Linda Nelson
My name is Linda Nelson. I am currently working at community bank as an assistant branch manager. I have been working for this company for eleven years. Since beginning this career I have found that my opportunity for advancement is limited due to the fact I do not have a college degree, regardless of how hard I work or how much dedication I demonstrate.
I was a full-time mom most of my married life. I was partners in a successful video store business for ten years where I did learn a lot about business. The partnership fell apart and twelve years ago I found myself on my own trying to support myself and three teenagers. Instead of going back to school then, I had to work two and three jobs in order to keep my house and help to support my children so they could get their education.
It was important to me that they start out their lives with as many advantages as possible. I encouraged all three of my children to get their degree, but it was especially important to me that my daughters graduate from college. I told my girls that you never know what turns your life may take so you need to be prepared to support a family even if that is not what you are planning.
I am proud to say that one of my children is still in school and the other two have graduated from Eastern Illinois University. My son is currently working on his master's degree and planning on getting a second. My oldest daughter earned her bachelor's degree and really understands what I had been telling her. Her husband is a carpenter. He is a very hard worker who loved his job but his company has laid him off due to the slow down in the housing industry. My daughter is now the main breadwinner while he is starting his own business. Now it is my children that are encouraging me to pursue my degree.
I will dedicate as much time necessary to earn my degree. If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship opportunity I am prepared to make sacrifices. However, working full-time I do work some evenings till 7:00 and Saturdays also limiting my ability to take evening or weekend classes. I am afraid it would take a considerable amount of time to complete my degree taking one class at a time.
Online classes would be a perfect fit for my lifestyle. This way I can dedicate as much time needed to my classes during times that work with my personal schedule and receive my degree in a timely fashion. My preference is to complete this degree online to best manage my time, resources, and take classes at an accelerated pace to graduate faster.
I know that I need to get my college degree in order to advance in my career. I am afraid that I do not have the amount of working years left to get my degree and pay off student loans without sacrificing my retirement.
Six years ago I took H & R Block's 10-week tax course. Since then I have been assisting a CPA every tax season in addition to working at the bank. I have found that I really enjoy this type of work. Recently my company asked employees to come up with ideas to help the bank expand its business opportunities. I suggested that the bank enter the tax preparation field. They really like the idea and have asked me to further research the logistics. I'm so excited about this new project and I have more ideas to contribute including an entire accounting division. My potential contribution would be significantly enhanced with the knowledge and credibility that an Accounting Degree can provide me.
If I could earn this scholarship it would have such a great impact on my life. I love to learn new things and face new challenges. If I earn my degree my current job situation could take a dramatic upward turn. I would even have the ability to enter the accounting field where I feel I could be successful in. This could even be a great advantage for my children. I may be able to save enough for my retirement so that I won't have to live with them!
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I will be anxiously waiting to hear from you.