All smiles – as she and her children realize that receiving the scholarship was a life-changer! Jonisha, with her son, Leelan, and her daughter, Nalah, show their pride and enthusiasm at mom receiving a scholarship from KC Scholars.

Jonisha is a high school graduate of Lincoln College Prep in the Kansas City Missouri School District; is a resident of Jackson County, MO; and works at the Kansas Institute of Medicine. She had previously attended three different campuses but had to stop out due to family and financial reasons.

Jonisha, a first-generation college student, is now enrolled at MCC-Penn Valley and is working on an associate’s degree in Nursing. Jonisha is prepared to succeed. She said, “I have wonderful people in my corner that have offered to help make this transition smooth for my family. Knowing that I have great support inspires me to make sure I continue to do great things and show my appreciation.”

On thinking about her young children, Jonisha reflects about her new role as a KC Scholar, “Being a mother will help my transition into being a student because they both require sacrifice. I will let NOTHING get in the way of me earning my degree and showing my children that education is KEY!”