When my daughter was born 41 years ago, ten and one-half weeks premature, I had to end my college education to care for her. Many times I said I would return to school and get my degree. Life happened and I did not, I went back to work to help raise my children. My husband became sick with cancer and eventually passed away. After 22 years as a school custodian, I suffered a heart attack and was forced to retire. I was neither financially nor mentally ready to retire. I became an ordained minister and started doing ministry. Many of the people were suffering from mental illness. I did not have the resources, training or education to properly help them. My concern and my prayer was that I would help and not further hinder them. I began to take classes in the Social and Human Services Department of Edmonds College.
I realized that in order to give the proper care to those in my community dealing with substance abuse, mental health issues and those being marginalized I would need to go even further in my education and licensing. I applied for the Bachelors of Applied Science Degree through the college. I had no idea at the time how I would pay for it so I begin applying for scholarships. I cannot express with words how much it means for me to receive the Zonta scholarship. My dream would not be fulfilled had I not received the scholarship from you. I was barely making ends meet with my retirement, paying for classes and books called for serious budgeting. You have made the impossible, possible and I sincerely thank you.
Find out about Zonta Everett Scholarships