Debora Jones

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

I was raised by parents who didn't understand the value of a college education. The highest level of education that was completed by either of them was the sixth grade. I watched my father as he worked as a factory laborer in addition to doing odd side jobs with his dump truck in a struggle to provide for a wife and eight children. My mother, tasked with caring for eight children, never worked outside the home. I was encouraged to get good grades so that I would graduate from high school, but there was never any encouragement to pursue a college degree. To parents who only reached sixth grade, earning a high school diploma was the ultimate success. I did very well in high school, graduating as salutatorian. As I look back over my high school years, I realize that I just never fully grasped the importance of pursuing a higher education. However, I did enroll in college and earned an associate's degree in business management technology in March of 1980.

I was married in February of 1979 and became pregnant with my first child on the day I graduated with my associate's degree. I decided to defer using my degree in the workforce and become a stay-at-home mom. I conceived my second child eight months after my first child was born, and my husband and I decided that my remaining a stay-at-home mom was best for the family at the time. Our priority was to raise our two sons and provide the best child care and education possible for them in an effort to groom them to eventually become successful adults. I was determined to instill into my children the importance of higher education. I devoted all my time to nurturing my family and making sure that all the needs of my children were being satisfied. What I desired for myself was superseded by the needs of my family. I often thought about going back to school, but the time never seemed right. I kept telling myself that my family came first, and the more I processed that, the easier it became to justify not continuing my education. I kept thinking that "my time would come." I took pleasure in knowing that I was solidifying the home life while my husband worked. My husband even added a part-time job to his workload just to make ends meet as I remained a stay-at-home mom. Those times were often filled with hardship and financial uncertainty, and it pained me to see the toll that 60+ hour work weeks were taking on my husband. I had friends that would tell me that they missed their child's first step, or that their babysitter found their child's first tooth. They had to worry about childcare if one of their children became ill and needed someone to stay at home with them or pick them up from school.

It was comments such as those that gave me solace concerning my decision to be a stay-at-home mother. I didn't miss out on the special moments in my children's lives and was able to fully direct their child care because I was fortune enough to be able to be there with them.

During the early years of my children's school careers, I started volunteering at their school as a "room mother" and a library aid. I was able to attend field trips with their classes and provide transportation if there was a need. I enjoyed helping them with their homework and just having the opportunity to be at home when they came home from school. When my oldest son graduated from eighth grade, my husband and I decided that we would make a financial sacrifice and enroll our children into a private high school. Enrolling them into a private high school proved to be exceptionally beneficial. We discovered that the curriculum was better suited for preparing them for the rigors of college. Both of our sons excelled in high school, graduating first and third in their respective classes. They have since earned undergraduate and graduate college degrees and are now working as engineers.

As my young sons progressed through grade school, I decided to take an adult continuing education banking class at night. Upon completion of the class work, I was able to get a job with a local bank as a proof encoder.

I stayed with the same bank for over twenty years, progressing from proof encoder, charge card clerk, accounting clerk, loan processer to retail operations specialist. Due to the present state of the economy, my job was centralized, and I now find myself unemployed. I realize that my experience in the banking business is not very marketable at this present time since all the financial institutions are in dire financial predicaments. I need to make myself more marketable by obtaining additional education.

Losing my income has been life-changing for me and my husband.

If I could rewind time, I would have done things differently. I would have still remained a stay-at-home mom during my children's early years, but I would have continued attending college even if I had to do it on a part-time basis at night. Not being gainfully employed has been an enormous adjustment. After being out of the job market for over twenty years, I feel "out of the loop" and ill-equipped when it comes to competing with the rest of the applicant pool. Searching daily for employment in this faltering economy to no avail has been disheartening. However, I earnestly stay fastened onto the notion that there is still hope. It is within my power to change my situation. I need to make the first move on improving myself. If I don't, no one else will.

I often find myself taking an assessment of my family, and I see the returns of the emotional, educational, and spiritual deposits I placed into my children being reaped in the lives of our adult sons. It is time that I make those same deposits within myself. I encouraged my children to succeed in life, and now I need to encourage myself. My sons are now constantly telling me that I can achieve this goal. They have turned the tables on me and are pushing me to obtain more education, and it has been a blessing to realize that they believe in me. This role-reversal has been interesting and enlightening. I now see that throughout the years of celebrating the achievements of my sons, I had become complacent with being just a "cheerleader" and not a "player."

