Determined Dad: Single Father Returns to School for Daughter’s Brighter Future

Harden Daniels and his six-year-old daughter, Alana, have been inseparable since her mother unexpectedly died. She goes almost everywhere with him.

“My main purpose in life is to make sure Alana is taken care of,” he said.

Recognizing Harden’s dedication to being the best parent and student he can be, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship has named him the February 2024 Student of the Month.

Harden first applied for a single parent scholarship almost four years ago, attending his Zoom interview with Alana on his shoulder. Harden shared he was enrolling in the Energy Control Technology program at ASUN-Marked Tree. He wanted to start an HVAC business because Alana deserved more than what he could provide working in construction and factories.

Seeing his determination, ASPSF awarded him a scholarship despite a 1.8 GPA in high school. Three years later, he graduated in the spring with an associate degree and all As and one B. That summer he worked on his HVAC business and started classes in computer and information sciences.

Then, the unimaginable happened. In July 2023, Harden fell backward off a 12-foot ladder while helping his church’s deacon cut trees in a yard.

He shattered his left hip, tore muscles, and broke three ribs and an arm. But the worst part wasn’t the pain from his injuries.  It was separation anxiety. The doctors wouldn’t let him see Alana, who stayed with family for a month while he recovered.

“I never had someone tell me I couldn’t see my daughter,” he said. “It was one of the scariest things in my life.”

Harden stayed positive. He knew he could get through it because he had gotten through hard times before: his wife’s death, alcoholism, drugs, and a gambling addiction. He slowly healed and returned home to his daughter, together at last. 

During this turmoil, Harden stayed on top of his classwork. He picked up his Summer 2023 scholarship in a walker and, of course, with Alana by his side. Before fall classes started, he went to campus to map out his schedule and find the best ways to get around.

These days he’s walking with only a limp. But his injuries may prevent him from becoming an HVAC technician, so getting an IT degree is even more important so Harden can find a job with fewer physical demands. He’s currently considering a bachelor’s degree and becoming a teacher. Harden is grateful for all the financial and moral support he’s received from ASPSF.

“There aren’t words to sum it up other than ‘thank you,’” he said. “The scholarship goes a long way to take care of my daughter. It helps keep us from falling behind in life.”