Hilda started with Positive Paths in 2017 while she was enrolled at Central Arizona College (CAC). She was reeling from a divorce and was raising 3 young children, one with special needs. I remember her interview with a group of us on the Positive Paths Scholarship Committee. Hilda said she had been “living the dream” and was very involved in the kid’s activities as a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. Hilda was, as you might imagine, worried about the future for her and her children as she did not have the education or work experience to be able to support a family on her own.

Hilda transferred from CAC and was able to obtain a student job and housing at ASU’s Polytechnic Campus. During the last year of her bachelor’s degree program in business, she was hired as a regular benefits-eligible employee of ASU. She eventually completed her bachelor’s degree and subsequently earned her Master’s degree in Higher Education. I had her in my graduate classes where she excelled. Hilda took advantage of many professional development opportunities with Positive Paths and within the university. The Business Operations Manager position, which she has now achieved after 3 promotions in as many years, is hard to obtain as it requires financial expertise and great attention to detail. These positions pay well, have a strong benefits package, and a good pension program. Hilda has moved up through increasingly responsible positions because she has proven herself to be a reliable, hardworking employee, willing to continuously learn new skills and grow.

And, just as importantly, her family life is thriving. Hilda feels like the children are doing well, and she is in a committed relationship. She and her partner, who has 3 children from his previous marriage, live in Gilbert, so they have a blended family.