Scholarship Helps Single-mother Find Confidence in School and Future

February 2017

Crystal wasn’t planning to attend LDS Business College, but when her bishop suggested she transfer schools, she prayed about what she should do. As a single-mother to a young son, she was working a part-time job but felt like it wasn’t doing much for her life. She knew a decision to attend LDS Business College would have a large impact on her and her son.

“When I got online to apply, I felt like it was the right direction,” Crystal says.

Crystal followed that prompting and enrolled at LDS Business College in 2015. When she learned she would receive the Stella Harris Oaks Horizons of Hope Single-Parent Scholarship, she gained the confidence she needed to move forward.

“I was completely amazed,” she says. “It was a blessing. I was worried about paying for school and rent, so it was a huge answer to my prayers.”

The scholarship allowed her to focus on her education and avoid falling into debt.  It also completely changed her attitude toward school.

“I’m a better student now than I ever was,” she says. “I wasn’t getting a 4.0 GPA or anything close to that before. My education has totally changed — it’s been incredible.”

Crystal is working toward completing her marketing degree. She hopes to become a marketing consultant after graduation, possibly helping charitable organizations that focus on other single-parents. She especially hopes her new education will open the door to helping children in foster care.

“I used to be in the foster care system,” she says. “I want to look into becoming a foster parent to help those children who have gone through crises like I have.”

She feels a strong sense of gratitude toward those who have contributed toward the scholarship fund. She’s touched by their kindness.

“My heart swells thanks to their charitable, kind hearts,” Crystal says. “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for what they’ve done for me and my son.”