Scholarship Spotlight: Sonia Barlow

Thanks to the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation, in the Barlow home learning is a family affair. 

As a hard-working, single mom of three, Compton Apartments resident Sonia Barlow has always wanted what’s best for her children. Top of her list? A solid education.

 “Without an education, you’re lost,” she says. “Education is something no one can ever take away.”

So, when her youngest daughter, Brianna, was offered the opportunity to attend an academically rigorous private school, Sonia turned to the Foundation for help. The scholarship she received made all the difference. 

“With the tuition assistance we received for Brianna, I could afford school without working doubles, nights and weekends.”

Although the immediate financial burden had eased, Sonia felt stuck in her own life. Her job prospects were limited, she did not feel fulfilled, and she did not feel that she had a “true career.”

Sonia had worked in restaurants and food service for decades. The erratic hours and low pay, however, made it challenging to truly be there for her children. A lifelong desire to enter the healthcare field led her to a position as a PCA (personal care aide) at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. Although she had her “foot in the door” in the healthcare field, Sonia wanted more.

And so, she decided it was time to take her own advice.

Once again, the Foundation came to her aid with a much-needed academic scholarship. The scholarship allowed Sonia to pursue a lifelong dream and obtain not only a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, but also certification as a Home Health Aide and to be certified in CPR, as well!

Today, Brianna is a high-achieving Honor Roll student, and plans to attend college next fall. Sonia is employed as a CNA at a local Wilmington retirement community and nursing facility, where she feels that her career has truly blossomed. 

“The Foundation took a chance, had faith in us, and we won’t let them down. When people believe in you, you need to live up to that,” Sonia explains. “I finally got the help I needed, and now I am on the road to success… and setting the path for future generations.”