Alyssia Dula came to Crossnore School & Children’s in November of 2014 with her younger brother, Tyler. Two years later, Alyssia graduated from Marjorie Williams Academy. For the last two years, Alyssia has studied at Mayland Community College earning her Associates degree in Art.
Becoming a Miracle Scholar.
Alyssia applied to the Miracles Scholars program prior to her high school graduation. Miracle Scholars live in Phillips House, part of our Avery campus, and attend Mayland Community College. The transition to Mayland from Williams Academy was easier than going straight to a university for Alyssia.
She said, “Williams Academy is a small school in a small town and so is Mayland in Spruce Pine. I got to know my teachers as well as I did in high school. I was also still a part of Crossnore and had that support but enjoyed more freedom appropriate to my age and stage in life. I didn’t have to go from being part of a close community to being on my own all at once.”
The next step.
The next part of Alyssia’s plan is already underway. She enrolled at Appalachian State University for the spring semester of 2019. Alyssia is studying social work and hopes to do clinical social work, perhaps focusing on substance abuse counseling. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Alyssia will remain at ASU for one more year to complete her Master of Social Work.
College scholarships are integral to Alyssia’s ability to complete her education plan. She received scholarships for her expenses at Mayland and will continue to receive a scholarship at ASU. “The Scholarship Committee has seen me as someone who has worked hard and is continuing to work hard to meet my educational goals,” said Alyssia. “It’s such an honor to know that people want to help support me.”
A life changed.
When asked about how the scholarship program has changed her life, Alyssia said she would probably have had to work at least two jobs while going to school. She doubts that she would be able to finish her bachelor’s or her master’s degrees. The scholarships helped Alyssia save money and avoid taking out college loans so that she can meet her other financial obligations.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities these donors have provided for me through my scholarship. I will continue to work super hard to make something of myself and to make you all proud of me.”
Alyssia said, “I am so grateful for the opportunities these donors have provided for me through my scholarship. I will continue to work super hard to make something of myself and to make you all proud of me.”
