Official Project Working Mom Blog : Project Working Mom 2

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Dana Ray

Victoria — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:35:00 GMT

Dana Ray

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Everest University Online

After being self employed for the past ten years, I am eager to pursue a new direction in the field of Administration of Justice.

I have raised two sons who are now ready to go off to college themselves, and until such time that they had both completed High School, I made a personal decision not to pursue my own desires. Simply put, I did not want a full time career to get in the way of anything that they were involved in at school.

The fact that I have been self-employed, certainly afforded me the ability to partake in every event, sports or otherwise that my children have been a part of. Just being able to have that freedom of "availability" to them when they needed it most, made it all worth the wait.

Although I enjoyed those freedoms when I needed them, I am eager, ready and willing to enter the workforce on a full-time basis, in a field that is sure to be rewarding and challenging at best. I have always considered a career in the areas of law and criminal justice, however just did not see it fitting in our life style while raising our sons.

My husband and I have been married for 22 years, and spent the first 16 of those years as a Military family in the United States Marine Corp, traveling to many different locations/duty stations to include Japan. My husband has since retired after spending 21 years as a Military family.

Each duty station provided limited opportunity for spouses in the way of education opportunities; however I did take various courses along the way. Not having a course of direction during that time, I have approximately 12 units of courses that most likely will not count towards any one specific degree.

Being a mother was more important to me than obtaining a degree, so as I stated earlier, I made the decision to work independently so that I could be there when I was needed. Times are certainly different now, and with the endless time on my hands I am ready to go back to school!

Having recently taken a 40 hour course in Domestic Violence training, so that I can volunteer at our local shelter for women and children, I am more convinced now than ever that the field of Administratioin of Justice/ Criminal Justice is most certainly the path in which I will take for my next career. I would welcome the opportunity to be able to assist these women and their children in a more constructive life style choice than the one so many choose. As difficult as some of these situations can be, it takes strong individuals with tremendous compassion and strength to show the victims (male or female) out of a potentially life threatening situation. The children caught up in these domestic violence battles are often distraught beyond measure and ultimately grow up to be abusers them selves. If they are taught that this is not acceptable, and are further instructed on how not to repeat this often repeated lifestyle choice, then society at large will be better off.

These families need to know that someone cares, and to be the caseworker for such circumstances would be an incredible way to give hope in what might seem hopeless.

Finances permitting I would have enrolled in the local community college. However after a grueling past three years in the Real Estate Market, (I was a Real Estate agent) funds are limited and reserved for necessities only. Although my husband is now a civil service employee following his retirement and also receives a pension times are still tough and money is tight. Our youngest son is now ready to head of to the local community college simply because we have no funds to send him elsewhere, so any ideas I had about returning to school will be put off again, until such time we get him up and running.

If the opportunity was afforded to me, I would be extremely honored to be able to go back to school and obtain the degree that I had always hoped for. If there is one single regret that my husband and I share, it is the fact that neither one of us ever finished college, which is something we both want now. To try and convince our boys the importance of a degree without having obtained one ourselves has been challenging at best.

Perhaps we can all obtain a degree together, what a blessing that would be! I look forward to hearing from you regarding the possibility of being selected as a candidate for a full-tuition scholarship. I hope that you find my essay favorable and worthy of selection. If not, I thank you for the opportunity to enter, and I truly wish the best for all the ones who do get chosen.

Respectfully,

Dana M. Ray

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Michelle Novak

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:09:00 GMT

Michelle Novak

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Everest University Online

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.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Delayne Strand

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:08:00 GMT

Delayne Strand

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Everest University Online

I have been a child care provider for 20 years and I see the need for a change in my life. I have loved being a child care provider. I know that I have really made the difference in the life of many children. During the time that I was a child care provider I was chosen as Provider of the Year for my county, I was a mentor to new providers and I taught classes for other child care providers.

However: As a child care provider there is no chance for advancement, there are no real raises, and the most important factor in needing a change is the lack of benefits; there are none. There is no health care, no dental care, and no retirement program. With todays economy I have raised my rates by 3 percent last year while my expenses have gone up approximately 20 percent So I am actually making less of an income than I made last year.

The reality of having no benefits really hit home 2 years ago when my husband lost his job in manufacturing of 20 years. We went almost 1 year without any health insurance. That was a really tough time for our family. We have 3 sons, 2 of which suffer from chronic illnesses. We did not go to the doctor when we should have, we did without medications, and we really were living on the brink. What do you do when your cobra payment for health insurance is over $800.00 a month. Do you pay your mortgage, or do you pay for health insurance. During this time one of my children fell on ice and sprained his leg and broke 2 teeth in half. I believe that we are still making payments for this small; but very expensive fall.

After having gone through these difficult times, I know that the time has come for me to make a career change. Besides loving working with children, I love to work with numbers. I have always loved numbers, working with them and trying to put everything in order is like working on a puzzle. I love to reconcile statements and even doing Uncle Sam's taxes can be a very interesting experience.

As a working mother I believe that an online education is the perfect way to further your education. It can be flexible, you can still work, be a mom, and earn a degree. You can tailor your school schedule around your home life and your job. If you have to work an hour late, you can still go to classes that night and not miss a thing.

Twenty years ago I gave up my career in a retail store as a head bookkeeper/head cashier in order to stay home with my children. I had opportunities to climb the corporate ladder at that time, but I declined because the schedule was not family friendly. Having my children has been the greatest experience of my life. But now is the time for me to look forward into the future; my future. I need to increase my income, work for a company that can provide the benefits that everyone needs and I need to see what I can become. I believe that the best thing that someone can do for themselves is to be educated. Whether it is going to a science class with your child or being online in a college course learning about the accounting cycle.

You can always learn something new.

