Brandon Stogsdill…a real success story!

“I grew up with a single parent mother on welfare who suffered from mental illness and severe addictions. Education was not a very strong point throughout my life, because I did not understand how important education would be to me. I always wanted to be a successful person, but I did not know how to be one. Unfortunately, my senior year of high school I was arrested for making a stupid decision. I was fortunate enough to be able to graduate from high school, before being incarcerated for three and a half years.

Although devastated, I was determined to make the best out of the situation. The first thing I decided to do was take education seriously and attempt to make it something I could be good at rather than fear. So, I started to take a college course while incarcerated. I discovered that being patient, persistent and focused, I could do just about anything I put my mind too; the only thing holding me back, were the prison walls. That would all change soon enough…”

Upon being released, Brandon enrolled at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom where he received his Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree in June 2003 and transferred to the University of Washington Seattle, where he will graduate in June 2006. While attending Pierce College he received the Boeing Company Scholarship, Pierce College Foundation Scholarship, and Fuchs Foundation Scholarship. Since transferring to the University of Washington Seattle, he has continued his academic success by receiving a Martin Honors Scholarship, Mary Gates Leadership Award, and Newsome Humanitarian Award to name a few. Brandon most recently had the wonderful opportunity to study-abroad in Paris! Brandon has excelled as a student despite the many obstacles that he has encountered. He is truly an amazing young man that has taken full advantage of his educational opportunities!