Thank you for your interest in the Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women program. The program has been discontinued for 2011. Best of luck in your educational endeavors.
Linda Lael Miller Chooses 15 Women to Help Rewrite Their Life Story
Spokane, WA – Fifteen women, trying to overcome challenges to completing their education, will receive help with educational funding thanks to New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller.
Once a struggling mom herself, the author of more than 100 novels has selected the winners of her 2010 Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women—stipends designated for those 25 and older who typically don’t qualify for traditional scholarships.
“Reading the essays, I was so amazed by the fortitude, commitment and selflessness these women displayed,” said Miller, from her home in Spokane, Wash. “I have also been so humbled by the graciousness and authentic appreciation even those not selected have expressed.”
In its 10th year, the Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women received more than 700 applications. Each applicant wrote an essay discussing the challenges to meeting her educational goals. A team, including Miller, judged each essay on readability, demonstration of commitment to the applicant’s education and career, and the possible impact of the scholarship on the life of the recipient, her family and her community.
“I feel so privileged to be able to do something to help women meet their educational and life goals,” said Miller, who funds the scholarship program from her speaking engagements and book-related income.
A regular on the national bestseller lists, Miller knows about crafting an amazing story. She also knows about rewriting her personal life story. Once upon a time, Miller struggled as a young, single mother with limited financial resources.
With perseverance and the support of family, Miller edited her life story to become one of dreams fulfilled. Ten years ago, Miller decided to offer other women the opportunity to rewrite their own story and has offered the scholarship program each year since.
“There are so many women out there who just need a little boost to set them on the way to a better life for themselves and their children,” said Miller. “I know I can’t help them all, but I can help some. I can show them that someone cares.”
Winners may use the scholarship award for tuition and books, but also for child care, transportation and other expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. Miller’s intention for the scholarship program is to help women leap the barriers keeping them from building a better life for themselves and their families.
“I hope that each scholarship has a long-lasting impact on the recipients’ families by demonstrating to their children and their children’s children that a woman can overcome adversity and succeed through education,” said Miller.
The 2009 winners of Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women are:
Tina Bonelli, California
When Tina Bonelli begins to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, she turns to her gratitude list. After 30 years of marriage, she was forced to divorce her husband and relinquish her home in order to salvage her life. Friends have stepped in to help the 56-year-old with a room and a borrowed car, but it’s the daily gratitude list that has changed Bonelli’s story from one of inertia to self-reliance.
“I have forced myself to write gratitude lists,” said Bonelli. “Some days, I would write, ‘still breathing.’ Some days I wasn’t sure that ‘still breathing’ was something for which to be grateful, but I kept writing those lists, and found that they were the most effective tool to shifting my energy from negative to positive, and keep my focus placed on what would serve me. The more I was grateful, the more I had to be grateful for.”
Unable to find a job, Bonelli decided to create her own career. She’s working toward a degree in liberal studies so that she may deliver memoir writing workshops at senior centers, retirement centers and community centers.
“It is my firm belief that every life lived is of tremendous worth, and contains gems of learning and inspiration that, if recorded, can be a noble legacy. I believe that in the most ordinary of lives can be found stories of humor, heroism, sacrifice and love.”
Bonelli will use her $800 scholarship for books at Brandman University.
“Completing my education will dramatically improve my story, both in terms of competing in the marketplace and in building my confidence to succeed as I create my own career.”
Mia Carrington, California
Mia Carrington likens trying to attend school while being medically disabled and having a daughter with autism to “a record playing, skipping and having to be restarted.
“My disability and raising a disabled child have delayed my goals, but not stopped me from pursuing them,” said Carrington. “I have had to drop many semesters due to illness, but I always return when I am able. Quitting is just not part of my character.”
She and her 10-year-old daughter live with Carrington’s parents and rely solely on Social Security disability for income. Pursuing a degree in Health Information Technology, Carrington has her mind set on landing a good job after she graduates.
“My family already gives me so much,” said Carrington. “I want to work and earn a living to support me and my daughter.”
Carrington will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition at Santa Barbara City College and to pay for a national certification exam.
