Home to Make a Difference
The high school that I work at isn't just a job—it's where I learned who I wanted to become. I graduated from here, and I grew up in this community. So when I returned as an Instructional Aide in the Special Education department, it felt like coming home.
I know these students. I know what it feels like to grow up here, to be underestimated because of where you're from. I've seen how easily students in our area can be dismissed or left behind—not because of who they are, but because of the beliefs people hold about this community. That's exactly why I'm here.
Since 2018, I've poured my energy into supporting our students. Even with a brief pause to pursue my own education, I've dedicated 6+ years to this work. And honestly? The longer I'm here, the more I see what's possible.
Here's what's been on my mind:
Over the past couple of years, education specialists and GE Teachers have started relied on my experience to guide some of their decisions—which students need what support, how to approach different challenges, what resources might help, what would be best for this student? It means a lot to be trusted in that way. But it's also made me realize something uncomfortable: our students deserve more than what I can give them right now.
I see the gaps. I know what better looks like. But without formal credentials and advanced training, I'm limited in how much I can truly impact their lives. And that bothers me.
The real barrier? As an Instructional Aide earning $26.50/hour is not enough to continue thrive, just survive. This country’s financial reality makes it nearly impossible to go back to school while keeping my head above water. It feels impossible to choose between supporting my students and supporting myself.
But I'm choosing to ask for help.
My Plan
I'm returning to finish my BA at Cal State East Bay. Here's what that journey looks like:
- Clear existing debt ($3,000) — so I can lift the hold on my account and focus on my studies with a clean slate
- Complete my BA ($4,000 for tuition, classes, and materials) — This would be for 1 year of classes (shooting for only 1 semester)
- Earn my Education Specialist credential ($3,000) - This will cover, withdrawal fee from GoFund Me, a laptop, testing fees, and materials — I must complete my BA first before I can pursue the Education Specialist credential program
**My goal is to raise $10,000 to make this possible.**
This isn't a quick fix—it's a deliberate path. The BA comes first. Once I have that degree and the knowledge it brings, I'll be eligible for the Education Specialist credential program, which will give me the official credentials to teach and lead with authority in special education.
Why this matters:
When I have my BA and Education Specialist credential, I'll be able to:
- Provide evidence-based, confident support to students who need it most
- Be paid fairly for the expertise I'm already bringing to this work
- Prove to my students that people from this community can pursue higher education, trade programs, and business ventures, and come back to support stronger
- Show them that education is a lifelong journey—even for the people who support them
- Return as a fully credentialed educator who understands both the community and the system
Returning to school means:
- Gaining the credentials and knowledge to confidently support students the way I know they deserve
- Being paid fairly for the expertise I'm already bringing to this work
- Proving to my students that people from this community can pursue higher education and come back stronger
- Showing them that education is a lifelong journey—even for the people who support them
I'm genuinely grateful you took the time to read this. I know you're busy, and the fact that you're here, reading my story, already means something to me. If you're able to donate or share this with others who care about special education, student support, and giving students the chances they deserve, it would make a real difference in my ability to finish what I've started.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing in students like mine.
Organizer
