We had the chance to speak with one of Adoptions From The Heart’s (AFTH) Birth Parent Scholarship recipients, Tiffani. Tiffani is one of two birth mothers who received an award for the Fall 2021 semester.
After placing her oldest daughter for adoption, Tiffani struggled to work through difficult emotions. She dealt with grief and depression caused by several factors, including an abusive relationship with her ex-husband.
Tiffani remained strong and found the resolve to want to enact change in her life. It was at this point that she intended to pursue higher education. Tiffani began researching scholarships specifically for birth mothers who had placed their children for adoption to start the process. While searching, the hopeful student came stumbled upon AFTH’s Birth Parent Scholarship. Intrigued, Tiffani learned more about the agency and the services they provide. Seeing just how many birth parents AFTH has helped moved Tiffani. From there, she decided to apply for the scholarship.
Tiffani compared applying for the scholarship to feeling like taking a shot in the dark. She explained she had never received help in this way before. That is why when AFTH notified Tiffani that they awarded her the scholarship, she was beyond happy and excited. The proud scholarship recipient described the award as a significant blessing. The award came at a much-needed time for her family. Tiffani has been unable to work, and her husband has been out of work as well.
The award will pay for the majority of Tiffani’s first semester. The relief of having the cost of her semester’s tuition covered will allow her to reallocate their money to other expenses. Tiffani is currently enrolled in online classes—a decision she is now glad she made—as both she and her husband fell ill with COVID-19. While not able to attend class on campus, she is glad to interact via ZOOM and email to connect with her professors and classmates. Tiffani is most looking forward to attending in-person next semester, especially for math class. She would like to receive more personalized help if needed, which has been challenging to get virtually.
The first-year student is majoring in Health and Human Services. Ultimately, Tiffani’s goal is to become an addiction counselor. This career path holds personal significance to her as she has recovered from addiction herself. Her battle with addiction began during her relationship with her ex-husband, who had been actively using. Tiffani recounted that she did not have resources for help while she was struggling. Therefore, she wants to support those battling addictions—to help them towards recovery sooner rather than later. Her personal experience will help her empathize with clients and provide them with the compassion and support they need.
“God helped me through it all, even when I didn’t think He was there, He was. There were so many signs when I placed Madison that I knew it was the right thing; I had peace about it because I asked God to give me peace if it was what I needed to do to protect my baby girl.” -Tiffani
When asked what advice she would give to a birth mother in a similar situation who wants to further her education, Tiffani had incredible insight. She said she would tell birth mothers it is never too late. Tiffani continued, “if you have a dream, you can achieve it and make it come true.” Most of all, she does not want other mothers to think that because they placed their children for adoption, they cannot further their education or continue with their lives. Some mothers may feel guilty and depressed and believe that they do not deserve to move forward. But Tiffani wants others to know adoption is one of the most selfless acts ever. The decision to place is emotionally difficult. But, if birth parents know their children in a safe place, it will get easier. When birth mothers achieve their educational goals, they can show their child they did not quit when they come of age.
