February Student of the Month: Megan Thiesse of Craighead County

Megan first received a scholarship from ASPSF in the fall of 2023. She attended East Arkansas Community College from the summer of 2023 through the summer of 2024. She earned an associate degree in early childhood education K-6, a technical certificate in general studies, a certificate of proficiency in education, and a technical certificate in education. She graduated from EACC Cum Laude. She’s furthering her education at Arkansas State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in special education K-12, and will be graduating in May of 2026.

Learn more about this incredible single parent student in the Q&A below.

How many kids do you have?

I have one 6-year-old son, and his name is Avery. He is the light of my life. Everything I am doing in school is to better not just my life but his as well. I had Avery in 2019 when I was 28 years old. I was told that I was not going to be able to have children, so when I found out that I was pregnant with Avery, it turned my life around for the better. He was a gift from God, and I thank him every day for blessing me with him.

Why did you decide to return to school?

When I graduated from high school, I went to college but had no idea what I wanted to do. I changed majors two or three times. I didn’t go to class and was eventually suspended from the school. So for 13 years, I gave up on school. Then I had Avery and knew I needed to do something bigger with my life; I was just not sure what.

At the time, I worked as a lead teacher at a day care. In my classroom, there were two twins with Down syndrome. Knowing those twins sparked something in me; seeing them hit milestones and make progress was amazing. So, my “aha” moment was caring for those babies; because of those babies, I decided to become a special education teacher. I want to give back to these children that need patience and support. I am compassionate about helping children reach the stars to the best of their ability. This is why I returned to school.

Why did you choose your major and what are your goals?

I chose to major in special education because I want to help children learn, grow, and prosper. I want to be a part of their story. I want my students to be able to look back and say, ‘I loved having her as my teacher, and I learned so much, and she cared about me.’

My short-term career goal is to have a job lined up when I graduate in May. My long-term dream job is to work my way up the ranks so I can become an LEA for a school district one day. I plan on applying for the master’s program for next semester to further my education so I can continue learning how to best teach my students.

Share with us a big win since you started school: What are you most proud of?

I’ve proven to myself that I can go to school, hold straight A’s, and still be a great example for Avery. When I left school in 2011, my GPA was very low. Setting this example of a strong work ethic for my son has to be the biggest win of all.

Since going to school, have you noticed a positive impact on Avery?

Since going back to school, my son has wanted to do his “homework,” which is practicing writing his letters, practicing math, and practicing writing his name. I feel like me being back in school has not only made a positive impact on my but on him also.

How did you use your ASPSF scholarship?

I have used my ASPSF scholarship checks to help pay bills that I was behind on, buy Avery things that he has needed, and help with Arkansas State University’s tuition.

What other ways beyond the scholarship check has ASPSF helped you?

The workshops have been amazing. They’re so informative, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. One of my favorite workshops that I have attended was “Time Management.” Through this workshop, I have learned many different techniques to be able to better manage my time for homework and my home life. This would not have been possible without the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

If you could thank an ASPSF donor in person, what would you say to them?

I would say thank you for donating so that a person like me is able to succeed. You do not know how much of an impact that it makes having extra help when you’re a single parent going to school. Having some stress taken off of your shoulders helps in so many different ways. I appreciate all of the donors that take their time to donate to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. It is because of the donors that this scholarship is possible, and single parents like me have the chance to make their dreams become reality.

Anything else you want to share?

Without this scholarship, the hardship of going to school would have been so much greater and the stress would have been so much harder. I am, and always will be, forever grateful to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund for helping me make my goals and dreams become a reality.