Ashley Nadeau
As a senior in college I have had many teachers throughout the years that have inspired and mentored me. In my teen years, I began a path of self destruction and nearly dropped out of high school. I did really receive any support or direction from my family and was living on my own by the age of 16, so the thought of college never actually occurred to me.
I always had an interest in theater. My acting teacher at Topeka High, Mr. Kaufman, recommended I take the ACT and start looking in to different colleges. I dismissed the idea, thinking there would be no way I could pay for college, as I was struggling to pay my bills. Entering my last year of high school, I started an internship at the Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy. The education director, Jennifer Fletcher, again suggested I take the ACT and start looking in to colleges. This time, I spoke up and said “there is no way I can afford college.”
Jennifer, as a former admissions counselor for a University, informed me that there are grants and loans available for students in my situation. Not only did she inform me about financial aid, she also provided me with the encouragement and support I needed to inspire me to go to college.
I can say with certainty that if not for having Jennier Fletcher as a mentor, I would not be where I am today.
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