The recipients of Lex Mathews scholarships stay in touch with the Diocesan ECW throughout their time in school, and many continue to communicate with us even after they've moved on to other phases of their lives. The stories differ but the goals are the same: Self-reliance, self-respect and meaningful work. Here is what some of these women have had to say about the scholarships:

To the women of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina,

Just a note to express my gratitude for granting me the Lex Mathews Scholarship. I have received the check and it will be used to help with the expense of daycare for my son while I finish my bachelor's degree at UNC.

If you are able, please pass my sentiment of appreciation to those who have been involved with my grant, Ms. Velma Bradshaw for her help and generosity, and all the generous souls who have contributed to the fund in Lex Mathews name.

May God's blessings and peace be with you!

Sincerely,
Laura R.

Dear Velma,

Thank you and Episcopal Church Women for your generous help with my schooling. I am so grateful to you. God has blessed me with so many helpful people during this difficult transition ...

I'm off to school!

Maggie M.

Dear Ms. Bradshaw,

Thank you so much for the scholarship. I was able to complete 2 semesters of anatomy and pay for my books.

Just wanted you to know that I made an A and a C, and that I have a 3.15 GPA.

Thank you again. This scholarship meant so much to me.

Sincerely,

Louanne C.

And there was this:

... My goal is to counsel people who have become disabled during adulthood because an equestrian accident left me blind seven years ago. With my guide dog, Natalie, I lead an independent life, have fulfilled the scholastic obligations at the community college and now need to continue at UNC.

And this:

... For the past 1 1/2 years, my life has been full of change in many positive ways. I have fully recovered from alcoholism as my sobriety date is December 30, 2002 and have turned my life around to a way I never knew was so enjoyable and free. With the help of God and my family, I am able to think with a clear mind and understanding, and I am living life to the fullest. With that in mind, I decided to return to school with the help of an advisor. I found myself in the office of the advisor not fully aware that this was an interview into the program. I spilled my life to her and asked her to help.

It was a very scary jump and leap of faith as I didn't know just how I would afford this. However, I put it all in the hands of God that He would make this possible and He has somehow. It has been very tough financially and emotionally as I have become very humble in this experience of sobriety and doing God's will instead of my own in which I have done all my life. As a single mother, I have an 8-year old daughter to support and we have had to live a very frugal life with these positive changes. It will humble anyone to make the hard and difficult changes I have made to make to clean up my past. I was told in AA that it wouldn't be easy and that I have a lot of work to do and I have succeeded in much of it. My parents refuse to help me any longer and I certainly understand. I am 37-years old and they have already paid a lot. However, I refuse to stop now.

The sky is the limit and for once I really understand that phrase I have been told all my life. It is my goal to acquire another degree to become butter prepared to find a job.

(This woman completed her degree and began working full-time as a nationally certified health information technologist.)