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 second year student at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington. I will have all requirements satisfied for an Associate of Arts Degree in the Fall 2010. From there I plan to transfer to the University of Washington - Tacoma to continue my educational climb toward a Doctorate Degree in Social Work.

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

As a single/divorced, head of household, African American woman, sixty-four years old, 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 then 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 five years 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 Examiniation Day, Health Fairs, Walk-a-Thons, etc. I served as Chair-person for the Unity for Excellence 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 contact me if further assistance is necessary for clarification. Please know any amount of financial support is most appreciative.

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

OR my email address is: pediandsons@comcast.net

Respectfully,

Pecola Colby

I wonder what school you went to if you graduated at the top of your class and can't get a scholarship. That's hard to believe and you need to be able to write well.

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les than aminut ago

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