I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. I brought their father to court last May of 2024 and petitioned to revise the parenting plan. Now I legally have my children from Fridays to Monday evenings every week. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I wish I had not been easily influenced when I was younger, but I am tired of living with regrets today. I don't take any credit from the strong women who helped raise me. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors of my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of 'Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.' Honoring their memory, I embrace life's challenges and tend to every one of my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have proudly given up smoking cigarettes, graduated from relapse prevention, am working on getting my license for the first time am regaining my children's trust, and most importantly, we are mending our relationships and recreating a healthier foundation for our family and myself, I returned to being a full-time student last September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate's and bachelor's degrees so that I can make a difference in the lives of others when the time comes. Thank you for this opportunity. Take care.

Since I returned to college classes, I took a psychology class that helped me dig deeper within myself and understand why some people are the way they are. Their environment could be the major cause, of negative influences, peer pressure, feeling trapped, and so on. I have struggled with my mental issues that almost got me sent to a hospital for being schizophrenic. When people think they know you see your mental attitude and behaviors change significantly, that scares a majority of people to distance away from the person who is struggling, rather than help them. At one point, I felt like I was losing my mind. I saw my mind covered with hundreds of Post-it notes with drawings of stick-figured people and they were making faces, and doing all kinds of random things. I have PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Those are what I am clinically diagnosed with. I feel that for some people who are seeking help from a medical profession more so than not is just mistaken as trying to drug seek, and nothing more. I have seen and gone through this exact experience. Honestly, I quit believing in authoritative positions and that was discouraging I hate thinking about the next generations and what they may have to endure. To help make an influential difference now, I can be a voice, and that is how I can help empower others to speak up or reach out whenever they are going through a mental crisis, etc. Thank you for this scholarship opportunity, my hands go up to you with gratitude. Take care.

Being able to sleep every night with peace of mind is rejuvenating. I know my children are safe, and we are breaking the cycles of toxicity of any sort. I do not have to wonder what they had for dinner, how their days went at school, or who is babysitting them. Certain behaviors that each of my children expresses at times show me that nobody can love them like I do. There is not one person who can fill my shoes as their mother. Co-parenting can be tough. I've experienced emotional and psychological abuse from my children's father, who made hurtful comments about me to our children and pointed the finger at me for every single issue we had. I used to ask him to convey my love to our children when I called, even though he said he would, they never knew how much I reached out for all four of my children. I've managed to get clean and sober on two different occasions, and I see that nothing I said or would do, would make a difference to him. So I smartened up and now I go through the courts, so there is nothing that he can say or do to get me in trouble, in some way. Being able to sleep every night with peace of mind is rejuvenating. Knowing my children are safe, and now we are learning how to break the cycles of toxicity. Also, I do not have to wonder what they had for dinner, how their days went at school, or who is babysitting them. There are certain behaviors that each of my children expresses at times, which is a way of reminding me that nobody can love them as I do. There is not one person who can fill my shoes as their mother. I wish I had not been easily influenced when I was younger, things would be different. But I am tired of living with regrets today. I do not discredit any of the strong women who helped raise me. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors of my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I embrace life’s challenges and tend to every one of my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have proudly given up smoking cigarettes, graduated from relapse prevention, am working on getting my license for the first time, and I am regaining my children’s trust, and, most importantly, am mending our relationships to recreate a healthier foundation for our family. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. I will be a part of the solution, and not the issue- by turning the negatives in my life, and turning them into positives. All my behaviors, suitable or destructive, affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home for my children to ensure a place for my children, always, is at the top of my bucket list. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I had gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am dealing with life on life's terms. Being able to sleep at night with peace of mind is a feeling I would not give up for anything or any reason. Today, I am facing life on my terms, embracing the beginning of a new life with faith, hope, humility, and prosperity guiding my way. Amen.

I have heard many origin stories. One in particular is about how the flute had first became of. The story goes that a young warrior was trying to get the attention of a young woman who was wanted by many of the other warriors in their village. He gave her father blankets, a horse, and many other royalties to show how much he wanted to marry the chiefs daughter. The chief asked him what was so special about him, that makes him stand out more than the other men who was trying to do the same exact thing? Then he told the young warrior that if he can get his daughters undivided attention, and she chooses him, then he would approve of him marrying his daughter. He thought about what he could do, because she would not even glance his way, or show any interest in him whatsoever. He prayed to his higher power, and went deep in meditation in the woods, while fasting for days, and after the fourth day and night, he felt so weak. He screamed you told me to come here, and I did, and still nothing has revealed how I can win this princess's heart. He was walking back to his village, and the wind picked up rather sudden, making the wind swift through the leaves and branches on the trees. Up above was a woodpecker poking his beak into a hollow branch of some sort, and as the wind picked up, that wind started making noise through the spots where the woodpecker made perfect circles; five or six in a row, and the wind was sounding like music notes, so he picked up the hollow branch and began moving his fingers and he was beaming with happiness, and told the creator thank you. He practiced and when he returned to their village he was playing a beautiful song with that flute. As he was walking up to her he had the flute pointing at her, and she then chose him. The meaning behind flutes is it is a courting instrument for trying to win a person's heart. And if you are just playing the flute in general, then to be careful where you are directing your flute so that way you wont be courting people without even meaning to. This is a beautiful story, and it makes sense. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to have a chance to win your scholarship gift aid. Bless your heart and take care.

Honestly, I still relive the glory days of my prime, mourning the life I should have had, if I did not use drugs. Then again, I may have always been an addict. The very first experience with mind-altering substances was when I was about eight years old; I had taken sleeping pills for two days in a row and remember liking that I felt woozy, after I woke-up. That is my first memory of getting a taste for finding ways to alter my reality. I believe that my addiction sets off a switch in my memory that I cannot forget, nor deny. I have embraced my addictions, and now I am fighting through my past to keep my children from following in my footsteps, or worse. I am here for a reason, otherwise I should have been dead long ago. That is nothing to brag about. I watched my best friend/other mom/partner-in-crime/auntie overdose in front of me. I was the only person who called 911. The EMT's found a pulse in her foot, and then-she was declared dead. I have rationalized, justified, lied, stole, panhandled for my habit for the fear of withdrawing. In the past, I quit abusing drugs and turned my life around, after numerous attempts of impatient treatment, taking ORT (Opioid Replacement Therapy), detoxing in jail or in a detox center for me to finally become so sick and tired of being sick and tired, and admitted I cannot negotiate or control my addict. My higher power took over the morning of February 18th, 2024, when I was taken to county jail and sat there for almost two months. There is no way I can forget this encounter, even if I tried to. I had money but could not access my debit card, nor did I have people that I trusted to at that time. Then, one of those nights in county jail, my children's dads' ex- walked in my tank, and I was the first person she seen, and she said "Dammit!" I looked at her and thought 'what are the chances of that happening?' After being released, I gave up smoking cigarettes, stayed clean, enrolled in a local community college then started taking classes full-time last fall quarter, and now I have 50 credits earned towards my associates degree. Now I am back in good standing with my financial aid, brought my GPA back up, and as of December 2024 I was granted weekly visitations with my children Friday-Monday afternoons. I am searching for housing for us, and last but not least, I am able to get my driver's license, which is a choice that I did not have because my license got suspended right after I turned 18. I been making amends with my loved ones, especially my children; three daughters and a son. I remind them that this is a process. Healing, forgiveness, rebuilding relationships, etc., is going to take work, on both of our parts. Knowing that they want me around, is a blessing. My main life purpose is to make sure my children are taught/told/given the tools for the abilities to take care of themselves, and know how to protect themselves, and function in the real world, so to speak. So, I am going to earn the educational credentials that prove I am qualified to help make an influential difference with the help of your scholarship, I can further my education and take care of my family through pursuing my goals.

As I pursue the necessary qualifications to make a significant impact, I am also taking this opportunity to explore my genuine interests and form meaningful connections. Additionally, I am committed to teaching the valuable life lessons to my children, and using any of my mistakes I have made in the past, and explaining to them about the challenges of living on the streets, the uncertainty of not having a place to stay, and the difficulty of finding trustworthy individuals. I share with them the hardships of hunger and the stigma associated with not having a stable home. It's a tough reality, but I believe it's important for them to understand. As I look around, I see homeless individuals everywhere, including those who once had homes and jobs but are now homeless. I think about all those in need of a helping hand, or just someone who believes in them and can help them discover their inner strength to emerge from the darkness and take the initial steps to make positive changes in their lives. It's entirely possible. I am living proof. I am incredibly grateful to be a recovering addict who is not on probation, does not have any outstanding warrants or debts preventing me from obtaining my driver's license. I am currently studying to obtain my driver's license for the first time and am living in a safe environment where I can have visits with my children every weekend. I am actively searching for permanent housing and have successfully graduated from Intensive Outpatient and relapse prevention programs. Furthermore, I am determined to complete my associate degree in General Direct Transfer and have already earned 38 credits towards this goal. By the end of the fall semester, I will have 50 credits. I am fully committed to moving forward and making these positive changes in my life. Make it inspirational I am a grateful recovering addict who is not on probation, or has warrants, or outstanding debts that keep me from getting my license, etc. I am studying for my driver's license for the first time ever, am living in a safe space and am able to have visits every single weekend with my children, plus searching for permanent housing, graduated from relapse prevention, and am going back to finish earning my associate degree as General Direct Transfer, with 38 credits towards this goal. After this fall semester, I will have 50 credits. I will make this happen, there is no going backwards-only forward. Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associates and bachelors degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. Thank you for the chance to share my story.

