Drive for Education
Getting an education and becoming a college graduate is incredibly important to me. I’ve witnessed the struggles my mom faced as an immigrant in this country, not having the educational opportunities that I do. Being a mom also makes me realize my daughter deserves a mother with an education to help and encourage her. My mom didn’t have this chance, so I wanted to seize it. I want to inspire my daughter to look back at her grandma and see all she did for us. Now, I have to give back to both my daughter and my mom, which I hope encourages my daughter to pursue higher education later in life.
Overcoming Financial and Personal Hurdles
Pursuing my college degree came with significant barriers, including financial struggles, time management, mental health challenges, and academic difficulties. With a family of five, money was always tight. I was even in debt from academic probation in community college, so I had to pay out of pocket for my first couple of years. I also suffered from anxiety and depression, which made some semesters very difficult, especially while managing home, work, and being a full-time student.
A Turning Point with 10,000 Degrees
A pivotal moment was one summer when I took just one class, hoping for a lighter load. I later found out that FAFSA removed my aid because I wasn’t a full-time student, and I was charged $1,850. My husband and I weren’t financially stable enough to pay tuition out of pocket. I remember being dropped from all my fall classes, with the school saying they wouldn’t re-enroll me until I paid. I was crying, not knowing what to do, with classes starting in just two weeks. It was August, and I don’t work in the summer. It was a true blessing that the very next day, 10,000 Degrees awarded me funds for the fall. I cried again, feeling so grateful. I thought I’d have to take time off because I couldn’t afford it. Being chosen as a candidate to receive that support was truly appreciated because I genuinely value my education. It was honestly a blessing.
The help from 10,000 Degrees continued to be a blessing. For the spring semester, I was even able to buy myself a computer. Before, I had to do all my homework on my work computer. For me, it’s always, “Do I do this for myself, or do I do it for my daughter?” A lot of the time, my daughter needs things like school supplies, clothes, and shoes, so I would rather not spend money on myself if I could give it to her.
Belief and Impact
I believe in the power of education because it opens many opportunities not only for yourself but for your family. My college attendance has positively impacted my family by providing a better future for my children and husband. In my community, I help motivate high school students, showing them what’s possible. I am one degree of change because progress starts with me, and by taking small steps toward growth, I can inspire others to do the same.