Adam Ramer
In 2020, after a 10+ year career in commercial construction, I decided to take a hard left turn to pursue my passion for stories and desire for a college degree. I chose the English major because of my interest in the mechanics of storytelling and the power they have to change the world. This decision to go to college was a scary one since I’d never set foot inside a classroom before I began studying at community college, I’m a first-generation college student, and I came from a working-class family which made leaving the security of my career very difficult.
Now, four years after that decision, I’m so glad that I followed through. They have been some of the most enriching years of my life and perhaps that's largely because of the years I spent away. However, the financial hurdles to make it to this point have been very real.
I applied for the Spence Transfer Scholarship because being a full-time student made it impossible for me to continue my career and I currently work in service to afford things like rent and groceries. My new employment slashed my income and, since I’m the only one funding my education—as are most returning learners, every bit of help is crucial. With the funds from this scholarship, I will be able to go into my senior year stressing less about financial matters so I can focus my attention on what’s most important, my education and grad school applications.
Goals
I plan to finish my bachelor’s at UW and go onto an MFA program for non-fiction writing. After that, I hope work as a memoirist, culture critic, and screenwriter on productions that focus on education, religion, labor, and masculinity in the 21st century.
Tips
Don't hesitate to talk with advisors at OMSFA. In fact, go and go again. They are very helpful in directing you toward the resources necessary to be ready for application. Secondly, believe in yourself and your story. This especially goes out to any of you who are coming to UW later in life, it takes a lot of courage to hit the reset button on your life or come back to learn after years away. Remember that OMSFA resources are for you, too.