For one thing, I can sleep at night with peace of mind. I have spent more of my life stuck in addiction, and mentally broken. Today, I can make sure that my children are safe and I realize I can make more sense out of life when I am clean and sober. When I was under the influence, I did not feel or even that I could ever feel happiness again. Now, being honest with myself and everyone around me has helped filter out people in my life that are true supportive friends, and family. That began showing me how to have a healthy focus on the way I live on a day to day basis, and change my thought process of my morals, values, and self-worth. Recovery got me to face the cold hearted truth of what I was like when I was twisted in my addiction. Being able to accept, is a major part of letting go and moving forward on a better path towards figuring out where I am meant to be in life, and where I would help make an influential difference of people suffering in silence; due to sexual abuse, poverty, grief and loss, and other devastating reasons as to why I feel a majority of the population is lost in a way of some self-destruction. Reflecting back on why I did not get sober any of the times I wanted to, was the fear of suffering and going to the wrong place for help.

Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. Overcoming traumatic experiences and not repeating the mistakes that were made with me was tough. Seeing what dysfunctional family dynamics needed to be changed and knowing that those changes had to begin with me was a lot to process, as most behaviors are taught through observing your closest teachers, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even siblings. Standing up by making healthier changes and asking myself, “When is enough, enough?”, is a question I had to face and figure out how to change and what I needed to change: and that was “EVERYTHING!” I have successfully achieved many positive changes in my life, and admitting what flaws within myself I needed to address was difficult in the beginning. I have learned that I need to deal with change better, even if it is for the common good of everyone involved. Therefore, I have shortened my social circle to just my children, and I have never been happier. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always stressful on my mind and I am constantly worried about our belongings. Due to these circumstances alone, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the city bus and tending to my responsibilities. Taking my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and most importantly I am thinking logically and rationally. Since I began attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associates of arts degree as a general direct transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. My long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7 to create aa safe haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. In time, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. Thank you for the chance to share a little of my story. Take care.

Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. Overcoming traumatic experiences and not repeating the mistakes that were made with me was tough. Seeing what dysfunctional family dynamics needed to be changed and knowing that those changes had to begin with me was a lot to process, as most behaviors are taught through observing your closest teachers, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even siblings. Standing up by making healthier changes and asking myself, “When is enough, enough?”, is a question I had to face and figure out how to change and what I needed to change: and that was “EVERYTHING!” I have successfully achieved many positive changes in my life, and admitting what flaws within myself I needed to address was difficult in the beginning. I have learned that I need to deal with change better, even if it is for the common good of everyone involved. I gave up the idea of having a social circle to focus on my family, and now we are happier. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always stressful on my mind and I am constantly worried about our belongings. Due to these circumstances alone, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the city bus and tending to my responsibilities. Taking my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and most importantly I am thinking logically and rationally. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester to devote my time and energy to being a full-time student and bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be within my educational goals. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that may take me years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of finding scholarships I might win. It is discouraging to hear time after time from scholarship opportunities that I was not awarded or was a finalist. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate of arts degree as a general direct transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. My long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7 to create and haven for victims. I am whole-heartedly committed to obtaining my associate's and bachelor's degrees, so I will have the educational credentials that legally prove I will help others by making an influential difference for people in absolute need of overcoming poverty, trauma, and legalities, etc.

Today, I consider myself a strong-willed person for going from being homeless to clean and sober and getting joint custody of my children. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree, and my educational goals do not stop here. Throughout the years, I have experienced how life is to have family and support and grieve the loss of several of my loved ones. Since 2011, I have buried nine of my closest family members. Grieving the loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed from COVID-19 and pneumonia. As I grew up, learning what my psychological barriers are, I did not realize I was subconsciously repeating some mistakes with my children that my mother had made with me. I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." After hitting my rock bottom, I had an epiphany. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. With faith and hope in my higher power, I am clean and sober—I gave up cigarettes—and recently won joint custody of my children. In addition, I am in a home for women with children while applying for permanent housing. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree while attending classes at Northwest Indian College. My major is General Direct Transfer, and I am taking all the required courses to obtain my associate's degree. Later, my long-term goal is to achieve my bachelor's degree in Advocacy or Tribal Law. I intend to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. Until I earn the educational credentials that say I am more than qualified to make a difference, then I am going to do what I need to do because I genuinely believe that many people are trying to recover and get past historical traumas and genocide that were bestowed upon our ancestors. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. I will continue to be a part of the solution, not the issue- by turning negatives into positives. All my behaviors, suitable or destructive, affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home is at the top of my bucket list, so my family will have a house, no matter what. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I had gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am facing life on my terms, embracing the beginning of a new life with faith, hope, humility, and prosperity guiding my way. Amen. Take care.

My late grandmother Geraldine had a big part in helping raise me. As a teenager, she used to live with us. When I was about 13 years old, she ended up in the hospital. She was diagnosed with severe diabetes and had to take two shots a day; one was 18, and the other shot was 16. I used to help her take her insulin every day, and I got to see first-hand how diabetes affected her. Grandma Geri never quite got used to having to change her diet completely. I was always super close to her; I took care of her until the day she passed on from COVID-19. But I saw her go into a near-diabetic coma from cheating on her diet a few different times because she ate something with too much sugar or salt. When a person gets diagnosed with diabetes, they are supposed to change their diet entirely and pretty much their lifestyle, from what my grandmother's doctor told me. Because I know diabetes is hereditary, I was informed to watch what I eat, avoid overeating sugar, sodium, and salt, and exercise regularly to decrease my chances of getting diabetes. I am almost 40 years old and have seen how much my body has changed. I need to pay more attention to self-care. I am going for my degree as a General Direct Transfer, taking all the required classes to earn my associate's degree. Thank you for this scholarship opportunity, and take care.

Ever since I made many positive changes within myself, I have been focusing on how to make an influential difference. I intend to rise above my poverty-stricken life. So, I learned that knowledge is power, and power is knowledge. The power is in the pen. That is the primary way I can tell you where I am mentally with my educational choices. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. With faith and hope in my higher power, I am clean and sober—I gave up cigarettes—and recently won joint custody of my children. In addition, I am in a home for women with children while applying for permanent housing. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree while attending classes at Northwest Indian College. My major is General Direct Transfer, and I am taking all the required classes to obtain my associate's degree. Later, my long-term goal is to achieve my bachelor's degree in Advocacy or Tribal Law. I intend to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. Until I earn the educational credentials that say I am more than qualified to make a difference, then I am going to do what I need to do because I genuinely believe that many people are trying to recover and get past historical traumas and genocide that were bestowed upon our ancestors. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Since 2011, I have buried nine of my closest family members. Grieving the loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed from COVID-19 and pneumonia. As I grew up, learning what my psychological barriers are, I did not realize I was subconsciously repeating some mistakes with my children that my mother had made with me. I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." After hitting my rock bottom, I had an epiphany. I will continue to be a part of the solution, not the issue- by turning negatives into positives. All my behaviors affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home is at the top of my bucket list. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I had gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am dealing with life on life's terms. Today, I can sleep at night with peace of mind and face life on my terms, embracing the beginning of a new life with faith, hope, humility, and prosperity guiding my way. Amen.

I am a firm believer in "Paying it forward." For years, I have struggled with addiction and living on the streets. Embarrassing as it is for me to be brutally honest about why I am choosing this particular career path, I believe you would not understand my reasoning behind my goals without reading my life story first. Since 2011, I have buried nine of my closest family members. Grieving the loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed from COVID-19 and pneumonia. As I grew up, learning what my psychological barriers are, I did not realize I was subconsciously repeating some mistakes with my children that my mother had made with me. I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." After hitting my rock bottom, I had an epiphany. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. With faith and hope in my higher power, I am clean and sober—I gave up cigarettes—and recently won joint custody of my children. In addition, I am in a home for women with children while applying for permanent housing. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree while attending classes at Northwest Indian College. Later, my long-term goal is to achieve my bachelor's degree in Advocacy or Tribal Law. I intend to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. My family has some land, which is the beginning of my plan to have a place to start my dream goal of helping make an influential difference. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing for my educational and daily living necessities for my family is also only possible with this scholarship's help. I will continue to be a part of the solution, not the issue- by turning negatives into positives. All my behaviors, suitable or destructive, affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home is at the top of my bucket list, so my family will have a house, no matter what. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I had gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am dealing with life on life's terms. Being able to sleep at night with peace of mind is a feeling I would not give up for anything or any reason. Today, I am facing life on my terms, embracing the beginning of a new life with faith, hope, humility, and prosperity guiding my way. Amen. Take care.

Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. I wish I had not been easily influenced when I was younger, but I am tired of living with regrets today. I don’t take any credit from the strong women who helped raise me. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors of my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I embrace life’s challenges and tend to every one of my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have proudly given up smoking cigarettes, graduated from relapse prevention, am working on getting my license for the first time, and am regaining my children’s trust and, most importantly, am mending our relationships and recreating a healthier foundation for our family. Making changes was tough, period. Overcoming traumatic experiences and not repeating the mistakes that were made with me was tough because seeing what dysfunctional family dynamics needed to be changed and knowing that those changes had to begin with me was a lot to process because most behaviors are taught through observing your closest teachers, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even siblings. Standing up by making healthier changes and asking myself, ‘When is it enough?’ is a question I had to face and figure out how to change and what I needed to change, and that was “EVERYTHING!” I have successfully achieved many positive changes in my life, and admitting what flaws within myself I needed to address was difficult in the beginning. I have learned that some people need to deal with change better, even if it is for the common good of everyone involved. Therefore, I have shortened my social circle to just my children and have never been happier. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is a stressor that is on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. Due to these circumstances alone, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the city bus and tending to my responsibilities. Taking my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and, most importantly, am doing my best to use my rational thinking to make logical choices. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester so I can devote my time and energy to being a full-time student and bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing for life's necessities and materialistic wants and needs for my children is only possible with the help of this scholarship. Since attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my educational goals through the help of your scholarship. When the time comes, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

I have successfully achieved many positive changes in my life, and admitting what flaws within myself I needed to address was difficult in the beginning. After making many positive changes, I have shortened my social circle to just my children and have never been happier. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors in my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I embrace life’s challenges and fulfill my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober. I have also proudly given up smoking cigarettes. Making changes was tough, period. Overcoming traumatic experiences and not repeating the mistakes that were made with me was tough because seeing what dysfunctional family dynamics needed to be changed and knowing that those changes had to begin with me was a lot to process because most behaviors are taught through observing your closest teachers, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even siblings. Standing up by making healthier changes and asking myself, ‘Have I had enough?’ is a question I had to face and figure out how to change and what I needed to change: and that was “EVERYTHING!” Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always stressful on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. Due to these circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the city bus and tending to my responsibilities. Taking my children on the bus presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and, most importantly, am logical and rational. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester to devote my time and energy to being a full-time student and bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Since attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your scholarship. Take care.

Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. I once had a passion for cross-country running during my early teenage years. I thrived on feeling free and being part of a team. Despite the competition from 180-200 other runners, I consistently ranked within the top five or ten. I went on morning runs on weekends, and I had a carefully crafted workout routine that I followed with dedication. I pursued this sport for two years. At age 13, I saw a television ad for Barbizon Modeling School holding auditions in Everett, Washington. I attended the audition, and I was incredibly nervous. Surprisingly, I was accepted into the school, where I dedicated myself to modeling for almost two years. I wish I had not been easily influenced when I was younger, but I am tired of living with regrets today. I don't take any credit from the strong women who helped raise me. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors of my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of 'Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.' Honoring their memory, I embrace life's challenges and tend to every one of my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have proudly given up smoking cigarettes, graduated from relapse prevention, am working on getting my license for the first time ever, and am regaining my children's trust and, most importantly, am mending our relationships and recreating a healthier foundation for our family. Making changes was tough, period. Overcoming traumatic experiences and not repeating the wrongs done to a person is tough. Most behaviors are taught through observing your closest teachers, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even siblings. Either way, standing up, making a change, and asking myself, ‘When is enough, enough?’ is a question I had to face and figure out how to change and what I needed to change: and that was EVERYTHING!” I have successfully achieved many positive changes in my life, and admitting what flaws within myself I needed to address was difficult in the beginning. I have learned that some people need to deal with change better, even if it is for the common good of everyone involved. So, I have shortened my social circle to just my children, and I have never been happier. I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe place for victims to go. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees so that I can make a difference in the lives of others when the time comes. Thank you for this opportunity. Take care.

I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. Growing up on an Indian Reservation as a bi-racially mixed African American/Native American female, I felt like people looked at me as an outsider and treated me differently due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses was incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding and learning my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge. Unfortunately, it took years to realize that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I have made mistakes, but I must forgive myself by learning from my past and not allowing it to taint my confidence to turn negatives into positives and no longer be chained to my past. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were the best mentors in my life. Each woman gave me valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values. They were strict about teaching me our cultural heritage ties of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I embrace life’s challenges and fulfill my responsibilities. Today, I am clean and sober. I have also proudly given up smoking cigarettes. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. I am dedicated to using my past challenges and hardships as opportunities to help others. Using that as fuel, never to go back to my old lifestyle. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my educational goals through the help of your scholarship. When the time comes, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of others. Take care.

I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is little room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Although I am starting over from square one, at least I have joint custody of my children and am thinking logically or rationally. With faith and hope in my higher power, I am clean and sober—I gave up cigarettes—and recently won joint custody of my children. In addition, I am in a home for women with children while applying for permanent housing. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree while attending classes at Northwest Indian College. Later, my long-term goal is to achieve my bachelor's degree in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Since 2011, I have buried nine of my closest family members. Grieving the loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed from COVID-19 and pneumonia. As I grew up, learning what my psychological barriers are, I did not realize I was subconsciously repeating some mistakes with my children that my mother had made with me. I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." After hitting my rock bottom, I had an epiphany. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of applying for scholarships. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. When the time comes, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of others. I will continue to be a part of the solution, not the issue- by turning negatives into positives. All my behaviors, suitable or destructive, affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home is at the top of my bucket list, so my family will have a house, no matter what. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I had gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am dealing with life on life's terms. Being able to sleep at night with peace of mind is a feeling I would not give up for anything or any reason. Today, I am facing life on my terms, embracing the beginning of a new life with faith, hope, humility, and prosperity guiding my way. Amen.

I am a single parent of four wonderful children. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. Navigating our daily challenges with our limited resources can take time and effort. The reality of living in a temporary shelter is always on my mind, and I am constantly worried about our belongings. With our circumstances, there is not much room for excitement. I start my day every morning by catching the bus and tending to my responsibilities. Accompanying my children on the bus route presents challenges, especially when my younger kids get sleepy and tired of walking. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Being able to sleep every night with peace of mind is rejuvenating. I know my children are safe, and we are breaking the cycles of toxicity of any sort. I do not have to wonder what they had for dinner, how their days went at school, or who is babysitting them. There are certain behaviors that each of my children expresses at times, showing me that nobody can love them as I do. There is not one person who can fill my shoes as their mother. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down barriers and resentments. I talk with my children alone and listen to their feelings or whatever is on their minds. Being clear-minded gave me hope and restored my faith in general. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have proudly given up smoking cigarettes and vaping. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. I am dedicated to using my past challenges and hardships as opportunities to help others. Using that as fuel, never to go back to my old lifestyle. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my educational goals through the help of your scholarship. When the time comes, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am doing my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Reflecting on the hardships of my past, I often refer to that period as “The Walk of Shame.” I remember reaching out to fast-food franchises, offering to pick up garbage in their parking lots in exchange for food or drink. It was a challenging time, and I credit Matthew for protecting me from the many dangers faced by women living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found our paths to recovery. Matthew has five days of recovery ahead of me, and as I contemplate our journey, I recognize the historical trauma that our ethnic community continues to grapple with. I remember my late mother’s words, “The teachings start at home.” Every day, I pose these questions to myself: 1) “How do I wish to be remembered by my loved ones?” 2) “What will my children miss about me?” 3) “When will I stop depriving my children of their mother?” and 4) “Do I recognize my worth?” Thank you for helping me pursue my educational goals and to begin making a difference in the lives of others.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were pivotal mentors in my life. Each passed on valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I proudly uphold our family name, confidently embrace life’s challenges, and fulfill my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am doing my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. I appreciate the chance to receive educational funding, and with your scholarship, I can provide for my family. Thank you.

While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. I am choosing a career that will positively impact Indian Country or any community I am a part of. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. I am dedicated to turning challenges into opportunities. Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am doing my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your scholarship. Take care.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were pivotal mentors in my life. Each passed on valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I proudly uphold our family name, confidently embrace life’s challenges, and fulfill my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am doing my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. I am choosing a career that will positively impact Indian Country or any community I am a part of; I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I want to remember the following text: “My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were pivotal mentors in my life. Each passed on valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I proudly uphold our family name, confidently embrace life’s challenges, and fulfill my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am trying my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I want to remember the following text: “My late beloved mother, aunt, and grandmother were pivotal mentors in my life. Each passed on valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of ‘Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality.’ Honoring their memory, I proudly uphold our family name, confidently embrace life’s challenges, and fulfill my responsibilities. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Reflecting on the hardships of my past, I often refer to that period as “The Walk of Shame.” I remember reaching out to fast-food franchises, offering to pick up garbage in their parking lots in exchange for food or drink. It was a challenging time, and I credit Matthew for protecting me from the many dangers faced by women living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found our paths to recovery. Matthew has five days of recovery ahead of me, and as I contemplate our journey, I recognize the historical trauma that our ethnic community continues to grapple with. I remember my late mother’s words, “The teachings start at home.” Every day, I pose these questions to myself: 1) “How do I wish to be remembered by my loved ones?” 2) “What will my children miss about me?” 3) “When will I stop depriving my children of their mother?” and 4) “Do I recognize my worth?” Soon, I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. I am steadfast in my dedication to turning challenges into opportunities. Thank you for considering my application for your educational financial support gift aid and for your support in making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you.

Upon realizing the importance of choosing a career that will positively impact Indian Country or any community I am a part of, I am wholeheartedly committed to obtaining my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. Soon, I will make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and experience. I am steadfast in my dedication to turning challenges into opportunities. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am navigating the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. Thank you for the opportunity to apply. Take care.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son, ages 16 to 7. I am doing my best to navigate the day-to-day challenges with our limited resources. The reality of living in a temporary shelter weighs heavily on me. I am constantly concerned about our belongings and always mindful of our situation, which does not leave room for excitement. I start my morning every day, catch the bus, and address my responsibilities. Taking my children with me on the bus route can be quite challenging, particularly when my younger kids get tired.” Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. “Dealing with life on life’s terms” is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. These qualifications will be essential tools that support individuals who have faced challenges or slipped through the system’s cracks. In the near future, I can make a significant positive difference with my knowledge, skills, and personal experience. I am steadfast in my dedication to turning challenges into opportunities. Thank you for considering my application for your educational financial support gift aid and for your support in making a difference in the lives of others. Take care.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. After deciding on a career path that will benefit everyone in Indian Country or any community I choose to serve, I am determined to earn my associate's and bachelor's degrees. These qualifications will be the certified tools to help individuals who have made unhealthy choices or have slipped through the system’s cracks. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience, I am confident that I can make a significant, positive impact in the near future. I am unwavering in my commitment to turning negatives into positives. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational financial support gift aid.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. After deciding on a career path that will benefit everyone in Indian Country or any community I choose to serve, I am determined to earn my associate's and bachelor's degrees. These qualifications will be the certified tools to help individuals who have made unhealthy choices or have slipped through the system’s cracks. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience, I am confident that I can make a significant, positive impact in the near future. I am unwavering in my commitment to turning negatives into positives. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational financial support gift aid. Take care.

Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. After deciding on a career path that will benefit everyone in Indian Country or any community I choose to serve, I am determined to earn my associate's and bachelor's degrees. These qualifications will be the certified tools to help individuals who have made unhealthy choices or have slipped through the system’s cracks. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience, I am confident that I can make a significant, positive impact in the near future. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational financial support gift aid. Take care.

I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Thank you for this educational scholarship opportunity. Take care.

Reflecting on the hardships of my past, I often refer to that period as "The Walk of Shame." I remember reaching out to fast-food franchises, offering to pick up garbage in their parking lots in exchange for food or drink. It was a challenging time, and I credit Matthew for protecting me from the many dangers faced by women living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found our paths to recovery. Matthew has five days of recovery ahead of me, and as I contemplate our journey, I recognize the historical trauma that our ethnic community continues to grapple with. I remember my late mother's words, "The teachings start at home." Every day, I pose these questions to myself: 1) "How do I wish to be remembered by my loved ones?" 2) "What will my children miss about me?" 3) "When will I stop depriving my children of their mother?" and 4) "Do I recognize my worth?" Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. After deciding on a career path that will benefit everyone in Indian Country or any community I choose to serve, I am determined to earn my associate's and bachelor's degrees. These qualifications will be the certified tools to help individuals who have made unhealthy choices or slipped through the system's cracks. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience, I am confident that I can make a significant, positive impact in the near future. I am unwavering in my commitment to turning negatives into positives. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational financial scholarship gift aid. Take care.

My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I believe the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. After deciding on a career path that will benefit everyone in Indian Country or any community I choose to serve, I am determined to earn my associate's and bachelor's degrees. These qualifications will be the certified tools to help individuals of ethnic origin who have been affected by unhealthy choices or have slipped through the cracks of the system. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience, I am confident that I can make a significant, positive impact in the near future. I am unwavering in my commitment to turning negatives into positives.

I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. Growing up as a bi-racially mixed Indigenous Native American/African American woman on an Indian Reservation, I faced the challenge of feeling like an outsider due to these factors alone. Since 2011, our family has experienced the loss of nine close family members. Dealing with these losses has been incredibly tough, with very little support. My mother passed away from congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Understanding my psychological barriers as I grew up was a challenge, and I later realized that I repeated some of the same mistakes my late mother made while raising me as a single parent. I was often told as a child, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I've made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look towards the future with confidence and resilience. My late beloved mother, along with my late auntie and grandmother, were instrumental mentors in my life. Each imparted valuable perspectives, inner strength, and interpersonal values rooted in our cultural heritage of "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality." By honoring their memory, I proudly carry our family name, confidently embracing life's challenges and fulfilling my responsibilities. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials. These qualifications have certified me in Advocacy or Tribal Law, a field in which I am confident and competent. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, providing security around the clock and male and female counselors on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Thank you for this educational scholarship opportunity. Take care.

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid.

I am bi-racially mixed, so I can relate to and see firsthand how slavery has impacted African Americans, how the boarding school era has traumatized our Native American ancestors, and how this has negatively affected people in Indian Country due to what our elders had endured during the late 1800's until the early 1900s. Hearing stories and watching movies does not compare to the heartbreak the old people went through way back when!! Today, I study my family dynamics. For example, why did I do some of the actions I spontaneously chose to do without even thinking of any repercussions, or why did some of my family members normalize certain behaviors that I knew deep down were wrong? My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes but must forgive myself and look to the future. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem.

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship.

While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. I push myself every single day to prove to my children that it is never too late, until your time is done on earth. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid. Take care.

Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. Soon, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Remembering the hardships are the chapters of my life I call "The Walk of Shame." I asked fast-food franchises if I could pick up garbage in their parking lot in exchange for something to eat or drink. I might not have made it through that part of my life if it had not been for Matthew. He protected me from many dangers women face while living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found recovery together. Matthew has five days ahead of me. Now that I reflect, I feel historical genocide is a trauma our Ethnic people are trying to recover from as a whole. My late mother used to say, "The teachings start at home." I ask myself: 1)"How do I want to be remembered by my loved ones?" 2)"What will my children miss about me?” 3:)“When am I going to quit robbing my children of having their mother?”, and 4:) “Do I know my worth?”-All of these questions I think of daily. After deciding which career path will benefit everyone and anyone I will someday help, I will make an influential difference.

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. After deciding which career path will be beneficial for everyone in Indian Country, or wherever I choose to be, earning my associate degree and then my bachelor's degree is going to be the certified tools to help others of ethnic origin who are in the system by unhealthy choices or somehow slipped through the cracks or get shuffled through the system somehow. My knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience will make an influential difference someday soon. I will continue to turn negatives into positives. I appreciate you taking time away from your day to read my essay. May “The Force be with you!”

Since 2011, I have buried nine of my closest family members. Grieving the loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed from COVID-19 and pneumonia. As I grew up, learning what my psychological barriers are, I did not realize I was subconsciously repeating some mistakes with my children that my mother had made with me. I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." After hitting my rock bottom, I had an epiphany. With keeping faith and hope in my higher power, I am clean and sober-gave up cigarettes, and recently won joint custody of my children in a home for women with children applying for permanent housing. I have 38 credits toward my associate's degree while attending classes at Northwest Indian College. Later, my long-term goal is to achieve my bachelor's degree in Advocacy or Tribal Law. I see myself as a part of the solution, not the issue- by turning negatives into positives. All of my favorites or bad affect and reflect on my children. Buying a home for my family is at the top of my bucket list, so my family will have a home no matter what. I do not want any of my children to experience the struggles I'd gone through due to being homeless. Today, I am dealing with life on life's terms. Also, having peace of mind is a feeling I would not give up for anything or any reason. Cheers to a new beginning of life. Amen.

Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes but must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Remembering the hardships are the chapters of my life I call "The Walk of Shame." I asked fast-food franchises if I could pick up garbage in their parking lot in exchange for something to eat or drink. I might not have made it through that part of my life if it had not been for Matthew. He protected me from many dangers women face while living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found recovery together. Matthew has five days ahead of me. Now that I reflect, I feel historical genocide is a trauma our Ethnic people are trying to recover from as a whole. My late mother used to say, "The teachings start at home." I ask myself: 1)"How do I want to be remembered by my loved ones?" 2)"What will my children miss about me?” 3:)“When am I going to quit robbing my children of having their mother?”, and 4:) “Do I know my worth?”-All of these questions I think of daily. After deciding which career path will be beneficial for everyone in Indian Country, or wherever I choose to be, earning my associate degree and then my bachelor's degree are going to be the certified tools to help others of ethnic origin who are in the system by unhealthy choices, or somehow slipped through the cracks or get shuffled through the system somehow. My knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience will make an influential difference someday soon. I will continue to turn negatives into positives. I appreciate you taking time away from your day to read my essay. May “The Force be with you!”

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes but must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for your educational gift aid funding for struggling people in many ways and aspects. Take care.

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals reminds me to keep proving that I am turning negatives into positives. My children and I are breaking down and overcoming personal barriers and resentments. In the near future, I will empower generations behind me by showing everyone I am living proof that people can turn their lives around. "Dealing with life on life's terms" is an NA/AA slogan I keep in mind as a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery by continuing to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Remembering the hardships are the chapters of my life I call "The Walk of Shame." I asked fast-food franchises if I could pick up garbage in their parking lot in exchange for something to eat or drink. I might not have made it through that part of my life if it had not been for Matthew. He protected me from many dangers women face while living on the streets. Miraculously, we both found recovery together. Matthew has five days ahead of me. Now that I reflect, I feel historical genocide is a trauma our Ethnic people are trying to recover from as a whole. My late mother used to say, "The teachings start at home." I ask myself: 1)"How do I want to be remembered by my loved ones?" 2)"What will my children miss about me?” 3:)“When am I going to quit robbing my children of having their mother?”, and 4:) “Do I know my worth?”-All of these questions I think of daily. After deciding which career path will be beneficial for everyone in Indian Country, or wherever I choose to be, earning my associate degree and then my bachelor's degree is going to be the certified tools to help others of ethnic origin who are in the system by unhealthy choices or somehow slipped through the cracks or get shuffled through the system somehow. My knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience will make an influential difference someday soon. I will continue to turn negatives into positives. I appreciate you taking time away from your day to read my essay. May “The Force be with you!”

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid. Take care.

While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but I must forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required courses to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Thank you for allowing me to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid. Take care.

I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but it is time to forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required classes to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid. Take care.

My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but it is time to forgive myself and look to the future. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required classes to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for your educational scholarship gift aid. Take care.

