My success at the community college level diminished my earlier insecurities. The financial hardships had lessened too because of the scholarships and I knew that I had no reasons not to continue my studies.

Chicanos Por La Causa Matching Scholarship Fund

Rosa Morales

Rosa Morales married at a young age and stayed home to raise her four children. She had enjoyed school and the learning experience very much in her native Mexico but for the next two decades she dedicated her life to being a wife and mother. As her children grew older she began thinking of joining the work force but she wanted to improve her chances of starting a successful career and she knew that higher education was essential.

Coming to believe she could earn a college degree happened gradually. First, she struggled with all the usual reasons why she could not succeed--she was too old; she couldn't juggle family and school; they didn't have the money. That is where the CPLC scholarship came in. "Definitely the most important factor of me being able to attend college was this scholarship program!"

She started at Scottsdale Community College. The classes were challenging, yet fun.
With good grades from these first courses, she was inspired to move forward.
"My success at the community college level diminished my earlier insecurities. The financial hardships had lessened too because of the scholarships and I knew that I had no reasons not to continue my studies."

Juggling the roles of full-time student, mother and wife was difficult, but the excitement of learning, combined with the support of her family erased any doubts. "Most important, my husband and kids were supportive during those times when I felt totally overwhelmed."

Rosa is now a junior at ASU, working towards receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders. She plans to earn a Master's Degree and become a Speech Therapist. Rosa's goal is to work with children whose first language is Spanish. She feels there is a need in the Hispanic community for Spanish-speaking therapists.

"Returning to school as an adult was not an easy process. I had the motivation and the desire but without the scholarships I would not have been able to proceed.
I am now a firm believer that it really is never too late to learn."

"I encourage anyone who is considering a return to higher education to take the chance. Seek out scholarships to lessen the burden on the family and continue forward. You will end up being an inspiration to your children and you will have great self-satisfaction as you progress. This experience has provided me with a feeling of accomplishment. The time, energy and even the hardships of being an adult student have been worth it."