I am a 42 year college student, and in my second semester of college. I have two daughters, one in college and the other getting ready to head that way in about a year. I need all the help I can get, no matter how much it is! I am at my wits end, trying to pay bills and have money for college and my kids...please help me! My e-mail is wnelson0013@kctcs.edu, Thanks.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you. I appreciate you immensely.

My name is Pecola Colby. I am a student at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington. My GPA is 3.1. I will have my requirements satisfied for an Associate of Arts Degree from South Puget Sound College in Fall 2010. I plan to transfer to the University of Washington - Tacoma to pursue a Doctorate Degree in Social Work.

I am unemployed. I lost my home five years ago to foreclosure.

As a single/divorced African American female, sixty-four years old and head of household, I am testimony to the challenges and yes resilience related to me being socioeconomically and ethnically challenged when comparing me to the dominant culture. My observation and/or perception with social services programs is that of a system at times, lacks fairness, responsiveness and accountability to some of the families they serve. I believe it is imperative that social workers remain accessible to families for support, to establish at all costs, courtesy with integrity and respect for all people regardless of race or culture. Trust is essential and this is one way to build trust. Further, it is necessary to take appropriate and necessary steps to become as proficient as possible on cultural beliefs with protocol, respect, sensitivity and with care, to recognize cultural barriers, to embrace cultural differences and to learn how best to develop the relationship in order to provide the best possible service care.

My interest and passion then and now is to obtain a Doctorate Degree in Social Work. My heart's desire is to become a Social Worker because I am caring, compassionate, sensitive, and believe all families/people are significant, their voices count and should be heard. Further, obtaining an advance degree will allow me to have opportunities to embrace all families and cultures including attending to their needs and providing multiple levels for services with care. I envision my role as a Social Worker to be a voice for families as they journey through various programs for services and resources in order that they receive the very best with care. I will ensure families are not allowed to wander simply because they have come to believe no one cares about them or their well being. As a Social Worker, I will serve as an Advocate for families when necessary to ensure they receive the services and programs best for them. I will work with families to mobilize formal and informal resources; to support family development and to make certain families are on solid ground; to allow for flexibility; and to recognize emerging family needs and community issues.

I began my educational pursuit with Fort Steilacoom Community College now Pierce College in 1981-1982. It was an honor and privilege to begin my educational journey with Fort Steilacoom Community College. The instructors were personal, engaging and worked as closely as necessary with students to ensure successes in the classrooms. However, without family support, eventually I became overwhelmed in my attempt to carry alone all the family and household responsibilities and I had to place my educational dream pursuit on hold until NOW. At this time in my life, however, there are no obstacles to deter or distract me from achieving a Doctorate Degree in Social Work. My vision is clear. I am determined to succeed AND I know I will be an asset as a Social Worker to any organization or organized structural body.

From May 2004 to July 2008 I was employed with the Family Support Center in Olympia, Washington. I served as the Family Resource Specialist and assisted in meeting the needs of low-income families. My responsibilities were to work with families and support them in identifying and prioritizing their needs. I helped them identify the most appropriate resources to meet those needs and empowered them to follow through in accessing those resources. I also served as an Advocate for families when necessary and worked with case managers from other agencies to ensure a complete network of services.

My volunteerism also demonstrates my commitment to families and communities. I serve as a Volunteer with my church, New Life Baptist Church in Lacey, Washington in many roles and functions. I have successfully brought for more than five years and with the assistance and support of a cadre of medical and non-medical volunteers, multiple services and programs to the immediate and surrounding communities in Thurston County, e.g The Smilemobile, a mobile dental unit for children in low-income families, fifteen years old and younger, a "FREE" Back to School Physical Examination Day, Health Fairs, Walk-a-Thons, etc. I served as Chair-person for the Unity For Excellenct Tutorial Program. I also serve as Chair-person for the Senior Adult Ministry. I am an Usher.

My efforts were recognized in the community. In April 2004, I received the Making a Difference in The Life of A Child Award from Thurston County and in June 2004, I received the Unique Achievement Award from the Thurston County Council on Cultural Diversity.

Again thank you for this opportunity. Please note I am available to respond to any queries you may have for clarification. Further, please note any amount of financial support is most appreciative.

Please contact me at: 9225 Windsor Ln., NE
Apt E-103
Olympia, WA 98516

OR my email address is: pediandsons@comcast.net

Respectfully,

Pecola Colby

A community college I attended offered scholarship monies that could be borrowed against all during the school year. The total amount was $750 and for instance if you didn't have $$ for books you could "borrow" any amount up to $750 and when the award paid out you got the remainder. It was an ongoing award so once received it was given every year during your attendance at their college. Free $$ to use at your discretion. Check other offices on your campus besides financial aid.

every penny matters for me

to me every little bit counts

Never turn down free money for college no matter how little it is.

this article is totally right!
i got a scholarship for 500 dollars, and most of my friends thought it was useless..
but its helped me alot cuz my books & fees cost me 486 dollars :p