Empower Scholarships

Reading about the inspiring stories of various people who apply for a scholarship is one of the pleasures we received in hosting one. We received thousands of applications from all over the different states, and knowing about their interests, ambitions, and backgrounds gave us nothing but delight and joy. We read about their life’s journey and how their experiences encouraged them to pursue careers in different fields of education. We are excited to see what the future holds for all of our applicants since they all want to make a huge difference in the world.

We're pleased to announce that after months of reading, rereading, and going through hundreds of applicants, we've chosen Kayla McEwen as the recipient of the Organic Life Start Empower Scholarship!

Kayla is currently taking up Psychology in California State University Bakersfield, with hopes of becoming a school psychologist someday. She was raised by a hardworking and selfless single mom who made sure to take care of her despite the absence of her father. This inspired her and prepared her now that she is a single mom of four wonderful kids. Being a single mom was never easy, especially if you have dreams to pursue. But she’s not the type who gives up easily.

As challenging as it may seem to balance being a full-time student and being the sole full-time parent to four young children, Kayla proved to be successful in both. She takes most of the classes she needs online via zoom, or fully online so that she can be home as 2 of her children are not going to school yet. She waits until she puts the kids to bed at 8:30-9:00 PM to start on her schoolwork, she will then do all assignments, quizzes, tests due by midnight first then begin studying until 3-4 AM. All this sacrifice because she wants to give her kids the time they need.

Kayla’s compelling and moving story, which discusses the hardships of a single mom having to take all the responsibility alone is what sets her apart. There was a time that she didn’t know what to do, she even felt like a huge failure as a mother. But the brave Kayla didn’t stop there, she immediately went back to working full time. For she knew that if she wanted to support her kids and provide them with stability, she needed to go back to school. Though, a part of her was not confident enough to believe that she was smart enough or capable of doing anything - she fought that part of herself so that the real Kayla would prevail; A loving, brave, passionate and dedicated mother and student. With that said, she was able to finish AA in psychology in one year rather than two while maintaining Dean's List. This is one of the achievements that makes her proud. It was the first time she believed that she could actually finish and graduate with BA. I know that many would definitely agree that it will be very challenging to achieve this with or without kids.

When asked if she would have to “regift” this scholarship, who would she give it to? She answered that “she would want it to be given to another parent who is trying to better themselves and their babies' lives because from experience when you are a single parent and receive help, it just means so much to you.” We’re glad to give it to someone as deserving as her.

When we launched this scholarship program, we always had the value of SHARING in mind:

• We wanted to share positivity when you recognize the people who inspire you to reach your dreams.
• We wanted to share empowerment by being your voice and sharing your story of inspiration.
• We wanted to share and give back to the community. We see you working hard for your future and we know that you will share the same inspiration and empowerment to the next generation.

Choosing a winner is no easy feat. All the stories we received are wonderful and uplifting – but we had to make a choice. After several weeks of deliberation, it is with joy that we announce Organic Life Start’s Spring Semester scholarship awardee: Jessica Lee.

Jessica is taking up Neuroscience and Psychology in the University of Pittsburgh. She has devoted her life to caring for her family. She is a determined single mother who is doing her best for her strong, brave, and smart 8-year-old daughter.

Her schedule is packed every day – but it’s always centered on putting her daughter’s needs first. She adjusts her schedule so that she can drop off her daughter to school and pick her up on time. She and her third-grader work on their homework together and she makes sure that they get to enjoy dinner together. Saturdays! Saturdays are extra special for the mother-daughter duo: Jessica’s daughter gets to take ice skating classes and Jessica gets peace in watching her do something she has always wanted, but was not able to do before.

Here are some takeaways from Jessica that she wants to impart to everyone reading this:

• Getting on the other side of a relationship is not something to be ashamed of. Learn to care for yourself, not just for others.
• Strive to be the best person. In Jessica’s case, she strives to be the best person for her daughter – the best person in her world.
• Set healthy boundaries in all of your relationships.
• You deserve better. You are not alone in your battles. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, especially for something you dream for.

We also wanted to share Jessica’s special message her daughter:

• Set healthy boundaries.
• It’s okay to take care of your mental health first.
• And Jessica’s favorite quote: “Mental health is not your fault, but it is your responsibility. And that starts with healthy boundaries.”

Jessica serves as an inspiration. She is a mother. She is a friend. She is a hard worker. She is you and me – navigating this world for our loved ones and trying to share love, every step of the way.

—

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories with us. You make the world better by recognizing and honoring empowering individuals in your lives. We are humbled to have received so many sponsorship applications over the past months. We wish you all the best in all your endeavors!