I, Shantel Cook, student of The Allen School and mother of Samia Bowman – who I did this for. Being a mom struggling, living from check to check trying to provide and help my household as much I could was a big reason for joining The Allen School. I came to this school not knowing what to expect. I’ve made some good friends and had some wonderful teachers, whom I adore. The teachers here helped me accomplish my goals of becoming a Medical Assistant. This experience has impacted my life and future in so many ways. I wouldn’t have gotten through this without the help of my mother who helped me tremendously with my studies and my child. There have been many crying days and fear of giving up, which wasn’t an option for me. I didn’t know how I would have made it through this experience, but I did. I am so proud of myself for completing and leaving The Allen School with the grades of all A’s and B’s and the GPA of 3.67. I gave my family something be proud of. I’m very honored to have met many women who had the same drive and goals as I did. Us ladies helped one another push through the hardships we endured, whether it was personal or school related – we were all there for one another. Without the help of my family, friends, teachers, and advisors, I don’t think it would have been possible for me to have made it to the point where I can now say I am a Certified Medical Assistant.   P.S I would again like to thank all my teachers, friends, and advisors who helped me pull through this without quitting. Love you all from the bottom of my heart.