Student of the Month: Bailey Pickle of Phillips County

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to recognize Bailey Pickle of Phillips County as our October Student of the Month. Bailey’s story embodies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.

Bailey is a single mother to her 2-year-old daughter, Whitley, and says that her daughter is her greatest motivation. 

“She has been my biggest blessing, and I want to show her that anything is possible, no matter the circumstances,” Bailey said.

After losing her job shortly after Whitley turned one, Bailey realized she wanted more stability and opportunity for both of them. 

“I decided to return to school because I wanted more for my life than what I had growing up, and to give my daughter the life I didn’t have,” Bailey said. With that vision in mind, Bailey reenrolled in college, determined to finish what she started.

Currently studying at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Bailey has earned an impressive list of credentials. She holds certificates in accounting, business, and general studies, along with associate degrees in business management and medical office technology. She is also working toward her Associate of Arts in general education and Associate of Arts in business administration, proving that persistence and planning can open multiple doors.

Bailey’s path to ASPSF began when she discovered the scholarship while searching her college’s financial aid listings. She received her first award in Spring 2025, and it immediately provided relief during a difficult time.

 “I used it to pay on my car payment that I had gotten behind on when I lost my job. I was living paycheck to paycheck, so I was making payments as much as I could, but with the help of the scholarship, I was able to catch up on my car payment,” she said. 

In addition to financial assistance, Bailey said ASPSF’s wraparound services have made a lasting impact. Through workshops on topics such as credit repair and financial literacy, she learned valuable life skills that are not always taught in the classroom. 

“One workshop helped me monitor my credit and gave me tips on how to build my credit back up,” she said. “That was a big help.”

Today, Bailey works full-time as an administrative assistant at the Phillips County Health Unit, where she discovered her passion for the medical field. 

“When I started my job at the Health Department, I knew I really liked the medical field and wanted to stay in that profession,” she said. “I hope to continue working there and one day move into the billing department.”

Despite the demands of her job, coursework, and motherhood, Bailey has never let obstacles define her. 

“I’m proud of myself,” she said. “I never thought I would be able to go back to school once I had my daughter because my support system was very thin. Being able to attend online classes while working full time and taking care of my daughter has taught me that anything is possible with the mindset of finishing what I started.”

Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed — especially at home. Whitley, even at 2 years old, is already inspired by her mother’s example.

 “She’s been wanting to learn more as she sees me read my textbooks or work on classwork,” Bailey said. “I just know she’s going to do so well in school when she starts.”

Bailey says that ASPSF has provided more than financial help, it has given her hope. 

“I would tell donors thank you for putting your donations into a scholarship that helps single parents,” she said. “You have no idea how much it helps us as single parents to have a support system behind us, especially from people who haven’t even met us personally. It gives me a sense of hope and relief that no one could understand.”

Through her perseverance and passion for growth, Bailey Pickle exemplifies what it means to build a future through education. Her story is a testament to the mission of ASPSF: empowering single parents to achieve brighter futures for themselves and their families.