Single mother shares her dream of utilizing her new diploma to assist others in disaster

Final fall, Kristen Toner enrolled on the College of Arkansas-Fort Smith with a long-term purpose in thoughts: to turn into a home violence sufferer advocate.

“I’m enthusiastic about serving to ladies, males, and youngsters get out of abusive conditions and educating them on cycles of home abuse,” she stated. “I hope to deliver consciousness and educate society in order that we are able to study early warning indicators and hopefully keep away from repeating cycles of abuse.”

Kristen has maintained a 3.7 GPA in her first yr of lessons whereas elevating 4 youngsters by herself and dealing part-time. After she graduates with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in felony justice, she plans to go to graduate faculty so she will turn into knowledgeable counselor and work together with her group to beat disaster conditions.  

To acknowledge Kristen’s unimaginable dedication to her faculty and household, Arkansas Single Mum or dad Scholarship Fund has named the Sebastian County resident the Might 2024 Pupil of the Month.

“She manages her dwelling life, lessons, and work with nice success,” stated Program Supervisor Christi Brown. “Via powerful instances, she retains a constructive angle and perseveres. I’m so happy with Kristen and all she has achieved!”

Kristen stated the most important problem as a single mother or father scholar is managing the household’s funds. It’s no straightforward feat supporting 4 rising children between the ages of 6 and 13 and masking tuition, charges, and textbooks.

“Payments have been my largest stressor in addition to a figuring out issue on if I can proceed to complete faculty or not,” she stated. “The Single Mum or dad Scholarship Fund has supplied me with further cushion in order that I can maintain attending faculty.”

Kristen stated she has used her versatile scholarship to pay for automobile repairs, dwelling necessities, and even new footwear for all her children. The help has helped her focus extra on her class assignments.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship program as I really feel single dad and mom typically get ignored,” she stated. “Thanks, Single Mum or dad Scholarship Fund. You haven’t solely relieved some stressors from my life however have additionally made me and my youngsters really feel seen!”

Picture caption: Kristen Toner (again proper) is Arkansas Single Mum or dad Scholarship Fund’s Might 2024 Pupil of the Month. She poses for a photograph together with her 4 children and mother.