In this blog, Leslie shares about her educational journey and how the support from SPSFNWA helped her reach her goals.
Leslie’s Story
What has been the most rewarding thing about receiving your degree?
- Getting my associate’s degree in Applied Science has gotten me in the good graces to pursue and complete my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Soil, Crop and Water Sciences.
What or who kept you motivated during your time as an SPSFNWA scholarship recipient? How did SPSF contribute to that motivation?
- The experience as a whole I have found to be very emotionally rewarding and stimulating. Katlyn Taylor has been awesome to correspond with; she is very personable and attentive. I always feel appreciated and heard when I speak with Katlyn. We always run out of time when we do our GAP appointments because there are simply too many things to talk about that better both of us as simply human beings in the middle of the human experience.
What was the most beneficial part of being a SPSFNWA scholarship recipient?
- The most beneficial part of being a SPSFNWA scholarship recipient was knowing that there are people and a program that wants to help. It’s very inspiring.
Tell us about your family.
- I have 2 children, Sid Ravenscroft age 10 and Neal Maese age 6.
How did your pursuit of an education influence your children or other family members?
- My pursuit of an education showed my children the importance of learning no matter how old you are; my pursuit of an education in general over the course of my life has given me stability and a place I feel safe. I feel like education has always been my primary purpose in life. I am starting to discover that I have pursued educational attainment as a way to get my mom to show me that she is proud of me. Getting my associate’s degree through the single parent scholarship fund was an accomplishment that I didn’t celebrate alone. I have never had such an opportunity to better my position in life with a solid support system rooting for me.
What has changed most for you and your family now that you are no longer in school?
- I have a better chance of getting a good job that will benefit the quality of my and kid’s lives.
What is your favorite SPSF memory or activity?
- I really enjoyed orientation and meeting all the other people in my position. Knowing I wasn’t alone was really an overwhelming experience.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment since completing your education?
- I consider simply making the decision to apply for the scholarship my greatest accomplishment because before that I had given up on finishing my degree.
Looking back, was there one skill that you learned that was particularly useful, either in college/school or in the professional world?
- I was amazed at how much education has changed and that getting a degree online was so achievable.
What advice would you give someone desiring to go back to school?
- It is never too late, there are so many people out there who want to help and who care.
