Success Stories
Footbagger and scholar achieves her dreams at Lane
Story by Kristan Dauble
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| Shawnell Tolliver is an associate degree student at Lane Community College--and a top freestyle footbagger! |
For Oregon's most active female freestyle footbagger, Shawnell Tolliver, attending Lane is not just a day-to-day activity, it's a dream come true. "Anybody has the potential to do what they want-as long as they want it bad enough. My dream was to go to college and now, I am here doing that. Lane has made that all possible."
Tolliver has overcome tough circumstances in her life. "The greatest challenge is dealing with life without parents." Tolliver grew up with the absence of her parents. She was moved from house to house to live with various relatives, mostly her grandparents. She struck out on her own at 16, and learned to be self-sufficient by working and attending high school at the same time.
Currently, Tolliver is pursuing her associate of arts Oregon transfer degree which she expects to complete in 2009 with a 4.0 GPA. In addition to her diligent studies, Tolliver is heavily involved with the Eugene Footbag Association and competes at a national level.
After receiving her AAOT, she would like to transfer to either the University of Oregon or Portland State University to finish her bachelor's with a double major in psychology and biology.
In the long run, Tolliver hopes to continue her education to obtain a Ph.D. doctorate in psychology. Her goal is to open her own practice and work with adolescents. "I just want to help. That's all."
As for her sporting goals, she would eventually like to reign as the world's best female freestyle footbagger. "I treat footbagging like any other sport-you need dedication and practice to succeed."
Tolliver is a recipient of a 2007-08 Gilma Greenhoot scholarship from the Lane Community College Foundation. "It was my dream to go to college and this scholarship has made it all possible." This award has given her the inspiration to continue with her education. "It's as if someone noticed me and my potential to succeed. Graduating high school and receiving this scholarship from Lane are my two biggest achievements to date."
Tolliver is one of those rare people who has a remarkable passion for life. She is a bright, energetic young woman who possesses an amazing attitude. She believes that anything is possible with enough motivation.
For more information about scholarship opportunities at Lane, visit:
http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/foundation/scholarships.htm
Published by Lane Community College Marketing and Public Relations, April 2008.
