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 offer for his 9-year-old daughter, Shelby. He enrolled in Ozarka School’s welding program, and regardless of a few years out of college 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 objectives?
I selected the welding area because of the business’s excessive demand for employees and its good wages. I plan to work on pipelines that carry gas, equivalent to gasoline, 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 highschool? 
She’s intrigued by me attending faculty and encourages me to excel as a result of she excels in class, too.

What’s a problem you’ve overcome?
The largest problem I’ve encountered is a restricted earnings to assist my household whereas going to highschool 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 assist companies at college and the ASPSF scholarship, these wants have been met! Understanding there’s assist when wanted and connection to assets to assist overcome obstacles has been vital.

How did you utilize your versatile scholarship from ASPSF?
Funds have been used to pay for requirements, equivalent to automobile insurance coverage, utility payments, and groceries. The assist of this program whereas pursuing my dream will probably be perpetually appreciated.

In the event you might thank an ASPSF donor in particular person, what would you say to them?
There actually will not be phrases which might be satisfactory to precise appreciation. I’m simply so grateful to have the assist as a result of with out beneficiant donors, persevering with schooling and pursuing certification in a high-demand expert area with good wages to higher assist my youngster wouldn’t be attainable. 

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