Home » Netroots Nation Scholarships » Kodiak54
Scholarship Application Public Information
2011 Round 1 scholarship winner! Congratulations Kodiak54!
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Kodiak54 |
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A little about me
About me…Well, I am a lot of things; veteran, dad, brother, graduate student, graduate assistant, full-time IS employee, writer, and friend. I am the son of parents who were children of the Great Depression…my Dad was a WWII Navy vet, my Mom, a Rosie the Riveter.
I grew up on the “Blue Collar” side of town, was raised to always stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I served in the U.S. Army, partially for a chance to earn the money to go to college, but also for a higher purpose…to serve my country. I spent two years in Germany where I spent time on the East/West German border where I watched the Soviets watch us watch them, watch us. After that thrilling duty I was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, which I must say was the most amazing time of my life. It was where I truly found my identity and grew into an adult.
Today, I am raising my son and working towards a Masters degree in writing. In my free time, when I get it, I like read, listen to music, learn how to play guitar, write short fiction, coach youth football, hike, attend beer tastings (yes, I am a beer snob) and a myriad of other activities.
I would describe myself as a
blogger
Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship
I grew up in a union household until my teen years when my Dad’s boss busted the union. In a flash my life changed. Gone were hopes of going on to college, instead my options were suddenly join the Army or work for the local meat packing plant. That one event impacted my life far more than anyone could understand, at the time; even I did not understand the implications it would have on the rest of my life.
The option I chose was to join the Army as they offered a college fund. In 1989 when I got out of the Army I attempted college a couple times, but I never seemed to fit in. It was not until the death of my father, being laid off from a dead end job and the birth of my son that I was finally able to see the importance of higher education.
Attending college as an adult challenged me in ways I never envisioned. I went from a moderate independent to becoming a progressive democrat. My world view changed. I began to pay more attention to the world around me; I volunteered time and money to political campaigns.
In 2008 I enrolled in a Masters program from writing. I had found my voice blogging; I feel like I am making a difference. I would love to attend Netroots Nation; however, being a single father and student means that money is tight and attending would be out due to my limited budget.
The blogs I use most are
Daily Kos
What first inspired me to get involved
In my case, it was really just a matter of time before I became more involved politically, my Dad was very politically involved, as is my brother and sister…what really got me going politically was a conservative friend who kept pushing my beliefs...I finally had had enough and started becoming more politically aware. After that I never looked back. That conservative friend…he no longer discusses politics with me.