An Interview with a Participant: Patricia

Interviewer: Let’s start with the basics. Tell me your name, how you discovered Family Scholar House, and where you’re enrolled. 

Participant: Patricia, family directed me here. I’ve been since my son, Ethan, was born. He’s two. I go to the University of Louisville.

Interviewer: And what are you studying?

Participant: I’m working on a Bachelor’s in Social Work. I just graduated from JCTC with an Associates in art.

Interviewer: Congratulations! We’re so proud of you! What drew you to social work as opposed to another path? 

Participant: My main goal is to help my community and be a resource for change. I can accomplish this best by being in this field.  

Interviewer: I love that! Was there anything else that encouraged you to get a degree in social work?

Participant: A woman at church. She saw my love for outreach ministry; she suggested social work because I have a servant’s heart. 

Interviewer: Wonderful! It’s always nice when someone helps guide you in the right direction. Speaking of, I heard you have exciting news. Tell me what’s new!

Participant: I have a new role at a private practice as an Executive Assistant. My boss is teaching me all about the business side of things. She’s also mentoring me on what life will be like when I practice. My faith is very important so she also shows me how to incorporate Christianity into my practice. In some sessions, she lets me shadow to give insight on how to handle certain situations. Her specialties are relationships, sleep, EMDR, and trauma. I’m so thankful to have this experience.

Interviewer: Let’s say, we’re in the future, you’re 90, looking back on your life, what do you see?

Participant: The three main things I see are that I had a successful private practice, investment properties, and my kid had the best in life. He is living a prosperous life because I put the work in when he was little to change our trajectory. Another goal I have, further down the road, is to mentor middle school students. Many times, and this happened to me, people focus on mentorship for high school students, but we should catch them earlier. So I’d like to do this, particularly for black students. 

Interviewer: I’m going to switch gears a little, lets talk about what life has been like since you moved here. 

Participant: I am so thankful for the support from the Advocates. Having a support system is CRITICAL. It’s nice to have people who hold me accountable. I’ve gotten two degrees since being here. 

Interviewer: What advice do you have for other participants? What’s your secret to success? 

Participant: Take full advantage of the support you get; the accommodations like the pantry, the advocates and their guidance, other resources, and the workshops. I have learned so much. For example we have financial workshops on building credit and budgeting. I also advise for participants to think about what will happen after your degree – those next steps are critical for you and your family. The last piece of advice is to focus on getting your degree, don’t let outside people distract you. 

Interviewer: And your secret to success? 

Participant: Community! You need it. Family Scholar House has given me that. I have a supportive family, but they can only do so much. Having a village around helps me to stay consistent. It helps hold me accountable. 

Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your story and your time. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished, and we’re rooting for your success!