Michelle Novak
Being a single mother of two school aged children has taught me many things. The number one lesson that I have learned is how important it is to have a degree under your belt to succeed in the working world.
A few years ago I enrolled in an online degree program to obtain an A.A.S. in Computer Administration. The program was great and the online option allowed me to work full time and be able to take care of the children. After a few months, I was unable to log into the courses. After some research, I found out the school had closed. The credits I earned were not transferrable and I was left with nothing.
Since that time I have changed jobs four times. Each new position afforded me more opportunities and I was able to work my way up to a management position and purchase my first house. The most recent job that I held was only for a little over a year. I worked for a division of a larger company who decided they were selling off the division. I scrambled to save some money and took a course at a local community college to work in the medical field. Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities for which I have schooling for. I have now taken a job with the Department of Corrections. I enjoy my job immensely, but had to take a large pay cut.
I am interested in obtaining an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Not only is the subject interesting, but having the degree will allow me to apply for other opportunities within the Department of Corrections. My ultimate goal is to work as a Parole Officer in the Department of Probation and Parole, preferably within a correctional institution.
Another avenue that I may pursue is that of Corrections Counselor. This role allows you to interact with the inmates on another level. I currently work with two Corrections Counselors and both have given me much encouragement to return to school to pursue this career. As I watch them day in and day out, I see things that I would like to do while working with the inmates as well as things that could be changed. I believe that if you treat a person the proper way, you can make a difference in their life. Currently I am taking a certification course through Penn Foster for Medical Billing and Coding. I am almost finished with the courses and believe that I have an A average. I love the flexibility online schooling provides. I also enjoy learning on my own, at my own pace. Online classes also provide me the opportunity to be home with the children at night to work on homework and extra curricular activities.
This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would allow me to reach my goals and continue to show my children that if you are persistent in reaching your goals, somehow, someway, you will. I am an excellent student and an excellent worker. Having the opportunity to get my degree is not something I would take for granted. I understand how it is to work hard and get little in return because you are lacking a degree.