My Road From Watts to UCLA
Donation protected
[Complete story is linked.]
I was 15 when my mom went away. As disappointed as I am in her for doing what she did, she’s still my mom, and I have no doubt how much she cares about my brothers and me. She was always there for us, and not a day has passed where we don’t miss her.
When I finally got to speak to her a couple days later, I wanted to share everything. I wanted so badly for her to be just as excited as me. So, I started to tell her that her firstborn son, with everything stacked against him, refused to give up and is UCLA bound. But then I heard this:
“You are on the phone with someone in prison. This call may be recorded for later use.”
The celebration was bittersweet, but I was told there might be a chance that she could be released early on good behavior. Apparently, her hearing is coming up before my high school graduation. I’d be grateful if that opportunity presented itself, but if not, I’d be content with having her first trip back outside being a tour of my freshman dorm.
No matter what happens, I’m going to stay the course and continue to focus on my dreams. I’ve come this far. Why stop now?
I won't stop now and every penny donated will be used to help me move forward. Unfortunately, money is required for many college necessities and also, unfortunately, I lack the funds for these necessities. I've applied for many scholarships and have seeked out resources to help fund my college expenses, but have not earned much.
I'm hoping, if one has the money to spare, to donate to my cause and alleviate the financial burden on my family. I'm not only doing this for myself, but for my family. I want them to be proud that I made it, but also live a life they've always dreamed of.
I want to thank everyone in advance for at least taking the time to read my story. I hope I've touched anyone in anyway.
I was 15 when my mom went away. As disappointed as I am in her for doing what she did, she’s still my mom, and I have no doubt how much she cares about my brothers and me. She was always there for us, and not a day has passed where we don’t miss her.
When I finally got to speak to her a couple days later, I wanted to share everything. I wanted so badly for her to be just as excited as me. So, I started to tell her that her firstborn son, with everything stacked against him, refused to give up and is UCLA bound. But then I heard this:
“You are on the phone with someone in prison. This call may be recorded for later use.”
The celebration was bittersweet, but I was told there might be a chance that she could be released early on good behavior. Apparently, her hearing is coming up before my high school graduation. I’d be grateful if that opportunity presented itself, but if not, I’d be content with having her first trip back outside being a tour of my freshman dorm.
No matter what happens, I’m going to stay the course and continue to focus on my dreams. I’ve come this far. Why stop now?
I won't stop now and every penny donated will be used to help me move forward. Unfortunately, money is required for many college necessities and also, unfortunately, I lack the funds for these necessities. I've applied for many scholarships and have seeked out resources to help fund my college expenses, but have not earned much.
I'm hoping, if one has the money to spare, to donate to my cause and alleviate the financial burden on my family. I'm not only doing this for myself, but for my family. I want them to be proud that I made it, but also live a life they've always dreamed of.
I want to thank everyone in advance for at least taking the time to read my story. I hope I've touched anyone in anyway.
https://www.teachforamerica.org/top-stories/college-bound-my-road-watts-ucla
Organizer and beneficiary
Ricardo Govea
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Ana Vazquez
Beneficiary
