Amanda - School of Education

Amanda has overcome many obstacles in her personal life while trying to pursue a degree. After having a daughter and moving to KC she found out that her daughter was severely handicapped, had CP, Microcephaly and Dandy-Walkers Syndrome. In addition to learning everything about her daughter’s illness, she decided to stay home with her other 2 children. Amanda is now in school pursuing her degree so that she can be a great teacher and help her family. 

Kathryn - College of Arts & Sciences: Comm. Studies

Kathryn’s dream is to become a news producer and she works hard on video projects on and off campus. Due to her mother’s illness and financial difficulties, she was forced to take several years off from school. Her mother never attended college and it was her dream for Kathryn to earn a college degree. By receiving her degree not only will she make her mother’s wish come true, but she realizes that she will improve her overall quality of life, and the life of her family and future children.  Kathryn is very determined and the Bernard Osher Foundation scholarship will not only assist with fees and books it will give her piece of mind.           

Amber - School of Nursing

Amber went to college straight out of high school, only to realize that without a goal in mind she was often frustrated and lacked ambition. She went to work as a nurse’s aid and now six years later she is back in school and paying for her education all by herself. She is dealing with the humbling experience of sitting a classroom with 19 and 20 year old students. Amber does not let this get in her way.  Along with her school work she works part time and maintains a high GPA. 

Lorena - College of Arts & Sciences: Liberal Arts

Lorena went to college straight out of high school, but she was very clear on her purpose, or what she wanted to do. After a year and a half, she left college and moved out on her own. After working full time she began to realize how important her education was to her. She moved to KC 5 years ago and returned to school. She was amazed at how different school was the second time around. She made a point to get to know her professors and attended all of her classes. She now knows how to be a good student and appreciates the opportunity to receive an education. She currently works40-50 hours a week while going to school and manages her time wisely. Lorena realizes that it is never too late to learn. 

Charletta - College of Arts & Sciences: Liberal Arts

Charletta attended college in the past; however she has spent the last 11 years focusing on progressing in her job and at her church. In 2006, she realized that by not going to College she was not living up to her potential. By getting her education Charletta’s study skills and confidence have increased. She serves as a youth advisor in her church, works full time and managed to get all A’s in the winter 2007 semester. Charletta is not afraid of hard work and knows that anything is possible if she puts her heart, soul and mind into it. 

Matthew - College of Arts & Sciences: Liberal Arts

After 8 years Matthew has returned to college and is now a successful student. His first semester at UMKC he received a 4.0. When he previously attended college he was fresh out of high school and not ready for the challenges he faced. During the eight year break Matthew’s life has changed and he is now responsible. His record shows the potential of adult students who can achieve academic success, even after a significant gap in their education.

Debrina - School of Education

Debrina’s son is her reason for returning back to school after 10 years. She was in a field that she disliked and knew her destiny was working with children. She attended college right out of high school, but due to financial burdens on her family she dropped out and began working.  Debrina now enjoys not having to work 60+ hours per week, and instead spending time with her son. She makes many sacrifices to insure her son has what he needs. Debrina realizes that she cannot work full time, go to school full time, and be a full time mom.  She understands that her education is an investment of a lifetime.

Michael - College of Arts & Sciences: Pre-Law

After his first semester in college in 2001, Michael became a single father raising two sons, 3 and 5 while being self employed. His parents helped him until his father suffered a heart attack. Due to the stress of parenting, being self employed and now his father’s health, Michael decided to focus on building his business and giving to the community.  Along with his many responsibilities he managed to volunteer as a chaplain for the drug and abuse ward at Two River’s hospital and as a food server for Project Uplift. In 2005 Michael remarried, but the housing market took a turn. At this time He decided this maybe a good opportunity to go back to school. Last semester was the first time Michael has ever attended college full time. He is planning on graduating and attending law school in the near future.    

Jason - College of Arts & Sciences: Economics

Jason joined the Army in 1997 with one goal in mind, to complete his education.  In 2000 that dream became true when Jason began taking classes.  It was short lived however, when he was told by his commander that his classes were interfering with his military obligation.  In 2003 Jason enrolled in online courses through the Army but was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and while in combat could not continue his studies.  After an 18 month tour of duty, Jason decided to make his education a priority and leave the Army.  Now, after many years he has the time, determination and discipline to earn his college degree. 

Shauna - Henry W. Bloch School of Business

Shauna earned a full ride volleyball scholarship to Eastern Arizona in 1997. It was at Eastern Arizona she met her husband and after starting a family, she decided to put her college education on hold.  At that time she also realized that her husband had severe health problems. Shauna and her husband now have 3 children and she works as a part-time pharmacy technician and part time substitute teacher. Despite the demands of her husband’s health, parenting and her volunteer work, she has still managed to make the Deans list. Her education is more than a goal to her; it is the means to a better life for her family.