Outstanding students receive scholarships from local organization
Soon after Alexis Carlin became a mom, COVID-19 sent the world into lockdown and she found herself thinking about the future. Before she knew it, she was leaving her longtime job and pursuing a cosmetology certificate at Citrus College.
Three years later, Alexis has completed her certificate and is working toward meeting her associate degree and transfer requirements.
These efforts were recently boosted by a prestigious scholarship from the Azusa/Glendora chapter of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.
Early last month, Alexis was awarded a Live Your Dream scholarship during the organization's annual award ceremony.
Awarded to women who provide the primary financial support for their families, the Live Your Dream scholarship is designed to assist with school and personal expenses while students work to improve their academic and professional skills.
"Every year, our organization awards scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 to two to three local heads of household who have returned to school as undergrads, are seeking vocational or academic training that leads to a career path, and are committed to completing their program," said Marilyn Grinsdale, chair of the Live Your Dream scholarship committee. "I always reach out to the EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs counselors at Citrus College to see if they have students interested in applying. The department is so amazing! Our organization tries to help a few women, but CalWORKs helps many people every single day."
Two additional Citrus College students were presented with Live Your Dream Scholarships this year: Anyssa Aguirre-Sainz, a nursing major with two small children, and Alejandra De La Cruz, a business major with one child.
"Alexis, Anyssa and Alejandra have each demonstrated resiliency. They balance being a student and a parent while managing life's struggles," said Lelaine Arredondo, CalWORKs counselor. "Soroptimist International is a wonderful organization that helps young women like these. This scholarship has provided our students, who are primary caregivers, with the opportunity to continue their educations."
This article originally appeared in the April 2023 edition of the Citrus View.