Kristen

"Sisterhood truly changed my life! 
I went to West High School and graduated in 2014. After high school, I attended Washburn University and graduated with my bachelor's degree in 2018. I then attended Law School at Washburn Law and received my J.D. in 2021. I am currently a licensed attorney working as a prosecutor at the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Sisterhood helped me realize that college was an option for me. I come from a single-parent home and am the oldest of four children. I didn’t think I could go to college because I knew my mother couldn’t afford to pay college tuition. ​​

​Sisterhood informed and educated me about scholarships and grants. Sisterhood volunteers also helped me fill out college and scholarship applications. When I was accepted into Washburn, Sisterhood sent me to college with a dorm care package. Most importantly, Sisterhood continued to support and encourage me, not only while working on my bachelor's degree but also while in law school. In addition, Sisterhood constantly placed women in front of me that came from backgrounds like mine, women who attended college, graduated college, and became successful in their given careers. Seeing those women overcome some of the obstacles I had gone through made me realize I could overcome them too. It encouraged me to strive for every dream I had no matter how big or small. 
I definitely do not think my life would be the same without Sisterhood. Sisterhood taught me the importance of believing in myself and loving myself. It taught me what good relationships look and feel like; not only intimate relationships but friendships as well. It instilled in me the importance of education and doing what I love. I carry these lessons with me every day and they factor into my daily choices and major life decisions.
I have a lot of memories and stories from my time in Sisterhood. The one memory I hold most dear is from my Sophomore year of high school. Other Sisterhood participants and I were on our spring break college tour. We were all on the charter bus talking and I decided that it was time for me to share my story. At that time, some other participants and Mrs. Lynn were aware that my father had passed away five years prior but I didn’t talk about it very often. On that bus, on that day, with those girls, I bared my soul. I shared my feelings, thoughts, fears, and tears. I was so nervous when I began to share my story but with every word, I felt better. I felt like every person on that bus saw me, heard me, was there for me, and most importantly, loved me. Afterward, I felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders and I truly bonded with the other Sisterhood girls and the volunteers. 
It’s important to have a program like Sisterhood because there are numerous high school girls in this city who have no one supporting them, no one looking out for them, and no one encouraging them to make the right choices. Sisterhood, the women who volunteer their time with Sisterhood, and Sisterhood mentors provide the young girls in the program with just that. They support them, encourage them, and provide them with the tools and education to make the right choices whether those be life, education, or relationship choices. I truly adore this program and Mrs. Lynn! Everything that was poured into me helped shape me into the woman I am now, and for that, I am forever grateful."