Good Stories

I am writing as a scholarship recipient. College was not an option for me when growing up. In fact, I didn't realize there was education beyond the 12th grade. Well, that was not until I met my husband when I was 15. He is 8 months older than me and said, "If you want to get married, you have to go to college first so it's out of the way!" WOW! Well, I decided to apply to Mount Saint Mary's College since it was close to home. My husband and father-in-law helped me with the necessary paperwork. I GOT IN! Now, how in the world was I going to pay over $300 a month!!! My family did not support my education so I had to do it on my own! My father-in-law took me in when I turned 18 so I did not have to worry about rent. I had to work MANY hours to support my education; therefore, making it difficult to concentrate on my studies. In fact, I withdrew from Accounting and changed my major because I was performing horribly! Low and behold, I received the Markey scholarship from the Community Foundation. They found me! I didn't even know there was such a thing! I was able to cut back my hours at work and concentrated on my studies! Hey...college wasn't so bad when the financial burden wasn't there! I began to enjoy my experience more and instead of going to college to get married, I was going to college to receive a higher education! With the help of the Community Foundation members, I was able to apply for scholarships. I received another scholarship in memory of a classmate, Philip Winters. What a huge help!!! Even though I changed majors my first year, I completed on time with a BS in Elementary Ed in 2002! I was so excited! NOBODY in my family has EVER experienced higher education! With great success, and I have the Community Foundation to thank, I went back to Mount Saint Mary's University to obtain a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology with a 4.0 in 2008. This was all while working and raising newborn twins! I am currently teaching my 9th year at Hillcrest Elementary in Frederick County! There aren't enough words of appreciation that could ever express how grateful I am to receive scholarships from the Community Foundation of Frederick County! You TRULY made an impact on my life!!! Even though I teach 2nd graders, I still share how valuable education is because one day, they will attend college and educational success will allow them to receive scholarships and grants to help them attend college! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!

Leanne;

Thanks for sharing your story. This blogging is new to me and I just checked the web site today. Your words above make my heart sing.