Linda Guido
When I graduated high school in 1982 I wanted to take some courses at the local community college. Being one of seven children in a family with limited income, this was not meant to be, as I had to work full-time to contribute to the household. No one else in my family ever attended college and thought I was silly to even think about it. But I still had the burning desire to continue my education, so I took courses when I could (offered by my employer or through free community programs).
In the early 1990s I was able to enroll in a business school and I completed the Business Administration/Office Automation program at the Cittone Institute in Edison, NJ. This was one of the greatest moments of my life, as my dreams of attending a college or university were derailed, but as I stood there in my gown and mortarboard my eyes filled with tears as I finally had a taste of what it felt like to be a graduate. I knew that the hole inside of me still needed to be filled; the only thing that would make me feel successful would be to get a degree from a college or university.
In 1992 I married, and in 1992 gave birth to my daughter Stephanie; in 1993 I gave birth to my son James. Unfortunately, a few years later my marriage ended and I found myself facing my worst nightmare single mother with two toddlers, financially devastated, lost my house, and having to start my life over. I once again had to put my dream on the back burner and dedicated myself to providing the best life for my children.
These were very difficult years and only through working full-time with many overtime hours, prayer, and the support of my family I am happy to say that I was able rebuild my life. In 1998 I moved into a townhouse closer to my parents, so they could spend more time with my children. Once again I thought of going back to school, but as the sole provider of the household I had to work as much as possible to provide food, clothing, and pay the bills.
Today I am the proud parent of two teenage children ages 14 and 13. They are both starting high school in the fall, and once again I feel the ache in my heart, hoping that I will be somehow be able to provide financial support so they can attend college and achieve what I never did. This is a critical time in my childrens lives, as teenagers they will be facing many new issues and temptations as they start High School. I work full-time and have a 70 mile round trip commute, so taking on line courses during evenings and weekends would allow me to keep my job (and income) while still being available to my children.
Please know that I have never applied for any type of financial assistance as I have always worked full-time since the age of 16 and try to be independentbut without a college degree I have limited earning potential. I am hoping that you will give me the opportunity to complete a dream I have been holding onto for 26 years: becoming a college graduate. I will work hard and do what it takes to complete a degree program I will make you proud that you chose to give me a second chance at getting something I thought would never happen for me.
If you do select me to participate in this program, I will be happy to act as an ambassador for your organization in any way that you needI currently work in the customer service field and will be happy to put my experience and skills to work for you.
Thank you for your consideration, I am hopeful that my essay successfully conveys the sincerity in my heart when talking about getting a college degree you would be making a dream come true, and I will finally be a proud mother who can tell her children "Yes, mommy did go to college."
Best regards,
Linda Guido