Single mom of three working full-time while going to school: Sequita's Success Story

How can I, as a single mom, achieve all my goals while balancing work, school, and my three kids? How can I achieve my dreams of being a neuropsychologist? Is it even possible for me to do all that and improve my finances enough to buy a home?

Hello, my name is Sequita Harrell and I’m on my way to accomplishing all the above. I am a 35-year-old tax consultant, marketing expert, and audit specialist. I am an aspiring neuropsychologist who one day plans to operate my own nonprofit for at-risk youth, veterans, and the homeless.

I am currently attending Methodist University for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling while also working on my Registered Behavior Technician Certification through Autism Partnership Foundation, and my Psychiatric Technician Certification through Robeson Community College.

I’m doing all this while being a single mom and working full-time.

My three children are a reminder and reflection of my own potential. How do I accomplish my goals and have a self-fulling life being a single mother? Simply, I know that all things are possible, I just have to discover how.

Part of my how is Southeastern Community Action Partnership (SCAP). I started at SCAP as a temporary part-time CSBG Intake Specialist and was promoted to a permanent full-time dual employee. I currently work as the Office Assistant for the Section 8/HUD department and a Cares Intake Specialist for the CSBG department.

This job has made college possible for me. I was struggling to pay tuition until SCAP’s CSBG Self-Sufficiency program gave me tuition assistance. My credit score has increased by 60 points within the last three months thanks to SCAP’s financial literacy courses, and I am one step closer to being a first-time homebuyer.

I now have to ask myself, “What else can I do?”

I want to thank Southeastern Community Action Partnership for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. I thank staff member who has become an influential part of my life. It’s a pleasure to be a part of such a prestigious company that believes that everyone overcomes adversity to achieve a sustainable future.