Sierra Thomas was presented with a scholarship to attend college. The selection was made based on her written essay. Sierra Contessa Thomas, a resident of Washington Heights Apartments on Meredith Circle, has received a scholarship to help with her expenses as a student at Athens Technical College.

Thomas received the scholarship from the Adult Student Scholarship program sponsored by the Georgia Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities.

She was one of eight finalists in the adult category following interviews and a written essay describing her reasons for attending college or technical school at this time in her life. She is a cosmetology student at the college.

Her winning essay reads:

"My name is Sierra Thomas. I am 22 years old. I have two kids, a boy and a little girl. We stay together in Washington Heights apartments. My reason for attending college at this time in my life is because I have come to the understanding of how unbearable life can be without education. Also school has become an escape from my troubles, heartache, and uncomfortable situations. Going to school allows me to step outside the norm of society. These are the reasons for me attending college at this time in my life.

"Education takes you a long way in life. I have two kids who always look to me for their needs plus everything they want. Being able to provide for them depends on the money I earn. In order to have the best you must be the best. How can you be your best without education?

"Sometimes school can be an outlet for me. When my problems, frustrations and heartache continue to remind me to reflecton the down side of my situation, depriving me of happiness, I tell myself that I don't have all the answers for most of my problems that may arise in my life or the life of others, but I do know that there is always hope. In an awkward sense, knowing that I can findan absolute answer in school is a stress remover for me as well.

"I am in the norm of society being a black female with two kids and just enough income to just try to get by. I was not raised in a two parent home. Rather, a foster home, in the care of people I did not know; never feeling the love a real mother gives her child. I moved from house to house.

"Once I started my family I knew that it would be up to me to lead them on the right road. I pride myself on being more than just the average black American. My life is full of respect, love, joy, and happiness. My dignity is built on me being a captivating, intelligent young woman. Attending college at this time in my life is just my first step to success.

"Thank you all for this opportunity."