and I’m not done yet. I’m driven, I’m focused, and I’m committed to finishing what I started not just for me, but for my family. This isn’t just my journey, it’s ours.

The moment I knew I needed to go back to school was one evening while helping my child with homework. As I sat there explaining why education matters and encouraging them to always try their best, I suddenly realized something important, I wanted to lead by example. I didn’t want my children to only hear me talk about the importance of education and I wanted them to see what determination and perseverance actually look like. I am a mother of four, and returning to school has been a long journey for me. The last time I was in school before now was in 2007. At that time, life took a different direction than I expected. As the sole provider for my children, my priority had to be making sure they had what they needed to grow, feel secure, and have opportunities. Continuing my education had to be put on hold so that I could focus on working and supporting my family. There were many moments when I wished I could go back to school, but providing for my children always came first. Although there were hardships that prevented me from continuing my education earlier, there was also a beautiful side to that time in my life. Being there for my children and watching them grow up has been one of the greatest privileges I could ever have. I was able to be present for the little moments like school events, milestones, and the everyday experiences that make childhood special. Those years shaped me into the person I am today and strengthened my motivation to build a better future for my family. As my children grew older, the thought of returning to school never left my mind. I kept reminding myself that dreams do not expire just because life becomes difficult. In fact, those challenges are often what give us the strength to pursue them even more. Going back to school now is my way of showing my children that it is never too late to invest in yourself and work toward a better future. Being a nontraditional student and a parent at the same time requires discipline, determination, and resilience. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and everyday life can be challenging, but each class I complete reminds me why I started this journey. My studies in psychology, sociology, women’s studies, and gerontology have helped me understand how social systems affect families and communities, and they have inspired me to pursue a career where I can support and advocate for others. Returning to school represents something much bigger than earning a degree. It represents perseverance, hope, and the belief that we should never give up on our dreams. I want my children to grow up knowing that setbacks do not define our future. If anything, they can motivate us to keep going. More than anything, I want my story to show my children and others that it is never too late to start again. No matter how long the path takes, pursuing education and building a better life is always worth the effort.