Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1537724
N ational Shoe Travelers non-profit is known for supporting footwear professionals in their careers through various services, discounts and programs. But NST understands that you have a life outside of your business day and they can help you thrive there too. Josiah Parrott graduated from Michigan Technological University this year with a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering thanks, in part, to NST. Parrott was the recipient of an NST scholarship that gave him $5,000 for each of the four years he was taking classes. "This support truly made a huge impact in my college experience," said Parrott. "Receiving this scholarship gave me the stability and encouragement to keep going." As the son of an NST member, Parrott was eligible to apply for the scholarship. This benefit is available to members, their children and their grandchildren The scholarship provides higher education students enrolled in accredited programs, both fulltime and parttime, with up to $5,000 of tuition funding a year for four years. Vocational school students are also eligible to apply. "I was able to shift my focus from financial stress and focus more on my studies and personal growth," Parrott said. "I was able to take full advantage of academic opportunities, participate more actively in campus life, and ultimately complete my degree with confidence. "I am sincerely thankful for the role this scholarship has played in helping me reach this important milestone." Another member credits NST with keeping him financially solvent during the COV pandemic when he was laid off from his job. The member was simply trying to pay his monthly bills while he was unable to work for several months and the NST hardship fund helped him to do that. "It enabled me to pay my bills and really helped me to make ends meet when the world was in chaos and there was so much uncertainty about when I would be able to return to work," he said. The NST hardship fund can help with car repairs, medical bills, utility bills, mortgage payments and car payments. And when you are on the job, look to NST for networking opportunities and updates on the latest inside industry information as well as access to legal counsel, resume writing reimbursement, life insurance and discounts from various businesses including Oce epot, Oce Max, edEx, ertz, and AT&T mobile. n National Shoe Travelers Making Your Life Better or more information or to oin an start tain avantae of s ie arra of enets visit at mnst.or Left: Al Rivera supporting the NSRA at the Soles for Souls event in Phoenix. Right: The NST Goodie cart fortifying its members at the Michigan Shoe Show. Al ivera resient The average member saves $600 just by being a NST member at a cost of $130 annually. DISCOVER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES OF MEMBERSHIP National Shoe Travelers (NST) is excited to announce we will be sponsoring a hosted beverage station offering beer and water at the IR Show on Tuesday 1/21 from 12-6 pm. The station will offer a quick and convenient refreshment for all shoe representatives during the booth setup time frame. Drop your business card off for a chance to win a free membership. National Shoe Travelers since 2006 is the key industry organization for Wholesale Footwear Reps offering a vast array of programs and benefits to support all members whether a 1099 or employee. NST Membership includes • NST Job Bank • NST Women's Forum • NST Charitable Outreach • NST Mentoring Program • Education • Financial Hardship Assistance - • Educational Scholarship • Legal Assistance • Discounts on FedEx, Hertz, AT&T, and Office Depot | Office Max • Health Insurance planning assistance • Travel Aid Program • Senior Care Assistance • Life Insurance - The Standard Life Insurance Company • Coverage is based on age $30,000 - $5,000 Please come check out our table (Tuesday) near the check in area and learn more about the benefits and programs. LEADING THE WAY SINCE 2006 WWW.MYNST.ORG