Tim
Prior to my decision to further my education, I found
myself in a position in which I was unable to work due to a sudden illness. The
effects of the illness were traumatic, limiting my physical and cognitive
abilities. After several years I had conquered this illness but I was left with
few options to continue a productive and meaningful life. I decided that
returning to school to finish a higher education was my best option. Having
many doubts about my abilities as a non-traditional student, I applied to the
Onward Program to learn the skills needed to find success as a student of higher
learning. This was perhaps one of the best decisions I had made I my life.
After conquering an illness, I found myself having to
decide whether I would have to be on Social Security Disability or make a
decision that would positively influence my future. I took the first step and
applied to the Onward Program in hopes to acquire the skills needed to succeed
at the University level and utilize the tremendous support system the program
offers to nontraditional students.
I question whether or not I would have been able to survive
my first semester in college if it were not for the Onward Program. During my
year at the Onward Program, I acquired the foundations and skills required to be
successful and University studies. The staff provided me with a tremendous
amount of support and encouragement that fueled my desire to succeed.
Since my enrollment at the University of Maine, I have made
the Dean’s list several times, received the President’s pin, received the Donald
Taverner Scholarship, and a member of the National Society of Collegiate
Scholars.
I am currently enrolled in the Social Work program with
minors in psychology, English, and human development. I then plan to go on
to graduate school to get my MSW.
Attending college has been invaluable thus far and I
predict is will continue to do so. It has enriched my life with knowledge and
also has prepared me for professionalism and opportunities I would not have if I
did not attend. I have confidence that my education will carry over into a
professional capacity in which I hope to have a positive influence to others,
future work, as well as my son, born in May 2004.