While attending classes at Northwest Indian College, I earned 38 credits toward my associate’s degree as a General Direct Transfer–while taking all the required classes to earn my educational credentials, which say I am qualified in Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. Later on in the future, my long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims, have security around the clock, and have a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I genuinely feel the crime rate for rape will decrease significantly after the community sees there is a safe haven for victims. Fall classes begin in September. Until then, I have been looking for temporary work while preparing for this upcoming semester. I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be educationally. Applying for scholarships and grants is necessary to avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay. Providing materialistic wants and needs for my children is not possible without the help of this scholarship. While growing up on an Indian Reservation and being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I had always felt like an outsider who did not fit in due to those factors alone. Since 2011, our family buried nine close family members of mine. Grief and the loss of several loved ones were tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother until she passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia. While growing up, learning what my psychological barriers are was not easy, realizing I had made some of the mistakes my late mother made with me while raising me as a single parent. As a child, I remember being told, "I did not come with a book of instructions." I made mistakes, but it is time to forgive myself and look to the future. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single parent. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my vital sources of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are "Shaker Faith and Longhouse Spirituality" and are passed on orally from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am no longer tarnishing our last name while facing life and handling my responsibilities. I am a single parent of four beautiful children of my own. I have three daughters and a son—oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I am doing my best to make it day-to-day with what little we have, and I recently found a better place to live/stay. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” I worry daily about our valuable belongings while trying to mind my "P's and Q's," so I am not excited for any reason. I wake up daily, catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger kiddoes’ get tired of walking. With my knowledge, skills, and hands-on personal experience will make an influential difference someday soon. I will continue to turn negatives into positives.

Being a bi-racially mixed; Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I always felt like an outsider, and did not fit in, due to these factors alone. Since 2011, I buried nine of my closest family members’. Grief and loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother, until she passed away from co-vid, and pneumonia. While growing up; learning what my psychological barriers are, wasn’t easy-realizing I had been making the same mistakes with my children, my late mother made with me. As a child, I remember being told, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” I made mistakes, but I do not have to allow my mistakes to make me-the real me. My late beloved mother tried the best she could, to raise me as a single mother. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother were my strongest source of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives on life; while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are “Shaker Faith, and Longhouse Spirituality,” which are passed on orally, from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am facing life, while handling every one of my responsibilities, and not disgracing our last name-while remembering our family moral values, and making my children happy, are priority number one. Today, I too; am a single mother of four beautiful children, of my own. I have three daughters’, and a son. Oldest to youngest: 16, 15, 11, and 7. I’m doing the best I can, to make it day-to-day, with what little we have. The struggles of living in a temporary shelter are “REAL.” Worrying, day to day about our valuable belongings; I try to mind my “P’s and Q’s,” so I am not exited for any reason-in particular. I wake up every day-catch the bus, and tackle my daily tasks at hand. Lugging my children around with me on the bus route, can be extremely difficult, especially when my younger ones get tired of walking. I’m a freshman student at Northwest Indian College, and have earned 38 credits so far towards my associate’s degree, as General Direct Transfer–taking all the required classes to earn my educational credentials that say I am qualified; in either Advocacy or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. In time, I’m going to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims-have security around the clock-and a male and female counselor on standby-24/7. I truly feel the crime rate for rape would decrease significantly, after the community sees there’s a safe haven for victims’. Just knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals- shows every one of my children; that- yes, people make mistakes, but I do not have to allow my mistakes to make me-the real me. I feel we are starting to overcome any personal barriers, and or resentments. Leading by example, I will empower generations coming up behind me, someday. Now, I understand the NA/AA slogan “Dealing with life on life’s terms.” This is a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery, while being a part of the solution and not the problem. After deciding which career path will be beneficial for everyone, earning my associate degree, then my bachelor’s degree, are the certifiable tools to helping other’s of ethnic origin-who are in the system by unhealthy choices-or somehow slipped through the cracks; or get shuffled through system somehow.

Being a bi-racially mixed, Indigenous Native American/African American woman, I always felt like an outsider, who did not fit in, due to these factors alone. Since 2011, I buried nine of my closest family members’. Grief and loss of several loved ones was tough to get through, with very little support. My beloved mother died of congestive heart failure, and I took care of my grandmother, until she passed away from co-vid, and pneumonia. While growing up, I remember being told, “I did not come with a book of instructions.” learning what my psychological barriers are, wasn’t easy-realizing I had been making the same mistakes with my children, my late mother made with me. I made mistakes, but, I do not have to allow my mistakes to make me-the real me. My late beloved mother tried the best she could to raise me as a single mother. My late mother, auntie, and grandmother-were my strongest source of motivational-influential mentors’. All three women gave me different perspectives on life; while instilling their inner beauty, strengths, and interpersonal values. Our cultural ties are “Shaker Faith, and Longhouse Spirituality,” which are passed on orally, from generation to generation. By honoring their memory, I am not disgracing our last name-while remembering our family moral values, and making my children happy; are priority number one. When fall classes begin in September, I will devote my time and energy to being a full-time student, to bring my GPA back to my ideal mindset of where I should be at, educational wise. I feel that applying for scholarships and grants are very necessary, to avoid costly student loans, that could take me years to repay. Providing materialistic needs and wants for my children, is impossible-without the help of your scholarship. So far, I’ve earned 38 credits toward my associates’ degree, as General Direct Transfer–taking all the required classes to earn my educational credentials that say I’m qualified, in either Advocacy, or Tribal Law. Next semester, I will decide on which career path to choose. In time, I’m going to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims-have security around the clock-and a male and female counselor on standby, 24/7. I truly feel the crime rate for rape would decrease significantly, after the community knows that there’s a safe haven for victims’. Just knowing my children are watching me pursue my educational goals- shows every one of my children; we will overcome any barriers, or resentments-together. Plus, me leading by example, I will empower generations coming up behind me. Now, I understand the NA/AA slogan “Dealing with life on life’s terms.” This is a constant reminder to stay motivated in my recovery; while being a part of the solution, instead of the problem. After deciding which career path will be beneficial for everyone in Indian Country, or wherever I decide to be; earning my associate degree, then my bachelor’s degree-are thee certified tools to helping other’s of ethnic origin-who are in the system; by unhealthy choices-or somehow slipped through the cracks; or get shuffled through system, somehow. With my knowledge, skills and hands-on personal experience; I will make an influential difference, someday. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal essay, and may “The Force be with you!”

By being a part of the solution, instead of the problem, I plan to earn thee educational credentials, that say I am more than qualified to help make an influential difference. I feel that a huge issue in society today, is family dynamics, and rape. I have accomplished earning 38 credits towards my associates degree, so far. After I obtain my bachelor's degree, in either Advocacy or Tribal Law, I am going to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. Having a male and female counselor on standby, 24/7, and security around the clock, and of course, a gated community area. Rape is a crime that does always get reported, due to shame, or fear. All the factors of trauma after rape, is damaging to a person; spiritually, mentally, physically, and even sexually. Childhood trauma, is damaging to the core of a person. Being able to help victims, and showing the community that there is a place close-by for victims, that the crime rate for rape would decrease significantly. The statistic rates of rapes going unreported, are crucial, to the permanent effects of a person's psyche. Being a survivor myself, and seeing the injustice, is what is driving me to help other's that are stuck in poverty stricken level, in society. I have four children, that I am sharing custody of, with their father. Going to school full-time, needs to be my main focus, and not figuring out how I am going to feed us, day to day, or provide their needs and wants. Overcoming my own barriers are showing society, by example, that yes, I made mistakes, but I do not have to allow my mistakes, to make me. The real me. Being able to win scholarships, is going to show my teenage children, that pursuing their education, is important. While applying for scholarships, can be a full-time job, the fruits of the labor will pay off after my kids see me winning scholarships. I hope they follow in my footsteps and pursue their dream job goals. I have three daughter's and one son, ages are; 16, 15, 11, and 7. Right now, they are watching every single move I make, whether it is negative or positive, subconsciously, kids pick up on what example their parents' set for them. I am very proud to say that, today I am clean and sober, and am dealing with life on life's terms. By the goodness gracious of my higher power, I made many changes, and have come too far, too go backwards. Thank you, for taking the time to read a little bit about my life, and dream goals. Take care.

I believe the power is in the power, and knowledge is power. To become a part of the solution, instead of the problem, I need to earn whatever educational credentials that say I am qualified to make an influential difference. A major epidemic is drug abuse, that has had negative impacts justice system, crime rates skyrocketed, while dysfunctions of all sorts are being created, and are at a all time high and affecting many people. These dynamics are bringing our community in a uproar, and asking each other how we can help one another, and their families are suffering also, not to mention that are probably at loss for words, too... on how to help someone that is severely struggling. I know, that once I earn my educational credentials on paper, that say I am more than qualified to make an influential difference, all together, I plan to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. Having a male and a female counselor, on standby 24/7, and have positive affirmations all over the walls, to show the public, that this place is a safe haven, and will help teach people that do not know any other way to live, that recreating a healthier foundation, to ground themselves, by changing, can actually happen. I feel college teaches us how to use our manners, and interact with one another, despite your skin color, or religious beliefs, etc., while reminding myself how to conduct myself in the real world, and not become lazy, or stagnant. After I earn my associates degree, I am going to pursue my bachelor's degree. So far, I earned 38 credits towards my associate degree, with that, I am proud to say, I am about half way there. What is very important, and at the top of my priority list, is to make sure my kids' needs and wants, are met. By focusing on schoolwork ONLY, I need to make sure we are financially alright, and I am not going to need to worry about how I am going to feed them, every single day. Or wondering who I can borrow toilet paper, or miscellaneous household items from. Those are favors I just do not want to be asking of, from other people. I know that I have the mental capacity to handle whatever issues arises, I just need to keep believing in myself, and never doubt my true potential.

