Tanya Pyke
Being awarded this scholarship will make an otherwise virtually financially unattainable and geographically inaccessible degree possible. This scholarship will truly ease the burden of graduate school and added strain on my family. I am committed, enthusiastic and energized by the prospect of doing well and working hard to obtain my Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy through Walden University's online program.
I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica where my parents still reside. My mother was trained as a midwife with the Nursing School of England, London, England, but upon her return to Jamaica she became a Public Health Nurse. She frequented inner city schools in and schools highly rural locations to administer vaccinations and provide medication. Being the oldest of three young children I was often allowed to accompany her and I was able to recall what the visits where generally like. The children's needs were significant although at time I may not have fully understood. It, however, was clear see to how limited resources were, the dire medical support shortage and what a difference it made to make that grueling journey to the schools.
My father on the other hand was a small business man. With his earnings, my parents saved to purchase a tracker/bulldozer. They used this equipment to make roads and build houses for the locals where it was found most desperately needed. At an early age I was taught compassion and empathy with the understanding that my purpose is to do my best to help others. Whatever enlightening resources I may have, I should always make a lasting and positive impact with that resource.
I came to the United States at the age to fifteen upon completing my first high school diploma. However, I was too young to attend University. So I was encouraged to return to high school to wait a year at which point I applied to prospective colleges and universities. I was given early acceptance to a nearby university, the University of Akron.
Attending the University of Akron was a positive and fulfilling experience. I was able to quickly acclimate despite being the only Jamaican student in the entering class of 1994, on the campus of well over 20,000 undergraduate students, at that time. Against these odds, I was also able to complete my Bachelor of Science curriculum in 3.5 years and continue to further my education. I was shortly thereafter, accepted to the Masters of Public Administration and Public Policy College also at the University of Akron.
Upon given the chance to be in the Master's program I proved myself to be a strong, focused and determined student. I carried a 3.8 G.P.A through out the program. I was determined to do well while completing the curriculum in 1.5 years instead of the traditional two or more years. My professors and pairs can attest uncanny interest and dedication to the program. I share this with you for sole purpose of assuring you, the scholarship board, I am determined to do well and plan on making the best of this opportunity. As I have done in the past.
Obtaining this degree will equip me with the necessary training to continue to be a community and organization leader. My last position in Recruitment and Professional Development for a tertiary non-profit Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania allowed me to further define my how I make a difference in improving health administration policies, insurance coverage problems and the lack of insurance for the underserved community members. My intention is to utilize this degree to support underserved organizations in need of a highly educated, eloquent and informed voice to speak/work on their behalf. My role will be to provide necessary and enriched support in devising grants, policies, and strategies for economic development. I am currently the board president for a Montessori school. Through the school I engross myself in making this quality education available to economically deprived families who would not normally have this opportunity. Also educate those who are not aware of possibilities as this for their children.
As a leader, I have always maintained an attitude of uplifting and enriching the lives of others around me. I carry this perspective in my daily travels while utilizing it as a philosophy for leadership. My strong business sense and background has facilitated my stable sense of development with out compromising the organizations plan for growth and enhancement.
Each additional role I played in life: an educator, advisor, motivator, and mediator, prepares me for the next upcoming task. My previous work experience consists of ten years Human Resource Management and agency leadership both within for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. I am currently an active Referral Real estate agent, Notary Public, School Board President and most of all a home and family manager. No two days are the same, my challenges vary. I also manage a family with a three and five-year-old daughter; a husband with an extremely demanding work schedule, responsibilities and stressors, along with my added professional commitments. We are also going through an across state relocation. With these challenges and added expenses we are not able to cover the cost of my degree.
With these daily and lifestyle challenges I still stand committed to wanting to complete this degree and certain that I will do my very best to do well. Obtaining this degree via an online program such as Walden University's is the most viable and sensible option. Upon much research the only other program resembling what Walden University has to offer is over 120 miles south across state boarders into Cleveland, Ohio. Erie, Pennsylvania is on a snow belt where treacherous weather is the norm. Local universities offer more physical therapy and Psychology related Ph.D. programs. No of which my background provides the necessary pre requisites. Due to my family relocation, later this year, I plan on staying consist with one university program factoring tailored nature of this program exceeding my academic, professional and personal goals. Walden Universitys advanced professional degree makes sense.
I am humbled by this opportunity and anxious to start my Ph.D. in Public Administration Public Policy at Walden University. However, time starting this degree has become a financial challenge. My family consists of my husband, two daughters and myself. My husbands income makes up the majority of our household earnings. We do not have the necessary funds to allow me to pursue my dream of completing my career with this degree. Thank you.