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Why is my education important to me? That is an easy question.

I have struggled my whole life to try to make more for myself than the life I was given. I refuse to settle for second best. I grew up in a single parent home, living with my mother and my older brother.

We barely had anything, although my mother did the best she could to support us on her own. While we may have not had everything we wanted, like most kids, she made sure we had everything we needed. At times that meant she went hungry or without to ensure our needs were met. I know how much she struggled everyday, and how much she wished she could have done more.

I love my mother, but I have always promised myself that one day I would go to college, get my degree, get a good job, and repay my mother for all the hard work and sacrifices she made for my bother and I in the past. Even as a child I knew what I wanted out of life, and have never given up on that goal.

I have loved everything about animals, even before I knew you could make a career out of working with, and helping them. I have never wanted to be anything, or do anything, besides work with animals in some way, shape, or form. If I knew that I was able to make a difference in the life of one innocent creature, I would feel as though my life was complete, as if I had a purpose.

Now that I have a 4-month-old baby girl of my own, I am even more determined to not give up, to achieve my goals, to make something of my life, to give her everything I never had. I know that with a college education I could do that, not only for myself, but for my daughter as well. We still, to this day, struggle to makes ends meet and financing an education is not cheap.

I work from home, watching other kids so that I can make some extra money and still be able to spend time with Delilah. She is my world. I love her more than anything. Being able to get my degree online would enable me to continue being a stay at home mother, all while getting my degree and making my dreams a reality. If I were given this opportunity I would be forever grateful, and would never forget it! I appreciate you even taking the time to read my thoughts, and consider our situation. Even to be considered for a scholarship means the world to me.

Thank you again for taking your time to hear my plea. I ask just one thing. Remember this: No matter what happens, I will never give up. I can't, for my daughter's future, for her well being and benefit. If I was given this opportunity I would promise that I would never let you down. You would never reget your decision, and my whole family would be forever grateful for the impact that this opportunity would have on the rest of our lives!

Thank you.

Submit your entry to the Career Stimulus Package.