I also believe that I still have a lot of working years ahead of me, and that it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Getting a college education is probably financially impossible for me with my current career choice, it would be fantastic if you could grant me, the ultimate working mother a full scholarship. Because not only am I a mom of three sons, I am a daycare mom which means that I am the mom to many while their parents can work. Because of the many of thousands of daycare moms in this country; many, many other moms can work and keep their own families going.

So in closing I hope that you will be a part of my future, help me to gain a college education, and grant this wish to a very tired, but willing working mom.

And in closing; I wish to say to you my favorite way of signing a letter; "Remember, quiet women rarely make history."

Delayne Strand

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Tameka Echols

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Tameka Echols

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal
Everest University Online

A Setback Is a Setup For a Comeback.

If I had not gotten ill in June, I don't believe I would have ever learned of www.projectworkingmom.com. To me, to be educated means to have the power. No one can take my education away from me once I have it.

I am a 33-year-old black woman. I live in a suburb outside Chicago with my husband of 15 years and two beautiful children. For the past eight years, I have been employed with the second largest financial institution in the country. On June 2, 2008, my life came to a screeching halt.

I woke up and couldn't feel the left side of my body. I was rushed to the local emergency room for evaluation. As I heard the first analysis, that I was having a stroke, my life flashed before my eyes. All I could think about was how I had not accomplished my goal of getting a degree to help make a better life for my family. I was hospitalized for two days and was sent home on a walker and recommendations to see my primary doctor and a physical therapist. With their help, I am now able to walk again and have full use of all of my limbs.

During this time of recovery, I began to seriously take a look at my life and what I will do with it since I have been given a second chance. I know that having a degree will help me to grow in my company. Not having a degree has kept me from being promoted to numerous positions that I had applied for. Even though I have the work experience, I was not able to meet the degree requirements. Getting a degree is now my primary educational and personal goal.

As a high school senior, I met with the guidance counselor to look into college options. He leaned forward in his chair, pulled his glasses off and said You wont do well at a four-year university. Stick to a vocational or community college. He placed fear in me by saying that college teachers are mean and that I would have to stand in front of 250 students to give speeches and it would be scary. Needless to say, I did not apply at any universities. I decided to go to a business college and become a legal secretary first, and then a lawyer. I was accepted and started attending Northwestern Business College in 1992. Eight months later, my husband had accepted a position out of town and we moved. Immediately, I enrolled in Midstate College in Peoria, IL. Unfortunately, a labor dispute took place and my husbands employer broke the contract. Unemployed, we became homeless and sought help from my parents back in Chicago.

On the first month anniversary on my new job in a bank, I was robbed at gun point and shot at. While healing from this traumatic event, I found out that I was pregnant. I did my best to prepare my body for the new baby and soon obtained a different position within the same bank. With mounting bills from being unemployed and medical expenses from being hospitalized fifteen times before delivering our child, we were forced to file bankruptcy. Three years later, while pregnant with my second child, over 2,500 employees, as well as I, were downsized. 18 months later, the new company I worked for decided to move the office to Connecticut and I was laid off yet again. Finally, at the end of the chain of three lay-offs, I successfully interviewed and accepted a position with the company I work for presently.

In 2007, I decided to apply at Benedictine University and was accepted. Accelerated adult cohort classes were being offered at the local high school one night a week. Regrettably, the classes at this location were cancelled due to low enrollment, and I was offered a transfer to another offsite location 30 minutes from my home. My work schedule and travel time would not allow for me to attend those classes. I leave home at 5:30 am, and return after 6 pm. Therefore, a classroom setting is not an option.

Online programs are an available educational alternative that will fit into my lifestyle. My children are now 13 and 11 and are very independent. My family has always been supportive of me going back to school, and they will not hinder me in completing assigned projects and studying. My husband obtained an Associate's Degree in February, 2008 online and he plans to earn a Bachelor's Degree next. Although we both instill education as a life value in our children, we were forced to interrupt our own learning because we are facing student loans in excess of $30,000.00. In order for me to serve as a role model to my children, demonstrate the importance of formal schooling and pursue my educational goals, I need financial support.

I have not received a paycheck in over two months and I have begun an appeal process with my employer so that I will receive disability benefits until I am fully recovered and able to return to work without any restrictions.

Being able to go to school tuition free would take a load off my shoulders and allow me to achieve my lifelong dream. I have had numerous obstacles that have kept me from completing a degree. I intend to earn a Bachelor of Science Paralegal Degree. This degree, combined with my current personal and professional experience, will prepare me for more available career opportunities in the business world.

I have the determination, patience and courage I need. I have dreamed for a long time; now I am ready to plan, believe in myself and act.

I will proceed with purpose and persistence and I pray and trust that I am now prepared be the first woman in my immediate and extended family to earn a college degree, and positively influence my children, friends and relatives. A scholarship from www.projectworkingmom.com is the way to create the right circumstances for making my dream come true. I stand strong in my vision and faith of seizing this opportunity. It will place my life on a brand new level. Through hard work and support from my family, I will earn the degree, open a restaurant and better the life of my family, thus bringing my personal, educational and career goals to harmony.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Felipa Gonnella

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:06:00 GMT

Felipa Gonnella

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Everest University Online

In the United States the streets are paved with gold. Growing up in a small rural community in Mexico I heard that expression time after time.

I was born 42 years ago in Oxnard, California the oldest of 10 children, but grew up and went to school in Mexico. My father was a migrant/seasonal worker in Ventura County. He and my mom would make the journey North every year for the strawberry and lemon season and then back to their native land at the end of it. My dad always told us that being born in the US was the best gift he could ever give us; he wanted us to have the opportunity to come back here if we ever wanted to because after 1970 we stayed permanently in Mexico.

When I was 18-years-old, fresh out of high school, my parents decided to move the family back to California because my dad was too sick to work and needed medical attention. Also, he could no longer provide us with the resources (money) to live or continue our education.