I now declare that era terminated. I've chosen to step off the sidelines and onto the court to participate in the "game" myself. Words can't express the admiration and appreciation I have for the Project Working Mom program. After funding our two children's journeys through private high school and college, my husband and I are not financially capable of funding additional education for me. Receiving a scholarship from Project Working Mom would serve as a vehicle for the journey that has been delayed in my life for almost three decades. I have been contemplating my next career move and always seem to come back to the health care field. The outlook for careers in health care appears to be very promising. I feel that my current knowledge and experience, along with a certification in medical billing and coding would equip me to make a successful transition into health care.

I am greatly appreciative of this opportunity and would be overjoyed to be selected as a Project Working Moms scholarship recipient. Thank you for your consideration.

Paige Green

Professional Pharmacy Technology Program
Ashworth College

Hi, my name is Paige Green and I am 18 years old. I just had my first child (my son) on January 17, 2009. I was actually supposed to be enrolled in college in August of 2008, but that was around the time that I found out I was pregnant. I was so disappointed in myself because, I knew this would have been a major setback. I also knew my parents an family would have been disappointed in me as well.

I graduated in May of 2008 as Valedictorian of my class, and continuing my education is very important to me. I didn't work that hard to become Valedictorian to let it all go down the drain. I really would like to continue my education in the medical field. I am going to continue my education not just for my family but also for my son and I! I want to show him that even though obstacles may get in your way, you still have to find a way to jump over them and continue in the right path. I want him to understand that his mother never gave up even though the road got a little tough, and hopefully in his future it will inspire him never to give up either.

By continuing my education it will give me a better future for my son, my family, and me. I refuse to just give up because I am a young teen mother because, if I give up I'm not only giving up on myself but I'm also giving up on my son and his future. Hopefully, I will get some type of assistance to continue my education with, so I can be a successful parent.

Thank You!

Vanessa Herring

Professional Plumbing Program
Ashworth College

Why getting a degree is important to me.

I was raised by my mother in a household consisting of 7 siblings. As a child, my mother had to work the tobacco and cotton fields in Florida, which took precedence over obtaining an education. However, my mother was determined to get her high school diploma. At the age of forty-seven my mother received her GED.

My mother's determination to finish school was an inspiration to me; therefore, when my grades in my current High School began to drop, due to poor study habits and a lack of motivation. I encouraged my mother to enroll me in a different High School which I felt was more suited for me academically and socially. I knew that I could do better, but there was something missing. When I was accepted in the new school, it was a turning point in my life, my grades improved tremendously, my study habits were better and the teachers were extremely helpful.

Having a degree will catapult me to new beginnings, a degree will give me options and opportunities in which I can further my current career or start on a new career path. A degree also, gives you a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment. This type of pride and accomplishment exceeds ones self, it spills over into your children, friends, and other family members. A degree motivates, inspires and gives you hope for a better future.

Some may ask, why now, why obtain a degree at this point in my life? My answer to them would be; I have longed for a college education for many years. However, I was afraid, yes, afraid of failure. Because I struggled with some classes during my high school years, I felt that I was incapable of handling college level course.

However, all of that is past me now. In today's world of globalization, in order to be competitive in this new age obtaining a degree is necessary. Having a degree gives you leverage, it allows you to negotiate certain salaries as well as obtaining promotions.

Also, a degree may not get you the job, but it may get you the interview. Whereas, not having the degree may not get you anywhere There was never any doubt in my mind that I would finish high school because of what my mother was deprived of as she was growing up as an only child being raised my her grandmother and grandfather after her mother passed away from the measles when my mother was two.

Because I didn't have the help I needed in the early vital learning years of my life I struggled in high school because I had poor study habits. I barely passed each grade until I enrolled myself in a popular predominately black high school after being in the opposite type of school where I didn't excel very well this opportunity gave me the boost that I needed and I turned my poor grades around.

After finishing high school I wanted to go to college like some of my friends but I was gripped with fear of not succeeding because I was not strong in math I let fear take over and it has for all of these years.

I long for a career and I know a college education would be the catapult to a new and great beginning for me I don't want my children to be gripped by fear like I was I want to be an example for them not a reason not to succeed.

Tina Kingren

Professional Medical Transcriptionist Program
Ashworth College

To whom it may concern:

I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 7 1/2 yrs. I have a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. I was in college when I got pregnant but soon realized that my low paying job plus all my bills could not afford decent child care. My husband's job requires him to often leave the state for months at a time and with no close family at hand, we really had no one to help us out.

