Meet Scholarship Winner Ariana Del Monaco

Thirty-two-year-old Ariana Del Monaco is a First Generation college student, a single mother, and the winner of the UWW Faculty Student Scholarship to support her studies. She currently lives in Uxbridge, Massachusetts and works as an assistant director of a child care center. Ariana is earning her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in early childhood education administration. She credits her "family as an amazing support system. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them."

Every adult student has a story. What's your story?

I have been working at my job since I was 18. I have slowly worked my way up the ranks and have been taking courses one by one over the years. I finally became a director, and am going to continue my degree through UWW.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

It gives me the motivation to continue to do my best. One of my biggest setbacks from completing my degree sooner is finances. I am so grateful to receive this scholarship.

What is the best part about being a UWW Interdisciplinary Studies student?

The flexibility of the course work, so I do not feel overwhelmed while still working full time and being a single mother. All of the teachers are very supportive and understanding.

How do you balance work, school, and other responsibilities?

I write everything down in my planner, so I stay on schedule.

What are your plans for the future—professionally and personally?

After completing my degree program, I am hoping to apply all this knowledge to my current job. I want to show my son that if he works hard and sets his mind to something, he can accomplish anything he wants to do.
 

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the person being featured and do not necessarily reflect those of the University.