I learned about Northern Kentucky Scholar House through a close friend who completed the program a few years prior. She shared with me her story and how much support she received, which inspired me to want to be a part of it. She knew I wanted to return to school, but I needed help like she did. Being a single mother trying to work and support myself and my children is very tough, to say the least. Having Early Scholars Child Development Center on-site felt like home because it was on the property, which brought me more security as a mother. Because of this, I was truly able to build relationships with the teachers and staff.
When I was first accepted into Northern Kentucky Scholar House, I was excited, and I felt a sense of relief in knowing this would be my moment. It was a moment for me to be able to position myself so I could provide a better life for my children. A moment to finally get ahead. A moment to be a part of something bigger than I had hoped for.
I was excited to embark on a new educational journey, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid. I came from a low-income family, I was a foster child in the state of Kentucky, the first in my immediate family to graduate high school, and I was also low-income myself. All these thoughts ran through my mind, but I didn’t allow them to hold me back. I remember when the Case Manager at Scholar House would always tell me, “You got this, don’t think about it too much, just do it.” I appreciated her efforts to keep pushing me through because what she didn’t know in the beginning was that I didn’t know if I would make it through.
I was accepted into the University of Cincinnati Behavioral Analysis Master’s program. More than half of my program were women, but I couldn’t count on one hand how many of us were African American and even a shorter few who were single mothers like me. I felt as if I stood out among my peers because they didn’t have the same obstacles as me. Many were already married, in their careers, and had support to make graduate school easier. I realized that I had to work 10 times harder to not only make it through the program but also do well and come out on top.
I remember giving birth to my youngest, and while in labor, I was completing my midterm assignments. The doctors were concerned due to my high-risk pregnancy and wanted me to focus on labor. I remember returning home to Scholar House after my c-section with just me and my two boys needing help. I reached out to a few women here in our community. My neighbors brought groceries, helped with laundry, and even helped me with my oldest son.
I knew at that moment that this is what they meant by community at Scholar House. A community of parents who are also willing to jump in and help you when it’s needed. A community of women who will sit and watch your children while you get a few homework assignments completed. A supportive staff who are always willing to help with resources and ways that will make us successful after completing the program. Scholar House is bigger than just providing housing, child care, and community resources. We became family. Scholar House has allowed me to complete clinical hours working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Department, save money, and grow as a woman and mother; all while forming lasting, meaningful relationships.
If I learned anything while at Scholar House, it was the importance of community and being honest with yourself. I learned that community is bigger than just showing up to a workshop to get your required community service hours in, but really taking heed to what is being given. It’s being honest with myself that it’s okay to need help. Everyone comes from different walks of life, and that’s okay. Learn to love your story. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t try to be perfect; only try to be better than you were yesterday.
I have met some of the best staff while at Brighton Center. Thank you for always believing in me, connecting me with resources, listening to me, and pushing me when I needed it.
I am now a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati with my Master’s degree and working at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Brighton Center and Northern Kentucky Scholar House, thank you for giving me and my children hope again.
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