Rikki's Personal Statement
Some days, I look in the mirror and it is hard to believe how far I have come. I grew up in a single-parent household where college was rarely discussed, my mother and I both knew it was not something we could afford. Neither of my parents had attended college and my mother, who struggles with dyslexia, had a difficult time guiding me academically. After high school, I continued working in the service industry in my hometown until I was diagnosed with lupus in 2014 at the age of 22. With so many new and confusing health complications, I was unable to continue the fast-paced rush of the service industry and had a new concern: finding a job with health insurance. I was fortunate enough to find alternative employment that met my financial needs and insurance concerns while also providing me with the opportunity to re-enter academia. When I turned 24, I applied to the Tennessee Reconnect program, and because I had never attended college after high school, I was able to earn my associate degree at my local community college for free through the Reconnect program. Growing up in Gatlinburg, being a Tennessee Volunteer simply runs in my family (see left). “We bleed orange,” as they say, and I have always dreamt of attending the University of Tennessee.
After my diagnosis, I became more serious about regaining my strength and independence. The first few years living with lupus were beyond difficult and ultimately, I became increasingly ill and nearly lost my life. I promised myself that if I lived through it, I would pursue my dreams, even the ones that once seemed unattainable. And so here I am, applying to at The University of Tennessee, persuing graduate school and fufilling dreams bigger than the younger version of me (see right) could have ever dreamt of. I own a home in Knoxville, my life is here, my family is close, and my dream is to remain here and develop my career within this community for years to come. Being at the University of Tennessee has given me the most incredible opportunities and an environment to learn under such talented educators. I believe the hardships I have managed to overcome have helped to prepare me mentally, physically, and emotionally to work with people. All I have ever wanted to do is help people and share knowledge.