California turned out to be not at all like the stories I had heard. For starters, I did not see any golden paved streets, but I did see that the opportunities were there. All I had to do was learn English. I enrolled in ESL classes as soon as I was able to.

My first job in this country was in a factory, not a very glamorous job but the only thing I could find due to the fact that I could not speak English. It was hard work and light years away from my dream of becoming an accountant. I became friends with an older woman who had spent her life working at that factory. She told me her story which is the same or very similar to many people who emigrate from other countries. She came here at the age of 20 with big dreams for her future; she was going to become a teacher. However, she explained to me that she never cared to learn to speak English well enough to go to College which limited her options to even getting a better job. She also told me that because she never went to school her children now had no desire to do so because if she could support a family with her meager earnings, so could they. She told me not to give up and to do something with myself.

With a few months of ESL under my belt I decided to enroll in College. My English was not by any means good but I thought that if I took classes that didn't require too much writing I would be okay. My first class was Accounting 101 which I failed miserably because not even my love for numbers could make up for my inability to comprehend my instructor. I realized that I needed to go back to simply learning English and then give it another try. A year later I gave College a try again but had to drop out because my family and I had to move to a more affordable community. I kept thinking that if I could make more money we wouldnt have to move because I would be able to help more with my income, which I couldnt do because in order for me get a better job I had to have a College degree.

I enrolled in a Technical school course that lasted 2 years and was able to get a Certificate in Accounting and I thought I was ready to take on the world.

However, my bubble burst when I started looking for a job and I realized that people were not impressed by the fact that I had a Certificate, they were looking for a degree. Fortunately I found someone willing to give me a chance working in an office which liberated me from factory work once and for all. For the next couple of years I was content with my progress, I had a better income now which made me move my dream of a college education to the bottom of my list.

I got married and had two great kids. Unfortunately my second child, my daughter, was born prematurely, and the doctors told us that she might need a lot of special care which we decided a child care facility would not be able to provide so the best decision for our family was for me to quit my job and become a stay home mom to care for her. Too quickly her medical bills began piling up reaching an exorbitant total because even though we had medical insurance, most of the treatment that she needed was not covered under our policy; we were ultimately forced to declare bankruptcy. Little by little we got back on our feet, but to improve our chances of making it we had to move to another town.

As my children got older and more independent, I decided to go back to school because I thought I had plenty of time to do it. We discussed it with my husband and figured out a schedule so we wouldnt have to pay for child care, which we couldnt afford on his salary alone and by now we had one more child. I enrolled at my local community college but after only a couple of courses the dream had to be put on hold again, not for lack of desire, but because we could no longer manage financially unless we became a two income family again.

It has been 9 years since then, and the itch to further my education has begun to flare once again.

With a hectic life like mine an online school is the best alternative to an education, and for me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of becoming a CPA. That will definitely provide me with a better income for my family and as a result I can provide my children the support they need to make it easier on them to accomplish their education dreams.

Yes the streets of the United States are paved with gold, but only for those who take advantage of the opportunities that generous people like you offer.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Angela Hart

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:05:00 GMT

Angela Hart

Bachelor of Business
Everest University Online

Leaving a Legacy or True Success

In the spirit of Project Working Mom and the requirements necessary to be qualified to receive educational funds, I am offering the following essay for your consideration. It will hopefully tell the story of a woman who: 1) sees the value of a college education; 2) has the motivation to earn a college degree; and 3) takes the opportunity to use that degree to advance her career, improve the quality of life for her family, and benefit other members of her community.

I graduated from high school in 1984 and married that same year. Three years later I started a family with my husband, and I enjoyed life as a full-time mother of two boys. Unfortunately, as a result of a divorce in 1999, I became a single mom and was suddenly thrust into a new and scary role as sole breadwinner for my family. With no relevant work experience to speak of, I hardly had a resume with which to enter the paid work force. I was, however, resourceful, in creating an impressive resume based on the many leadership positions I had held while serving in various volunteer roles. These positions included Reading Incentive Chairman, PTA Secretary, President of the local little league football organization, and bookkeeper/financial manager for my ex-husbands business. With that resume, I successfully sold myself into a mid-level position with the company where I have now been employed for nearly twelve years. From my quiet beginning as a mid-level bookkeeper, I have made steady and significant advancements in my 12-year career with our companies. While serving as Accounting Assistant to our CPA, I developed and led a fledgling Human Resources initiative. I was later promoted to Production Team Leader, responsible for sixteen teams consisting of two hundred employees working three shifts. I have held the position of Key Account Manager for several international accounts. I am currently one of four Account Executives for our three multimillion-dollar companies, of which I am now one of a handful of shareholders.

Today, however, I find myself at a crossroads. While I may consider that I have accomplished much with only a high school diploma, I see that I am in fact limited as to the level of success I am able to attain. Without a college degree, I cannot progress any further within my company than my present position. In essence, my career advancement and income level have nearly reached their maximum potential. I never fully appreciated the value of a college education until now.

Earning a degree would benefit my employer as well as catapult my career. I would be promoted into a position with increased responsibilities as well as greater influence within our three companies. My employer and I both share the desire for me to assume the roles of Human Resources Director and Accounting Administrator. However, obtaining these positions is contingent upon my earning a degree in Business Administration. I would, therefore, have a very strong incentive in pursuing and completing this degree program. I would also receive the added benefits of a substantial increase in pay, influence and prestige.

Dave Crowder, the Vice President of our small woman-owned business, has this vision: To have a work place so healthy that folks are lined up at the front door waiting to come in and work for us, while our services are so outstanding that we have product enough going out the back door to support their employment. To be the conduit of a dream where a greater corporate environment is created and whereby people can work securely and support their families, which are also often headed by other single moms, is a dream worth striving for. Earning a degree will enable me to help make that dream become a reality.

