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September 8th, 1988 is when I was born in St. Louis, MO.

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I was primarily raised by my mother. When I was three she gave birth to my brother, Kaleb. My childhood was not ideal. It was full of verbal and physical abuse. I grew up trying to protect my mother and brother from her selection in partners. There was not a lot of physical affection. In my early childhood we moved around very often. DCFS was frequently involved in our home. My brother's father was a drug addict and living with him was very toxic. My mother was forced to choose between him and us. That is when we finally got away from his grasp. Life should have gotten better.

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I only knew safety and unconditional love in the arms of my incredible grandma. Her home was my safe haven. She always felt like home.

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Obituary information for Sandra J. Matthews

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View Sandra J. Matthews's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

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I was also blessed to have an amazing father. He was also a safe place for me. He would often try to be the voice of reason. He was a wonderful man and I was lucky to have him in my life. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I took care of him the last three months of his life on hospice.

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My home life was full of turmoil as a child and into my teens. We had escaped Kaleb's father to end up in a home with Walt. He was a angry man. He had issues with wanting control over every single thing. I became skilled at walking on eggshells and trying to be seen and not heard.

However, I was always an overachiever in school throughout all my grades. I enjoyed school and the challenge of school work. My first job was at Ace Hardware. I was sixteen and I loved making money. Before long, I took on another part-time job. I moved out of my mother's home when I turned seventeen. Working and making my own money helped me to feel free. I worked really hard at both of my jobs and at school. I was able to graduate early and begin working full-time.

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I then met my first husband. He helped me to pursue my passion for cosmetology. I enrolled as a student, began school, and graduated two years later. He and I had a wonderful marriage of ten years. However, the loss of my father and a baby was too much for us to overcome. I was riddled with grief and did not process it healthily. I ended up asking for a divorce.

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University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement, and assures that the institution intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

USCA received $140,882.00 in total funds from the Department pursuant to the Institution's Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid to Students. These funds distributed by the Department represent the 50 percent minimum of USCA's HEERF funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act for these emergency financial aid grants to students.

The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the end of September 2020 is $140,882.00. Grant funds have been fully expended.

USCA awarded 116 students an Emergency Financial Aid Grand under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

The following formula was used by USCA to determine the amount of grant funds each student would receive. The total grant available was $140,882.00, and the school had 116 students enrolled in the school on the day the grant awards were made. The school made the determination that all students attending had equal need because all students were impacted by the Illinois mandate that closed schools in mid-March 2020. Based on that determination, each of the 116 students received a grant award of $1214.50 on 5/7/2020.

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Discover the vibrant world of cosmetology at USCA. Learn cutting-edge skills for a beautiful future in Springfield, Illinois.

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I have worked my way through my associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and currently my master's degree as a cosmetologist. My passion for my career as a stylist is distinguished. I am a color specialist. However, my real love is for wedding make-up and bridal hair styling. I find healing in creating beauty. There is also healing in making deep connections with strangers that become life-long clients.

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I am engaged to Ryan. We have been together nearing six years. He and I are raising his oldest son together. We have learned so much together. We are constantly encouraging one another to accomplish goals and to make new goals. We have a hectic schedule. I am so proud we have created a healthy environment for Braelyn. That I did not repeat the cycle of systemic abuse and verbal abuse.

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During my childhood I took on a role as a protector. I feel that has carried on into my life as a stylist. I am always there for my clients if they need to vent or if they need advice. I sincerely care about the wellbeing of others. I had valuable people in my life that showed me not all people are there to be cruel. I want to be that safe place for others.