So I decided to become a homemaker and put my career on pause.

I don't regret my decision for a minute, raising my children full time has been the most rewarding 'career' I could ever have, but if I could couple that with being able to work from home while they are in school, that would be fantastic, we could really use the money and I am very ready to dig in to a new challenge! College courses online are perfect for me, I wouldn't have to worry about sitters and travel expenses, and best of all I could still be here for my children.

Thank you for considering me!

Sincerely,

Tina Kingren

Meghann Mincey

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

Hi Tyra and Staff,

I never thought I would be sitting in the Georgia Deparment of Labor waiting room writting you this letter, but it's life. My journey to success is definitly not as easy as I thought it would be. In fact easy is the last word I think of when describing the obstacles I have faced since I graduated high school. I would make this shorter but I know you like to read so I feel obligated to be as detailed as possible.

It all started my junior year of high school. I had my future planned out perfectly. I was captain of the basketball team, an active member in JROTC, and I ran cross country. I had been accepeted to Burneau University in Gainsville, Georgia with an academic scholarship that seemed impossible to turn down. I had spent almost three years in high school anticipating the day where I would graduated and finally be free to take on life by myself and experience college. I never imagined that I would have to make a complete three sixty and turn my life around in a way that would change me forever.

It seems that I had just begun my junior year in November 2004 when my life began to change. I couldn't perform physically like I used to. I was always tired and my motivation seem to dwendle away. I could'nt figure out why I felt this way until my high school sweetheart who wasn't so sweet anymore suggested that I should get a pregnancy test.

I didn't really stress this idea, the thought of being pregnant was scarry, but I already had my future in order and besides really, this could not be happening to me. At least that's what I thought. When the nurse told me I was two months pregnant my heart almost burst. As you could imagine this is the most rememberable part of my life. As if it were happening now I can feel my body shaking as I told my mother that I was pregnant.

My mother being the loving person that she is had a very non caring attitude towards this situation. It was alright though I had expected her to act this way. Besides that, I did realize that at this point the decision on what I would do in this situation was soley up to me. My family suggested adoption or abortion but although I had no idea of how to even start caring for a child, I knew I wanted to keep my baby.

As time passed my family became more supportive of my decision and they even gave me a baby shower. I had to give up basketball, JROTC, crosscountry, Upward Bound, and all the activities I had been envolved in to prepare for my daughter's birth. I really did began to neglect a lot of my school work and it was not because I didn't want to finish school, it was simply because most of my time went into figuring out how I was going to care for my baby.

I learned how to bathe, clothe, feed, hold and soothe a baby from books and online. On June 21, 2005 at 8:35 am my daughter, Kiadra Desiree Williams, was delivered and it was all worth it. She was only five pounds but she was healthy and beautiful, but most importantly she was mine.

In August I continued high school and my mother and I shared her vehicle so I could go to school, work and make sure my Kiadra made it to daycare. Kia's father was very supportive when we were in high school. Initially he picked my and Kia, took her to daycare and we both went to school. He even took me to work! I was thrilled to have so much support during my time of need. As graduation approached in May of 2006 raising a child began to get more difficult as the reality of possibly being a single mother set in.

Kevin, Kia's father, and I had planned to move to Atlanta, Ga after we graduated from college. Little did I know that he was going to Atlanta with or without us. I never thought he would leave us alone, knowing that I our daughter had begun to develop bronchitis because the insulation in my mother's house was not suitable.

There I was a single mother, trying to provide the best care for my daughter. I didn't have any money saved up but I had a job and I had a car that was paid in full. As my daughter's illness began to get worst, I decided to take matters in my own hands and find the least expensive place that I could find in Statesboro, which would get me closer to Georgia Southern University, which was the closest campus to Metter, Ga, my hometown. I found a place and my daughter and I moved to Statesboro with a half tank of gas, and a prayer that I would find another job.

At this point in my life I was very neive. I was desperated for a job, money, and a promissed way that I could provide for my daughter. I began to rely on men for money to help me take care of my daughter and pay my bills. It didn't take long to discover that this road only leads to destruction.

I began finding jobs to get me by, but nothing to help me go to school and care for my daughter simutaneously. Finally I landed a job at Wal-Mart Distribution where I only worked Friday-Sunday, but I was still able to pay all my bills, care for my daughter and go to school. Recently my work schedule changed because of a lack of work they closed down the building I was working in. I had to switch to second shift which was Monday through Thursday from 3pm to 1am. It was very hectic on my class schedule. I decided to stop working In February when I realized that this job had a dramatic effect on my grades.