Besides advancing my career, a degree would also benefit my family. In 2007, my Dad became disabled due to a debilitating illness. He was no longer able to work, and in the spring of this year, he and my mom moved in with me. My dad is bravely battling cancer, and he is an inspiration to me. Like me, he was a highly skilled but not formally educated employee. Although he worked very hard and found a level of success that makes me proud of him, he never earned a college degree. This meant that he worked in a position that afforded him limited preparation for retirement or for a catastrophic event like cancer. My mom, just as inspiring, was a stay-at-home wife. With only an eighth-grade education, she did a wonderful job in raising her two daughters. She has seen one of her daughters (my sister) aspire and earn her Master's degree in psychology.

There is no doubt of the impact a degree would have in the workplace, on prospective employees in my community, in my ability to provide for my parents, or the personal pride I would have among my peers. But I believe its greatest benefit would be the legacy I would create for my sons. They have seen their mom defy the odds. They have seen me overcome adversity in my climb up the corporate ladder through a combination of faith, integrity and hard work. And while they may view my progression from a housewife to a senior Account Executive as a modern American success story, Im afraid they may have come to a false conclusion. It is the same conclusion I had come to until now, that one does not have to have a college-level education to become successful.

I know that times are different than they were more than twenty years ago when I graduated from high school. It was easier back then to land a decent job that did not require an education beyond the high school level. However, in todays economy, we need a degree to help our employers keep their competitive edge. On the home front, we need a degree to provide as much as we can for our families needs. Learning about Project Working Mom has been an exciting, eye-opening event for me. I realized through this process that this is my time. It is a time where I can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a scholarship that will allow me to grow educationally, personally and corporately. It is a time where I can earn a degree on-line in the evenings from my home while still meeting the rigorous demands of my job and my family. It is a time of true opportunity.

In this essay, I hope you have seen the heart of a woman, a woman who loves her family, respects her employers, has served and will continue to serve her community, and who has recognized the need to obtain a degree. I hope you have also heard the story of a woman who is determined to make her part of the world a better place on many levels. I hope that most of all, you have found the story of a woman worthy of receiving the scholarship being offered through Project Working Mom.

My sons know I am entering the Project Working Mom contest and that I have started on the path to earning my degree. When I reach this milestone in my life, it will give them pause to re-examine the choices they have made thus far, to re-evaluate their own goals in life, and to perhaps arrive at a different conclusion about the value of a college education. By winning this contest and subsequently earning my degree I would give my sons the vision to see today what it has taken me over 40 years to see. Only then would I consider myself truly successful. This is the legacy I want to leave.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Ann Marie Ulery

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:04:00 GMT

Ann Marie Ulery

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Everest University Online

My name is Ann Marie Ulery, I am a 25-year-old mother and military wife currently located at Little Rock Air Force Base. I have a 2-year-old, 7-year-old step-daughter and POA of my best friend's daughter while she and her husband are currently deployed in Iraq until early next year. I had to put school on hold due to my husbands uncalling duty to serve his country and my uncalling duty to support him. With my husband being deployed on and of over he past 2 years, had to double up and be mommy and daddy all alone, school couldn't be a factor when I was alone to raise my family.

I yearn to complete my degree for it is something I have as an everyday goal. Finish school. Finishing school is very important to me. You cannot exceed in life financially without a degree. No matter what program or system is created telling that you can work at home and make millions, you can't it's not real. We can all live our lives like Paris Hilton, walking around being famous and wild! WE all have responsibilities, I have responsibilities. I cannot fail my children, for I choose to be successful in all that I encounter in my life.

Yes things do happen where you may have to make some rearrangements but there is a time to bring certain things back, such as getting my degree. Getting an education and most importantly an online education is one of the best options I have seen for myself in the earning your career world! I can attend class and attend to my family without having put a pause to school.

I currently work as a part time manager in a retail store for plus size women. Due to the change in our economy, the company I work for is making drastic changes. Some weeks hours are cut and sales are shortened. I have to prove everyday I can provide excellent customer service so I am not seen as an “option” but as a great manager who provides customer service. But as much as I enjoy my job it is not a career based job, I get paid by the hour and unlike my store manager I don’t receive a bonus. I know that getting my degree will help ensure me of a job that will give me great benefits and salary pay.

Everyday I apply for jobs that at least make up to $11.00 per hour and that are full time for I fear of losing my current job because we have lost customers due to the harsh changes in our economy. I constantly worry about being rejected on certain interviews due to employer seeing I do not have a degree listed on my resume. We all know it is a higher possibility that someone can choose a potential employee based on whether or not they have a degree. I refuse to be denied anymore….

As a mother and a wife online schools has brought so much relief to the at home or working mothers. We no longer sit in the shadows as just a mother trying to get buy, we are the powerhouse multi-tasking how women handle work, education, and life in this struggling economy. I am proud to be a powerhouse factor in this world and completing my education will help me change and mold my life, community, and possibly the world.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Renee Sellers

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Renee Sellers

Associate of Applied Science in Business
Everest University Online

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you to express my interest in consideration for your online university scholarship. I hold an Associates degree from Delaware County Community College. At the time, I could not afford to attend the traditional four year universities in my area, therefore I paid for my education out of my own pocket while working two jobs and planning my wedding. This was six years ago.

Currently I work in a dynamic environment filled with professionals who have higher education levels than me. I am inspired by their achievements yet at the same time, envious. I am also a mother of a two and a half-year old son. I had hoped to complete my bachelor's degree before he was born; that was not the case.

For the past two years and six months, I have thought about completing this personal goal. Due to my current obligations and responsibilities, and without the aid of financial assistance, I thought it would not be possible. However, after receiving an advertisement from EarnMyDegree.com, now I am motivated and inspired; somewhat in part to my fellow colleagues success, but largely in part to my son, Terence. I hold the value of education highly and when Terence is old enough to understand, I will preach to him that a college degree is necessary in today's world to achieve success.

