The primary objective of this letter is to express the deep gratitude and appreciation that I feel towards not only those within the Orcas Island community that helped to support me during my academic pursuits, but also toward our neighboring island communities.  I was a participant of the Running Start program, which enabled me to graduate high school with my associates degree, and to enter into Central Washington University as a junior at the age of 17.  In June of this year, I graduated from this institution with a 4.0 GPA, having double majored in law and justice and sociology.

I have since been accepted into six different graduate programs across the country, many of which extended scholarship and assistantship offers. California State University at Long Beach is my chosen university, and there I will pursue my master’s degree in criminal justice, which I will receive at the age of 21.  Following graduate school, I will attend the police academy, and I later hope to become a detective specializing in sex and child crimes, as I have witnessed the subcultures born out of the methamphetamine epidemic, and the dangers that accompany its use specifically for women and children. I have developed an interest in research surrounding the prevention of child abuse, sexual assault, victimization and human trafficking.

I would like to thank those within the community that displayed great generosity two years ago toward me, when they provided me with scholarships to attend Central Washington University.  To be given the opportunity to pursue an education, despite the extreme financial difficulties that my family has faced, is something that will be neither overlooked nor forgotten.  I am curious if there are any opportunities available within San Juan County that offer scholarships, grants, or small interest loans to post-baccalaureate scholars.  Although I will be receiving a full in-state tuition scholarship from this institution, I am still required to pay the difference of out-of-state tuition. Aside from these costs, my primary concern is that I will not be able to attend this August due to the extremely high housing costs in Southern California.  Although I have been working full time throughout the entirety of this summer, I simply have not been allotted a sufficient amount of time to save enough money to make the move.

If anyone is able to extend the same generosity that was once offered, or knows of any other opportunities that may be available, the difference made would be unimaginable.

Kya Salt

Eastsound