Addie's Education
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My daughter, Addie, came to me in 7th grade and asked if she could go to private boarding school. She said she “wanted to be in school with kids who wanted to be there.” She had become frustrated sharing a classroom with students who were disruptive and not engaged in learning. Addie longed for a respectful, cooperative and supportive learning environment where focusing on achievement wasn't looked at as “weird.” Addie has a natural curiosity and a genuine desire to learn.
Because her hometown lacks diversity, Addie also knew that boarding school would afford her the opportunity to meet teenagers from all over the world. She felt exposure to other cultures would greatly enhance her high school experience.
Addie's goal is to become a pediatric oncologist. While in middle school, she volunteered with an organization that raised money to provide integrative therapies for children undergoing chemotherapy.
She was so touched by the children she encountered that she began to focus on this career path. When asked why she would want to work in a field where she “would watch children die,” she answered, “I don't want to watch them die...I want to help them live.” This year, she took honors chemistry, biology and Latin because of her desire to pursue a career in medicine.
It took everything I had but I enrolled Addie in her present school two years ago. To make up the difference after financial aid, I used every bit of money left from the inheritance I received from my parents. It was important to me that this money be spent on her education, as I knew my parents would have wanted that. The following year, I exhausted my 403B retirement account. Now, as we prepare for junior year, I have nothing left. I tried but couldn't get a home equity loan. Although I work two jobs, it isn't enough. Having gone to school for 3 ½ years at night to earn my masters degree while working full time and running a household, I thought I would be able to get a better paying job. However, after searching diligently, this hasn't happened.
I've been asked why I am willing to spend all of this money on high school and why not wait for college? My answer is that I felt it was more important at this stage in Addie's development - that if she remained unchallenged and uninspired in school, she may have headed in another direction. I couldn't take that chance.
As a mother, I want to do all I can to help my daughter achieve her dream. I wanted to give her every advantage toward reaching her goals. Despite setbacks – a concussion last year and a bout with mono this year, Addie has persevered to stay on top of her studies. I feel strongly that Addie deserves to be rewarded for her ability to self-advocate, her determination, and her desire to make a difference in the world around her.
In the past two years, Addie has matured in so many ways. She is thriving at her school and enthusiastic about her future. She had made lifelong friends and is passionate about learning.
Thank you for your consideration, kindness and support. We are most appreciative of whatever you are able to contribute.
Because her hometown lacks diversity, Addie also knew that boarding school would afford her the opportunity to meet teenagers from all over the world. She felt exposure to other cultures would greatly enhance her high school experience.
Addie's goal is to become a pediatric oncologist. While in middle school, she volunteered with an organization that raised money to provide integrative therapies for children undergoing chemotherapy.
She was so touched by the children she encountered that she began to focus on this career path. When asked why she would want to work in a field where she “would watch children die,” she answered, “I don't want to watch them die...I want to help them live.” This year, she took honors chemistry, biology and Latin because of her desire to pursue a career in medicine.
It took everything I had but I enrolled Addie in her present school two years ago. To make up the difference after financial aid, I used every bit of money left from the inheritance I received from my parents. It was important to me that this money be spent on her education, as I knew my parents would have wanted that. The following year, I exhausted my 403B retirement account. Now, as we prepare for junior year, I have nothing left. I tried but couldn't get a home equity loan. Although I work two jobs, it isn't enough. Having gone to school for 3 ½ years at night to earn my masters degree while working full time and running a household, I thought I would be able to get a better paying job. However, after searching diligently, this hasn't happened.
I've been asked why I am willing to spend all of this money on high school and why not wait for college? My answer is that I felt it was more important at this stage in Addie's development - that if she remained unchallenged and uninspired in school, she may have headed in another direction. I couldn't take that chance.
As a mother, I want to do all I can to help my daughter achieve her dream. I wanted to give her every advantage toward reaching her goals. Despite setbacks – a concussion last year and a bout with mono this year, Addie has persevered to stay on top of her studies. I feel strongly that Addie deserves to be rewarded for her ability to self-advocate, her determination, and her desire to make a difference in the world around her.
In the past two years, Addie has matured in so many ways. She is thriving at her school and enthusiastic about her future. She had made lifelong friends and is passionate about learning.
Thank you for your consideration, kindness and support. We are most appreciative of whatever you are able to contribute.
Organizer
Alice Scheller Mainville
Organizer
Amesbury, MA
