{"id":19,"date":"2023-09-08T15:59:21","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T15:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/fall-2023-volume-4-issue-3\/promise-scholar-makes-promise-to-self-no-doubting-keep-trying\/"},"modified":"2023-10-17T00:14:21","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T00:14:21","slug":"promise-scholar-makes-promise-to-self-no-doubting-keep-trying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/fall-2023-volume-4-issue-3\/promise-scholar-makes-promise-to-self-no-doubting-keep-trying\/","title":{"rendered":"Promise Scholar makes promise to self: no doubting, keep trying"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does a debt-free degree look like? For Promise Scholar Mya McCray, it means fewer financial worries and the chance to explore her options.<\/span><\/p>\n

The C.E. King High School graduate has attended San Jacinto College through the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship since fall 2022. This scholarship \u2014 available to all in-district high school seniors \u2014 covers an associate degree or certificate at San Jac 100% after other financial aid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Growing up, inspired by an aunt in uniform, McCray pictured herself as a police officer too. She researched and applied to several universities during her senior year, but housing and tuition always created roadblocks. Her school counselor and her parents encouraged her to pursue Promise @ San Jac instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Promise

Promise Scholar Mya McCray<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The scholarship has allowed her to take classes full time, work part time, and even live in her own apartment for a season.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a very independent person,\u201d she said. \u201cI like doing things on my own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At San Jac, McCray also discovered nursing \u2014 not fighting crime \u2014 is her true passion. A natural caretaker when her mom and grandparents got sick, she wants to help others get healthy again. After finishing her basics, she plans to apply for the College\u2019s licensed vocational nursing program \u2014 a step up from her current job as a certified nurse aide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I love about San Jac: I have time to think about what I want to do,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite being independent and the first in her family to attend college, McCray has learned to lean on San Jac\u2019s student resources. She has met with a peer tutor for English classes and used San Jac Marketplace for groceries and caf\u00e9 meals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSan Jac is very helpful and understanding,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you need help with schoolwork, you can go to campus, email, or call. Tutors are always available. If you\u2019re going through anything personal, there are counselors you can talk to on campus too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McCray\u2019s advice for future Promise Scholars? If you\u2019re not sure what career to pursue, find your passion first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how you feel,\u201d McCray said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what I wanted to do. Apply for the Promise Scholarship, complete your basics, do some research, and get your mind on what you really want. By the second year, figure out what you want to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Promise @ San Jac has removed financial stress, McCray already knows a thing or two about removing distractions to focus on the goal. She sees herself continuing from licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse, then someday working as a travel nurse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a lot of goals in my life,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m young, but I\u2019m taking it one step at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When doubts creep in, she says to keep trying your best: \u201cDon\u2019t ever say you can\u2019t do it if you haven\u2019t tried.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Courtney Morris\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Apply for Promise @ San Jac Scholarship<\/span><\/h2>\n

The scholarship is open to all in-district high school seniors (class of 2024) who complete all steps and enroll full time at San Jac in fall 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

2024 Deadlines:<\/span><\/p>\n