Barbara Gobeo Scholarship
We are proud to establish the Barbara Gobeo Scholarship in honor of our mother whose unwavering commitment to education, resilience, and her family serves as an inspiration. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting single parents who are pursuing their dreams of higher education while balancing the demands of parenthood. Barbara has exemplified the strength and determination that many young parents demonstrate every day. Her journey, marked by perseverance and an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, reflects the values we aim to celebrate and support through this scholarship.
After many years away from academic life, Barbara made the courageous decision to return to college while caring for two young children. Balancing coursework with parenting was difficult, but she approached each day with determination. Her journey was marked by evening and weekend classes and study sessions, often bringing us with her to college classes and study groups. Barbara’s return to college was not just a personal endeavor, it was a testament to her as a role model to us by demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s goals while instilling the values of perseverance, hard work and the importance of education.
Attending Barbara’s graduation ceremony from SUNY Orange (then Orange County Community College) many years ago, was one of the proudest moments for us to celebrate our mother. Her determination, resilience and drive to earn her college degree, inspired us to follow in her steps. We also both graduated from SUNY Orange, and Barbara attended our graduations realizing the impact she had on our educational successes.
This scholarship is designed to assist with the financial burdens faced by single parents as they work toward their academic and career goals. It is our hope that this award will not only provide essential financial support but also offer encouragement and recognition of their hard work and dedication.
In honoring our mother, we acknowledge the profound impact that education and support can have on transforming lives. We are committed to helping these courageous students succeed and achieve their aspirations and instill the importance of education in others, just as Barbara has inspired us.
Adam McCarey (son)
Kimberly McCarey (daughter)
Ashley McCarey (daughter-in-law)
Impact
“I am a single mother to an eight-year old daughter, and I am trying to set an example that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I am showing her it’s okay to make mistakes, but learn from them and try again, never give up. After graduating high-school I was told I had to go to school or work, but I was really prepared. I always wanted to be in the medical field after seeing my family members go through medical trials and tribulations. With those memories I started working for emergency medical services in New York City and became a paramedic for 20 plus years. The most rewarding part of my job is the smile on people’s faces knowing they are not alone for the short period of time I am with them. I decided after looking at my daughter’s face I wanted to give back more to society by becoming a nurse. I understand you never know what a person is going through unless you walk in their shoes and even then, you can’t understand because you have different ways of dealing with things. With that, kindness goes a long way, even just a smile, and sometimes you don’t even realize it. I am a cancer survivor and have been in remission for six years and the uncertainty is always there, but I continue to live. Currently I am in my second year in the nursing program at Suny Orange. I am still a paramedic working my way to accomplish my goals. There are times when school becomes a challenge, but not working is not an option, so you push through it. Thank you for the chance to rise above all and know there is help.”
- Stacy Guevara, Barbara Gobeo Scholarship