2019
 AIG Direct Recipient

Justin Holston

AMOUNT: $10,000
SCHOOL: Mount San Antonio College
On May 17, 2016, my Dad passed away from a heart attack and complications from multiple sclerosis (MS). I remember my mom’s friend picking me up from school and not saying a word the entire ride. When we pulled up at the hospital, I had no idea what was going on and I was afraid to ask. As we walked into the Emergency Department family members greeted me with stoic expressions while others had tears streaming down their faces. Before I could utter a word my Pastor quickly walked over to me, placed his hand on my shoulder and told me that my father had passed. I knew something bad had happened but could never imagine losing my hero, my armor and best friend. I can honestly say that was the worst day of my life.

As I walked into the hospital room where my father’s lifeless body laid, I started screaming and crying. There were so many emotions. I was angry and sad. I was angry because I prayed every day asking God to please heal my father, and I was sad because I would no longer have my Dad to talk with, to watch sports with or to see me grow up, get married and have children. I knew my father was no longer in pain, but what were my mother and I going to do without him. My parents had already incurred immeasurable debt due to my father’s medical bills for MS treatments and medication. My mom worked but she did not earn enough to manage a household independent of my father. On top of grieving there was worry and fear for all the uncertainties that came along with my father’s passing.

My mom had a small life insurance policy, however, my Dad had suffered with MS for three years prior to his death and could barely walk, and therefore he did not work, he was disabled. My parents were already behind on our mortgage and several others bills. Therefore, when we received the insurance money it only covered the funeral expenses and a few bills. My Mom was struggling to keep our house and to provide for our family, so I had to get a part-time job. My mother did the best that she could but eventually we had to move out of our house and move in with a family member.

If we had adequate life insurance, we could still be in our home, and I would not be dealing with the possibility of not attending college due to our financial hardship. You do not realize how important life insurance is until you are in a situation like ours. This situation has taught me that you always have to plan for the future and the uncertainties that come along with life.

My father’s death will not be in vain and I will accomplish the goals that him and my mother set for me. I am invested and committed to fulfilling my pursuit of higher education, and it is my prayer that I can receive your scholarship so that I can attend college and make my parents proud.

The Life Lessons Scholarship is made possible through individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Your financial support can make a world of difference for a young person struggling to afford a college education due to the loss of a parent or guardian.

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