Alumna
“My University of Phoenix education has helped me achieve my personal and professional goals. The Master of Arts in Business Administration I have earned at University of Phoenix has a significant meaning in my life,” shares Rose. She came from a family of migrant workers and was the first in her family to complete a college education, let alone a master’s degree. “My goal was to lead the way for future generations, including my own two children, one of which is a special needs child.” Rose now works as an accountant. She would like to pay forward her education to her fiancé, James. “James is the most kind, gentle, giving person I have ever met. He has sacrificed his education to help his family,” Rose explains. “When James was 15, his father passed away, leaving him and his mother to run the family ranch.” James came close to earning his degree, but some obstacles stood in his way. The Paying it Forward® Scholarship will now allow him to reach his dream.
Recipient – Amelia, NE
James has a deep love and respect for the land. He works his family ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. “My father and grandfather raised me to respect and care for the land, to protect it from erosion caused mainly by wind and over-grazing,” shares James. Without the financial assistance of the scholarship, James would not be able to complete his degree. He is interested in protecting the environment. “I live in a geographically unique area — the Sandhills of Nebraska. Not only is it unique, but it is also fragile, so everything must be done in an environmentally responsible manner,” he says. “I have chosen to follow in my father's footsteps, but in this day and age, a cattle rancher can't really be ‘just a rancher.’ We must diversify.” With his degree, James hopes to protect his land and provide for his family.
