Kindergarten Tags

I have always been starting from the beginning and optimistic trying to accomplish something in this country (CROATIA), regardless of that this system is pushing me at the bottom literally in all the ways. I have fought bravely and honestly, until I found myself in a situation that I am no longer alone and need to provide life to my daughter. After divorce from a violent husband who left us on the street without a cent I’ve lost everything I had no incentives to pay kindergarten and school, schoolbooks, etc. I came into a situation that I must either pay the bills or school and credit. I enrolled and studied computer science for 4.5 years, but for financial reasons I have never finished it though for the end I have to pass few exams. I was hopeing to get a better job for myself and bigger salary. I have been working 2 jobs for 18 years and but I can’t pay my bills and food . My girl is only 9 years but she’s the one of the best in her class, she’s singing, danceing, acting and have a lot of success in all of that. But she has a problem with her violent father. He took her on 20.08.2011. on a vacation that turned into horror. He drinks, beats her and threatens her not to say that she wants to go home. I don’t have anybody to ask to help me in this. However, we do not have funds nor for lawyers nor for such ventures. I am considering about that the daughter and I move to another city and start life all over again, but unfortunately, for that funds are also needed. Please believe that even the smallest donation would help us begin the fight with a windmill and provided us with a small chance and hope that following years we will be able to live normally. I want to continue working and fighting, and with my own hands keep feeding this little family consisting of my daughter and me. However, I cannot begin without funds and in debts. We in Croatia as single parents, that is legal representatives of a child after divorce, have no financial aids, donations or grants, except the child allowance, which is approximately 26 Euros per month. I do not want to complain or write letters of 10 pages, and believe me I have printed them in hundreds (about that I am writing my first book - "Our million beginnings"). I am writing only out of fear for my child and the fact that I am aware that I must take her away from the father abuser as soon as possible. Honestly, I do not expect anything but I must try on, one way or another, to realize for my child a better life. Thank you in advance.
I’m sending you our documentation like reference for psychiatric care for my child (http://www.poliklinika-djeca.hr/english/) and other doc. If it needed.
Sorry for my bed english. Best regards,

I have always been starting from the beginning and optimistic trying to accomplish something in this country (CROATIA), regardless of that this system is pushing me at the bottom literally in all the ways. I have fought bravely and honestly, until I found myself in a situation that I am no longer alone and need to provide life to my daughter. After divorce from a violent husband who left us on the street without a cent I’ve lost everything I had no incentives to pay kindergarten and school, schoolbooks, etc. I came into a situation that I must either pay the bills or school and credit. I enrolled and studied computer science for 4.5 years, but for financial reasons I have never finished it though for the end I have to pass few exams. I was hopeing to get a better job for myself and bigger salary. I have been working 2 jobs for 18 years and but I can’t pay my bills and food . My girl is only 9 years but she’s the one of the best in her class, she’s singing, danceing, acting and have a lot of success in all of that. But she has a problem with her violent father. He took her on 20.08.2011. on a vacation that turned into horror. He drinks, beats her and threatens her not to say that she wants to go home. I don’t have anybody to ask to help me in this. However, we do not have funds nor for lawyers nor for such ventures. I am considering about that the daughter and I move to another city and start life all over again, but unfortunately, for that funds are also needed. Please believe that even the smallest donation would help us begin the fight with a windmill and provided us with a small chance and hope that following years we will be able to live normally. I want to continue working and fighting, and with my own hands keep feeding this little family consisting of my daughter and me. However, I cannot begin without funds and in debts. We in Croatia as single parents, that is legal representatives of a child after divorce, have no financial aids, donations or grants, except the child allowance, which is approximately 26 Euros per month. I do not want to complain or write letters of 10 pages, and believe me I have printed them in hundreds (about that I am writing my first book - "Our million beginnings"). I am writing only out of fear for my child and the fact that I am aware that I must take her away from the father abuser as soon as possible. Honestly, I do not expect anything but I must try on, one way or another, to realize for my child a better life. Thank you in advance.
I’m sending you our documentation like reference for psychiatric care for my child (http://www.poliklinika-djeca.hr/english/) and other doc. If it needed.
Sorry for my bed english. THX to all good people!!! Love!