Since I was about twelve years old, my late beloved mother, and my aunt was persistent on making me learn to cook for ceremonial gatherings, cooking and prepping enough food to feed up too 200-300 people, just the three of us. As I grew older, I began to enjoy the accomplished feeling of taking care of so many people, at one time. I have always had compassion, and empathy for others, even a little too much, at times. What's mine is yours, and many people took advantage of that, for some reason, some people would mistake my kindness for weakness. It took me several years, to find my balance, and be able to say no, without being rude, while getting my point straight across. I have a pretty good understanding of what it is like to struggle. I have been homeless, and have struggled badly, at one point in my life. So, being able to show society, that if I can overcome being poverty stricken, so can anyone else, who truly wants to change their lives. To stay on track, my short-term goals are to continue pursuing my associates degree, and then after obtaining that goal, furthering my education and getting my bachelor's degree, in either Tribal Law, or Advocacy. Giving this choice a semester, before I make my final decision. Either way, I know I am going to make an influential difference. Someday, I hope to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. The ideal plan, is to have a male and a female counselor on standby 24/7, security around the clock, and keep the area a gated community. I truly believe if people near and far knew there was a foundation specialized just for rape victims, that would decrease the crime rate, significantly. Especially, since so many rapes go unreported. That would definitely change a lot. Being a single parent of four children, the one issue I always worry about is vulnerability, and I believe that children and elders are prone to be targeted, because of that reason, alone. My daughter has a big heart for people, also. I am motivated to show her how things are going to be, political wise, and I know that I am going to recreate a healthier foundation, and break the cycles, of dysfunctional family dynamics, that I know I am the on, chosen by the creator, to make the changes, and later on, my other family members will follow, I have to keep faith and hope. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read my short essay.

For some reason, I chose to learn a lot of trials and errors, the hard way, at one point in my life. I have experienced tremendous grief and loss, burying nine of my closest relatives, all within a time span of 11 years, also what made this horrific, is that they all died to different tragic losses. After losing my late beloved mother, and grandmother, also, I ended up homeless for several years, while falling into a deep depression, that I almost was not able to pull myself out of. I have slept outside in boxes, that I grabbed from recycle bins, too keep from freezing, during the wintertime. Around then, I would ask gas stations, or fast-food franchises, if I could pick up garbage in their parking lot, or take out the bags of trash for something, anything, to eat and drink, in exchange for helping clean. That is the time of my life I call the, "Walk of shame." Today, I can talk about this, because this almost killed me. I am still breathing. I gave up drugs and alcohol to mask the internal pains, even quit smoking cigarettes, I do not even vape. Not since 02/18/2024. I am very amazed with the leaps of faith I poured myself into, and look where I am at today? I have a roof over my head, just got awarded joint custody of my children, their father and I share custody, and am working on getting my license, for the very first time ever. So far, I managed to earn 38 credits towards my associates degree, so far. After I achieve my educational goals, I am going to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. I truly believe that once people in the community are aware there is a safe haven for rape victims, that is going to decrease the crime rate, for this particular crime, significantly. I feel like thee root to this epidemic is stemmed from historical trauma, nationwide. Today, we are all trying to deal with the issues of trauma, PTSD, childhood abuse, list goes on an on. I truly believe I am going to make an influential difference, among others, in general, while being a part of the solution, instead of the problem. I feel that having Philately as a hobby, would help others learn about different regions of the world, while getting to explore and get a visualization of what it may be like to explore the world, and travel. My late mother use to tell me, to spread my wings, and go explore the world. Well, that would be a healthy hobby to have, anyways.

Before my late grandmother passed away December 27th, 2021, she had fallen down after using the restroom, one afternoon, and broke her hip. She was 85 when she passed away, so to see her completely helpless, was the most toughest thing, to watch someone who was one of my favorite people, and she had always been super independent, go from being able to take care of herself, to having to count on her loved ones, like myself, that she did not have to pay all the time, to be there for her. I used to get angry, when I would see my other little cousins just walk by her room, as if she was not even there. I loved listening to her stories, she was so funny. She had a really good sense of humor. But, when she got mad, boy, watch out. And that is what it was, for some reason they tried to say they were afraid of her. Well quit stealing from her, and thinking she was illiterate. Too much information, but to this day, I am still angry about that. Anyway, I moved in after she fractured her hip. Watching how it broke her down mentally, emotionally, to have to wear diapers, and rely on me or whoever else to help her when I was not there, was awful. It hurts my heart as I write about it. She would cry. And I would never look at her with pity, I felt helpless, for her. It humiliated her to have to have someone else clean her bottom, after she soiled her pants, or changing her bed linen everyday, and her constantly apologizing. I loved her unconditionally, I do not understand why she always apologized, because I would give anything to have her back in my life. That is what happens when a person gets old, they cannot take care of themselves like she used to, and that changed completely is what killed her, not to mention, being broken-hearted. She was struggling with a lot of grief and loss. In 2011, we buried five of our closest family members; two of her daughters, and one son, and two grandchildren, all to different reasons of dying. From congestive heart failure, cancer, car wreck, and overdose. Oh, did I mention, that my late beloved mother was the one who passed on from congestive heart failure. So, my grandmother and I used to cry together, a lot. And, now that they are all gone, I have finally pulled myself together enough to get joint custody back of my children, and am earning my associates degree. So far, I have 38 credits, and counting. I am going to live on hanging on to the greatest memories of all of them, while living, thriving, and teaching my children that, yes, people make mistakes, but you do not have to let the mistakes, make you. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. Take care.

I accept my children for who they are. My daughters and my son, they are a part of me. There is no way I can get angry for the life that they choose to live. Now I understand why my late beloved mother used to get so angry by some of the choices I have made, in the past. I can wish to convince them, but every one of my children's personalities are different. I have this really good friend, he is a biologically a man, who had always knew that he wanted to be a woman. I know, throughout the years, my friend has been put through turmoil, just for being himself, or herself. At the point in time, it did not matter, people can be very judgmental and mean. My late mother always taught me, to not make fun of people for who they are, some people cannot help themselves. Ever since I was like three or four years old, so I always remembered that, and that must have stuck in the back of my mind, now that I think back, because I always hung around people that was considered different. Maybe, I could have been just like how he or she was, either way, I related. Humility, humbleness, strong and fighters are what come to my mind about two-spirited individuals. Everybody is different. Some people does not accept change too well, though, but what else is there to say? I have seen children experiment, sad to say, sexually, due to being sexually molested. Many lesbians that I have got to know, were sexually abused, and did not want to be looked at as "Eye candy," or anything else, from any man, whatsoever. Just the thought of being with a man, made her sick to her stomach. I feel it is childhood trauma that was too extreme for her too process, some may never want to reflect on their past, to change their futures. Some have tried, unfortunately, I learned they opened up to someone that was not qualified to give them helpful advice, and made their situation worse, or just shut that part of their life out of their thought process, completely. Everybody around the world, that is experiencing trauma, PTSD, childhood trauma, etc., is all from the aftermath of historical genocide. Slavery, boarding school era, the list goes on. Today, we are all trying to figure out how to all accept one another, and accept the past for it is what it is. But that does not have to be us, today.

Being able to help others, especially having experience with past issues with psychosis breakdowns, and feeling like I was going to lose my senses of being in touch with reality, completely, has brought me closer to my creator today, and thanking my lucky stars, and counting all of my blessings for the miracle of being able to pull myself out of mental horror. 24/7 mental horror. That never went away, and at one point, I was very suicidal, because I felt like that was the only way out of that situation. Fast forward to present day. I am enrolled in college classes, have 38 credits toward my associates degree, and am focusing on making sure that I do not leave my children homeless. The top priority on my bucket list is to buy, or build a home for my family and myself, that we can say is, "Ours," is extremely important for me to make sure that my cubs always have a home that they can go back to, if they ever needed to, when I am gone.

The gory details of when I was in active addiction, was shameful. And society had no issue making it known that I was either less than, or just no good. Grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, and whatever else that comes to mind, was my excuse to continue using to numb my thoughts, and feelings of pain, that I was not used to feeling no more, because I had forgotten what it was like to FEEL, so to speak. Today, I am no longer digging in recycle bins to find boxes to sleep in, to keep from freezing to death, or asking fast-food franchises or gas stations if I can sweep their parking lots or clean up the garbage or take the garbage out of trash cans, in exchange for something/anything to eat and drink. I was going to inpatient treatment, but by the goodness gracious of my higher power, I ended up in jail instead. This time, I did not have anything easy, and every single day was terror, it had felt like. After I got out, I have stayed clean and sober, and even gave up cigarettes. Today, I am not court ordered to do anything like DOC, drug court or probation. I am focusing on getting my license for the very first time in my life, and my children are beginning to trust me again. I have filed for a revised parenting plan and am taking their father to court for joint custody, and on the 26th, is going to be our third court appearance. I have copies of my UA's, am seeing a mental health profession, and am attending AA/NA meetings like five times a week, and have enrolled back in college classes, for fall quarter. I have 38 credits towards my associates degree and was not going to enroll back in school this time, until I knew I was ready. I am going to help make an influential difference, by continuing to be a part of the solution today, instead of the problem, by starting a nonprofit organization for rape victims. My plan, realistically, is to have a male and a female counselor on standby 24/7, have a protected, gated little community, and security around the clock, and positive affirmations all over. I feel that...I believe that I am right where I need to be at, and that I am working through my inner issues, and traumas.

