Liz Wilson had a lifelong dream to obtain a college degree but sidelined her education while raising four children. When her marriage ended, she was forced to work two jobs, ultimately living with her family for one year in a homeless shelter. At the encouragement of a family member from Indianapolis, they moved there in 2009. “Chase your dream” advised a co-worker at St. Vincent New Hope. Liz learned about the Nina Scholars program when she applied at Ivy Tech. Though she wasn’t accepted initially, another Scholar dropped out, and Liz received a follow-up call with news that changed her life. It didn’t take long for her to realize “it was not just about the money; it was the inter-connectedness.

Those in the program became like family. We were there for each other, being helpful to one another. The Nina Scholar coordinators and tutors were amazing.” Liz pushed forward and now attends IUPUI planning to graduate in May 2018 with a degree in social work. She loves working at her current position with Wheeler Mission Ministries, a homeless shelter for women and children. As she says, “I am forever grateful for my scholarship from Nina Mason Pulliam. I want to give back to people the way she has given to me. That’s why I have chosen a career in human services.”