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First-Generation
Indiana University Indianapolis
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Etta Ward

What was your motivation for staying in school and completing college? "Being married with two children my senior year in high school, I was concerned about becoming a statistic. But my husband decided to stop out of university to allow me to become the first person in my immediate family to receive a college degree. My biggest motivation was all the support and encouragement I got from those closest to me, and I did not want to let them or myself down. I had no excuse and took advantage of all opportunities afforded me at that time." —Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Development, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research