Greetings,
My Daughter who is five and has just started kindergarten, is having her IEP developed and includes issues with reading and writing. The school is also refering her for Occupational therapy for her eyesite. Starting at age 6mth she has had two surgerys for exotropia. I hope that by getting two tablets we can help her more at home with her education.

Humbly,
A Fellow Man

My name is Anthony, I am a head of a family with two daughters, my first child is in eighth grade of junior high school and my second child is in the kindergarten classes and the about to enter elementary school, my wife is a housewife and not working. I'm tangled in debt and confused how to pay it off. My income is only enough to feed and the school fees. I pledge my house to get a loan at the bank. I want to pay off all my debts at the bank. My debt is about $ 9,500. I knocked on the generous hearts to be able to provide assistance to me, so I can pay off my debts and the start a new life. Whatever your help is very meaningful to me. May God Bless you.

To whom it may concern:

My name is Angela K. Baker. I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin and have been living with diagnosis of Systemic Lupus since I was fourteen years (I am now 34 DOB 06/16/1977). Although as a child, I knew there was something a little different about myself compared to my twin brother Johnathan. I could never run and play with the other children because my body just would not keep up with the other kids. It always felt like I had sandbags attached to me and I would pass out in the sunlight, I was always exhausted and my body cried out in pain. I just didn't know why. I can remember being like this all the way back to my kindergarten year. Not that my parents were bad people, it just seemed like they just didn't have anymore to give, there problems were so on the surface, (both of my parents are alcoholics, and my mother has had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since I was born and as for my father, he spent a large part of my life locked away in the Wisconsin jail system (due to his own alcohol induced indescretions.) At fourteen I got a full-time job to pay for my medical bills and a part-time job working at a nursing home to help my family. I have always been stuborn and a fighter, but at this point in my life the fight has just about been exstinguished out of me and I have to admit that I need some help. Over the last twenty years I have been under anasthetic approximately 125 times. I am missing more parts than I have. I feel like an experiment gone wrong or a human pin coushon. I hope that at least some of my surgical suffering at least helped the surgeons learn something from my body...You see I have lived longer than anyone that they know of with this kind of Lupus. It usually manifesters in the late 30's or 40's not in children. My most recent operation was on June 9th 2011, to fix holes in my intestines that were accidentley left after my colon was removed (my colon exploded after it had been recected four times) Right now I have an Illyectomy system that does not work correctly, it leaks blood, bile, puss, fecal liquid ect. and the plastic appliances do not work on me because my skin is so sensative from the Lupus. My medical exspenses are so astronomical even with Medicare and I struggle every month to pay my basic needs (rent, public service water copays ect) I was forced to retire at 23 my body deceided it just couldn't do it anymore, even though I worked very hard to put myself through college so that I could have a decent job that I enjoyed. Thank God that it does not take much to feed me, because the state of WI says that I do not qualify for food stamps or medical assistance, I make $4.oo a month too much. I am not asking for large donations, I know the ecomomy is bad and we are all struggling. What I am asking that when you balance your checking account that you round up to the nearest dollar and please donate the change. My goal is to collect enough money to see a special surgeon at Freodert Hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He would like to see if he can help me have some kind of quality of life and end some of the suffering that I have been enduring for a long time . I would be happy if I even received a little relief. I don't remember what it is like to feel healthy, everyone in this life deserves at least a shot at it... If I am given the help that I need, I fully intend to open my home again as a safe house ( I am not able to do that now because of the leaking illeostmy ) and I would love to a foster mom to any child who needs a good loving and stable home. The way I am right now is horrible ( I have not left my home in over six months excluding doctor appointments) I do realize that some people use these sites for frivilous things and for scamming people. All that that I can do is to give my word that I promise to pay it forward. In my life I have been through an extraordinary amount of human suffering and it is a miracle that I am alive still to tell my story, and for that I am truly greatful and I am here still for a reason. It is not so bad to live without certain basic human needs, it's the having too that is very heartbreaking.

