91����

I would like to express my gratitude and extend my heartfelt thanks for the funding I have received through scholarships, which has allowed me the opportunity to be where I am today. Allow me to provide a brief background about myself to demonstrate how genuinely grateful I am to be where I am today.

A backstory on my life, similar to many others, I grew up in a broken home and ultimately dropped out of high school at the age of 16. However, I enrolled in Job Corps, where I obtained my GED and received my first bit of business education. Shortly after completing Job Corps, I met my wife and together, we started a family. We successfully raised one son and three daughters, all of whom are grown up and have their own lives, and have even given my wife and I a granddaughter.

Throughout my life, I held various jobs until I found employment at Pall FSI, where I dedicated 15 years of my career. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID, FSI experienced a slowdown, prompting the owners to make the difficult decision to close the division I worked for. Fortunately, even though this closed a door that has been a big part of my life it also opened the door for me to be able to go to college.

When I started college, I was nervous about going back to school and worried about my finances and how I was going to be able to afford to pay my bills. Thankfully Carrielynn Peace in student services informed me about the 91���� award spring program to apply for scholarships that are offered by 91����. Through my hard work and the kind support of 91���� faculty, staff and the 91���� Foundation, I have been awarded multiple scholarships over the past two years. These scholarships have not only provided me with necessary school supplies, but also helped cover my transportation costs to and from college, as well as my internet expenses. Overall, they have eased the financial burden of my bills, so I was able to concentrate on my schooling.

Thanks to the financial support, I have maintained a GPA of over 3.9, setting a positive example for my children and granddaughter. It has also opened doors to opportunities, such as joining PTK (Phi Theta Kappa), the Presidents Quality Action Council, and assuming the role of student president in the National Society of Leadership and Success. I have also been privileged to serve as a student tutor. As a tutor, one of my main goals is to pay forward the support I have received
and promote the amazing scholarship opportunities available among as many students as I possibly can.

Again, I want to express gratitude for believing in me and supporting my achievements in pursuing my educational goals.

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