Everything that has happened in my life, has a purpose or a lesson behind each and every hardship that I have faced, and endured. Today, I am no longer fighting my true destined path. I am clean and sober. Have even given up smoking cigarettes, and vaping, all by the grace of belief in my higher power. Many, many things have changed in my life since then, but that meant I had to change EVERYTHING. And this choice I made, was more than okay with me. I have lived on the streets, digging in the recycle bin for cardboard boxes, during the wintertime, to keep from freezing to death in the night. To survive, I used to ask certain gas stations or fast-food franchises, if I could pick up garbage in their parking lot, or empty the garbage cans, in exchange for food and something to drink. Some places agreed, others turned me away, I call that time in my life, "The walk of shame." Since 2011, my family and I, buried nine of my closest relatives, to include my late beloved mother Kathleen, my grandma Geraldine, and my auntie Mae, whom were my influential mentors' and who had instilled my greatest interpersonal values in me. After all of my peoples passed on, I was left homeless, forced to move out of our home, and completely grief stricken. I was already separated from my children's father at the time, so he ended up winning physical custody, until recently. I was going to go to inpatient treatment, and by the gracious goodness of my higher power, I landed in jail for two months, and could have bailed myself out, but did not have anybody I could trust to release my money to, Talk about a wake-up call. After being tested left and right, I decided I needed to remember this time, and that if I did not change my ways, then my children are going to lose their mother, and then what? How am I going to remembered by my children? That hit too close to home, especially experiencing so much grief and loss, one day your here, and then you're gone. Since I was released, I enrolled back in college classes at NWIC, and have 38 credits toward my associates degree, and am going to get my degree before I am 41. My short-term goals, and long-term goals are my focus, and most importantly, today, I am counting all of my blessings, and no longer just barely existing, or taken life for granted anymore. I am studying for my license, am not court ordered to do anything; meaning that I am not on DOC, or drug court, or probation, I do not have any legal entanglements holding me back. I am living in a home for women with children, and voluntarily take UA's and am assuring my kids, that I am living life on life's terms today, and that I am okay. Whatever life blows at my path, I am facing with my feet grounded and hanging on to life, and like I said, I am counting my blessings. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my short essay.

I have learned that, listing my major in sciences, help open a ride range variety of many more options, in general. I am going for my educational credentials in Advocacy, or Tribal Law, giving this another semester to weigh out my options, and making my final decision. I am going to make and influential difference in either field of study, due to my hands-on experience, compassion, and empathy for other individual human beings. Growing up in, "Indian Country," was rough as a child, because I am bi-racially mixed, so I was always treated more like an outsider, and casted out, all through grade school, it grew into a complex issue for me, I truly believe, to this very day. When the time comes, I am going to start a nonprofit organization for rape victims. Have a male, and female counselor on standby, security around the clock, gated protected environment for the victims, and positive affirmations all over. I believe that will decrease the crime rate in this issue, in particular, because so many rapes go unreported, but if people knew there was a close safe haven for everyone, and anyone in a dangerous situation, the predator would hopefully think twice. Historical genocide is the aftermath that has affected our people today. Real talk. I honestly believe, change is not all going to happen at once, and I realistically know that. But one issue at a time. And in some cases, nothing changes until I change. And I did, I changed EVERYTHING! Today, I am no longer polluting myself with nicotine, or other chemicals. Am not court ordered or running from the law, in any way. Am 38 credits in towards earning my associates degree. Then, after I make that goal happen, I am going to keep furthering my education and earn my bachelor's degree, and from there, that is when my career journey begins. Change is not always a bad thing. I noticed a lot of people are afraid of change, or avoid the topic at all cost. If I did not accept life on life's terms, I was going to die. That is when I realized that enough is enough, how do I want my children to remember me, when my time is up and I meet my creator? How do I want people that care about me to remember me, and what do I want to be remembered for? Good or bad? I am enjoying life, I feel like there is no more time to waste, I am done. I am just, "Done." I cannot argue anymore, I cannot stay angry anymore, it is time to let go of my past, the past is behind me. I had to stop looking back, because there was nothing good there for me, or especially my children.

May the one's who had the most positive influential impact on my life, Rest in Peace! Especially knowing that, each of them as my guardian angel's can be at ease, knowing I am back on the destined path. Growing up, I was on the poor side, when it came to wealth. On the other hand, I had unconditional love, and a big family, and which we all looked out for one another. Things are definitely not the same without all of them alive today. Since 2011, I lost nine of my closest relatives to numerous reasons. From a heart attack, car wreck, congestive heart failure, co-vid, cancer, overdose, and liver failure. My late beloved mother Kathleen, my grandmother Geraldine aka "Gamma," and auntie Mae, were my most valued and favorite people in my world, until I had children. They showed me what unconditional love truly was. Whenever my auntie and my mom would argue, the same evening, or the next day, she would come over to our house, walk in the side door, and throw a package of meat on the table. My mom never did get mad or say anything to her, if they were still mad at each other at the time, then they just stayed away from one another. That is a great example of how family should be towards one another, and life is too short. Tomorrow is not guaranteed or promised to anybody, for the most part. My auntie and mom used to work at the casino together as table games dealers, my mom was the, "House dealer," and usually my auntie was the one dumping, meaning she always paid the table, they worked the same shift, same days off, and on their days off, we all were always together. Her daughter and I, grew up like sisters. As tired as they would be, after working graveyard shifts, when they knew I had a track meet, they were always there, cause in Junior High School I ran cross country, the mile race. Well, no matter how short amount of time they had, they always supported me, and shown me that they wanted better for me. Even though my late mother did not know how to talk to me and connect with me in that way, she was there, as much as she could be. Those are memories I hold onto today, and do not forget where I came from, or forget who was there for me to help me get to where I am beginning at right now. I am going to honor them, by no longer wishing any of them back, and living on in a way I know they want for my family and myself. I am the oldest grandchild now, by default, either way, in many shapes and forms, it is just time for me to step up. Rising above, everyday. No longer looking back, I reflect, but I do not let my thought process get stuck there, anymore. Thank you for your time, while reading this short essay.

Knowledge is power! The more educated a person is, the less likely they are to be taken advantage of, not just by other people, but by the system also. Today, living in a poverty stricken environment is tough, I am not going to say that I know what it is like over in another country, but to I get the basics. I feel that, education plays a huge role as to why some places in the world are poorer than other areas. The sad part, is from personal experience, not many people deal with change too well, whether it is a positive change or a negative one, it does not matter. I understand the phrase, "Dammed if you do, and dammed if you don't." Because civilians as a whole community, creates political point of views, and I do not want to get started on that subject. Although, once a situation has been impacted negatively, it truly becomes like a "Norm," for some people, and then others are, "Go with the flow," and then some others just, "Fight or flight." There are many different outlooks on this, but that is my opinion, and the sad part of this, is that society adapts to the madness. On the other hand, living off the land, and our ancestors were super wise and intelligent. Our ancestors knew how to cure modern day sicknesses today, that some experts are still guinea pigging to make new discoveries to cure different sicknesses, that can actually just make a person more unhealthier, in certain situations. The power is in the pen. What most issues come down to, is that knowledge is power. I cannot emphasize that enough. The way the old people used to live was so simple, before my time, and yours too, maybe. Years and years ago, our ancestors could survive of the lands, with no problem. They would hunt wild game, or fish, and cook the animals over a burning fire, our ancestors knew how to make clothing, baskets, bowls, etc. All kinds of crafty items, that I reflect back and wonder, how did they make those creative bowls, or clothes? How did they know to make drums, or paint? All these questions have went through my mind, and I thought that our old people were so spiritually in tune, and balanced emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and physically. Our old people were very wise, then historical genocide changed many ethnicities, nationwide. Sad to say, I truly believe that our struggles, and some issues come from all aftermath of historical genocide.

At one time in my life, I wanted to die. I felt empty, hollow, like I was barely existing. A stiff breeze could knock me over. 70-80% of the time, I was miserable, if I felt "Well," or was dope sick, either way my life was trash, my reputation was trashed, people did not treat me with respect, and I allowed that, because I felt like I was not worthy of happiness. I became numb, and when I did feel guilt, or remorse, I would push thoughts out of my mind, like, "Nope, do not want to feel, I cannot feel this." Okay, let's get some more. That is how I was, but no matter how much I tried to smoke myself incompetent, that never did work. I slept on the streets, and had to find cardboard boxes every night, to keep myself from freezing, while sleeping in alleys, or bushes, or in front of a store that I knew had cameras, so if anything happened to me, that my disappearance would not be left a mystery. I have stood on the side of highways, "Flying a sign." Have asked gas stations, or fast-food franchises, if I could pick up garbage in their parking lots, or take out the garbage in the garbage cans, in return for food or something to drink. That is the walk of shame era. It truly was, and at the same time it was humbling, not to judge, or make fun of people, because of how dirty one person looks, and so on and so forth. I would manage to get clean and sober, by the grace of my higher power, I have stayed clean and sober three times before this time. The last times, I would do well. Would accumulate a vehicle, miscellaneous belongings, etc. and, BAM! Maybe I looked for reasons in the past to relapse, that question is still a mystery to myself. But I do know that this last time I got clean and sober, I tried to get myself into inpatient treatment, and for some reason, I ended up in jail. That was my higher power making me remember how much I suffered this time. I could not hold down any food, and liquid, was not able to get out of bed, and was puking in my bin for a few days. I had an epiphany. I have voluntarily thrown myself into the NA/AA program, and quit smoking cigarettes, am not court ordered to do anything, am not on probation or DOC, or whatever else. Now, I am going for my driver's license, am warrant free, and am no longer just existing, or an absent parent, or there or not there. Today, I am patient, not expecting instant gratification, or on some pink cloud, of some sort. I understand that the work I put into what I am striving to accomplish, will match the effort that I put into whatever I strive to achieve.

