Update from a past recipient

Prior to Eva's applying for the WIT scholarship, she was living on the streets and had no direction in her life. She had not engaged with her family in years, and to further challenge her, she was pregnant, addicted and terrified of what her life had become. 

However, she can tell her story much better than anyone else can, so let's let her do just that!

My name is Eva Blair and I'd like to let you know how the Women University Club Foundation WIT scholarship award changed my life.

After the birth of my daughter, I immediately decided to turn things around for her. I knew my life had to be different. I had not always, been involved with drugs.  As a child I was raised by my grandparents and my mom.  Growing up I had so much support and love.   I was in honor classes in high school and excelled at any job.  I have worked since I was 16 years old.  But when I got older, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd.  I was stressed, depressed and unhappy with my life and my friends were experiencing the same troubles. 

The power of addiction took me by surprise.  It seems to happen so fast. It can happen to anyone who is not careful. But the day after I got out of the hospital when I had my beautiful baby girl, I went to treatment at the Therapeutic Health Services.  I also started going to Parent Trust Families group 2 to 3 times every week.  Getting involved with Therapeutic Health Services and Parent Trust led me to the Women's University Club Foundation scholarship!

I decided it wasn't too late to go back to school and follow my dreams and that is exactly what I did. It was difficult and many times I cried and thought that I couldn't do it, especially when taking calculus and chemistry.  

These are my accomplishments since I received the scholarship award: I graduated on June, 9th 2023 with my BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Geographical Information Science (GIS). It was an amazing experience and something that I am extremely proud of. I was even awarded Magna Cum Laude recognition!  I am so grateful for the WUCF and all the support you have provided me with over the years!

Good news is in September of 2023, I started my new job in a full-time position at an environmental land trust. I am so excited and working in the environmental field gives me hope, it's that I have always dreamed of doing.  I will be monitoring and managing over 3,000 acres of conservation land easements as well as nature preserves around the peninsula.

Also, in September, my daughter started kindergarten.  I am very proud of her and proud of being her mother.

 

Eva, we're so pleased for you and look forward to hearing more as you move into your boundless future!