Stephen's Masters program

My name is Stephen and I am trying to redefine history. I am the last person that should be doing that though; I am starting my eighth year in prison, where I have been since I was 16. Even more so, I am the last person in the world who should be on his way to a master’s program. My history should define who I am; I should not be defining history. But, I guess there is something to say for the power of education.
I didn’t always have education in my life. My mother homeschooled me until I was ten. Then she got very sick and the lessons stopped. Her illness impacted every part of my life. I was even prohibited from attending public school. I missed out on the power of education; I missed all the social opportunities and normal development of most kids my age. I made some mistakes and became a product of my history. By sixteen I was looking at a 100 month sentenced in prison: another link in the chain.
I had become the exact person I never wanted to be: a nobody. After the initial shock of losing 8 years of my life I said “no more.” I would not be a prisoner to history; I was not going to be the man I had been taught to be; I would not come out the same person I went in as, only eight years older. I’d redefine myself. But how?
Because of my age I was placed in Oregon Youth Authority and was given all the opportunities I had been denied as a boy. I was offered people to socialize with, role models and mentors to support me, and the chance to go to school. I entered the system with zero high school credits; within two years I had my diploma. Then I had the opportunity to take a college class and I found my catalyst.
Over the years I earned my AA with a 4.0 GPA and just finished my bachelor’s degree, also with a 4.0. It’s been a long road with many obstacles and challenges in order to get these opportunities, and even more so to see them through to the end. But, it’s been worth all the challenges and stress.
I believe education is life changing, the strongest form of reformation. Not only have my choices redefined me, they have opened doors for many other young men and women who face the same challenges. I have shown others that anything is possible. I mentor the young men I live with. I am their cheerleader, providing a kind ear and strong voice to encourage them not to be defined by their history.
Now, I am on the last leg of the race. 18 months to go and I am the first incarcerated youth to be admitted to a master’s program. The completion of this program will prove that young men and women in the same situations do not have to let their history define who they are. I was a nobody and am now admitted into Portland State University’s online master’s program in global supply chain management. I am asking for help to make this opportunity a reality. I am ineligible for student loans due to my situation and rely on myself to finance this degree. I work all I can in my facility’s tree farm at $6 an hour to pay for tuition: I have applied to every available scholarship but spring term is here and I am $4,500 short. Can you please help me accomplish this goal?

For further information, please read Portland State University's article about my education history and accomplishments on the link below!

Oregon Youth Authority: Taking Education Seriously