“Many times when you are having a difficult time, it is hard to share that with others and ask for help,” said the 33-year-old. “My advice for other women who are struggling, whether financially or with health issues, is to ask for help. I have always been a private person, not wanting to share my painful issues with others. Now that I have my daughter, I have learned to ask for help no matter what.”
Lisa Davis, Canada
Many stories regarding the child welfare system and foster care—a program designed to provide a safe, healthy home for kids unable to live with their families—are more akin to horror tales. Lisa Davis, though, found great comfort in the foster home in which she grew up and the social workers who supported her.
“The Children’s Aid Society has had involvement in my life since I was 3, and I became a crown ward at the age of 9,” said Davis. “At 19, I had a daughter, and then a couple of months before my 20th birthday, my foster dad, my only support network at the time, died suddenly of a heart attack. I knew I had to do something with my life, at least for my daughter’s sake.”
She obtained a cosmetician license and enjoyed the work, but knew that her lack of belief in her abilities kept her from her true passion—working with youth in the child welfare system. “I lived with self-esteem issues, thinking that I could never make the grade for university. Obviously I was wrong. I took a credit as a special student and achieved an A-. The decision was made.”
The mother of three, including one with special needs, Davis and her husband have also acted as guardians of her two young cousins. Davis volunteers as board president of a youth center, performs advocacy work and works part time for the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
“Child welfare has always been the most influential determinant for success in my life; I intend to pour my whole self into that sector,” said Davis, who’s working on a degree in social work at Carleton University.
She will use the $1,000 scholarship for transportation expenses and tuition.
“As a mature student with challenges such as extra transportation costs and the costs of raising children, I have found it really difficult to get the support needed to succeed,” said Davis. “This scholarship will help me with these challenges so I can concentrate on achieving my education goals and make a brighter future for me and my family.”
Kathleen Graffeo, Arizona
Kathleen Graffeo had hoped her story would be one of being part of a strong, loving family. Her ex-husband shattered that dream when he abused her. Since then her story has become one of perseverance, self-reliance and being a role model for her two sons.
“A woman needs to have an education,” said Graffeo, 47. “You have to be able to count on yourself.”
Parenting her teenage boys alone with no other family and little help from child support, Graffeo earned her degree as a licensed practical nurse. She worked at a correctional facility for alcohol and drug offenders for four years. Once again, however, Graffeo chose safety when the facility began taking in more dangerous inmates. She quit, and for nearly a year was unable to find a permanent position.
“It seems that now most employers require only registered nurses,” she said.
Having completed the prerequisites for the RN program, Graffeo looks forward to completing the 23 credit hours she needs to graduate. She will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition and books at Pima Community College.
“By continuing my education,” said Graffeo. “I will be able to support myself and my children, ensuring that once they are grown, I will not be a financial burden on them. I believe that I will also be a good role model for them to not only seek a college education, but to find education that gives back to society as does the field of health care.”
A. Jeffers (name has been changed), Washington
A. Jeffers turned to faith and hope to motivate her toward a better life after leaving her abusive marriage.
“Now that the kids and I were on our own, I had to make a decision about what I was going to do with my life and find a way to support us,” said Jeffers, the mother of two. “I decided to go back to college to earn that degree I’ve always dreamed of and need now more than ever.”
After taking career assessment tests, Jeffers found that social work kept popping up for her as a job path. “The description of the classes excited me! Working in a career when I could serve in the community and help would fill the desire I have to make a difference in others’ lives.”
She would like to work with troubled youth or the elderly. She will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition at Eastern Washington University and transportation costs.
“I have seen the powerful effects of having faith and hope,” said Jeffers. “I have also learned that having faith and hope is a choice. Choosing to have faith that a better tomorrow is coming has helped me to overcome situations that at one point or another have felt unbearable. I can’t wait to see what my future holds.”
Christina Martin, Pennsylvania
As a nursing major, Christina Martin seeks to change her story from one of emotional suffering to a story of caring for and offering hope to patients.
“My story of being stuck in an abusive marriage has ended; I am finally out of my cocoon,” said the 42-year-old divorced mother and grandmother.
