To say life has been challenging for Vickie Seat would be an understatement.
She spent years in and out of jobs, almost all of them in fast food.
I had to support myself, she says.
I always just took any job I could get.
She didnt have anywhere else to go.
For four days, Vickie lived on the streets of Bellevue, Washington.
Then I would just try and stay warm.
I had the same clothes on for days, the same coat, just walking around the streets.
Vickie eventually foundThe Sophia Way, a womens shelterin the area that took her in.
The nine months she spent in shelters would prove to be transformative.
I felt like I was listened to there, she says.
They didnt judge me, and they let me know that I was loved.
It was what I needed to hear.
I couldnt live on $189 a month.
A friend shed made at The Sophia Way had started a job through SCSEP a few months earlier.
She asked me if I wanted to work at a SCSEP host agency, Vickie says.
Vickie is still working at HIP, but health problems have forced her to take medical leave.
I have macular degeneration, so Ill eventually be blind.
I walk with a walker.
I just had knee surgery and Im in a lot of pain.
All of this might make a different person give up, but not Vickie.
Next year, she will graduate from an online program with an associates degree in science and management.
Finally getting my diploma just inspired me to keep going.
I always keep going.
College isnt Vickies only triumph over hardship.
In 2021, she got her own place for the first time, a one-bedroom apartment.
I found it myself; didnt ask for help or anything, she says.
It was my birthday present to myself, and Im still here.
Struggling, but Im still here.
Learn Foundation SCSEPand how to apply.
