Tina
I grew up in a poor family of 5 where my dad
worked and my mother stayed home there was no money for college so after high
school I attended Job Corp and earned my CNA. A few months later my dad passed
away and I began to work and that's what I was doing 2 years later when I found
out I was pregnant, due to complications I was out of work and stayed home and
took care of my brother who was then 11 while my mom worked. When we returned to
Maine 2 and half years ago I went back to work at McDonald's and collected TANF
for me and my child. I knew that in order to provide a better life for us a
degree would be necessary so when I heard about the Onward program I applied and
was accepted.
The turning point in my life where I knew
college was a necessity was when I could not provide for my daughter I imaged
her on career day introducing me as her mom that worked at McDonalds and I knew
that is not how I wanted to be described.
The counselors at Onward helped me learn how to
be a student again. After being out of school for nearly 7 years I was shaky to
say the least at how to even go about reading a text book let alone studying for
an exam They were and still are a valuable member of my support team I still run
to them with questions and they always are willing to help me find an answer.
The proudest thing that has happened to me is
becoming a Peer Advisor and giving back to the new students like someone did for
me. I plan on continuing my education and getting
my masters in social work so I can work to help change the world for people who
need help. The decision to go to
school has already started to effect my 4 year old she now can't wait till she
grows up and can go to "Mommie's" school. It has also built my confidence and my
mom shines every time we talk about the fact that I am in College.
