We’d like to formally introduce our Fall 2024 3rd Place Scholarship Recipient, Ashley Brasfield. The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund was established to assist and recognize students who have lost a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, and/or spouse to substance abuse. We are proud to award a $250 scholarship to assist Ashley this year. Ashley is majoring in Nursing at Saint Clair Community College.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, my name is Ashley! I am a proud mom, caregiver for the elderly and full-time student at Sc4. I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, walks, enjoying time by the beach and much more. I enjoy spending time with my family! I am looking forward to a Billie Eilish concert with my daughter in October! Yay! I actually love to learn intense subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and so much more. I am certainly a proud nerd!
Q: Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What goals and ambitions do you have for yourself, personally, academically, and professionally?
10 years from now, I envision myself at the top of my career! I see myself as charge nurse, and helpful to all of my colleagues and using my experiences as a child and young adult to help others. I also see myself pursing a secondary degree, such as something pharmaceutical related, and/or polishing my nursing degree. Personally, I want to be happy and content with my degree. I suspect that will come to pass! I hope to make a difference also by becoming a travel nurse and even visiting third world countries to help.
Q: Aside from a college degree, what do you hope to gain from your college experience?
Apart from the financial security that comes with a college degree, along the way I hope to forge a sense of camaraderie, identity, and feel accomplished. I want lasting friendships and great memories. I plan on helping other students and joining extracurricular activities.
Q: What motivates you to continue working towards accomplishing your goals?
My highest motivation to continue my academic pursuits is this has been my goal since I was a child. Wisely, I knew that would be my ticket to success. Even more significant, it’s a step in breaking the cycle, permanently stopping the generational trauma, I want to show my children success. And myself. I also feel career is a huge part of identity. At least for me it is. Plus, my passion for learning just never dies. Even through the momentous hurdles, I remind myself I am capable and deserving of finishing college.
Q: What advice would you give to other students who have been through circumstances similar to yours?
My advice to other students facing similar circumstances such as mine would be to seek help for yourself in the form of therapy, community, and a healthy support system. For many years, I struggled in a survival mode existence resulting from the twenty years of trauma I suffered as a child and young adult. Looking back, I know I needed a mentor and a support system. Please do not do this alone! And please take care of yourself. I am not ashamed to admit I had a lot to unpack and needed some help. I am a bit older now, and do not regret the past, but had I had supports things would have been immensely easier on me. I recommend to any student facing trauma and lack of support, to realize you are enough, and you deserve the world, and the world needs you!
The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund 