Jinny Alexander
I am a 52-year-old, married, proud mother of two amazing children. Life has taught me the importance of a good education. My daughter is a junior high school student and my son is in his last semester of college. Budgeting our family time and expenses has become very compromising.
Money is scarce because I am the main source of income; my husband and I are separated. I am, however, giving my son the opportunity to finish his education; but, financially it has been difficult. My family deserves better and I know that I can do something about it. I am willing to sacrifice all that I have in order to better the quality of life for my family.
For me though, returning to college does not really feel like a sacrifice, more like a privilege. Although, there have been many personal challenges and obstacles along the way, the importance of a college degree is something I have emphasized to both of my children. Without the proper education I know how difficult it is to maintain financial stability and prominence in the world. My hope for them is that they will obtain college degrees and never be passed over for a promotion just because they do not have a degree, something that has happened to me time and time again during my career.
I am currently seeking a degree in Business/Technology Education. I plan to graduate with a bachelor's degree and continue to pursue my goal to work within the education system in order to benefit the children of tomorrow. I have always enjoyed working with children and I believe teaching is a great way to help children. I am eager to help them learn essential lessons that will nurture them for the future.
I know I can make a difference and that being a positive influence in children's lives is priceless. My work experience is varied, but technology is my passion and for six years I worked in a computer lab in an elementary school working with students and teachers. But two years ago because I did not have a degree I was taken out and put in a classroom as extra class support with special education students. Since my level of education does not permit me to work in my specialty, I feel that is enough of an incentive for me to return to school. My work is personally fulfilling and I feel a great passion for it. My goal is to advance into a position teaching Technology, but a Bachelor's Degree is required regardless of your knowledge, experience or certificates.
I am dedicated to put all my energy into learning as much as possible and earning a degree in Business/ Technology through online training, then I will be equipped to pursue my goal and my career path as a Technology Educator. Online training will allow me to continue to work full-time and have the economic strength required for my family to endure. Online training also provides me the flexibility to enjoy my family in a comfortable environment instead of having to rush off to a college several evenings a week.
I know that I did not want to follow in the footsteps of my parents, without college degrees, and face the struggles they both faced in their careers. However, after graduation in 1975 I attended college for a year but due to my mothers failing health I had to return home and help the family. I fell in love and chose another path to follow in my life. I got married and after twenty-five years of marriage and two children, my husband and I separated and I started my life over.
My other driving force is that my children are getting older, so after spending the past twenty-five years devoting my entire life to them and my job, it was evident that I must now set goals much higher to include an advanced degree. Furthering my education would be a blessing and a gift and would show if you persevere through the hard times it will make you a stronger person. Each role I played in life, as an educator and motivator, prepared me for my next task. My work experience consists of seventeen years working with children and technology both within for-profit and non-profit organizations and most of all as a home and family manager.
When I first started out in education I wanted to inspire students. What I have found is that very often it is that students inspire me. I knew I wanted to teach and I knew I needed an education to achieve my goal. I am a non-traditional student because I am older. I know I want a career in which I could make a difference in the lives of others, particularly children. I want to inspire in them a love of learning and cultivate their creativity and imagination. I want to teach them to believe in themselves, a lesson that I am learning as an adult. These are the thoughts that keep me going. This is the goal that I want to achieve. Education is the key I need to make my goals a reality.
I am making a commitment to pursue a better and more fulfilling life for myself and my children. I am excited to write this essay, excited that someone wants to give the working, single parent a chance, and excited that I may have found a way to advance my goals by being given the opportunity to get a degree. As a fifty-two year old working mother, I find myself facing serious competition. An advanced degree would make an enormous difference in my life, on my résumé, in my career and on my self-respect. I desire to see my life become more rewarding with challenging, interesting, and gratifying employment. I wish to provide my daughter with a college education by working hard at a career that will pay all our bills. I desire to feel my intellect develop again the way it did before I became absorbed with the numerous details of parenthood. Everything considered I wish to pursue an advanced degree to further my education and provide a better life for my son, daughter, and me.
My skills are transferable and a degree will speak volumes to my determination and will provide the knowledge I need to make a career change. A scholarship with Project Working Mom is the only way I can afford to accomplish my goals for higher education and a career change. I am ready to make that commitment. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jinny Alexander