Living life on life's terms, was a slogan I did not understand until recently. I feel that everyone is different, not the same thing that worked for this person, is going to work for the next. I do not know how to not feel compassion, or empathy to a homeless person I come across that is flying a sign. I used to be one of those. For whatever reasons, by the goodness gracious of my higher power, I had a breakthrough. Slept in boxes, in the winter time, to keep from freezing to death, have asked gas stations, and fast food corporations if I could earn food, or something to drink, by picking up garbage in the parking lot. Yes, that time of my life, was part of, "My walk of shame." Today, I have gave up smoking cigarettes, go to NA/AA meetings about five times a week, I introduce myself and say my DOC is, "Uppers/downers/all-arounders." Because it was, and I know that I have never felt like their is a pink cloud, or this and that and whatever. I just know, that dying, that way, is not my path, anymore. Nor does it have to be. Yes, I have made mistakes, but I do not have to let the mistakes, make me who I am, while choosing to be a part of the solution, instead of the problem.

As a child, from a knee high to a grasshopper, I was always taught, that when I am at a ceremonial and or spiritual gathering, to be seen, and not heard. "Your not going to learn, if you do not keep your mouth shut, and ears open." Was a phrase that my beloved grandmother, and my late mother used to say to me. Our teachings have been passed down orally, from generation, to generation. Every since the first time that I remember, of going to a spiritual ceremony, and just being there, the feeling of hearing other peoples songs', and seeing them dance, was powerful. One of our teachings is, that Longhouse, is not for everybody. It is a hard life, but it is a good life. You take care of it, and it will take care of you. Some things changed, it is nowhere near like things used to be when I was a kid, in the late 80's. I am a firm believer in spirituality, all together. Every ethnicity has a different belief systems, pertaining to origin and beliefs, most of them are similar. Just worded a little bit differently. Having faith, a tiny as a mustard seed, is something I always heard. Also, walking that fine line, putting one foot in front of the other, because people are going to test you, and I never understood what that quite meant, until recently. Praying for the spirit to take pity on me, and being initiated, is a blessing. When that happens, you are what some say "Are reborn again." Learning everything all over again. Pow-Wows are not just a song and a dance. There is a reason for everything, and as to what the meanings are behind every teaching the ones that are helping you into this life, and why they tell you that you have to do things a certain way. I grew up watching people become initiated in the Longhouse... Learned about stickgame, or what Tulalip Tribal members call "Sla-Hal," have gone to sweatlodge, and summer Pow-Wows; like Fancy Dance, Jingle Dress, Grass Dance, and Traditional Dance. My late grandmother was very culturally traditional. She taught me humbleness, humility, respect, respect my elders, and not to forget where I came from. Everything is spiritual. Living, Dying, all of it. Balance is tough to learn, and I almost gave up on praying, at a point in life. Today, I look back, and see that praying is what got me through many trial and errors. But, also to be careful what you pray for, because you might just get what you prayed for.

In 2011; I lost five family members, all within a two- or three, month span of each other. The first one was my Aunt Mae, she passed on March 4th, then my cousin JoeJoe, he passed in July. Then in October 2011, his dad; my Uncle JB passed from cancer. My Mom Kathleen was suffering from congestive heart failure, and less than 33% of her heart was working during that time. That death took a toll on my beloved mother, because Uncle JB, and Auntie Mae and my mom grew up super close. So, that following January 05, 2012, my mom passed on. Then that following April 2012, my cousin Chenoeh (My Auntie Mae's daughter) passed on in a car wreck. Chenoeh, and I grew up like sisters. Her mom dropped out of high school when she was about 17, to help raise me for the first few years that I was born. So, my little cousin used to get jealous of me being so close to my aunt. Chen would always ask, "Why do we got to take Tasha? How come Tasha always has to come with us?" My auntie would tell her to quit being that way, that we are like sisters, and how she helped raise me. My "Aunt Blu," was one of a kind. There is nobody else like her, she was taken wayyyy before her time. Right now, I am getting teary eyed, just thinking about all the good memories I had with, not just her but all of them. Since 2012, I lost my cousin Jackie Jo, my late beloved Grandmother Geraldine, "Gamma," Uncle Butter, Auntie Donna, and baby Donna Louise. Oh, and last but not least, my Auntie Jolene. When they were all alive, my mom and aunt Mae used to argue all the time, but at the same time, they worked together (Same shift) carpooled to work together, unless they were arguing that badly, and we all hung out together all the time. But, even if they were not talking, Auntie Mae would walk in the side door- like clockwork, and throw a package of meat on the table for my stepdad to make for dinner, and my mom would never say anything to her, like, "What are you doing here?" No, that right there, is what taught me what unconditional love is. I know that they want me to thrive, to love my family and give them what I didn't have, growing up. Not to give up, on myself, or on life. Accept that they are gone, and no longer wish any of them back, while keeping their memories dear in my heart, and be happy when I reminisce, instead of being sad. Because, one day we will all reunite. And they are waiting to greet me, with open arms, on the other side.

As a kid, I grew up poor. There is no other way to say that. On the other hand, I am grateful today for what I do have, and do not take anything for granted anymore. I am not going to lie, I had some resentments built up about how things were, when I was a child. But now I understand, that my late beloved mother did do the best she could to make me happy, and when she did come back for me, she made many sacrifices for me, so I could get what I wished for, sometimes. I grew up getting food stamps every month to live on. So, to earn my educational degrees that say I am qualified to do this or that in certain professions, then that is what I am going to do. One task on my bucket list, is to buy a home for my family and myself, one that we can say is ours, is super important to me, so that I know that when my time is up on earth, that I will not leave any of my children homeless. That no matter what, they will always have a home to go back to, if needed. Living on the streets, for more than a few years was horrible. I plan to make a difference in our community, by leading by example that, yes, people make mistakes, but you do not have to let the mistakes make you. In five years or less, I plan to start a non-profit organization for rape victims. Have a male and female counselor on standby 24/7, around the clock security, positive affirmations all over, and even show kids that adults bullying or unkind behavior would not be taken lightly. And maybe have a few rooms available, a community room for the victims, and maybe rent a half dozen tiny homes to low-income families that are trying to get their life back together, due to being in the system by choice, or not. Either way, everyone deserves a chance to succeed, if they are fighting for their lives, too, themselves. Also, that place would be a gated community, on some family property that was left to my late beloved mother and aunties, and uncles. Now, there are only two left, out of eight. I feel like living on in a manner that would make them proud, and starting a legacy, is part of my main focus. Life. Life in general. Thank you, for taking the time to read my story. Take care.

While pushing forward everyday to better my situation for not just my family, but myself, also, because I know for a fact that I cannot fully take care of anyone else, until I take special self-care, and try to stay balanced mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Today, I can say I have lived on the streets, have slept outside in boxes to do my best from freezing, and not feel sorry for myself. I fully and truly embrace my past hardships, and traumas with humility, because that not only humbled me, those life lessons of hardships taught me to show empathy towards others, because now I do not judge a book by it's cover, so to speak. Right now, I have 38 credits toward my Associates Degree in either Advocacy, or Tribal Law. I am yet undecided, so am just taking the required necessary courses, and giving it a semester, before I make my final decision on which career path to stick with, and whole heartedly pursue. I am going to continue being a part of the solution today, instead of the problem. Showing compassion, and empathy towards somebody that is going through clear and obvious struggles, can actually make a difference in someone's life, I believe. Faith, and hope, are tools I utilize on a daily basis. Currently, my children and I are living in a temporary domestic violence shelter, and the staff make it clear, every week, that it is, "TEMPORARY." So, I am just keeping my mind focused on where I not only need to be, but where I want to be, so that I can lead by example to my babies, that, yes, people make mistakes.....But you do not have to let the mistakes-make you. From as far back as I can remember, my late beloved mother used to say to me, that, "I did not come with a book of instructions." Bless her heart, and may her and my late beloved grandmother/ auntie/ and other relatives that I lost way before their time, can Rest In Peace, now that I know my guardian angels can rest assure that I am truly on the right path, living my life, in true honor, of all of their memories. Grief and loss played a huge role in my past self-destructions, until I realized that I was going about everything all wrong. I know how much they all loved me, and my children, and I knew that it broke their souls, to watch how I was carrying on with life. Barely existing, at one point in time. Since I had what I like to refer to, as a wake-up call; I am clean and sober, quit smoking cigarettes, am no longer living on the streets/homeless, and am seeing mental health and family counseling for my children, and myself. And also, was able to get joint custody back of my children. Thank you for taking the time to read about a little bit of my life experiences. Take care.

I am a firm believer, that having personal experience in the field that I am working in, helps more on a conscientious level of being able to actually understand where that person is coming from mental wise. Some people never know what one person may be going through, or if he or she is one remark/ or rude look away from having a mental psychosis. Everybody has a breaking point. Everybody is different. In my experience, when the authority figure professional shows empathy, that can help improve the situation at hand. I feel that the teachings start at home. Unfortunately, some people are not shown love, affection, how to make healthy choices, healthy boundaries, etc., and that has a huge impact on people as children, growing and learning while changing into puberty. Today, I am a survivor of numerous types of abuse. For years, that has affected my life, until one day I grew tired. So tired of everything, even of myself. I had to do something..... And that was change EVERYTHING. Today, I am clean and sober, gave up cigarettes even, have joint custody of my children, and am going to college to get a certified paper, saying I am eligible to help others in a positive manner, and being a part of the solution, instead of the problem. I have 38 credits toward my degree. I am going to break the cycles of abuse, trauma, and dysfunction in my family, starting with myself. I am either going for Advocacy, or Tribal Law. I am still undecided. But either way, family dynamics play a huge role in how a lot of people are, due to being internally damaged from past traumas, or so on and so forth. Thank you for taking the time to read my short essay. Have a blessed day.