In her personal phrases, 2016 Alumna Amanda Shavers shares how her story has come full circle: from a struggling single father or mother to entrepreneur and nonprofit chief serving to nontraditional college students.
I made a decision to return to high school when my oldest youngster Aleigh, was getting ready for highschool. I by no means made it past the ninth grade, and that involved me. How might I assist her with highschool and school if I by no means skilled it myself?
I knew I used to be out of time and out of choices, so I dove into the pursuit full pressure and located a path ahead. All the percentages had been stacked in opposition to me. I used to be on unemployment. My assist community was nonexistent. I had not touched teachers in over 10 years. I didn’t slot in school life: I had children, and I used to be older.
By ASPSF, I discovered a solution to rewrite my story. The monetary help was a plus, however the actual profit got here from the mentorship.
My regional director for ASPSF was Jamie Marshall, and he or she modified my life. She believed I used to be able to going additional and doing greater than others. Presenter Dr. Jan McCormick taught me what the phrase “grit” meant. I’ll always remember that day, because it resonated, and that phrase turned accessible to outline my burning need for schooling.
I additionally acquired the prospect to construct a scholar group beneath ASPSF. It really helped me develop the talent units that I exploit as we speak in enterprise. From negotiation and content material creation to balancing a nonprofit’s price range, I can thank ASPSF for serving to me follow these abilities lengthy earlier than I turned an entrepreneur.
By these experiences, I discovered my ardour for serving to others entry schooling and obtain success. Now, 9 years later, I’ve reached two huge profession objectives. I launched a consultancy agency, Arc & Root Funding Co., and a 501(c)(3) group, Students Arc Basis Inc. These two entities work collectively to assist nonprofits discover funding and college students from all backgrounds graduate debt-free.
I’m honored to share my story with you. There are a lot of methods to spend a donated greenback, however your funding in ASPSF not solely invests within the college students, it additionally invests sooner or later, as the youngsters watch their mother and pa climb an enormous mountain with the assistance of their potential communities. You modified my life, and that step modified the lives of my kids. Thanks to your funding.
