Returning to College: From Welfare to Winner

Returning to college has been a lifesaver, giving me hope for a better future when it seemed there wasn't a future at all. I am a welfare mother, working my way towards a new beginning. My education has given me the ability to hold my head high and see a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

How did I become a welfare mom? Plain and simple, it was my divorce. I married a man who was later diagnosed bi-polar. The end of our marriage came when he refused to stay on his medication and would not keep steady employment. When he moved out, he disappeared into the night, leaving me with our daughter, a mortgage, and all of the credit card debt. My ex husband has never paid the child support or his portion of medical bills for our daughter, leaving me the sole financial support for her. I was a waitress at that time, not earning enough to keep up with the mortgage. I was forced to either sell our home or lose it to foreclosure. I chose to sell and quickly moved us into an apartment. It was then I had to turn to welfare.

The mountain of debt and heavy workload of trying to support the both of us caused a tremendous amount of stress. When you are broke and on welfare, you become isolated. The money just wasn't there to go out with friends, join clubs, play sports, etc. My time was spent at home, with sometimes with not enough gas money to get to work. Over time, old friends don't call as much and loneliness and boredom become a large part of your life. I began to lose hope and become depressed until I met someone who encouraged me to go back to school. He told me I was smart and talented, boosting my confidence. I saw nothing but hard work and poverty ahead, so at 38 years old, I went for it, scared as could be but very hopeful.

How did I get started? I began by researching different careers and the local job market using the Bureau of Labor Statistics website at the local library. I chose to become a paralegal because the job outlook and salaries were very good for my area. I also had experience working in an office, which I could apply to a resume for a paralegal. I had an interest in the law and a desire to write, two very important requirements for being a paralegal. I then began researching colleges in my area by using the free computers at the library again. I chose a private college with a weekend and evening program available for returning students like me. The cost was less than what a regular day student would pay, and they offered financial aid. The school also had a large percentage of female students, many in my age range, which appealed to me. Because I researched carefully, I felt my decision to attend this university was right.

financial aid office at the school walked me through the application process. My income level allowed me to qualify for both loans and grants. I received a Pell grant which was a blessing; I would not have to pay this back and it helped me cover many expenses like gas to drive there, school supplies and childcare. The Stafford loans would cover my courses and books, and would be paid back when I began working. The office staff also showed me how to find and apply for scholarships for women with low income.

The admissions office helped me plan my education. The class times worked well for my schedule, however, I found it necessary to quit my waitressing job. I started working for myself instead, cleaning houses. I would set my own working hours in order to be more available for my daughter, earn more per hour, and be able to make time for studying. The Legal Studies program I enrolled in had a full range of courses including the basics, such as legal research and writing and litigation courses, which teach the ins and outs of the courtroom. I then had a selection of courses available if I wanted to specialize in a particular area of law. The program is set up "pre law" style for those who wish to go on to law school.

Once I started my classes, my life began changing. I was no longer isolated. I met other women like me and made new friends. I began to succeed almost immediately. The professors took time and worked with me, the students formed study groups, and phone lists existed for calling on others for homework help. The caliber of the program, excellent teachers and support from family and friends has allowed me to reach honors status. I never thought it could be possible, but I earned a 3.9 grade average this last semester! I have gained confidence, gotten back my self-esteem, and have a new outlook on life.

In addition to the education, the school has provided me with other benefits I could not otherwise afford. Although my brain gets a work out, I have used the fitness center and swimming pool to get my body in shape. My concentration and energy level have gotten a boost from this. I also have access to computers, printers, a library, peer tutors, employment services, and an on site doctor that provides inexpensive sick visits and physicals. For someone without health insurance, this is a wonderful perk. Returning to school has given me an entire support system and a second home!

I have steered my education to not only becoming a paralegal, but to add writing for legal publications to my list of can do's. I want to share what's new (and it is ever changing) in the world of law and help American citizens understand our legal system. I have been given the opportunity to volunteer with legal aid, helping low income people like myself get a fair chance in court and be represented properly.

I am at the point now where I can take advantage of the employment services offered at the university. Through the many seminars offered, I can take part in mock interviews, listen to lectures by working paralegals and attorneys, and learn what the difference is between working for a private firm or a judge. I was encouraged to join the local legal assistants organization as a student member because of the networking opportunities it provides. The meetings are informative, and give me a chance to meet future employers. We are also encouraged to join the schools own paralegal club, which also turned out to be a good place to network and hear about the jobs in my area. My advisor regularly emails us with job openings in the area. I feel well prepared for this next transition.

As I prepare to enter the workforce, I know I will look back to the woman I was when I started. The daily feeling of hopelessness and fear of the future for my daughter and I that I had is slipping away. In its place is a feeling of excitement for what is ahead. For me, education has truly been the way to end the poverty and reliance on welfare in my life. So many of the single, hard working mothers I have met feel the same way. I am a new woman, one that is strong, intelligent, will able to provide for my family, and able to effect change for the better. See you in the future!