Sincerely,

Angela K. Baker

To whom it may concern:

My name is Angela K. Baker. I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin and have been living with diagnosis of Systemic Lupus since I was fourteen years (I am now 34 DOB 06/16/1977). Although as a child, I knew there was something a little different about myself compared to my twin brother Johnathan. I could never run and play with the other children because my body just would not keep up with the other kids. It always felt like I had sandbags attached to me and I would pass out in the sunlight, I was always exhausted and my body cried out in pain. I just didn't know why. I can remember being like this all the way back to my kindergarten year. Not that my parents were bad people, it just seemed like they just didn't have anymore to give, there problems were so on the surface, (both of my parents are alcoholics, and my mother has had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since I was born and as for my father, he spent a large part of my life locked away in the Wisconsin jail system (due to his own alcohol induced indescretions.) At fourteen I got a full-time job to pay for my medical bills and a part-time job working at a nursing home to help my family. I have always been stuborn and a fighter, but at this point in my life the fight has just about been exstinguished out of me and I have to admit that I need some help. Over the last twenty years I have been under anasthetic approximately 125 times. I am missing more parts than I have. I feel like an experiment gone wrong or a human pin coushon. I hope that at least some of my surgical suffering at least helped the surgeons learn something from my body...You see I have lived longer than anyone that they know of with this kind of Lupus. It usually manifesters in the late 30's or 40's not in children. My most recent operation was on June 9th 2011, to fix holes in my intestines that were accidentley left after my colon was removed (my colon exploded after it had been recected four times) Right now I have an Illyectomy system that does not work correctly, it leaks blood, bile, puss, fecal liquid ect. and the plastic appliances do not work on me because my skin is so sensative from the Lupus. My medical exspenses are so astronomical even with Medicare and I struggle every month to pay my basic needs (rent, public service water copays ect) I was forced to retire at 23 my body deceided it just couldn't do it anymore, even though I worked very hard to put myself through college so that I could have a decent job that I enjoyed. Thank God that it does not take much to feed me, because the state of WI says that I do not qualify for food stamps or medical assistance, I make $4.oo a month too much. I am not asking for large donations, I know the ecomomy is bad and we are all struggling. What I am asking that when you balance your checking account that you round up to the nearest dollar and please donate the change. My goal is to collect enough money to see a special surgeon at Freodert Hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He would like to see if he can help me have some kind of quality of life and end some of the suffering that I have been enduring for a long time . I would be happy if I even received a little relief. I don't remember what it is like to feel healthy, everyone in this life deserves at least a shot at it... If I am given the help that I need, I fully intend to open my home again as a safe house ( I am not able to do that now because of the leaking illeostmy ) and I would love to a foster mom to any child who needs a good loving and stable home. The way I am right now is horrible ( I have not left my home in over six months excluding doctor appointments) I do realize that some people use these sites for frivilous things and for scamming people. All that that I can do is to give my word that I promise to pay it forward. In my life I have been through an extraordinary amount of human suffering and it is a miracle that I am alive still to tell my story, and for that I am truly greatful and I am here still for a reason. It is not so bad to live without certain basic human needs, it's the having too that is very heartbreaking.

Sincerely,

Angela K. Baker

To whom it may concern:

My name is Angela K. Baker. I live in Green Bay, Wisconsin and have been living with diagnosis of Systemic Lupus since I was fourteen years (I am now 34 DOB 06/16/1977). Although as a child, I knew there was something a little different about myself compared to my twin brother Johnathan. I could never run and play with the other children because my body just would not keep up with the other kids. It always felt like I had sandbags attached to me and I would pass out in the sunlight, I was always exhausted and my body cried out in pain. I just didn't know why. I can remember being like this all the way back to my kindergarten year. Not that my parents were bad people, it just seemed like they just didn't have anymore to give, there problems were so on the surface, (both of my parents are alcoholics, and my mother has had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since I was born and as for my father, he spent a large part of my life locked away in the Wisconsin jail system (due to his own alcohol induced indescretions.) At fourteen I got a full-time job to pay for my medical bills and a part-time job working at a nursing home to help my family. I have always been stuborn and a fighter, but at this point in my life the fight has just about been exstinguished out of me and I have to admit that I need some help. Over the last twenty years I have been under anasthetic approximately 125 times. I am missing more parts than I have. I feel like an experiment gone wrong or a human pin coushon. I hope that at least some of my surgical suffering at least helped the surgeons learn something from my body...You see I have lived longer than anyone that they know of with this kind of Lupus. It usually manifesters in the late 30's or 40's not in children. My most recent operation was on June 9th 2011, to fix holes in my intestines that were accidentley left after my colon was removed (my colon exploded after it had been recected four times) Right now I have an Illyectomy system that does not work correctly, it leaks blood, bile, puss, fecal liquid ect. and the plastic appliances do not work on me because my skin is so sensative from the Lupus. My medical exspenses are so astronomical even with Medicare and I struggle every month to pay my basic needs (rent, public service water copays ect) I was forced to retire at 23 my body deceided it just couldn't do it anymore, even though I worked very hard to put myself through college so that I could have a decent job that I enjoyed. Thank God that it does not take much to feed me, because the state of WI says that I do not qualify for food stamps or medical assistance, I make $4.oo a month too much. I am not asking for large donations, I know the ecomomy is bad and we are all struggling. What I am asking that when you balance your checking account that you round up to the nearest dollar and please donate the change. My goal is to collect enough money to see a special surgeon at Freodert Hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He would like to see if he can help me have some kind of quality of life and end some of the suffering that I have been enduring for a long time . I would be happy if I even received a little relief. I don't remember what it is like to feel healthy, everyone in this life deserves at least a shot at it... If I am given the help that I need, I fully intend to open my home again as a safe house ( I am not able to do that now because of the leaking illeostmy ) and I would love to a foster mom to any child who needs a good loving and stable home. The way I am right now is horrible ( I have not left my home in over six months excluding doctor appointments) I do realize that some people use these sites for frivilous things and for scamming people. All that that I can do is to give my word that I promise to pay it forward. In my life I have been through an extraordinary amount of human suffering and it is a miracle that I am alive still to tell my story, and for that I am truly greatful and I am here still for a reason. It is not so bad to live without certain basic human needs, it's the having too that is very heartbreaking.

Sincerely,

Angela K. Baker

I am hoping someone reading this can help. I am a single mom with a 5 year old son. We have no home right now. We receive zero child support but we do get food stamps. So far since the school year has started my son is now going to his 3rd kindergarten because the living situation is unstable. Originally. I left a domestic. Violence Situation. Then my so Called friend offered help of staying with extended family of his considering they also had a kid the same age. Which was ok at first until I found out that my friend of so many years had ulterier motives.and I refused. Along with being hit a couple times.(guess he cant handle rejection. ). Now we are square one again.

I'm 30-years old, married with two young children. Kindergarten is fast approaching and I cannot imagine juggling a full time job plus school schedules, sports, etc.

I always dream of winning the lotto... but, you gotta play to win, right?! Well, this is my 'lotto'... and I'm hoping to win.

I'm just a simple girl with a simple dream. Anything will help - ANYTHING.

We were thrilled to receive a letter from People to People that our daughter had an opportunity to travel to Italy, Sicily, and Greece for 20 days to participate in a community help program. She is a pre-AP student, volleyball player, cross country runner, softball player, basketball player. She wants to be a Pediatrician.

I would love for her to take advantage of this life enhancing opportunity. My husband is a cop and I am a kindergarten teacher. The cost of the trip is $6500.00. If anyone is able to help it would make a big difference in our little girl's life.

