To seek inspiration to return to school I did not have to look far. I am a single woman of color with two children. Opportunities are far and wide. I work full time and feel unmotivated, unappreciated and undervalued. My desire is to have a career where I am appreciated, challenged and given the same opportunities of others based on my skills. Even with me understanding what I wanted, it took a little nudge from my boss to encourage me to enroll in school. I initially enrolled in a certificate program, only to discover that I am close to obtaining my associate’s degree while receiving credit hours for the courses I am taking now. My situation as a parent is unique. I have one child who is an adult, and then a five-year old, who is autistic. I find myself teaching one how to act like an adult, then I switch gears to teach my five-year old how to write and talk. The obstacles I face are real. The journey of balancing parenthood and education has been incredibly demanding. The most significant challenge I face is the constant tug-of-war between my academic responsibilities and the needs of my five-year-old. While I immerse myself in school assignments, I am often forced to let my child watch television instead of engaging with him or fostering his learning. This situation fills me with guilt and self-doubt. Am I making the right choice by prioritizing my studies? Or am I being selfish by not devoting every moment to my child? This is my third semester of college this year. I started college in March and took two mini semesters in the spring and summer, and now I am half-way through the fall semester. I realized that if I prepare my week in advance, that I can find time to be a mother. I often reflect on articles that I have read where woman have completed Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree while raising multiple children. I can do this. While creating a schedule and preparing my assignments in advance has helped me tremendously, having a support system has also helped me keep my sanity. My family is small, so I rely on my daughter when she is available and my sister. Both have been instrumental in helping me stay on course. Even with my support system, I can never gain the time I need to do all the things that need to get done. It is a journey filled with challenges and self-doubt, but also with unwavering determination and ambition. I am committed to completing my education and securing a rewarding career, not just for myself, but for the betterment of my children. Through my efforts, I hope to provide them with a future where they can thrive and achieve their dreams. This is the driving force behind my ambition, and I am more determined than ever to succeed. I am hopeful that one day my story will inspire and encourage someone else. I want to demonstrate to my daughter the transformative power of education and show my son that with the right support, he can become a self-sufficient young man. Education is a gateway to opportunities, and by obtaining my degree, I aim to unlock doors that will provide us with stability and growth.

I never knew how strong I was until I lost my mother in 2021. As a matter of fact, resilient wouldn’t have been a word I would have used to describe myself. You see, my mother was my everything. At the big age of 40 plus, I am not ashamed to say that I depended on my mother. I had my first child at the age of 21, who recently graduated from college, and I must say it is all because my mother assisted me in raising her. I was still trying to figure out my life in my 20s. I then became pregnant again at 38, and one would think I would have had it all figured out, but I still depended on my mother. My biggest concern was having a newborn and having to work a full-time, a not-very-flexible job. My mother yet again stepped up and provided childcare for my newborn son. She was constantly pouring positivity into me and telling me to do more with my life. She encouraged me to get my college degree, and I was in the process of enrolling again before COVID interrupted our lives. I lost my mother, my best friend, my secret keeper, my inspiration, and my motivation, and truly felt no purpose in my life. The days and nights blended together, and I still couldn’t get my mind around the fact that my mother was no longer physically with me. As time passed and things were still not going the way I planned, I remembered the words from my mother telling me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. My son is now five and was diagnosed with autism. He’s an awesome little boy and having my mother here would make my life so much easier as a single mother. The best decision I could have made was to enroll back in school and focus on a career to better the life for my family. I find myself welcoming the challenges I am facing. My schedule consists of early days and late nights. In the words of Greg Kincaid, “No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That's the only way to keep the roads clear.” The loss of my mother revealed a strength within me that I never knew existed. Her unwavering support and encouragement continue to resonate in my life, pushing me to strive for a better future. As I navigate the complexities of single parenthood, balancing my educational pursuits with the demands of raising an autistic child, I am driven by a profound sense of purpose and determination. Enrolling back in school and working towards a career where I feel worthy and motivated is not just a personal goal; it is a testament to my mother's legacy and the future I envision for my children. Despite the challenges, I embrace each day with resilience, knowing that my efforts will lead to a more stable and fulfilling life for my family. My mother's words echo in my heart, reminding me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and with that, I continue to move forward, clearing the path for a brighter tomorrow.

