One University of Arkansas at Little Rock student is starting the New Year with a renewed sense of hope for his future. 

Joseph Ederington, a freshman from Sherwood, received a $1,000 scholarship from Women’s Own Worth, a nonprofit organization helping victims of domestic violence.

Ederington was one of three area students who received the scholarship after writing an essay about their own experiences with domestic violence. All other entrants received gift certificates to Walmart.

“I feel pretty good about receiving the scholarship,” he said. “I didn’t think I was going to win. I’m pretty sure other people have gone through more than I have, and I was really surprised when I was told I had won.” 

Ederington is planning to major in chemistry. Once he graduates from UA Little Rock in 2021, he plans to work as anesthesiologist in a hospital. He is grateful to Women’s Own Worth for the scholarship that will help pay his tuition.

“I think Women’s Own Worth is really good,” he said. “I’ve seen that they have helped lots of people. I know the founder (Jajuan Archer) very well. She has been through similar stuff, which is why she decided to start Women’s Own Worth. I know they will help anybody.”

Archer began Women’s Own Worth after she was accosted at gunpoint by an ex-boyfriend, according to the organization’s website. She is now a domestic violence speaker who provides emotional and financial support, therapy, and family programs to victims of domestic violence.