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My son Miguel and I are requesting support for his tuition this academic year. Miguel attends Valley Christian HS in San Jose, CA. He attends VC because: he was traumatized by a teacher-bully in public school; he needs learning accommodations which VC is superior at providing; VC is very diverse; and VC's innovative courses, embedded religious teaching and adult role modeling are beyond exemplary. Miguel is feeling safe and thriving at Valley Christian.
For the last three years, Miguel has received VC scholarships. This year something went astray with his application. By the time the error surfaced, VC's scholarship fund was depleted. This news was devastating because I have no income. We have been living on depleted college and retirement savings. Miguel is adopted and I'm a single parent (so no dad to help).
I taught math in public schools for 10 years. Then, I worked in high-tech, promoting math and science, for over 15 years. Unfortunately, I was injured on the job in 2007 and again in 2012. My disability has worsened to the point where I may never be able to work again.
Since Miguel was five, his birthdays have been centered on giving (elderly, homeless, environment..). Miguel's friends bring presents/money for the cause. Everyone enjoys playing themed games and doing crafts while also learning about African drumming, endangered species or Japanese woodblock printing, etc. We have received so much joy with these events.
I have put off posting this request for months because I struggle with receiving gifts from others. Then I randomly (God's work?) came across a Huffington Post article about Receiving Gifts Without Guilt. I realized we both need to learn how receiving a gift is often not about us at all but rather about the other person's desire to feel good giving. We shouldn't disallow others that same joy we feel.
With God's never-ending grace, I hope we can both learn to feel deep gratitude and to receive equal joy whether receiving $50, an anonymous prayer or simply a beautiful sunny day. Any amount of assistance would be warmly appreciated.
The roots of education (and life) are bitter, but the fruit is sweet (and empowering)! - Aristotle
PS - If you prefer to donate directly to the school or send a check directly to Miguel, that can work. Maybe you could donate $5 and I could get back to you via the GFM website.
#GFMScholarship
For the last three years, Miguel has received VC scholarships. This year something went astray with his application. By the time the error surfaced, VC's scholarship fund was depleted. This news was devastating because I have no income. We have been living on depleted college and retirement savings. Miguel is adopted and I'm a single parent (so no dad to help).
I taught math in public schools for 10 years. Then, I worked in high-tech, promoting math and science, for over 15 years. Unfortunately, I was injured on the job in 2007 and again in 2012. My disability has worsened to the point where I may never be able to work again.
Since Miguel was five, his birthdays have been centered on giving (elderly, homeless, environment..). Miguel's friends bring presents/money for the cause. Everyone enjoys playing themed games and doing crafts while also learning about African drumming, endangered species or Japanese woodblock printing, etc. We have received so much joy with these events.
I have put off posting this request for months because I struggle with receiving gifts from others. Then I randomly (God's work?) came across a Huffington Post article about Receiving Gifts Without Guilt. I realized we both need to learn how receiving a gift is often not about us at all but rather about the other person's desire to feel good giving. We shouldn't disallow others that same joy we feel.
With God's never-ending grace, I hope we can both learn to feel deep gratitude and to receive equal joy whether receiving $50, an anonymous prayer or simply a beautiful sunny day. Any amount of assistance would be warmly appreciated.
The roots of education (and life) are bitter, but the fruit is sweet (and empowering)! - Aristotle
PS - If you prefer to donate directly to the school or send a check directly to Miguel, that can work. Maybe you could donate $5 and I could get back to you via the GFM website.
#GFMScholarship
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie Dunkle
Beneficiary