Being a parent is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences life has to offer. It involves immense responsibility, as you hold the power to shape the future of a young person. If your child thrives, you feel a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing you have guided them well. Conversely, when they falter, you often question your own actions and decisions, wondering if you might have done something wrong. As a single parent to two incredible children—a vibrant five-year-old with autism and a twenty-three-year-old navigating the complexities of adulthood—I am more ambitious and determined than ever to complete my education and secure a fulfilling career. The journey of balancing parenthood and education has been incredibly demanding. The most significant challenge I face is the constant tug-of-war between my academic responsibilities and the needs of my five-year-old. While I immerse myself in school assignments, I am often forced to let my child watch television instead of engaging with him or fostering his learning. This situation fills me with guilt and self-doubt. Am I making the right choice by prioritizing my studies? Or am I being selfish by not devoting every moment to my child? Despite these doubts, I firmly believe that pursuing my education is not an act of selfishness but a vital step towards a better future for my family. I want to demonstrate to my daughter the transformative power of education and show my son that with the right support, he can become a self-sufficient young man. Education is a gateway to opportunities, and by obtaining my degree, I aim to unlock doors that will provide us with stability and growth. Currently, working only allows me to make ends meet, barely covering our necessities. I struggle from paycheck to paycheck, always worrying about the next bill or expense. This constant financial strain is not sustainable, and it motivates me to strive for a career that offers more than just a temporary solution. I dream of a job that not only pays the bills but also provides a sense of fulfillment and security, enabling me to give my children the life they deserve. A career where I am allowed to grow and feel good about the work that I do. My journey as a single mother to two extraordinary children has shaped my resilience and determination. My five-year-old, with his boundless energy and unique perspective on the world, teaches me patience and the importance of celebrating small victories. My twenty-three-year-old, who is bravely navigating adulthood, inspires me to persevere and lead by example. In conclusion, being a single parent is a profound responsibility that requires immense strength and dedication. It is a journey filled with challenges and self-doubt, but also with unwavering determination and ambition. I am committed to completing my education and securing a rewarding career, not just for myself, but for the betterment of my children. Through my efforts, I hope to provide them with a future where they can thrive and achieve their dreams. This is the driving force behind my ambition, and I am more determined than ever to succeed.

One would define a leader as the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. I define a leader as one who motivates, fosters one’s talent and lean to inspire an individual to reach their true potential. I am a leader because I aim to make an impact to motivate others around me. I believe in setting high standards of expectations regardless of anyone's circumstances and obstacles. Adhering to ethical standards and high morals is befitting of a leader and in all aspects of my life, this is something I strive to stand on. I have learned to accept challenges with grace, and to treat each challenge that comes my way as a goal. I am a single mother of two. My oldest just recently graduated from college and is a first-generation college grad. My youngest is autistic and the current hardship I find myself tasked with is childcare. I work fulltime for a company that unfortunately do not provide me with the flexibility that is so needed. I could easily feel defeated by this particular challenge, but my motto is "it will all work out" and 99% of the time it does! I pride myself on rising above many difficult situations that I am faced with. I know that pushing through these barriers will lead me to bigger and better. I have recently implemented the no complaining rule. Being a single mother is not uncommon, but I am hoping that one day my story will make a positive impact in someone's life or better yet, in this world. I have been inspired by so many people and would love to be an inspiration to others. One of my goals is to give back and never forget every obstacle that I have been dealt. I want to be able to look over my life and be pleased with the outcome. I never take any moment for granted. It's a hard knock life, but the reward is so much greater. In the final analysis, anyone who have a desire to be impactful and have a vision can be a leader. I believe we all need encouragement, and I am reminded of an African American proverb "Each one teach one" which is a prime example of being a leader. There are those who lead, and those who follow. There are also some who believe they should lead but should in all respect just follow. Being a great leader requires setting an example and possessing the confidence that the decisions you make will affect those who are following. Because my desire is to make an impact, I know that having this role as a leader will continue to motivate me to reach my goals.

As a single mom raising two wonderful kids, life's journey has certainly thrown its share of challenges my way. My eldest, a 22-year-old, is carving her path through college while working, while my youngest, a spirited 5-year-old with autism, fills my days with endless joy and unique adventures. They are my world, my reason for pushing forward each day. 2021 marked a profound loss for me. My beloved mother, my rock and confidante, passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Her absence left a void in my heart and life that's indescribable. With her gone, I've had to navigate through life's uncertainties, striving to make decisions that will shape a brighter future for my children and me. Balancing a full-time job along with part-time online schooling isn't easy, but I draw strength from my mother's resilience. She worked tirelessly, holding down three jobs to support us, showing me the power of perseverance and determination. Inspired by her example, I have taken the leap and enrolled in school, thanks to some nudging from my supportive boss. It's been a transformative decision, one that's opened doors to new possibilities. My biggest reason for returning to school is because I am faced with financial challenges as a single mother, and a son with autism. He is unable to communicate and so I need to be able to provide him with care, and due to financial strains, I dont have the means to do so. Even with insurance and receiving child support, it is not enough. In the summer, the school that my son attends takes three breaks, which means I am paying for daycare when he is on break from school and then paying for after school care when he is in school. Though I don't have a career yet, I'm determined to change that. Before I turned 43, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, realizing my passion for data analysis. It's never too late to pursue your dreams, right? Currently, I'm enrolled in the Business Office Administrative Assistant Certificate program at San Jacinto College, but with each class, I find myself hungry for more knowledge. Who would've thought I'd be eyeing a bachelor's degree now? With each step forward, I'm laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow. I've been soaking up free courses on data analytics, fueling my ambition to carve out a career I truly love. My goal is simple: to find a fulfilling career that not only provides financial stability but also allows me to be the best mother I can be.