Misty Doherty

Name of ISF Mentor: Toni Bulla

What school are you attending with the help of an ISF scholarship?
Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina

What is your Major? Expected Graduation date? Future job plans?
My major is Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I plan on graduating in May 2006 and as far as where I will be working when I get out of school, I'm not positive on that. Where ever it is that God wants me!!

How did you first hear about ISF?
Through the former Education Specialist at Hephzibah Children's Home whom I am assuming heard from Toni or someone within the ISF organization.

Can you give a brief overview of the application and interview process that you went to prior to receiving your ISF scholarship?
I was given an application in which I was a little hesitant about filling out because I had gotten turned down by so many other scholarship programs. But with a little persuasion I filled it out. I had to write an essay and then turn it in. I don't really remember an interview. All I remember was being told that Ms. Toni was going to call me and tell me whether or not I was getting the scholarship. I remember praying for $5000 so that I could put some towards school and some towards a computer and printer for school. Prayer was definitely answered that day.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from the ISF mentoring program?
I think the greatest benefit I have received has been the meetings. I love the bi-monthly meetings I have with Ms. Toni. She is also a major benefit to the ISF mentoring program because she is so amazing and such a good lady. I think the meetings are great because they not only help keep me accountable for my own personal growth and learning but also for discovering stuff about myself I did not know.

Of the leadership materials that you have covered, what book or passage have you found most applicable to your growth in the area of leadership?
Right now in our meetings we are talking about "Reflective Thinking". I think that this area is going to be most helpful when I become a leader because it will enable me to focus on the areas of my life I need to work on but also the areas of my co-workers life. It will also allow me to think of others and their needs, rather than myself.

What are the benefits of having a mentor in this stage of your life?
Ms. Toni keeps me accountable to my personal growth and learning. She is an amazing role model. Having her as a mentor in this stage of my life has given me someone to talk to about issues or problems that I am having.

Can you give a brief testimonial describing what ISF means to you as you pursue your degree?
ISF has done a lot for me. It has helped me get through college without worrying about how I am going to pay for the next semester or the next year. It has also helped me to become a better leader and role model among my peers and eventually among my co-workers. It's given me someone great to meet with and talk to and grow with. I will be forever thankful and grateful for ISF and Ms. Toni! Thank you!!!