Breaking Generational Barriers: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

To say the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA (SPSFNWA) and its donors are supportive is an understatement. Their consistent and unwavering support has been life-changing for me and my four children. As a single parent pursuing higher education, feeling secure is crucial for success, and SPSFNWA has provided that security every step of the way.

Quaneshia has been my biggest cheerleader, going above and beyond to help my family—delivering pantry items when we were in need and always responding with kindness. The support from SPSFNWA extends beyond financial assistance; it has provided me with encouragement, resources, and a sense of belonging.

My journey has not been easy. I became a registered nurse at 21, but life took unexpected turns. I supported my first husband through his education, only to later discover his battle with addiction. After leaving that toxic relationship, I remarried, only to face another heartbreak when my twins’ father left. Despite these challenges, I pursued my dream of earning my BSN at the University of Arkansas, a journey made possible by SPSFNWA.

Thanks to donors, my tuition has been fully covered, eliminating financial stress and allowing me to focus on my studies. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the program and will graduate this May, debt-free. SPSFNWA has not only provided tuition assistance but also essential resources like a laptop, school supplies, hygiene products, and—most importantly—affirmation that I am worthy of success.

Beyond financial aid, SPSFNWA has empowered me to break generational patterns. Growing up in a single-parent household, I was determined to create a better future for my children. With counseling and support, I’ve learned to set boundaries, heal, and build a strong foundation for my family. My children are thriving—Brooklyn, 15, excels academically and in extracurriculars, while Breslin, 9, has found confidence and discipline through wrestling. My three-year-old twins, Matteo and Thiago, are also receiving the therapy they need to grow and flourish.

More than anything, SPSFNWA has provided a sense of family. You have been there for me when no one else was, offering love, encouragement, and the resources I needed to succeed. Because of your generosity, I am not just surviving—I am thriving.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and my children. Your support is changing lives, one family at a time.

With Love,

Alicia Meza & Family