Martin said she had planned on going to college after graduating high school. Pregnant in her senior year, she had to redirect her goals. She married and two more children joined the family. Unfortunately, family proved not to be a safe haven when her husband became abusive.
"I knew I had to get my children away from this awful life and get out, even if it meant losing all material possessions," said Martin, who finally had to file for bankruptcy.
Pursuing her education and becoming a nurse offers Martin hope for a better life. “I love interacting with people, helping and caring for them, touching their lives and having them influence my life. I must reach my goal of becoming a nurse not only to fulfill a lifelong dream, but also to break the chains of dependency once and for all.”
Martin will use the $1,000 scholarship for transportation costs as she attends Cedar Crest College.
“I have experienced many life lessons and learned I can go most anywhere through hard work and a belief in myself. Sometimes it seems impossible, but it is amazing how strong we as women really are.”
Jeanne Malmgren Melvin, South Carolina
A storyteller herself, Jeanne Malmgren Melvin worked as a newspaper journalist for two decades. While on assignment in Cambodia in 2000, Melvin fell in love with three orphans, whom she and her husband adopted. The family moved to South Carolina to care for Melvin’s terminally ill father. The journalist, however, found she could no longer practice her craft.
“After a long, fruitless job search, I realized that many years away from a newsroom, combined with my age and the sad state of newspapers in general, meant that I had to find some new way to make a living,” said Melvin.
Due to their years of deprivation, her children also required extensive medical intervention. The youngest needed repeated surgeries for hearing loss. Her oldest suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and required “a small army of psychologists and psychiatrists, plus long-term medication, to address her issues.”
Inspired by her children, Melvin decided to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She would like to treat children and veterans suffering from PTSD.
“It’s a challenge, taking classes alongside students half my age, delivering kids to soccer, taking my 94-year-old mother to the doctor, squeezing in late-night writing assignments,” said the 54-year-old. “But I can handle it. There's something to be said for plunging ahead with blind faith and trusting that your inner strength will be there when you need it most.”
Melvin will use the $1,000 scholarship to cover tuition at Clemson University.
“This scholarship is an amazing gift,” said Melvin, “not only because it will help pay my tuition, but also because I no longer feel so alone in my struggle to help my family."
Maria Navarrete, Arizona
Maria Navarrete and her husband were busy raising their four daughters with the strong values and traditions of their native Mexico when he died suddenly in an accident.
“I came from a traditional family where labor was a priority instead of obtaining an education,” said Navarrete. “When my husband died, I realized the importance of being highly educated in order to overcome the obstacles in life.”
Pursuing a degree in speech and hearing science, Navarrete sees she’ll not only help her family financially when she finds a position after graduation, but she’ll also change the story of the lives of her future grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“I would be the first generation to obtain a higher educational degree in my family,” said Navarrete. “I want to make a difference in my daughters’ lives and our descendants. I am looking forward to becoming an advocate in education for others by sharing my personal story of struggles and successes that led me to where I am now.”
Navarrete will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition at Arizona State University.
“I have learned to be strong when a problem arises. I have learned that no matter what obstacles come my way, I have to maintain my calm and think thoroughly to determine the best solution,” said Navarrete. “Sacrifices and obstacles only last for a short time, but a success lasts forever.”
Carla Pray, Michigan
All her life, Carla Pray struggled with making sense of the world. At 7, her family doctor diagnosed her with Attention Deficit Disorder and told her she’d grow out of it. As an adult, however, she experienced abuse, homelessness, joblessness and the inability to care for her three children.
“A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with cyclothymia bipolar disorder,” said Pray, 27. “I have struggled with every aspect of my adult life, never understanding that my problem was mental illness.”
Family support and therapy have allowed her “to concentrate and accomplish basic and complex tasks without interruption or failure. Best of all, I have gained control of my life and have begun to build much needed self-esteem. Just because you have a disability doesn't mean you are any less capable or deserving than the next person.”
Working toward a degree in Computer Information Systems at Oakland Community College, Pray will use the $1,000 scholarship for transportation costs and books.
