Hi, my name is Earnest Griffin, I am a 42 year old Male, if I am given this award, I assure the honer and oppurtunity will not be wasted.

Hello, my name is Joyce J. Maiden but most usually everyone calls me JJ. I recently lost my job in a career field that I had been part of for nine years. I moved my kids and i to a new city to start a new life after divorcing my abusive, alcoholic husband of over fifteen year. We were scared but would not be deterred from what we felt we deserved! Especially my kids, they deserved to see that life doesn't have to make you live a trapped and seemingly hopeless existence. This future we sought was hopefully... bright?? but we weren't asking for perfection. I lost my job at the Casino after working there for close to a year and a half. We were devastated to say the least... but I would not be kicked down anymore! I didn't know where life would lead us now... but I did know this, "NO ONE has to accept defeat!" rather learn from whatever situation life throws you into, grab what you want by the horns, and ride that sucker till you hear the buzzer! Jobless, a newly single mom in a strange town, scared to death, and unsure about EVERYTHING, I decided that going back to school would be the best option for me. The furthering of my education would enable me to secure a job in a field where the existence of my job would not be a question anymore, allow me to do something I truly good with my life while earning an income that could more than provide for my family, give myself a new-found sense of confidence I so desperately needed, basically enriching my life and that of my family for the better on every level. Divine intervention comes into play for my story too. After the divorce my kids went through and are still reeling from the effects of their father abandoning them. My son had been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder) shortly before the divorce accompanied by ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and was having severe behavior problems. No one would help me figure out how to help him, not the pediatrician, the school, no treatment center would take him, and after a 3 hour long stint of aggressive behavior with no relief or support in sight, I took him to Kosair's Children's Hospital where I soon learned he may suffer from something called, "Sensory Integration Disorder". This is a fairly new disorder with not a lot being known about it. The disorder itself is believed to be one of the roots of ADHD, ODD, and other learning-behavior related afflictions. Treatment and management of this disorder are most usually done through "Occupational Therapy" accompanied with medications. The very career path I chose to pursue is as an "Occupational Therapy Assistant" ... At the time I made my major choice I had no idea what this disorder was or that my son possibly suffered from it. So now not only did I have a wonderful career to look for too, but I might possibly be able to help my son live an over all better life by through the career path I have chosen. Unemployment will run out soon for me, I am seeking every avenue I can find to help me with my education goals. Money is tight and we often do without many things but in the end the means are definitely worth the sacrifice, not just for me, but for my family and our future.
Thank you,
JJ Maiden

One day I my be success full.

in this economy every one needs help,and i think everyone needs help not only with job but careers they also need helping getting tution fees

Iam trying to get a career not a job and need finacial help

Seriously though rather then continue making articles about this problem (although this one is great) America should really really consider other more available ways for Americans to get into college. Im going to keep looking and not give up.

I was very sick during my senior year, we didn't know what was wrong until late in the summer, working during school, and working two jobs in the summer I couldn't get any scholarships even though I applied to several. I was always in need of money. God's grace helped me make it to my dream school but I come from a single parent home and we have a good amount of debt from medicals and school racked up. I'm transferring to a good but cheaper school and I need money to help out my mom and not add on to our debt load. My education is very important especially for the future and I need all the help I can find.

this is very interrsting reading concerning schools because I'm currently trying to get money for college thanks for your advise it is very helpful and informitive.