Unlike single mothers, I am fortunate to have a spouse/significant other who supports my dream. He has a higher level of education than me. He says we are equals in our relationship, though I personally do not feel the same. My parents never finished their college educations. I am the oldest of three children and we did not grow up with the finer things life had to offer. If we wanted to go to college, we had to pay for it ourselves or hope for scholarship opportunities to come our way. My parents both worked very hard to provide us with the essential basics needed in life to survive. I have seem them struggle and I do not want to be in that unfortunate position.

I am seeking to broaden my education in hopes of furthering my career at Siemens Medical Solutions, USA. In such a large organization, I feel its easy to get lost. And in todays bumpy economy, one can never know if ones position is sustainable. As an Administrative Assistant at Siemens, I provide functional and technical support to my Vice President and his team. I am frequently called upon to provide answers. If I want to keep my technical knowledge up to date, I feel as though I need to go back to school and complete my education. Achieving my Bachelor's degree would do just that for me.

Prior to joining Siemens, I worked for over 10 years in the field of Healthcare in various areas of responsibility such as Receptionists and Administrative Assistants. I worked with many different management levels and I hope to be at that level in the near future.

I think you will find that my combination of practical work experience over my entire career and my educational background make me an excellent candidate for this scholarship opportunity.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to this opportunity.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Lorraine Phillips

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Lorraine Phillips

Bachelor of Business
Everest University Online

"My Education"

My college journey began ten years ago, in 1998, when I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate high school. That fall I began attending a state college. My family was not in a position to provide financial help, so I applied for grants and loans and got a job. I was living at home and commuting to my classes five days a week. My home, school and job were in three different cities. At that time in my life, I was somewhat of a follower rather than a leader. I was attending school with my two best friends and decided to follow in their footsteps to be a pharmacist. My favorite subject had always been mathematics, and my least favorite was science. I was more interested in accounting than pharmaceuticals, but in the end, my desire to be with my friends won the battle. My adviser gave me a grueling schedule that included chemistry, chemistry lab, biology, biology lab, history, math and English. Some of my classes were so large that I had to sit in the back of a huge auditorium surrounded by a sea of students. Some of the teachers taught with a power point presentation and gave no individual help. I was expected to learn most of the material on my own or to use study groups. Between school and work, I was soon burnt out. For the first time in my life, I was in trouble in school. I started dropping classes one by one and ended up quitting school after only one semester.

I returned to my job full-time and spent several years focused on my career. I then took an accounting position where my boss insisted that I go back to school to help me in my job performance. I qualified for a grant and my boss paid the remaining balance for my school expenses. She even paid for my time spent in school. I began attending a local technical college. I took classes for an accounting degree. After I was promoted to office manager at work, I changed my major to business management instead. The small school atmosphere was nice. I enjoyed the intimate class setting and one-on-one help from the teachers. During my second semester, I decided to take an Intro to Computers class online. I enjoyed the online learning style even better that attending class in person. I also learned that I possessed the drive that it takes to work from home. My next online class was English 191. I passed that class with a final semester grade of 98.95. In 2003, after attending only three semesters of school, my increased workload and hours forced me to once again put my collegiate plans on hold.

In 2005, I began looking into attending an online college. I obtained information from several schools. When I found out that I was pregnant early in 2006, I decided that it would be very difficult to work a full-time job while attending school and being a first-time Mother. We also could not afford to pay for the educational expenses out of pocket and my boss was no longer willing to help me further my education. The plans for my education would have to wait once more. After the birth of my daughter, I decided to stay at home to raise her. When I quit my regular job, I was able to begin doing bookkeeping services as an independent contractor from my home. Working from home allows me to make a small income to help pay the bills, yet the flexibility allows me to work around my daughter’s schedule. Now that my daughter is getting close to two years old, I feel that this is the right time for me to focus on my education.

I was gathering information on my local technical college, as well as online schools, when I found the "Project Working Mom: Putting Learning to Work" scholarship awards program. I believe that this is no coincidence. I have been trying to figure out a way to get the education that I desire and deserve, and here is this wonderful opportunity which has been presented to me. I believe that I would be the perfect candidate to receive an on line scholarship for several reasons. I am a self-employed Mother that has the discipline, drive and determination to complete online classes. This is proven by my 4.0 GPA which includes online courses which I have previously passed. The last semester of school I attended was fall 2003, and if my credits are transferable, I will have a jump start at my new school. I have experience with and prefer online courses to traditional classes. Being self-employed, I have the freedom to work at my leisure and online classes would easily fit into my schedule.

I come from a family that has always struggled in life just to make ends meat. I saw how my Mother and Father worked hard, physical labor just to pay the bills and it broke my heart. I decided at a young age that I would rather use my brains than brawn to make a living. I always took my education seriously and remained an honor student throughout my elementary, middle and high school years. My hard work paid off when my Grandparents rewarded me with the opportunity to be an exchange student in Brazil for my first semester of high school. Being the first person in my family to graduate high school was my childhood goal and I achieved it with flying colors. My next goal was set to graduate college with a degree in business management, and I believe that your program is designed to pave a way for dreams like this to come true.

