Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

In the realm of academia, I proudly wear the badge of a non-traditional student. While the term "non-traditional" may imply a deviation from the norm, I view it as a testament to my resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to a better future. What sets me apart as a non-traditional student is not only my unique journey but also the driving force behind my pursuit of higher education - my three children and the desire to provide them with a life filled with opportunities. As a non-traditional student, I stand out due to my circumstances and responsibilities. Unlike the traditional path of entering college right after high school, my journey has taken a different trajectory. Instead, I have shouldered the weight of parenthood while simultaneously seeking educational advancement. Balancing the demands of raising three children, often as a single parent, and striving to excel academically requires a level of fortitude and determination that distinguishes me as a non-traditional student. What drives me to do more, to go beyond the limitations imposed by societal expectations, is the immense love I have for my children. They are my inspiration, my driving force, and the reason I strive to create a better life for them. Witnessing their innocent smiles, their unwavering faith in me propels me forward when the challenges seem insurmountable. The desire to provide my children with a life filled with opportunities is a flame that burns brightly within me. Education catalyzes transforming their future. By pursuing higher education, I not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for my children. The thought of instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible fuels my drive to push beyond my limits. As a non-traditional student, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices required on this path. Late nights spent studying after putting my children to bed, juggling parental responsibilities alongside academic commitments, and making tough choices regarding time and resources become routine. However, it is precisely these sacrifices that reinforce my determination and deepen my appreciation for the opportunities education can provide. I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for my children and me. It is a transformative force that can break the cycle of limited opportunities and create a new narrative of success. By becoming a non-traditional student, I am actively challenging societal norms, embracing the power of education, and showcasing the strength of a parent's love. In conclusion, as a non-traditional student, my journey is characterized by unique challenges, responsibilities, and a relentless drive to provide a better life for my three children. The love I have for them fuels my determination and pushes me to go beyond societal expectations. While my path may differ from the traditional student, it is marked by resilience, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of educational opportunities. By embracing my role as a non-traditional student, I am not only shaping my future but also creating a foundation for my children to thrive.

There is no testimony without the test. My testimony and my determination to never give up no matter what it may look like, feel like, or seem like are what make me a non-traditional student. My tests in life were made to stop me but they've only managed to slow me down. I am determined to complete college with my bachelor's degree at the age of 32! I am driven to complete college for the betterment of my future and my future family. Twenty-nine years old and I am still pursuing my education although my faith has been tested. My father (my hero) went to prison when I was 8 years old and was sentenced to life. I lost my best friend. I watched my mother struggle with substance abuse (alcohol) to mask her emotions and numb her pain. My older brother grew up angry with the world because our father made a horrible mistake and we were paying the ultimate emotional price for it. I have lived with over 4 different relatives, in two different states, because of my mother's depression and lack of income to support us all. She did her best and even put herself through nursing school to better our lives as a whole. She is my ultimate "why". My mother always told me "there is always someone else's story bigger than yours" and that little reminder is what keeps me going. The author of my life kept writing and my testimony kept growing. That 8-year-old girl grew up and was sexually assaulted at the age of twenty-three. I was enrolled in school at the time and that took a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I completed a semester with all A's and thought I could handle the next semester but the PTSD weighed on me too much and I ultimately failed all of my classes except one. That was detrimental to my GPA as well as the financial aid I was receiving. I could no longer afford school and I didn't return to my "normal" outgoing self until a full two years later but "there is always someone else's story bigger than yours". I always knew in the back of my mind that I would return to school and complete my degree. That time is now. The obstacles I've faced in life are what make me a non-traditional student. My pain and my struggles were temporary, and have come and gone, but I'll have my education forever and that is what drives me!