“Going to college was an expectation in my household and not optional. I was not a focused student in high school and barely got into Sac State. I cared about helping people and thought, “Maybe I could be a teacher?” I was lucky growing up, and being able to be a positive role model in the lives of young people was really important to me.
After 12 years in secondary education, I needed to make a change. 10,000 Degrees mission and vision aligned with my values and my hopes to continue to work in education without directly being a teacher or administrator. And I haven’t looked back… Every student we work with, every family, I know we are changing their lives. Education is the only thing in your life that can’t be taken away from you. Your home can burn down, you can lose everything. But with education, you can do anything you want regardless of where you started in life.
Education is the key to a happier and more successful life. I feel I’ve honored my family in prioritizing education in my life and it’s a value my wife and I have also instilled in our children. Education provided me with the opportunity to pay-it-forward in the biggest way possible.
There’s no higher calling than helping someone achieve their dreams. It can’t be done without our donors and grantors. I’m very grateful and appreciative of those who have also recognized the value of this work and are investing in it. Thank you to everyone who’s involved in 10,000 Degrees, from donors to the staff and volunteers!”