“Achieving my educational goals will give me and my children a chance to have a full and happy life that we never have had before. With my education I can afford to give them the things that right now I have to rely on others to help me give them.”
Julie S. (name has been changed), New York
Julie S.’s story began to change, from one of childhood abuse and dropping out of high school, when she finally decided to take the GED test.
“I had put off trying for my GED because I honestly didn’t think I could pass,” said Julie, who asked that her name be changed to protect her privacy. “It’s so hard to have faith in yourself when it seems you have nothing but a trail of failures behind you.”
Passing the test, as well as considering her two children’s future, inspired Julie to earn an associate’s degree in English for adolescent education. She’s continuing her education toward a bachelor’s degree in linguistics to become a teacher.
“If there is any wisdom or insight to share, it is simply to believe in yourself and keep the faith no matter how tough it gets. I know it sounds cliché, but these truly are the principles I live by every single day. The tears will come. You might doubt yourself because you’re afraid. That’s okay. Just don’t let it stop you.”
Caring for her son, diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disability, an autism spectrum disorder, competed with her studies, but also motivated her.
“As an educator, I hope to learn invaluable skills that can help my son get to graduation day with less frustration. I’ll finally be able to afford counseling for socialization. It might also help him make the friends he longs for,” said Julie.
She will use the $1,000 scholarship to buy a computer for her studies at Stony Brook University.
“Receiving this award has confirmed that I have what it takes to create the life that I want,” said Julie. ”It is an incredible feeling when someone recognizes the challenges you confront and conquer on a daily basis. I will still be an older, nameless face to most on campus, but someone out there now knows all the mountains I’ve been climbing to be there.”
Sheree Ann Morgan, California
Sheree Ann Morgan described her family growing up as “character enriching.”
As a rape and sexual assault survivor, Morgan lived in foster care and attended 22 different schools. At 17, she became pregnant and dropped out of high school. Committed to learning, however, Morgan passed the GED test and began attending a community college after the birth of her third child. Divorce, however, derailed her educational plans again.
Successfully sending all her kids off to college, Morgan expected to enjoy “her time” heading toward retirement. Her story changed when she lost her position as a legal secretary.
“After two years of unemployment, I realized my only hope of becoming employable at my age was to go back to school and earn my bachelor’s degree,” said Morgan.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Azusa Pacific University, Morgan wants to work with sexual abuse survivors. “I believe I have a keen understanding of how long the healing process takes, and how many hearts and hands it takes to put a broken person back together. Through this, I have learned sexual assault is something which happened to me, but it is not who I am.”
In the meantime, to cut costs, Morgan lives on-campus in the dorms with students younger than her own children. “It may sound crazy at my age, but it is the most practical option for me as I would not have had readily available transportation to and from school.”
Morgan will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition, books and housing.
“In spite of the hardships that I have endured during this difficult period of my life,” said Morgan. “I am determined to turn things around and eventually work in an environment where I can make a difference in someone’s life.”
Tina Payne-Brissette, Massachusetts
In high school, Tina Payne-Brissette had her life figured out. She’d be a travel writer first, and then she’d write the Great American Novel. Life had another story for her.
“An early marriage, a military move, lack of a college fund, a dying parent, and my own neuromuscular disorder from a devastating car accident put my dreams on hold,” said Payne-Brissette.
She recalls sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor in 1995 trying to tie her 3-year-old’s shoelaces. A mysterious malady caused her fingers to ache with every movement, and her arms and legs felt useless.
“I coped with this while tending to my son’s chronic respiratory illness and his brother’s communication disorder,” said Payne-Brissette. “It took time, but by never giving up, I finally found the proper diagnosis (fibromyalgia from the accident) and coping strategy.”
As the pain in her hands lessened, Payne-Brissette returned to writing. She landed a part-time marketing position and volunteered her public relations skills with local non-profits. She began publishing articles in regional magazines.
“Now that my children are young adults,” she said, “I have returned to college. By finishing my degree in business communications, I will finally be able to attain the professional credentials needed to contribute my writing skills in the corporate world. Additionally, I will become a role model for my sons, demonstrating that determination can overcome defeat.”