Getting a college education is very important to me. I want to enable myself to have a career that pays enough money that my family can live a better, more comfortable lifestyle than that which was afforded to me as a child. A bachelor’s degree in business management would allow me to obtain a high paying job in almost any field of my choice. I have previous experience in this field and I enjoy the work. My ultimate career goal is to run a successful business with my husband where I handle all of the management responsibilities while he runs the daily activities. Until I reach that goal, I would like to be able to have a wide variety of employment opportunities to choose from. Having my college education will help to make my dreams become a reality. I am a daughter, a sister, a mother and a wife. As far as education is concerned, I want to be a good example for all of my family members. I want my daughter to look at my accomplishments and know that she can do even bigger and better things. I want her to reach for the stars and never stop trying to achieve her goals. Earning a college degree has always been my dream, and I am still trying to reach it. Now, with help from a program like yours, I just might be the first person in my family to graduate college.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Melisa Dotson

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:01:00 GMT

Melisa Dotson

Bachelor of Business
Everest University Online

Although I married at a young age, I fully intended to gain a higher education for myself. It is very easy to fall into the mindset that everyone else comes first, and I am very guilty of such thoughts. My duties as a military wife caused many barriers, but I was able to complete a one-year training course at a dental clinic on a military installation. I worked in various dental offices as my husband was transferred from one location to another.

After working in the field of dentistry for several years, I accepted a position as a marketing assistant. I have learned a great deal while on the job, but do I recognize that there are many areas for improvement. This opportunity sparked an interest in business and marketing, and I have a renewed and even stronger desire to gain a college degree. I no longer want to attend a job interview and be noted as not having a college degree.

The timing of gaining a higher education right now is perfect for me. My son has graduated from high school and is a LCPL in the United States Marine Corps. My two daughters are currently in high school. The time commitment required of mothers who have young children is no longer an obstacle for me. My children are very excited about my decision and think it is the best thing that I could do for myself. They do not have the full understanding of what this means for them though. This will make an enormous impact on my children. I want them to realize that goals can be achieved no matter how long they are delayed. Gaining a higher education will also allow me the opportunity to be a better employee and offer more to my company. My goal is to secure my college degree and be in a better financial and flexible position for myself and my family.

Online education is the right decision for me. I am not available for classroom activities due to my current responsibilities to my family and my job. I am not in a position to leave my job and lose my income. Such a decision would be financially devastating to my family.

My younger daughter asked me recently if she could be a gourmet chef. My obvious reply to her is that she can be whatever she wants to be. Her desire is to attend culinary school and open her own restaurant. When she asked if I would be there to help her, I realized...here is another reason why a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business is exactly what I need. She is already cooking up her own plans at such a young age. I am ready to turn my goals into reality and have the knowledge and expertise I will need many years down the road when my daughter is prepared to start her restaurant. If she changes the plans for her future, that will be fine. My goals will have been achieved, and I will be ready to set, meet or exceed whatever goals I have for my future.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Heidi Blake

Victoria — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Heidi Blake

Associate of Science in Computer Information Science
Everest University Online

At 40 years of age, I have taken a reassessment of my life. Upon reviewing the life choices that I've made, I feel a strong degree of satisfaction because these choices accommodated my needs and goals for certain time periods of my life. For example, even though I graduated high school with High Honors, I chose not to pursue higher education at that time so as to achieve a long-held spiritual goal that I'd set as a youth. That decision was the right one for me at that time and brought me a great deal of personal fulfillment.

Now, at this point in my life, pursuing a degree is the right decision. Over the last 20-plus years, the balance of the economy has shifted to the point where having a college degree better enables one to care for the many and varied needs of a family. I have now been married for over 13 years, and this union has produced two incredible, insightful, intelligent, and inspirational children--a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. My husband is the primary breadwinner, but fulfilling this role often requires that he take on extra hours or supplementary employment; this, in turn, reduces the time that he is able to spend with the family. Since our familys primary concern is not monetary, any further contribution that I could make to the family budget would only serve to strengthen our family union because it would enable us to all spend more time together.

In addition to the potential financial enhancement, my other reason for pursuing a degree is that I simply love to learn. Throughout my schooling, I was always an eager student. Ive maintained that attitude by continuing to educate myself through reading, research, and learning from life experiences. Even without a degree, Ive parlayed my acquisition of knowledge into several teaching stints: I have served as an SAT instructor, reaching the Master Tutor level; taught preschoolers how to use computers from both the basic hardware and academic software aspects; and, my most crowning achievement, homeschooled both of my children for several years. I am most proud of teaching my own children, and the results were evident early on, especially in the fact that each of them was able to read fluently by the time they were three years old.

My other secular employment has included child care, word processing, administrative support, and proofreadingthe position in which I currently serve. I am particularly proud of my proofreading skills (and sincerely hope that they are evident in this essay!) because I feel that these skills demonstrate my life-long love of learning. How is that? Well, perhaps unlike many of my peers, I always particularly enjoyed grammar lessons, much more than the liturgical side of the normal English curriculum. Evidencing my age, I truly believe in the mantra that was drilled into me from youth from the RIF organization: Reading is Fundamental. If one can read well, then one can succeed. However, to convey the accurate meaning, and even nuance, to the reader, the information being presented needs to be prepared in an accurate, clear, and concise manner. I have tried to apply this standard to my own writing, and as a proofreader try to apply this standard to the writing of others. Since Im a proofreader for an accounting firm, I now also get to incorporate my love of math into my position, since I am required to check calculations for accuracy as well.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in Computer Science because that was definitely one subject that interested me in high school, wherein I was given a brief exposure to basic programming. As mentioned in the outset, I chose not to pursue further education after graduation, so I never had the opportunity to learn the intricacies of the field. Obviously, over 20 years later, to modify RIFs motto, Computers are Fundamental, and now I am interested in learning exactly how computers operate and how I can use that knowledge for both personal and secular advancement. Although I am very happy in my current position as a proofreader, I wholeheartedly believe in expanding ones knowledge and, therefore, ones options for advancement.

Obviously, Project Working Mom understands this as well. I thank the Project, eLearners, EducationDynamics, and their sponsors in advance simply for establishing this program, whether or not I become a recipient of a scholarship. Realizing the three major barriers to mothers getting their degree says enough about the Project, et al., in and of itself. I know that both time and money definitely present obstacles for me, which is why online education would be ideal in my case. This would allow me to continue to balance the endless duties of managing a family while now also pursuing further education without disrupting that schedule, since Id be able to learn online at times when my familys needs have been satisfied.

