Lisa Welch
Completing my degree has been a dream of mine that has alluded me for 20 years. After having my first child after just a few years of college, working became a way of life. Now that I have four children, my degree has never been more necessary and more out of my reach — financially. My oldest is now 20 and is questioning the value of attending college. I can't help but reflect upon my own actions and decisions and am ashamed that I have not been a better role model in this area. Even though I have devoted my life to providing for my children, how could I not have seen the profound statement that I made when I did not finish my degree? How can I expect them to value higher education and the freedom and security it provides when I have only shown them that hard work will pay the bills? The answer is:
I can't. My actions have failed to reflect my values. In turn, I have failed them.
Currently, I am a licensed health insurance agent. As most people know, the current economy and political race has continued to keep health care reform in the forefront of many American's minds. Our local health underwriters association has felt compelled to hire lobbyists in order to combat state legislation that will virtually put all independent health insurance agents out of business by requiring health insurance to be distributed through a state controlled internet site called the "Connector." In addition, as it is an election year, the path and steps the federal government may take may have the very same outcome, but on a nationwide scale in the terms of nationalized health care. If I am going to complete my degree, I have got to do it now. Before the proverbial window of opportunity closes and I am out of a job within my industry.
Considering the unstable future of my current career path and combining it with my personal and very painful situation at home, I am forced to step outside of my comfort zone, face my shortcomings, and actively try to pursue my options.
Online education is the only form of education that makes sense in my current situation. I work in an office with a computer on my desk. I need to be in the office in order to support my clients needs and requests. I have a flexible work schedule, but there are meetings and deadlines that are finite and must be met for my job. This makes traditional day time classes impossible. My evenings are filled with the kids' school activities, Scouts, volleyball, and homework...making evening classes a detriment to my time with my kids. It is the only time I have to give them the parental love, compassion and support they deserve. Many times, they have homework that requires typed work, or information that can only be obtained from the internet. We are fortunate enough to have a computer at home. Therefore, regardless of what my work or personal schedule may be, since I have computers in both my worlds, I can continue my education if it is online based.
I have worked very hard to provide for my family over the past two decades. Often times, I have worked two jobs in order to make ends meet. Hard work, multi-tasking and prioritizing are definite character strengths of mine. I began working at a local pizzeria at the age of 17. I maintained good grades throughout high school even though I was also a member of the drill team and worked part-time my junior and senior years. In college, I continued to work/manage pizzerias on a full-time basis while maintaining solid grades for the three years I attended.
I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my request for assistance to complete my degree. This achievement would profoundly impact my life and allow me to continue to be the provider I always have been and become the role model that my children could respect and hopefully emulate in the years to come.
I am sure you hear from many women just like me. I wish to thank you, Ashford University, for the opportunity and for giving families hope for a better future…and better lives.