Hello I'm a single parent of three needing help with getting two kids ready for school. It's more expensive than I thought it would be. My oldest child is a dance major at an arts school& the other child is going to kindergarten. Anything is better than nothing. Thanks

I'm going to keep this short.. My 5yr old is starting kindergarten this fall and I can't afford to get a whole lot being on assistance. I could use my rent money to buy the things he needs but then we would get behind on rent and I don't want that. I don't have family and the child support is very little $13 a month and sometimes I don't get anything. I don't want to send him to school with old clothes that no longer fit and no backpack. please we would really appreciate your donation to help with getting ready for school.

My husband and I have been married for ten years. We have two little girls, aged 5 and 2. In the past three years I have been diagnosed with two potentially life-threatening illnesses. I have literally spent hundreds of days in the hospital away from my family. I have undergone 5 major surgeries and at least ten minor ones, and do not know what the future brings. I am college educated and until becoming ill had a full-time, well-paying career. I am now unable to work, and am fighting the long drawn-out disability fight. My husband is still employed, but misses a great deal of work to care for me and our children. Our finances have taken a terrible hit, and we are currently living one step above homeless. Our families have done what they could to help us keep our heads above water, and as a result we have been able to keep our one modest vehicle which is nearly paid off. We do not have any other debts (other than medical bills). No credit cards, etc. I even lost my wedding ring as it came down to either feeding my children or wearing gold and diamonds on my hand. Our friends have taken us in on a temporary basis, but they too are very financially hurting, and so our family of four has moved in on top of their family of four into a two bedroom, one bathroom trailer home that is quite literally falling apart. We are not here to beg for a million dollars. We are asking for the kindness of strangers to reach out to us to help us get enough money together to find a place of our own. We need a few months' rent and a security deposit, so that we can get our family into a stable environment. My oldest daughter starts kindergarten this fall and I do not even know where we will be living. My husband has a stable, decent paying job but it just isn't enough to get us moved and settled. Please consider doing whatever you are able to do to help us keep our family together while I fight these debilitating illnesses. We adore our babies and want so much to provide them with all that they deserve. I pray someday that my illnesses will finally find treatment(s) that will allow me to return to work. Until then we must rely on the kindness of strangers to help us get onto our feet. Thank you so kindly for taking the time to read our story, and for considering offering to help us.

My car was impounded for registration 4 days ago. It's all I have to get my family back on our feet. I am recently homeless and trying to save my daughter and i. I am trying to work and need to start in a few days . Please help my 4 yr old and I . We don't have any other sources to help us. She starts kindergarten in the fall. God bless u and I am in such despair and pray for our survival .

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

Just in case the link below doesn't work...

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

I am a single-working mom but my hours have been severely cut. I have been trying to find work but everything I find pays less than it will cost me to have a sitter for my son all summer. He is 5 and going into Kindergarten in the fall. I receive no child support and I have no family as both of my parents are deceased and truly have nowhere to go. I have never asked for a handout from anyone and now I find myself desperate to keep our home. I am behind in our rent and facing eviction. I am afraid for my son and desperate. I am a hard worker and I know I will not be in this situation forever but I don't see a way out unless I get help from somewhere. I have been selling anything we have of value for the last 8 months. I have nothing of value left. Every place I have turned to consolidate expenses has turned me down because my income is too low now. PLEASE HELP! I WILL PAY THIS FORWARD IN THE FUTURE!

I was three years old when I began my educational career. My mother had petitioned for my acceptance into kindergarten because my birthday fell a week after the cut off date. The school accepted me though they were adamant because I was believed to be too young for kindergarten. I was sent home after my first week of school. "Mrs. Wilson, Jewel will not be able to continue kindergarten unless she is properly potty trained." My mother called me into her room. "Jewel, your teacher said you can't go back to school until you go to the potty." I never missed a day of class unless it was out of my control after that conversation.

My name is Jewel Smith and I am nineteen years old. I became one of five children after my mother's marriage. Now, I am the oldest of three in our household and my mother is a single parent. When asked, "What is your favorite activity?” most children would respond with a sport, videogames, or TV show. My passion is learning. I enjoy all subjects from sciences to literary works.

