Spring 2025 Striving Solo Parent Scholarship Winner

Alice Dawn Ewing

Alice is a firm believer in the power of education, which has allowed her to overcome hardship and build a stable life. Through her steadfast determination, she hopes to instill this same value for learning in her children. Congratulations, Alice—we look forward to seeing you grow and prosper!

Read her essay here:

My name is Alicia Ewing, and I take pride in being a lifelong resident of Louisville, KY. As I near the completion of my undergraduate degree, I am eager to articulate my ambitions for my children and myself while pursuing an MBA.

Life has not always been easy for me, born into a family living below the poverty line, I was not afforded the opportunity for education that most kids are given. My father, absent before I was born, left a hole in my heart that I so desperately needed filled. My mother was a single parent on disability and welfare who did the best she could, but her mental health issues led to neglect and abuse of herself as well as her children. Becoming a mother at 14, I lacked the education about the choices I was making in life, and I was set to continue the cycle of poverty, broken homes, and a lack of education and financial stability.

As a young mother I ended up in foster care at 16 years old with my child. For the first time in life, I had stability and was able to focus on my education. I started taking GED classes every day, catching public transportation. I remember the day my foster mother Ms. Hattie Mack, brought me that GED certificate in the mail. She told me “Girl don’t stop here; your circumstances are shackles you must break through and make a life for yourself and that baby” I have never had a sense of pride and self-worth like I felt that day. This ignited something in me. I didn’t recognize the feelings, these were emotions I had never felt before, but I felt motivated, and that day life changed for me.

I discovered that education was the escape from the poverty-stricken environment I was trapped in. While I didn’t have a leader or parent to show me the way, I had one thing that kept me going against all odds, hope! That hope got me through some of the darkest times and led me to become a lifelong learner. I am determined to show my children that there is a future and that the cycle of poverty, violence, and despair, stops here. I will change the future for myself and my children.

If someone told me when I was a young adult that I would be in the final semester of my bachelor’s degree and applying to a graduate program, I would have never believed it. But here I am, the longshot. Breaking the cycle of poverty one class, one book, and one lesson at a time. I want so desperately to enter and finish graduate school. I know that there is funding out there and I put my trust in God and my community to ensure that I reach my full potential.

In contemplating my personal and professional aspirations, I am fueled by an unwavering determination that drives me to aim high. With each passing year, leaving a meaningful legacy has become increasingly significant. I aspire to lead a life that values impact over material wealth. One where my contributions resonate beyond mere possessions. As a single mother who has faced the challenges of parenthood since my teenage years, I have often been underestimated. However, rather than viewing these circumstances as obstacles, I perceive them as powerful catalysts propelling me toward a brighter future for myself and my children. A central goal in my life is to establish a career that allows me to secure a home for my family, a sanctuary that offers stability and cannot be taken away from us.

A key long-term objective is to instill in my children the value of education and diligence, illustrating that perseverance can overcome any hurdle. It is essential for them to recognize that learning is an ongoing journey; thus, I am dedicated to setting an example through my own educational pursuits. This commitment not only reinforces my belief in my capability but also serves as proof that I deserve success. Although it may seem unconventional for a single mother of six to pursue higher education, I firmly believe in the clarity of my purpose: I am entitled to excellence and no longer constrained by past choices or present conditions. My higher purpose calls me toward making a significant difference during my lifetime “Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge” - Proverbs 23:12 NIV.

I am confident that achieving my personal goals will align with fulfilling my professional ambitions through obtaining an MBA. While I do not have a specific job title in mind, I aim to become a leader within an organization that embodies values and missions akin to mine. My vision includes cultivating a career in an environment that encourages individuality and teamwork while allowing me to develop into an empathetic leader capable of delivering results.

Becoming a respected member within my community is another aspiration close to my heart. Education and leadership are interconnected; therefore, I am devoted to leveraging what I learn towards uplifting others around me. Through involvement in community initiatives and advocating for transformative change, I hope to demonstrate to my children the importance of service and how one individual can profoundly influence the lives of those who are underserved.

This journey is intimately personal; while cherishing every moment with my children, proving myself capable and worthy of quality education remains paramount. Pursuing such a demanding program signifies a purposeful step toward enhancing both my qualifications and the opportunities available to me. With eagerness, I look forward to utilizing insights gained from distinguished faculty as foundational elements for advancing my career trajectory. My ultimate aim is emerging as a respected corporate professional, an endeavor where earning this graduate degree will undoubtedly bolster prospects for sustainable success.