A Gift For Another

In 2018 I became a single mom with two young daughters. Although I had a BFA, I had spent the last six years raising my girls instead of building a resume. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work in sales at my father’s company, and I felt pride in being able to support my family. In 2020 I had an unexpected pregnancy that was quite miraculous since my boyfriend was told he could not have children. I could not wrap my mind around raising another baby and supporting my family, but a termination wasn’t the right choice for me. I decided to carry the child and adopt the baby to a couple that couldn’t have a baby to turn the situation into a gift for another.

I chose a same-sex male couple to be the parents of my unborn son. They were with me every step of the way through the pregnancy and continue to be an integral part of our lives. I imagined life would go back to normal and I would continue building my career, but nothing felt normal. I felt a sense of loss and mourning that I hadn’t expected. After months of self-reflection, I decided that I needed to pursue a career path that was less financially driven but instead based on purpose. Since the age of twelve, I have been involved in one philanthropic organization after another. This is where my heart truly lies. I’m in contact with many non-profits, and after much discussion, it became clear that I was a perfect candidate for social work. That is why I have decided to pursue a Master’s in social work.

After my experience with adoption, I considered how many children are not as fortunate to be chosen for a loving home. Foster youth will be the area of focus I’d like to concentrate my career on, particularly the youth that ages out of the system at 18. These children experience countless trauma growing up in foster care, and it is unreasonable to expect them as young adults to understand how to successfully navigate their lives without guidance. They are at extreme risk for life-long poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration. A few non-profits in my area assist this vulnerable population, and after obtaining my degree, I plan on working closely with these groups to further their vision. These non-profits need qualified social workers to assist these youth on their path to self-sufficiency.

I plan to become a full-time student and earn my MSW in two years. I’m relying on scholarships and grants to help make this happen. I’ve struggled tremendously with the decision I have made but feel it is what led me towards this new journey. I believe if I can be a support system for children that have no other and make a difference in numerous lives, then I will find peace within my own.

– 2022 Scholarship Recipient