From Dreams to Degrees: My Journey with FSH & Ivy Tech Sellersburg

My name is Destiny. It’s an honor to celebrate the partnership between Ivy Tech Community & Technical College, Family Scholar House and the opening of the new Benedictine Family Scholar House. These two organizations are very near and dear to my heart. I am a graduate of Ivy Tech and a participant of Family Scholar House. I am grateful to share an update my journey with all of you.  

Before I start, I want to recognize all the supporters, donors, mentors, and staff of Family Scholar House and Ivy Tech. Without your support, and belief in me (and students like me), I would not be where I am today. I always knew I wanted to do big things, but I lacked the confidence and a pathway before Family Scholar House. 

Since reaching out to Family Scholar House, doors have opened that I once thought were closed to me. I found out about Family Scholar House through a family friend and little did I know that one call would change the trajectory of our lives. Right out of high school, I tried to attend college, but it wasn’t the right time for me. I always wanted to go back to school and fulfill my dream of being a neurosurgeon. Before I moved into FSH, I was working 3 jobs to make ends meet. There never seemed to be enough time in the day to work and be present for my son. I was an active pre-resident attending workshops and meeting with staff. When an apartment became available, I was enrolled in classes at Ivy Tech, and Tevin and I finally had a stable environment to call home. 

For Tevin and I, Family Scholar House is our extended family. They’ve been our community, they’ve lifted us up in times of need and celebrated in our times of victory. I am so excited for the families of southern Indiana to have the same opportunity my family had. This campus will make that a reality for 36 families in a few short months. This program, campus, and college will open so many doors for people who want to continue their education but need a little extra support from their community. They’ll get neighbors who understand the experience of being a single parent and a student. In our experience these neighbors become family – some of ours even called me Momma D. Their kids will get a safe environment to play outside. Family Scholar House empowers us to achieve our dreams and sets a foundation for a brighter tomorrow. I can’t wait to see these single mom gain confidence and realize they are being given the keys to unlock their dreams.

I know that Ivy Tech & Family Scholar House believed in me before I learned to believe in myself. And that support has propelled me, to now holding an associates degree in general studies from Ivy Tech. A bachelors of science and psychology from The University of Louisville and soon a masters in medical science at Simmons College of Kentucky to prepare for medical school. I know, my time at Family Scholar House and Ivy Tech provided me with the tools to navigate future challenges and seize every new opportunity. 

Thank you for investing in the next generation of scholars, I know firsthand how that investment transforms lives.