Elza and their next big steps

Dear Community,

As many of you know, my sibling’s name is Elza Jacobs-Zamban, and I am so proud that they are graduating from Concord High School this June. Elza is a one-of-a-kind human who loves their people and has a deep passion for social justice. They have excelled in high school, especially in behavioral sciences, math, and social studies, attending the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul’s School last summer, and have been a member of Concord Area Student Leadership. Next year, they plan to participate in City Year before attending Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. All of these things make Elza who they are, and the bright future ahead of them. As Elza’s guardian for the past 6 years, I am impressed when I look at this list of accomplishments, especially since Elza has walked a harder path than most.

When Elza was just three, our mom, Amy, passed away in a tragic car accident. After that time, Elza was left to live with their dad, who was abusive in many ways and raised Elza face-to-face with his addiction, until such time that I was old enough to remove Elza from that home. Elza would not want to give you a sob story, nor do I, but it is safe to say that, given everything Elza has gone through, their tenacity and resilience are awe-inspiring. The amount of trauma they have endured would be too much for many people, and it, at times, has felt like too much for them. Elza and I are very lucky to have each other, and I have truly given them everything I can as a sister. However, as they embark upon the next part of their life, I often wish that they had more family in their corner to support them. So, as part of our chosen family and larger community, I hope you will consider showing them how loved and supported they are. Thank you in advance for being on Elza’s team and cheering them on with this exciting next step in their lives. Any funds raised will be used to help Elza live independently this next year, as well as assist with their expenses for college.

Thank you all so much for always being by our side as we worked our way through this journey.

Kaytlynn