A resident of Palm Desert, Ca, Roxanne returned to school to pursue her dream of obtaining her nursing degree. She is currently enrolled in the nursing program at Indiana State University, matriculating toward her BA degree in nursing. Roxanne is a divorced mother of two sons. She has been employed for six years at Enchanted Nursing as a certified nurse assistant. Roxanne realizes that the only way to break the cycle of poverty is, "to work hard and set high standards for myself and my sons".

What does it mean to you to be awarded a GoGirl Grant?

Being awarded the GO Girl Grant is very special to me for several reasons, The Girlfriends have provided me with both financial and emotional support and encouragement. I understand that the Girlfriends chose me out of many women to fund my education all the way through and their are no words that I can say that will express my gratitude enough. It's an honor to me that these women recognized my light from within and are helping me to achieve my dreams.

Describe your motivation and inspiration for continuing your education and career goals at this stage in your life.

My motivation to continue my education and career goals is the fact that the only way out of a long cycle of poverty for me is through education and a solid career. My ultimate goal is to be fortunate enough to fund my children's higher education when that time comes. I think that in a family with each generation there must be growth and advancement and it starts with a good example.

What advice would you offer other women who are considering going back to school to make a career change?

I always tell people who want to make a change and are considering going back to school that they are not the only ones that have questions like "How will I do it financially?", When will I work if I am going to school?, Who will look after my children? These are all questions that I have asked myself and questions that I still have today. We are not the first woman in history to struggle and work hard often times without recognition or reward. Woman are strong by nature in so many ways and we are so capable of doing anything. We have come so far and we have a long way to go. Day by day I keep a positive mind frame and I tell myself "I am going to do this and nothing will stop me," even if it takes 10 years I will still be better off moving slowly towards my goal than not moving at all. I have repeated classes and taken time off and drove myself to the point of exhaustion but the satisfaction that comes along with the progress far out weighs the struggle. I don't think that their is any better way to put it than, "Where there is a will there is a will there IS a way."