Wanda Hollis
One of the biggest lessons I have taught my children is the importance of a good education and granting me the Project Working Mom Scholarship would allow me to set a positive example in their lives. Being a mother is a heartfelt blessing to me and has taught me the meaning of unconditional love however, as rewarding as it is, there have been many sacrifices. The biggest sacrifice has been the inability to pursue my own educational goals. I have attended classes and obtained various licenses and certificates. Still my deepest desire is to obtain my Bachelor's degree.
I've discussed with my enrollment advisor my concerns of being able to afford to attend school at this time. My daughter will soon be graduating from high school and I didn't think I could afford both of us attending school at the same time. If I could find the money to go back to school an online program is the best possible scenario for me. I can attend class anytime, anywhere and the course material is available twenty four hours and seven day week. I don't have to spend any extra time driving to a college campus. I can save money on commuting cost, and parking fees. Besides tuition and textbooks all I need is my computer and Internet access. The online discussions allow for high quality, meaningful dialogue between me, my instructors and my classmates. I'm able to work at my own pace and not worry about missing discussions because they're kept on the message board.
Timing and money has always be a consist dilemma. The scholarship will eliminate the money concerns and allows me to attend school setting the perfect example for my children. Currently, I'm self-employed and my business has been affected by the economy. I maybe forced to work for someone else, and as I explore this possibility my current education level doesn't allow me to receive the income I need. I am restricted from applying for several jobs that I am qualified to perform due to my inability to meet the required minimal bachelor degree. This is another reason why getting my degree is so critical.
In my career history I tried to work both inside and outside the home. I held jobs as managers and consultants but always positions that provided me the flexibility to schedule myself, according to my family's needs. My priorities revolved around, being able to attend teacher conferences, field trips, youth sports events along with going to church and Bible study. I didn't want anyone else raising my children and as they grow older to my surprise they actually need me more, so my schedule hasn't gotten any less complicated.
During my early years of being a mom, I also had to adjust to becoming a divorced mother with two children. During this same period my Great Grandmother developed dementia and I became her full-time caregiver. My daily routine was remarkable. I would drop off the kids at school and take Granny to the adult day care program. Then I either went home or to my office to work. During that time, I made a living selling nutritional products and doing nails. At the end of the day, I would pick up my crew and head home to do all the never ending motherly duties. Looking back on these experiences its no surprise that I am a self-proclaimed, world class multi-tasking mother.
This multi-tasking mother currently has a real estate salesperson license in the state of Georgia, and formally licensed with the state of Michigan. I also received a license in life, health and accident insurance, including a manicurist license. I've also received a certificate in D.O.S. programming from the U.A.W. training center. I'm also a certified facilitator with the Detroit Urban League where I taught parenting classes. I've worked on political campaigns for the current Wayne County Commissioner President, Jewel Ware. And, I'm also a Sunday school teacher for the pre-teen girls at my church.
I've worked with two network marketing companies where I facilitated seminars and workshops. And, while working in several leadership roles those responsibilities have included training staff in sales and customer service procedures, as well as product and efficiency training. Most of my entire work experience has included some form of sales and customer service involvement, which includes prospecting for business directly or indirectly. I've marketed products to include dental and medical benefits, real estate, health and nutrition, as well as professional cleaning services. I work very independently. However, I do believe in delegating and teamwork when required. My strength is knowing how to motivate and encourage others.
My goal for quite sometime has been to open The Total Body Connection Center. This fabulous center will allow people of all ages, backgrounds and social status to come and be pampered in every sense of the word. There will be massage therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and classes on both physical and spiritual wellness. A wide range of seminars will be taught on: ex., healing the past in order to embrace the future, building strong relationships within your family, turning conflict into care and compassion. These approaches will embrace both the family and the business community. My goal also is to encourage women that have been abused, homeless or addicted to drugs by sharing my stories through workshops, lectures, and poetry. Bringing this vision into reality will be extremely glorifying to me. I believe I have the ability to touch peoples lives in a very powerful way and in turn strengthen our community. My strongest desire has always been to say I have my degree because it was a goal that I went for. Because it will give me a sense of achievement, therefore by obtaining my degree I would no longer feel like a hypocrite when discussing the importance of education with my children.
I believe earning my degree in management with a dual concentration in finance and marketing will provide me with the knowledge and confidence in reaching my goal. Most importantly receiving my degree will show my children that even through diversities and challenges, I still went after my dreams. I'm influenced by this field because of my background in management and owning my own business. I've researched into several schools and what really impressed me about Walden University was the structure the School of Management program. I was extremely attractive to Walden's undergraduate tutoring services. The tutoring is provided by certified tutors available twenty-four hours/seven days a week to help me.
They also provide an online writing lab that offers detailed critiques to help strengthen my writing skills. I would be assigned an academic advisor devoted to my success in the program. Academic advisors reflect the university's commitment to providing exceptional student services and them assisting me in planning my path towards graduation. Evaluating and encouraging my academic progress. They're available to answer questions and address concerns. As well as keep me updated and informed about university policies and procedures. This type of online support is indeed priceless. These resources will allow me to focus on my studies confidently, eliminating barriers that would exist if I were to attend a traditional university. This online program has the tools needed to help me stay on task and committed in obtaining my degree. I'm also very enthused with my relationship that's developing between the enrollment advisor and me. She is a wonderful person and has provided me with great information and resources. She also seems to be very interested in my completion of reaching my goals.
I currently work from home and with my unorthodox schedule an online program will be perfect for me. If awarded this scholarship I will take full responsibility and hold myself most accountable for becoming a great student. There is no greater pleasure in setting a foundation for my children, than to first obtain my degree.