Child’s name and age:
Beckam Ray Morgan Gottfried, 4 yrs old
Where you are attending school and your major:
Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MO Major: Psychology
Something that has surprised you about parenthood:
It is absolutely nothing like I expected. Everything I thought I would do, I don’t. Everything I thought mattered, does not. Nothing beats having your little one say he loves you and you feel it with all his heart, in that cute little voice. It also surprises me how honest having children keeps me.
Favorite parenting moment:
We believe life is short and we like to have fun. We like to hang out at Defy and explore anywhere outdoors when the weather is nice. I wish someone had told me before I had kids…Not to worry! Most of the things you dread happen, do not. Most of the things you think are life threatening, really are not.
Favorite hobbies?
Honestly, with a child, pets, school, and work there is not much room for hobbies. Beckam loves to play soccer and dinosaurs. I would say 90% of his life is consumed with dinosaurs so I guess that would be considered a hobby.
Idea of a great weekend:
The idea of a perfect weekend is finding something or somewhere new to explore and/or just being together, chillin. Anything that keeps us smiling and happy. That seems to vary with mood.
I find inspiration in.….
I find inspiration in my family (and support system), God, my child’s smile, peace and happiness.
Biggest challenges:
Our biggest challenge is always balance. There’s always so many things going on and requiring our attention. Also, willpower will always be a challenge. Cheetos or spinach? Homework or TV? Everything that is good, is BAD.
How did you hear about SPSFNWA?
I am pretty sure that my aunt mentioned knowing someone that got the scholarship. Also, I was going through a court system who recommended it when I decided to go back to school. One word to sum me up:I asked my friends who are sitting next to me and they said “indescribable” and laughed a lot.
Words to live by/ Favorite quote:
As corny as it is….YOLO! “You only live once!”
Why do you value education?
I value education because I value lifelong learning.
What does your child want to be when he grows up?
He’s mentioned a firefighter, police officer, and a raptor trainer.
What do you enjoy most as a parent?
I love everything about being a parent. My life is completely different than not being a parent and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What made you decide to go back to school?
I chose to go back to school because I am a mom. I wanted to lead by example and have more options.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major because it is my passion. You will never get bored with psychology. There is always more to learn.
Other than financially, what impact has SPSFNWA made on your life?
Going back to school at this phase in my life is the honestly the most difficult thing I have ever done. Balancing work, homework, and caring for my son along with my own mental health is by far the most difficult challenge in my life thus far. Especially when you are always fighting your emotions that want to sit on the couch and eat potato chips
How will life be different for you and your family after you graduate?
I hope that I will have more options, security, and be able to find my dream job. A job that I am happy and content with so that I can be the best mom I can be. I hope that finishing school will encourage my child to pursue his dreams as well.
What would you like to say to SPSFNWA supporters?
I would like to let the supporters and donors know that you have absolutely changed my life for the better. I could not do any of this without the Single Parent Scholarship. I am so incredibly grateful for this organization. Because of you, there are far fewer days where I must choose between work and being with my family. Because of you I can give security in my quest for stability. None of this would be possible without the appropriate supports in place.
“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. Anything is possible when the right people are there to support you.” I am forever grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait for the day I am in the position to pass this feeling along to another brave parent.
Love,Samantha & Beckam
