Ashley Benson of Salish Kootenai College

Ashley Benson was on the honor roll through most of high school. In sports, she earned multiple MVP and other awards. While working in Arizona, she received the employee-of-the-year award for her hard work and for always putting in maximum effort. She received the SKC Friendship Scholarship, as well as the Golf Scholarship award. Ashley has worked very hard to maintain a 4.0 the last few quarters and has made the president’s list multiple quarters over the last two years.

Ashley volunteered with the Pedal to Plate program. She helped with setting up and registration for the bikers, then moved to her station at a farm where they handed out refreshing popsicles. Ashley has volunteered for the TCEP department. She MC’d the event they held for children in need and took professional photos and at the B&G club. Ashley has helped coach a fifth grade basketball team made up of students from Polson Middle School.

Throughout high school, Ashley earned A’s and B’s without ever needing to study, but she was never encouraged by teachers or counselors to look into college or focus on academics. At home, her parents both held good jobs and worked very hard without having gone to college, so higher education was never emphasized. Without that encouragement, she did not view college as important or necessary. Looking back, she believe those early challenges shaped her journey and gave her the perspective she has today. Over the past year, while balancing school, work, and family, she has learned the value of studying, time management, and dedication, and now recognizes the importance of education.  Ashley cannot credit just one person with inspiring her to return to school; her inspiration has come in many forms. A former boss encouraged her to continue her education, her niece’s love of learning has been motivating, and her experiences in the medical field introduced her to supportive people who made her feel like she belonged in a role where she could help others be their best selves.

Ashley is fortunate to have a strong support system. Her brother continuously checks in on her and advocates for her education. Her sister encourages her and never misses an opportunity to tell her how proud she is. Ashley’s parents have always been her foundation; they remind her daily that it is never too late to follow one’s dreams and they have encouraged her to pursue what makes her happy. Ashley’s greatest motivation, however, is her baby girl. She deserves the very best, and Ashley is determined to create a future for her filled with opportunities, stability, and love. Beyond her family, she has a network of supportive coworkers who have cheered her on, even as she left the medical field to pursue teaching. Their encouragement reaffirmed her decision and reminded her of the strengths she brings to any team. At Salish Kootenai College, Ashley has gained the support of peers and educators who truly care about her success. Their guidance and encouragement have shown her that she is on the right path and strengthened her commitment to becoming a teacher.

Ashley’s career goal is to become a teacher and, eventually, a college professor. She plans to use her education to inspire and encourage students to be the best version of themselves. She wants to provide them with the guidance and motivation they need to choose the right path. In her community, she often sees the impacts of drug and alcohol use that can affect families across generations. Ashley wants to show students that no matter where they come from or what challenges they face, there is always hope for a brighter future as long as they are willing to work for it. By helping students reach their true potential, she believes she can make a positive and lasting difference not only in their lives but in the community as a whole.