I know that obtaining a college degree is what's going to mold my daughter's future. Sometimes I wish I would have left my daughter with my mother and went to Burneau University, but when she calls me mommy and she tells me she loves me I know that this time I am going through is worth it.

Getting my degree is important to me because will not only benefit my financial situation and my living conditions but it will also benefit the way my daughter views life and the way she cope with difficult times when she sees the chanllenges that I have overcome for her.

I didn't put school on hold to have a good time and I don't expect anything to be handed to me, but I have realized that sometimes the pressure of life can be more for one person to bare and in those times one should reach out for help. Online education will enable me to care for my daughter and find a work schedule that will be more suitable for my way of living. Thanks for reading my story.

Love you Tyra and Staff.

P.S. People say my daughter looks like Tyra. I'll send a picture.

Quinesha Richardson

Professional Physical Therapy Aide Program
Ashworth College

When I graduated high school in 2005 I started college trying to become a nurse. I wasn't as dedicated with my degree as I am now. I guess you can say that I have grown into this very mature young lady. I have a 6-year-old son that adores me. He is my life and my world. He's the reason I am destined to get my degree.

I believe that an on-line college will be the best solution because I wouldn't have to worry about traveling to a college or a baby sitter. I was born and raiesed in this small city where you have to travel 30 miles or more for a good job and a community college. I am begging for another chance to prove to my family, friends, as well as myself that I am able to succeed in something besides failure.

Madison Sellers

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

I have always wanted to go to college, but got of track at an early age. By the time I wanted to come back to it, I never had the money to do so.

I just recently got married and had a baby girl on Jan. 30, 2009. My husband is deployed to Irag and I am a stay-at-home mother. I have worked all my life though and feel that I should be able to contribute income into the household. I want be able to do schooling online and still be able to raise my daughter at home for the first year of her life. My husband wants me to have more of an education because he sees my potential and knows that I can do whatever I set my mind to!!

I would love the opportunity to show myself and others that I can do this!!

Claude Aina

Professional Home Inspection Program
Ashworth College

Getting my degree would be the most exciting thing to have ever happened in my lifetime. I am a self-made man. Everything I've learned from the past is from self-thaught hands-on training.

I am a Contractor in the Atlanta area. I am in the proces of opening a shool to teach young people about the Construction trade. It is called The Joe Angel Technical Institute. It is based on helping young people how to build houses. As you know, so many of our young ones are lost and looking to the future for the right dirction. Not only this education would help me to achieve this goal, it would put me with the right people to do so. I have been licensed before in the State of South Carolina as a Home Inspector. but I am not licensed here in Atlanta. This would be a great plus for me, and my purpose in educating others.

Online education is ideal. Since I don't have the time and the funds to go further. It would also serve my purpose in obtaining sponsors for my school. I think this is a grea idea, for change and wellness for all.

Joe (Angel) Aina

Jenny Virnig

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

I am a single mom of a beautiful 9-month-old baby boy. I have recently lived on my own, but with the economy the way it is, I have been laid off from work and forced to move home with my parents.

In my search for a job, with only a HS Diploma, I quickly found it difficult to get hired and need to further my education in order to continue providing for my son. He's so wonderful and deserves the best the world can offer. Being a single parent, it's up to me to give it to him. Unfortunately, I can't afford to go back to school, and even if I could, I could not afford daycare as well. My only option is an online course I can do at home.

I have the motivation and only need the opportunity to do great things. I would love the chance to prove to everyone that I'm a survivor and I can make it on my own. My parents are old-fashioned and believe I need a man to provide for me. I need to show them that I will not fail as a mother and as a single woman in our society.

I am strong-minded and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in life. Please consider me for the scholarship program at your school, it will not be wasted.

Durick Ingraham

Professional Motorcycle Mechanics Program
Ashworth College

Going to college was put on hold because my first son was born in my senior year. So I became a full-time parent because his mother left him at 2 weeks old and she never returned. So my dreams was put on hold. I had to work to support my son.

I worked doing the day an at night I had to see about my son. I had to bathe, feed, watch, take him to the doctor's visits etc. I became mom and dad all in one. So I think online education will be right for me that will give me time at home with both of my sons. An I won't miss a moment with them. I would also be at home with them and receive an education at the same time. Because right now I can't afford to go to college. And I think the online course will be great. Not only will I get an education but I will also get to spend time with my sons all in one.

