My name is Anastasia Murphy, and I would love to thank you, H-E-B, for this scholarship. I am proud to be an H-E-B Scholar!

I recently decided to come back to school in August of 2025 to finish my art degree. I chose to do this to better myself and give my family a better life. I hadn't been in school since I graduated high school in 2012. Coming back to school, I definitely had imposter syndrome. Many times I would think to myself, “Why am I here?” And then I would see my kids and remember I'm doing it for all of us.

Since graduating high school, I have been in the bakery industry for almost 12 years. I have worked as a cake decorator and baker and have had a lot of fun while putting in many early morning and overnight hours for my job. I quit college very early on because I thought it wasn't for me. I found a life through the food industry, starting in restaurants and then finding myself in the bakery business, where I became a self-taught cake decorator and baker. The bakery industry has done great things for me and has taken care of my family.

But working in the industry over the years has come with highs and lows—super early mornings, overnights for holidays, strain on the body, sleep deprivation, and hardly any time off with my family. I came home after work one day and thought to myself, “I don't want this to be it for me.” Without hesitation, I decided to apply to Northeast Lakeview College in the summer of 2025. I chose to get out of my comfort zone and take the first steps to finishing my art degree. I got in, and so the journey began.

I felt out of place at the beginning and thought to myself, “Should I even be here?” I fought those thoughts out of my head and pressed on. My time in school has been amazing. I brought my GPA up and even got inducted into PTK, something I never imagined. Something I thought could never be a possibility in my life is turning into a reality.

I will be finishing my associate's degree in the spring of 2027 and plan on transferring to the University of San Antonio to complete my bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, specializing in studio art. I don't know where this degree will take me, but I am excited to see the opportunities that come with it. I only want to imagine art being my career, something I have only dreamed about.

Being back in school, working full time, and balancing motherhood with three children has definitely been an obstacle for me. I not only do this for myself but for my three kids. I want to give my family a better life than I could have ever imagined. When I lay my head down at night, I close my eyes, smile, and remember to be proud of myself for how far I have come in my life. The hardships and tough moments that have pushed me in my life brought me to this point. I am thankful that I get a second chance to change my life for the better.

Outside of work, I am an artist who loves trying different mediums, especially painting and drawing animals and animal illustrations. When I have free time in the afternoons and on my days off, I love to spend time with my family. We love going on evening walks with our Great Dane, Benny, and taking the kids to the playground.

Receiving this H-E-B Scholarship makes a huge difference in my education journey. It helps me pay for my schooling and gives me a chance at finishing my degree. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and for the support H-E-B is giving me as I continue working toward a better future for myself and my family.

Thank you, H-E-B, for believing in students like me and for helping make my education possible.