Education has always been a source of hope in my life. As a single mother of three children, two of whom have special needs, and a survivor of an abusive marriage, my journey has been full of challenges. These hardships have not defined me but instead strengthened my resilience and motivated me to pursue education—not just for a better future for my family but to empower others who have faced similar adversity.
Leaving an abusive relationship was a difficult but necessary decision for my children's safety. Starting over was overwhelming, balancing the responsibilities of single parenthood, medical and therapy appointments, school activities, and emotional recovery. Despite the burdens, my vision of a better future for my children and other parents in similar situations kept me moving forward.
My children, particularly my two with special needs, inspire me every day. Their courage in the face of challenges reminds me of the power of perseverance. Their milestones, no matter how small, motivate me to continue my education and model the importance of hard work and resilience. I want to show them, and others, that no circumstance should limit one’s potential.
I am pursuing a degree in social work to become an advocate for families who have faced struggles similar to mine. I aim to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse, families with special needs children, and others by creating community programs and offering guidance. My experiences have given me a deep understanding of these challenges, and I am determined to find solutions that ease their burdens.
One of my long-term goals is to establish a nonprofit organization offering counseling, parenting workshops, and policy advocacy to help families access essential resources. This organization would also provide a safe space for parents to share their stories and build strength through community. I believe my education will give me the skills to bring this vision to life and make a meaningful impact.
Each study session and completed assignment brings me closer to achieving my goals. What drives me is the knowledge that my struggles have a greater purpose. My children cheer me on, reminding me that this journey is not just mine, but ours. Their belief in me fuels my determination to overcome any challenge.
In the future, I hope to share my story to inspire others, especially single mothers, to pursue their dreams despite overwhelming odds. Education has given me the courage to dream bigger and the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my studies. It would also be an investment in my mission to create hope and opportunities for families in need. With education as my foundation, I am building a life of purpose for myself, my children, and the families I hope to serve.
Amiya Moore
Indiana Digital Learning SchoolMishawaka, IN
When you were fifteen years old what was a normal day to you? Going to the movies or the mall with friends? Possibly a football game? Well, when I was fifteen years old, I had to make the hardest decision I've ever made in my life. After making bad decisions through hard times in my life, I was hit with the grappling life choice of having a baby.
I have always been extremely goal-oriented and academically intelligent. From a young age, I had dreams of being a doctor, veterinarian, or lawyer. When I saw that positive pregnancy test all of those dreams flashed before my eyes. I thought they were completely out of reach. After many weeks of trying to make a decision, I knew what I had to do. I knew no matter how hard this was going to be that I was strong enough to have my baby and make a beautiful life for both of us. My pregnancy was very hard and so was my birth. Many things continued to happen to me that made me want to curl away and give up. But, I never did. I continued my college courses online, and my academic honors diploma. I would stay up all night with my baby, and then stay up all day and finish my coursework. Yet, my grades never wavered.
I have continued to push myself. Enrolling in college course after college course to better my education. I haven't had the typical high school experience. I haven't gotten to participate in all of the clubs, go to football games, or even go to Prom. But, I have had the most fulfilling and rewarding few years. I have raised my beautiful little girl. We have had our own experiences together. She is the reason that I keep going. She is who I want to make proud. I want to be able to give the world and more. I want her to look up at me one day and be proud that I made us a life of luxury from the ground up.
Overall, my dream is that one day I will be a successful criminal defense attorney, working in real estate, and continuing to raise my little girl. I dream of the day when I wake up, go to work defending my clients, showcase a house or two, and then come home to my little girl who isn't so little anymore. We have no cares in the world, no worries of struggle, just one another.
On June 19, 2022, my entire life changed. I found out I was pregnant with my first child. After reading the pregnancy test, I felt so many emotions. I immediately felt sick, dizzy, and overwhelmed. I called my mom and told her, "I don't know what I am going to do... I'm not ready. I'm scared." My mom consoled me the best she could and told me, "Sometimes God puts you in positions you believe you are not ready for, but he knows in which you are." That stuck with me for the rest of my pregnancy all the way until now. At that point when I walked out of the bathroom, I knew things were going to change... everything was.
I was going down the wrong path before I became with child. My life was spiraling out of control. I had no plans for the future, and I was simply living in the now. Always waiting for the next moment of excitement and adrenaline. Whether it was going out every day or working as a bottle girl in nightclubs and brunch lounges surrounded by alcohol and bad decisions. That was all I had to look forward to, but getting pregnant forced me to buckle down and really think about who I was and who I wanted to be. I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself because that's what my child deserved and most importantly it's what I deserved.
I began this journey of praying and journaling. I started to write down everything I felt passionate about. The main thing was I wanted to go back to school. I realized it was important to further my education so that I could be the example my son deserved. I wanted to make sure he knows that the sky is the limit. There is nothing he can't do and it's never too late to start. I also wanted to ensure my son has a comfortable life. As a child, I experienced extreme poverty and was not afforded many opportunities. I never want my child to feel less than others or go without anything he needs. Lastly, I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for caring for others and felt that nursing best fit my calling and true purpose on this earth. So, I applied to nursing school, and, by the grace of God, I got in!
Since I have done my prerequisites and begin Nursing school this upcoming fall. After graduating with my associate's nursing degree, I plan to attend an RN-BSN bridge program. I want to continue to further my education by attending graduate school to receive my Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in Nursing so that I can eventually open my own Nurse Aesthetics practice.