I will also obtain a degree so that I'm able to gain employment once I finish my course. I wo'nt my boys to look back when they grow up and start having children and say that my father never gave up on being a full-time father and a full-time student. That you can acheive anything if you put your mind to it.

Dan Moffett

Professional Carpentry Program
Ashworth College

My 3 children are the most important things in the world to me. I've spent the last 22 years trying to be a great dad to them — encouraging them, being at all of their games, cheering them on in whatever they do. They have always come first and my dreams have been on the back burner. That's what Dads do — they provide for their children.

But there is more to being a great Dad — teaching by example. I want my children to know that they can do whatever they want in this life and that it is never too late to live your own dreams. I never thought I would be able to go to college. It just wasn't what my family did. But I know that I can do it now. And I want to show my 3 beautiful kids that success can come at any age as long as you're willing to work at it.

Education is the key — that's what we've always told them. Now I want to show them! An online education is so perfect — it will allow me to continue to be their Dad, from our own home, while still making life better for all of us. It's the best of both worlds…And I can't wait to get started.

Marva Harris

Professional Professional Pharmacy Technology Program
Ashworth College

I am a displaced Ford auto worker in the state of Michigan. I did not look out for the possibility of the collaspe of the auto industry, that lead to the collaspe fo my future also. I realized the only answer is to return to school and get myself a new skill. The medical industry pharmacy in particular will allow for my getting back on track and allows for me to have a future I can depend on!

Kenneth Seymore

Professional Gourmet Cooking and Catering Program
Ashworth College

For years I've been working just to pay bill and provide for my son and I. I've never really thought about doing what I enjoy doing. I've always enjoyed creating meals in the kitchen and have been looking at attending the Culinary program that is here at the Austin Community College.

My son was born with Arthrogryposis, leaving him with limited range of motion and poor muscle development. After serving 6 years in the U.S. Army, I put in 9 years with a leading computer company but ultimately fell victim to a layoff. I'm currently working 8:30-5 Mon.-Fri. and some Saturdays.

My son is primarily tube fed but is able to eat certain food orally. After feeling the effects of prices going up, I started working on things for him to eat at school that wouldn't limit him to just the options he may have from the toddler foods section. After receiving feedback from his teacher, I learned that he really enjoyed most of what i'd fix myself for dinner as long as I blended up pretty good. I then dared to take some things to work when my coworkers seemed to really enjoy!

I believe this is my calling and just one way to help others. Especially the special needs community.

Monique Castro

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

I am 23-years-old and I have 3 beautiful kids. My oldest is a girl and she will be 6 in june, then i have my son who will be 4 in may and my baby girl who is 21 months. Yes, I have been a mommy at a very young age, but I did finsih my senior year while I had my first daughter and also going through my husband's first deployment to Iraq. I was able to walk across stage and recieve my diploma.

I am an army wife currently going through another deployment. This is our 3rd deployment in 6 years. I have put off going to school because I put my family first. I am currently working as a childcare provider out of a home. I cannot afford to go to school because i would have to pay for childcare for two of my kids.

Being able to go to school online will be perfect for me because i would not have to take my kids to a daycare and pay for it. I would not have to take time off work to go to school because I will be able to do it online. Also, it will help with not adding another stress to my life with my husband being at war.

When my husband gets back from this deployment I would love to get a job in the medical field and actually make money that will help out. I have always been intrested in doing something in the medical field. I love to help others.

Amanda Shand

Professional Medical Billing and Claims Program
Ashworth College

I am a 35-year-old stay-at-home Mom of 3 children one being a special needs child who still at 7 needs full-time care, he doesn't talk, dress himself or feed himself. Online courses are the only choice I have as I feel it is important to be home with my children especially my son with special needs.

My significant other is in the Army and will be going to Afghanistan and I would like to be able to provide some assistance to the family income. I have chosen Medical billing so that possibly I can work from home. My youngest child is 9 months so won't be in school for a few years so I would be unable to work outside of the home for at least 4 years.

With a Medical Billing certificate I feel I could do everything from home and still be able to provide all of the needs of my family financially, physically, and emotionally. Please consider me as a scholorship recipient it is the only way I would be able to fulfill my dreams of a further education.

Thank-You,

Amanda Shand