SHANNON URBAN

Shannon Urban is currently a student at Trocaire College, where she is majoring in Radiologic Technology.  Shannon is the sole supporter of her two young children, and must juggle school and her job with the responsibilities of parenting.  Refusing to go on public assistance, Shannon faces her many challenges with strength and courage.  Wanting to create a better life for her children is the driving force behind her desire to complete her education.  Her own words best describe why she was chosen as a recipient of this scholarship:

“Everyone has crosses to bear in life, yet each person has a limit on how much they can handle.  My crosses have pushed me to the limits the past few years.  I believe that God will only give me as much as I can handle, but sometimes it seems overwhelming.  As the old saying goes, "That which will not kill you, will only make you stronger."  I am finally realizing that.

I have faced severe financial hardships, as well as struggling to handle the many conflicts of single parenthood.  Yet, I continue to pursue my educational goals.

My reason for fighting is primarily for my children and future well-being. They see me struggle and in turn they suffer due to the time constraints and my inability to afford anything beyond the bare necessities of life.  It hurts to see them suffer, but I know that it will be worth it if I can achieve my goal of becoming an Ultrasonographer.”