Obstacles as Valuable Lessons

Today we have another excellent story from current scholarship recipient Katie Fisher, and we hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we did. Katie has worked diligently to make progress toward her ideal career, and we’re delighted to have been able to support her along the way.

Obstacles as Valuable Lessons

By Katie Fisher

Growing up in an Old Order Amish Community in Lancaster, PA, my early life was defined by simplicity and tradition. At age 10, my immediate family made the significant decision to leave the Old Order Amish Community and join a New Order Amish Community. This transition marked the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and growth, which led me to my current pursuit of higher education as a first-generation college student. 

The shift from the Old Order to the New Order Amish Community was more than just a change in church; it was a shift in lifestyle, mindset, and opportunities. The Old Order Amish lifestyle, characterized by a strict adherence to traditional customs and a rejection of modern technology, gave way to a slightly more progressive but still deeply rooted New Order community. This transition introduced new educational opportunities and opened my eyes to a world beyond the confines of our community. 

From first through fourth grade, I attended a one-room schoolhouse, where a single teacher managed multiple grades simultaneously. This small educational setting created a learning environment but also limited exposure to broader academic opportunities. When I moved to a private Mennonite school for fifth through eighth grade, I encountered a more structured and diverse curriculum, laying a foundation for my academic journey. 

However, my family’s reluctance to send me to a traditional high school after eighth grade posed a significant challenge. Their expectation was that I would start working full-time, as was customary in our community. Determined to pursue my education, I enrolled in an online high school program, balancing my studies with full-time work. This experience taught me the value of time management, self-discipline, and perseverance. 

Being a first-generation college student is a proud accomplishment, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. The process of navigating college finances, grants, scholarships, and enrollment was particularly daunting. Without a family history of higher education, I often found myself in uncharted territory, struggling to understand the complexities of financial aid applications and academic requirements. 

The lack of relatable guidance from family members compounded the difficulty. While my family was incredibly supportive of my endeavors, they couldn’t provide the practical advice and firsthand experience I needed. This often led to moments of frustration and doubt, as I faced questions and challenges. 

My background instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the opportunities that education provides. The experience of balancing work and studies during high school prepared me for the demands of college, where time management and perseverance continue to be crucial. 

Reflecting on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the love and support of my family. Their unwavering belief in my potential, despite their unfamiliarity with the college experience, has been a huge blessing. Completing my bachelor’s degree in social work will be a lifelong dream come true. It will be another stepping stone in my journey to working with children and spending my lifetime entrenched in a world where children and families need extra love and support. 

Why am I choosing the field of social work? Ever since I was a little girl growing up in an Amish community, I had the desire to adopt or foster. Admittedly, I hardly understood the process or even the concept but the dream continued and rooted itself deep in my heart. As a single adult, I still have this dream but additionally it has curbed to include being a part of the children and youth world simply as a job or voluntarily. I am currently a respite foster care parent and hope to adopt in my future. In my current season of life as an independent adult working a full-time job, I want to learn anything and everything I can in this field because I know that regardless of how my life turns out, I will be a part of this world in one form or another. 

In conclusion, my path from an Old Order Amish Community to being a first-generation college student has been filled with challenges that have shaped me into a resilient and determined individual. Each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons and reinforced the importance of perseverance and seeking support. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to embracing the opportunities that education offers and paving the way for future generations in my family and community.