Advertisement She knows it’s a hard subject for her, and she knows the math will only get harder when she pursues a career in nursing.
“I think that’s why I’m doing it,” Ashley said. “I know I’m not so good at it and I have to dig deep and work at it to make myself better.”
Struggling is not new for the 17-year-old, Whitehall High School’s winner of the Tribune Extra Effort Award.
“Growing up, most of the adults in my life have had alcohol issues,” she said. “My parents split up when I was in middle school. I focused all my energy into my school work.”
It has paid off. Ashley has managed to make the honor roll at Whitehall High School, get accepted into Viterbo University’s nursing program and work two jobs.
“I pretty much support myself,” she said. “I try to put away as much as I can for school. I wanted to go to Viterbo for a long time. I knew the only way they’d take me in is with good grades.”
Studying and saving for her education haven’t prevented her from paying her monthly bills and paying off her car loan. She works weekends in housekeeping at the Osseo Super 8 motel, and from March through August she works as a waitress at the Whitehall Golf Course on Friday nights.
“Ashley’s determination, perseverance and positive attitude are contagious,” said Laura Eide, Whitehall middle and high school counselor.
Eide isn’t alone in her praise. Ashley takes an advanced placement United States history class with social studies teacher Gary Giese.
“She’s held in the highest regard by the entire faculty because of her work ethic,” Giese said. “She’s tough mentally and physically. I think her desire to do well is because of her situation. She has the most impressive work ethic of any student I’ve ever had.”
And, while Ashley admits things have been rough, she sees a great deal of hope in her future.
“I think the problems in my family can be solved,” she said. “It’s going to take a lot of work, but my mom really wants to make it happen. We’re going to start out small, especially before I go off to college.”
She couldn’t have gotten where she is without the many supporters who’ve helped her out, especially when she got frustrated, Ashley said. She also offered a message of hope to other teens who might be struggling with similar issues.
“There’s always people out there willing to help,” she said. “It might be hard to talk about, but if you can find that one person who’s always there for you, they’ll keep you going.”
Ryan Stotts can be reached at (608) 791-8446 or ryan.stotts@lee.net.
