Ready-to-Work Student Receives Women's Opportunity Scholarship
By Billie Jean Cole, Ready-to-Work Coordinator at the Pikeville Campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College
"Whenever I receive notification about scholarships, I post the information and distribute applications to my Ready-to-Work students. I find myself having to beg, borrow and plead just to get a completed application returned by the posted deadline.
I am constantly telling my students that they will not win a scholarship if they do not apply. However, late in the fall semester, Sabrina Roberts returned her completed application for the Women's Opportunity Award. I mailed the application and we both seemed to forget about the scholarship.
In mid January, Sabrina came into my office and stated that she had received a letter of receipt from the scholarship committee. The letter stated that she would be notified in a couple of weeks regarding the committee's final decision. I jokingly told her that if she won the award, Ready-to-Work would personally escort her to receive her scholarship! Well, two weeks later Sabrina came into my office with a grin as wide as the Grand Canyon! She won!
We planned our trip and on February 12, we traveled to Middletown, Ohio. Several times during our trip Sabrina stated, "I have never won anything in my life!". Despite being quite nervous, she gave a beautiful acceptance speech and graciously received the award. I was so proud! Soroptimist International treated her as if she were an important dignitary. Afterwards, we had dinner and returned to our hotel. Over and over she stated how much she enjoyed the event.
Many times we take for granted simple pleasures. To see the delight on Sabrina's face when she accepted her award was priceless. Our jobs are difficult, yet, when we see our students excel, our job satisfaction soars!"
Sabrina Roberts is in her third semester at the Pikeville Campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. She is working toward being accepted into the RN program.