My mother strives to give only the best of education for my siblings and me. She made it very clear that we had to work as a team in achieving this goal. I attended a private catholic all girl high school through scholarship and financial assistance. I knew my mother couldn't afford tuition for my siblings and me. During my high school career, I excelled in AP/honors courses, maintained a high GPA, and participated in numerous organizations. Many people in my neighborhood believed I wouldn't "survive" in my high school setting because for the first time I did not attend a school with students who were of my racial or economic class. However, I was able to push through adversity even when it threatened to take my mother's life away during my junior year of high school. My mother's lung collapsed and some doctors stated she almost didn't make it. During my high school career, I learned people could cultivate their differences and come together as one entity regardless of race, class, or gender. I was able to maintain over a 3.5 GPA during my senior year and built a strong support system with faculty, friends, mentors, and family members.

I currently attend DePauw University in Greencastle, IN as an incoming junior. I have a declared major in English Writing with a possible second major in Spanish. I maintain a "B" average. I was granted a large package with my school that covers my tuition and some room and board. Unfortunately, the left over balance is still too much for my mother and I to afford. I was informed that I must pay the left over balance of $6,700 as well as my incoming fall balance of $4,000 in order to continue my education at this institution.

I believe that everyone has a special gift that helps the world become a better place. At five years old I knew I wanted to serve others as much as I can. My ultimate goal is to give back to my home community as well as those who are less fortunate in the world through education. It is through this letter that I ask for your help. I want to continue my educational career through undergraduate and graduate studies. I ask that you partner with me so that I am able to make my dream a part of reality. Thank you in advance.

I was three years old when I began my educational career. My mother had petitioned for my acceptance into kindergarten because my birthday fell a week after the cut off date. The school accepted me though they were adamant because I was believed to be too young for kindergarten. I was sent home after my first week of school. "Mrs. Wilson, Jewel will not be able to continue kindergarten unless she is properly potty trained." My mother called me into her room. "Jewel, your teacher said you can't go back to school until you go to the potty." I never missed a day of class unless it was out of my control after that conversation.

My name is Jewel Smith and I am nineteen years old. I became one of five children after my mother's marriage. Now, I am the oldest of three in our household and my mother is a single parent. When asked, "What is your favorite activity?” most children would respond with a sport, videogames, or TV show. My passion is learning. I enjoy all subjects from sciences to literary works.

My mother strives to give only the best of education for my siblings and me. She made it very clear that we had to work as a team in achieving this goal. I attended a private catholic all girl high school through scholarship and financial assistance. I knew my mother couldn't afford tuition for my siblings and me. During my high school career, I excelled in AP/honors courses, maintained a high GPA, and participated in numerous organizations. Many people in my neighborhood believed I wouldn't "survive" in my high school setting because for the first time I did not attend a school with students who were of my racial or economic class. However, I was able to push through adversity even when it threatened to take my mother's life away during my junior year of high school. My mother's lung collapsed due to complications of her sarcoidosis and some doctors stated she almost didn't make it. During my high school career, I learned people could cultivate their differences and come together as one entity regardless of race, class, or gender. I was able to maintain over a 3.5 GPA during my senior year and built a strong support system with faculty, friends, mentors, and family members.

I currently attend DePauw University in Greencastle, IN as an incoming junior. I have a declared major in English Writing with a possible second major in Spanish. I maintain a "B" average. I was granted a large package with my school that covers my tuition and some room and board. Unfortunately, the left over balance is still too much for my mother and I to afford. I was informed that I must pay the left over balance of $6,700 as well as my incoming fall balance of $4,000 in order to continue my education at this institution.

I believe that everyone has a special gift that helps the world become a better place. At five years old I knew I wanted to serve others as much as I can. My ultimate goal is to give back to my home community as well as those who are less fortunate in the world through education. It is through this letter that I ask for your help. I want to continue my educational career through undergraduate and graduate studies. I ask that you partner with me so that I am able to make my dream a part of reality. Thank you in advance.