I sincerely hope that this essay has adequately conveyed my life experience, goals, and desire to pursue higher education. I feel that these things squarely put me in line for consideration for a scholarship. I can assure the reviewing committee in advance that if I am chosen, I will absolutely put my all into this opportunity and that a scholarship will not be wasted on me. Please accept my sincerest appreciation for this opportunity and I wish you the best of success in selecting the most qualified applicants for receipt of these scholarships.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Demaree Fobian

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:07:00 GMT

Demaree Fobian

Associate Degree in Accounting
Penn Foster College

My name is Demaree Fobain. I am the proud mother of two wonderful boys. Everything I do is for them and I want to be able to provide the best for them. I struggle to pay for all of our day to day expenses Daycare is a huge expense that no charity, income chart, rental plan, bill collector, or government takes into consideration when accessing your income. On paper, it looks like I make really good money. In reality, I struggle paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet and there is no money for housing left unlike most single moms. I'm lucky. I have a great family that allows us to live with them and I have a secure job. What I don't have is a college education that allows me to earn the money I need to raise my boys.

My dream is to have our own home, somewhere where that I can be a mom to my boys on my own. It is the hardest thing I'd ever have to do to be a 35-year-old mom living with her parents and living the fine line between mother and daughter. Having to allow others to override my decisions and to usurp my position in my own family. out of respect and fear of having to nowhere to go. I live with that everyday. Until I make significantly more money I will not be able to afford to live alone.

I have worked as an executive assistant for six years now and while my boss and my job are great, I know that without my degree I won't get the promotions and raises I need.

I have re-registered for college for fall 2008 and will major in accounting technology. In finding a major, I considered what jobs will always be needed, will be secure and will pay a good salary. I know that when I finish this degree that I can continue on to a bachelor's degree which will truly make my life easier.

I keep the office books now and there is a possibility that I could be promoted to the HR manager in a few years if I earn my degree. Without financial aid or scholarships, I cannot afford college.

As a busy single mom I do not have the time to attend classes and will do all of mine online.

I want my boys to be proud of their mom and I want them to learn how important education is for them! My boys will not have a bap year. I will make sure they go to college right after high school. Already, I teach them how important it is to have an education and to choose a good career path. I want to be a good example to them now.

Twenty years from now, I want my boys to be successful men on their own, happy and healthy and to say, "Our mom did everything she could for us and we never lacked for anything. Then that will be the happiest day of my life."

Thank you for this opportunity.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Megan Luca

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:04:00 GMT

Megan Luca

Associate Degree in Medical Assistant
Penn Foster College

I am currently enrolled at Penn Foster College and as financial records show it is very difficult to be a working mother and a provider for my children. I understand that my current enrollment will not be covered I would still like to further my education with this school.

I find it difficult on a daily basis to provide what is needed form me. I would love to obtain a career from home so that I can be with my child until he begins to attend school, but it would also be wonderful if in the long run I had a well paying, beneficial, and retirement plan that is well established and fun. All my life I have always been average, normal, but I want to be a role model to my children that even normal people can achieve great things and with hard work, dedication, and a little help they can become what ever they want. Like and other parent they want their children to have a better life than they did and I believe that with this kind of opportunity I can help my children have the life I never had and show them through example of hard work and perseverance, success will come if only they try.

My life has been a constant struggle with family and self-esteem issues. I was always being degraded and put down by family members. Always being told I was never good enough or being compared to other children. i always went above and beyod to make people proud of me or notice what kind of person I was capable of being, but it seemed that the more i did that the worst things got. I was a pretty good student in school all A's and some times B's, but that was expected of me, but my younger siblings seem to get C's and D's without a care.

As the oldest in the family I was expected to set the bar for my brother and sister and set a good example, but I always seem to come up short. I was told that I had the heart to be a good athlete, but not the skill, therefore, I never thought I would have the opportunity to pursue a dream of becoming a college volleyball player. Then when my parents got separated I had to grow up much faster than a normal teen.

I had to work and help my mother take care of my siblings, along with house hold chores and keeping my mother together through this difficult time. I would take my brother and sister outside or in my room to watch TV when they fought or when mom would be crying after they got off the phone. I believe that if my mother would have known and had the support of a scholarship like this her life would have been totally different and so would mine. So I would live to use this opportunity to better myself for myself and to show my mother that she is a wonderful mother and that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her.

I know that by finishing my schooling and being able to support my own family will bring joy to her heart. I know that online schooling is right for me, because I have good work ethic, I know how to take direction well, I know that a lot of self discipline and constant motivation is need to stay on schedule.

Due to life experiences I believe that I have the skill, knowledge, and resources to complete these courses and success in any career. I also think that on-line schooling is much harder and helps build good leadership skills and independence, both of which are great characteristics to have in the work place. On-line schooling will only help enhance what strong qualities I have and I look forward to becoming a more strong independent woman, who is charismatic, open minded, and well educated. This type of opportunity is hard to come by and I promise that this scholarship will be put to good use and will be use to it's fullest potential and I would like to thank you for considering me as candidate.

Thank you for your time.

Megan Luca

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Sheena Vige

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Sheena Vige

Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
Penn Foster College

Over my entire working career, 95 percent has been a job in which I dealt with customer service and management. Most jobs that I sought were at hotels and restaurants. I always seemed to excel at jobs which reflected top sales, top customer service, and required return business. I truly enjoyed what I did and I know that that was why I was so successful. Unfortunately, in my mid-twenties, I missed out on an opportunity that was offer to me by the hotel manager.

