When Damitu first set out to return to school, she felt that it was impossible. Her family is low-income, and as a mother to three young daughters and a part-time Certified Nursing Assistant, balancing financial and personal responsibilities with school was a seemingly insurmountable challenge. With the support of her family and great perseverance, Damitu enrolled in college to strive for her long-held dream of becoming a nurse.
Damitu felt both excitement and apprehension when beginning school. She questioned if she belonged in school. While many students around her were recent high school graduates, Damitu was juggling her courseload with caring for her daughters, pregnancy, and working a part-time job. Damitu held strong in her ambitions, reminding herself of her passion for her education and instilling that value in her children. She sought support from peers who were facing similar struggles, and she hopes to give back and help others as she builds her career. Textbook fees, tuition, and transportation were once significant barriers to Damitu’s ability to continue her education. With the First Literacy Scholarship, Damitu can pursue Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College with less of the overwhelming financial burden. Her educational journey has been full of challenges, but also rich with purpose and strength.