The ALA’s Non-Traditional Student Scholarship helps members of The American Legion Family pursue a college degree later in life or allows them to pick up where they left off when their studies were interrupted. Pam Sullivan, Department of Georgia, is a 2024 Non-Traditional Student Scholarship recipient, studying for a health care degree. 
 
Whose military service made you eligible for the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship? 
I am eligible through Sean Sullivan, my husband of 19 years. A proud submarine veteran, he embodies strength, resilience, and honor — both in his service and in our life together. His love, dedication, and unwavering support mean the world to me, and I am grateful for every moment, challenge, and memory we’ve shared.
 
What does this scholarship signify to you?
Receiving the scholarship will allow me to attend more training sessions, enabling me to better support veterans and others in my community who are struggling with mental health issues and ultimately, help prevent the loss of lives.
 
What college are you attending, and what are you studying?
As I expanded my involvement in volunteering within the veteran community, a glaring issue came to my attention: Many veterans are experiencing disability claim denials due to improper medical coding. Motivated by my husband’s own journey, I became determined to understand the intricacies of medical coding and health care law. 
 
Currently, I am attending Lanier Technical College to obtain a health care degree, which will serve as a foundation for pursuing further studies in the mental health field. My goal is to leverage this knowledge to assist veterans in securing the benefits they rightfully deserve, just as I have done for my husband. In addition, I have begun training with the QPR Institute to become certified as a QPR training instructor, helping others learn how to prevent suicide using the “question, persuade, and refer” method.
 
What piqued your interest in this career?
Suicide. Have you ever been on the brink of giving up when support was out of reach? Imagine being in a situation where the necessary resources are just beyond your grasp. What if you were eligible for these resources, yet a trivial error or a misplaced file prevented you from accessing them?

As I sat in my husband’s office on an exercise ball with my hand on his leg and heard “Wait time: 342 minutes,” my heart sank. My unfiltered ADHD mouth uttered, “This is why we have 22 a day.” I realized then that I had to do something. The despair I saw in my husband’s eyes — knowing he needed a simple therapy appointment — was palpable. He was one of the fortunate ones already rated as a disabled veteran. The thought of all those who are not yet in that position made me feel ill. How can we help people who face errors in paperwork that the VA does not have time to address? I had a mission to Be the One.
 
Do you have any advice for other non-traditional students when it comes to applying for this scholarship?
Know your “why.” When I feel lost, I ask myself — or have my husband remind me —“What’s your why?” Think about the experiences and challenges that make your journey unique. Share how your non-traditional path has shaped who you are and why it matters. Be honest about how these experiences have influenced your goals and aspirations.

What would you say to donors who support ALA scholarship funds that financially help students?
Thank you. Your generosity is vital for students like me — helping us pursue our goals and make a difference. Your contribution will not only change lives but also amplify our voices to help those who are not being heard.