Payne-Brissette also dreams someday of having her own online media company that helps small businesses, solopreneurs and non-profits. She will use her $1,000 scholarship for school supplies.
“By receiving this award and finishing my degree, I will be able to change my story from one of being hindered by tragedy to one of triumphant living.”
Leanne Wegge, Florida
The physical and emotional pain Leanne Wegge suffered as a domestic violence victim has morphed into a story of deep compassion and caring for other survivors.
“In 2001, I was doused with gasoline and burned over 67 percent of my body,” said Wegge. “I was left with years of pain, and physical, emotional, and accomplishment challenges. After all the turmoil cleared, I made a promise to myself that I would go back to school so that I could one day help women like myself that once walked down the long, lonely path of being abused.”
A social work major at Miami Dade College, Wegge volunteers for Women Protecting Women, a non-profit organization. She credits her own support system with helping her heal and encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
“I have learned that even though I was for so many years verbally, and physically assaulted, put down, and so much more . . . that it’s not okay to be treated in that manner,” said Wegge, a mother of two. “I have also learned to never underestimate my abilities to achieve what I want to achieve. I have gained the self assurance and confidence that I need in order to look people in the eye and be all that I can be.”
Wegge will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition.
“In all my months, weeks and days of going to school and hearing other students talk about receiving scholarships, I never in a million years thought that I would ever receive one,” said Wegge. “I am so grateful for being selected that every time I think about it I get tears in my eyes.”
Wendy Wiebe, Canada
Four years ago, Wendy Wiebe and her husband of 37 years bought a farm and offered therapeutic horseback riding to children with disabilities, an endeavor that combined Wiebe’s passions for nature, horses and working with children. Inspired, Wiebe wrote a business plan to develop the property into a therapeutic riding and respite center.
“Last fall I ended up in the hospital for two months, at which point my husband told me he no longer wanted me around,” said Wiebe, a mother and grandmother. “The horror of my husband dumping me, leaving me homeless, with no income, no vehicle and the loss of my long dreamed of farm and horses has been really difficult.”
When Wiebe sat down to determine her future, she realized that with her banking and small-business experience and a degree in business administration, she could fulfill her dream of opening the therapeutic center.
“I may have lost my farm, and my riding centre, but I look ahead to better days due to this diploma,” said Wiebe. “I have been working really hard to take the high road and put the bitterness away. I intend to use some of the courses to begin to plan another centre. Having the skills and knowledge of the college instructors behind me will help me fine-tune a business plan.”
Wiebe will use the $1,000 scholarship for books. She attends Red Deer College.
“I really only want to make life brighter for families by helping them become more comfortable with the healing power of animals and nature.”
Andrea Winterburn, Nevada
To an 18-year-old bored with life, the glamour and easy money of working in Nevada’s casinos can be irresistible. The shimmer quickly dulled for Andrea Winterburn when the lifestyle degraded to alcohol addiction.
“By the time I reached 24, I was exhausted,” said Winterburn. “I sought treatment for my problem and found a fellowship of people who understand.”
Motivated to a better life, she began working toward a degree in health care. Marriage and motherhood changed her focus.
“In those six years of marriage, I sacrificed all but my sobriety,” said Winterburn. “I left the abusive relationship broke and still uneducated. I had no idea how I would succeed with a small child and little support. I knew I had to return to school if I ever wanted more than the gambling halls. Moreover, I realized it was my responsibility to make a better life for myself.”
Nervous and fearful, Winterburn took a math class at her local community college. Three years later, she’s completed the prerequisites for nursing school. She and her daughter encourage each other daily.
“Balancing motherhood, school, and sobriety has been one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced,” said the 40-year-old. “There were many times I wanted to give up and quit. Thankfully, I knew deep down inside that I had to keep going.”
Winterburn will use the $1,000 scholarship for tuition at Truckee Meadows Community College.
She would like to work at the veteran’s hospital after she graduates.
“The hardships, some real and some self-imposed, have taught me to be more understanding and compassionate. My life experiences have helped me grow spiritually and make peace with the past.”
