Fall 2025 Winner of the Freshman Trailblazer Scholarship

Shawn Nicole Brooks

As a nontraditional student, Shawn has learned several valuable skills during her return to the classroom. She remains focused on her studies, as she is determined to use her degree to create a better future for herself and her son. Congratulations, Shawn, we admire your work ethic and dedication to your education!

Read Their Essay Here:

As a 37-year-old single mom to a very energetic 13-year-old boy, going to college wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing. For a long time, I felt stuck, like I was just going through the motions and not getting anywhere. I was frustrated with not making enough money, not having the knowledge my coworkers had, and not being able to give my son the life I knew he deserved. One day, I just hit a wall and said, “Enough is enough.” That’s when I decided to enroll in college.

Starting school again brought a lot of changes. My program is online, which definitely helps since I work full-time and have a busy home life. But even with that flexibility, it’s still a big shift. I’ve had to learn how to manage my time better, stay focused after long workdays, and make space for studying while still being present for my son. It’s not easy, but I’ve found ways to make it work. I use calendars, reminders, and even sticky notes all over my desk to keep track of assignments and deadlines. I’ve also had to be honest with my son about when I need quiet time, and thankfully, he’s learning to be a bit better, and respect that time.

One of the biggest adjustments has been getting used to being a student again. It’s been years since I was in a classroom, and even though it’s virtual, I’ve had to relearn how to study, how to write papers, and how to ask for help when I need it. To make the most of this experience, I have joined online study groups and reached out to professors when I’m stuck. I have also gained recognition in the national honor societies, which provided me with more resources and groups to lean on when things get tough. I’ve realized that I don’t have to do this alone, and that’s made a huge difference.

I also try to stay grounded by reminding myself why I’m doing this. I want to build a better future for my son and for myself. I want to be able to walk into a room and feel confident that I know what I’m talking about. I want to be able to apply for jobs that excite me, not just ones that pay the bills. College is helping me get there, step by step.

Emotionally, there are days when I feel overwhelmed. Between work, school, and parenting, it’s a lot. But I’ve learned to give myself grace. I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to keep showing up. I’ve also started taking better care of myself, whether that’s getting more sleep, going for walks, eating better, or just taking a few minutes to breathe.

Overall, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. College has already changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I’m more focused, more confident, and more hopeful. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I’m ready to face them. I’m not just adapting—I’m growing. And that feels really good.