Q&A with Single Mum or dad Scholar Gary Thompson

Meet Gary Thompson! This single dad from Izard County is an inspiring instance of perseverance and dedication to constructing a brighter future for himself and his household.

After a sequence of layoffs, Gary realized he wanted to additional his schooling to supply for his 9-year-old daughter, Shelby. He enrolled in Ozarka Faculty’s welding program, and regardless of a few years out of faculty and dealing part-time, he’s maintained a 4.0 GPA and is able to graduate.  

Arkansas Single Mum or dad Scholarship Fund has named Gary the December 2024 Scholar of the Month. To study extra about this devoted dad, ASPSF requested him a couple of questions. Right here’s what he mentioned:

Why did you select your main and what are your profession targets?
I selected the welding subject as a result of business’s excessive demand for employees and its good wages. I plan to work on pipelines that carry gasoline, akin to fuel, oil, and diesel, throughout the nation with an anticipated beginning wage of $45 an hour as soon as I’m in a position to full certifications.

Has your daughter been influenced by your return to high school? 
She’s intrigued by me attending faculty and encourages me to excel as a result of she excels at school, too.

What’s a problem you’ve overcome?
The largest problem I’ve encountered is a restricted revenue to help my household whereas going to high school full-time. Discovering after-school take care of my daughter whereas I’m in late lessons has additionally been an enormous problem. However with the help companies at college and the ASPSF scholarship, these wants have been met! Realizing there may be help when wanted and connection to sources to assist overcome obstacles has been essential.

How did you utilize your versatile scholarship from ASPSF?
Funds have been used to pay for requirements, akin to automobile insurance coverage, utility payments, and groceries. The help of this program whereas pursuing my dream will probably be without end appreciated.

In case you may thank an ASPSF donor in individual, what would you say to them?
There actually are usually not phrases which are sufficient to precise appreciation. I’m simply so grateful to have the help as a result of with out beneficiant donors, persevering with schooling and pursuing certification in a high-demand expert subject with good wages to raised help my baby wouldn’t be doable. 

ASPSF Recipient Gary Thompson receives his Fall 2024 Scholarship from volunteer Amber Grady.