I had just become a single mother and realized I had two commitments to choose from. Working in the hotel business would require many hours of my time and so would becoming a dedicated new mother. I made a choice to pursue the legal industry instead where my hours could be freelanced as a court reporter. This way I would be able to control my working time. After attending the course for three years at a court-reporting institute, I was able to reach 180 speed with 99 percent accuracy but stayed at that level, after six additional months of trying to increase speed I realized that I could not get any faster it was required to reach a speed of 240 in order to complete the course and become a licensed reporter. Even though my heart was not in it, I was willing to sacrifice my dream for a career I knew would be more stable and controllable.

I finally decided to pursue something else, since it was obvious I was notable to complete the course with the standards required to graduate. I didn't let myself feel as though I had failed; I looked at it as skills I acquired and now I was going to apply these skills into my life. After marching past that point, I was now 30 and my daughter was four-years-old. I knew my time running short and I needed a job that would financially support us before she would begin school.

I decided to move closer to home where I could receive help from my family with child care and I went back to the hotel and restaurant business. I knew I would enjoy the work and I could make a decent amount of money. Overtime, I worked myself up to assistant floor manager for the servers. Since I was a hard and disciplined worker, I was able to make some progress but I still needed a degree to in order to put myself into operational management positions. The hours were long and late which kept me from my daughter. She was young and needed me so I eventually saved up enough money and went into a partnership business selling cellular service.

Things were doing very well for me; I had brought up sales 40-60 percent over the first two years. My customers loved me and knew they could depend on my knowledge. Once again, I was happy dealing with customers and working M-F and rotating Saturdays.

My partner ran into personal problems and quickly became a financial problem to the company. I was offered a way out and decided it was the best thing to do at the time, considering the future outlook of the business. The president of a company for one of my cellular accounts had offered me an office management job for a new office that was opening in my area. Several times prior to leaving the cellular business I was offered this job and I finally took them up on the offer. Currently I have been with them for 4¼ years.

I appreciate my employer and respect them tremendously but I am not happy. I sit alone most of the day doing payroll taxes, insurance, inventory basically whatever is needed to keep the business going. We are a small mechanical business and all employees other than myself are men working outside in the shop. The general manager is very pleased with me because he rarely needs to come in the office any longer. I handle most of operating the business and now he has the freedom to do outside sales. In the past year I have been looking for a way to further my education so that I can make a career change before I become much older.

My daughter is 13-years-old and I have much more freedom with my time. She does not need me every minute any longer. She is very self sufficient and she and I have talked about if I were to go back to school. She is so excited for me and wants to support me anyway she can. Everyday I think about what my life would be like if I had followed my heart and taken that opportunity years ago for management in the hotel industry.

I do not like to say that I have regrets, but I still wonder. I have not reached true happiness in my career. I have no doubts of my success if only given the chance. Like many others I do not have the financial resources to college nor do I have the spare time to waste on physical travel to and from a physical building.

When I read about how this offer can allow you to acquire the education for a degree while at home, I honestly became renewed in hope. If you could find enough reason to allow me this opportunity I know personally that I will not only succeed for myself but can help many others succeed as well.

My goal is still to become a food an beverage manager and eventually a hotel manager what I lack is the educational degree that would ensure an employer that I have been educated on skills needed in the hotel/restaurant industry by managers what I have to offer is my dedication and years of experience of successfully dealing with coworkers, customers, procedures, and management.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Donna Gannon

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:59:00 GMT

Donna Gannon

Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Penn Foster College

My name is Donna Gannon and I am a mother of two amazing children, Lelaina who is 13 and Joshua who is 16. I have brought my children up to appreciate education and the contribution it can bring to the world. I myself regrettably did not attend college out of high school. Although I did marry my high school sweetheart and started a wonderful family. I have brought up our children with great morals and values. We have made sure to direct them towards scholarships throughout their education where as we have never had an abundance of funds available to us. I am proud to say they both hold around a 3.80 GPA and both have hearts of gold.

I myself am the youngest of five children. I watched my mother work hard towards a career in the nursing field, starting at the age of 40. Her tireless efforts and dedication stayed with me as I too am approaching 40. After attaining her degree, I had the fortune of watching her enjoy her career through out my life as she gifted the world with her skills. I have recently experienced some very hard times which have inspired me to walk in her path. Its funny how hardships in your life ignite a power driven from within that when looking back you cant imagine ever living without. This is what Graphic Design became for me.

I have always encompassed a love for the arts. Whether I paint, sketch or tell a night time story to the kids. I have always felt the urge to design and create. Twenty years ago I married a man whos family owned a photo lab. We serviced our small town for over 25 years with quality service and always a smile. The later part of those years I and my husband ran the lab. Unfortunately that industry has become null and void and we have been struggling to start over from scratch. With our expertise in imaging we have created a large format business. Although the sluggish economy has created a tremendous struggle for our new venture we have put all of our resources at stake and are striving toward the future as best we can. During this transition we have noticed a tremendous need for Graphic Design.

This past year has been a series of challenging obstacles. We lost our home, were forced to file chapter 7 bankruptcy and are struggling to keep bills paid and food on the table. Through these obstacles we are attempting to create any spark that can get us back on our feet again. Our children are getting closer to the college life and we desperately want to provide any funding that will help them to get started on the right foot.

Currently I am enrolled in my first semester at Penn Foster for Graphic Design. Online learning is such a wonderful tool for me and I am very grateful for the ability to learn and receive a degree from home in my spare time. The reason I am applying for this scholarship relies upon my financial strain as well as my lack of time during the business day. Most importantly my desire for a career in a field that I absolutely feel confident and comfortable in. The first semester was a struggle to fund and I have been anxiously awaiting a resolution for the remaining 3 semesters. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I am fully committed to completing this degree with aspirations of showing my children a positive role model with the will of a warrior. I know that I will make a difference in the world with this degree as well as a positive influence for the school I am attending. I look forward to being a graduate of Penn Foster and will extend my gratitude to this establishment with pride.