I am a first-generation college student. At almost 40 years old, I challenged myself by enrolling in a college English course, and to my surprise, I earned an A. That experience changed the way I saw myself. It gave me the confidence to continue my education, and even though the journey hasn’t always been easy, it has shown me that I am capable of achieving more than I ever thought possible.
Today, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services at the University of Maine at Augusta with a concentration in Addiction Counseling. I chose this field because my lived experience and education have shown me the life-changing impact of compassionate, trauma-informed support. My goal is to help individuals and families affected by addiction, trauma, and other challenges by providing encouragement and advocacy, and connecting them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Receiving the $1,000 GEN Scholarship has made a meaningful difference in my ability to continue my education. As an adult learner balancing full-time coursework, parenting, and many other responsibilities, this scholarship has helped reduce financial stress and cover educational expenses such as textbooks and technology that are not always covered by financial aid.
Before applying for the GEN Scholarship, I completed New Ventures Maine’s My Money Works class. The class gave me practical financial skills that I continue to use every day. I learned how credit scores and credit utilization work, disputed inaccurate information on my credit report, and became much more intentional about managing my money. I now pay closer attention to bank fees, track my spending, and use budgeting tools, including AI, to help organize my subscriptions and manage my finances. Since taking the class, my credit score has increased by 75 points, I have paid off two credit cards, and I have saved enough money to buy a car. More importantly, I now feel confident making financial decisions and planning for my future.
As I have progressed through my degree program, I have completed coursework in addiction counseling, trauma recognition and intervention, ethics, case management, and group processes. Every class has strengthened my commitment to this career and reinforced that I am on the path I am meant to follow.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been earning a place on the President’s List. It represents much more than good grades—it reminds me that hard work, perseverance, and believing in myself have opened doors I once thought were out of reach. College has shown me that I truly enjoy learning, and it has given me the confidence to continue striving toward my goals.
My long-term goal is to work in addiction and recovery services, helping people navigate recovery while reducing stigma and improving access to care, especially in rural Maine. Completing my bachelor’s degree is an important step toward earning professional credentials and continuing to grow in this field.
New Ventures Maine gave me the confidence to invest in myself. Through the GEN Scholarship and the My Money Works class, I have gained not only financial support and practical skills, but also the belief that I can achieve my goals. I look forward to paying that investment forward by helping others build brighter futures of their own.