Help Hilary Wright Achieve Her Teaching Dream

Family, Friends, and Supporters—

This is one of the most vulnerable things I’ve ever done, but I’m choosing to be brave and ask for help—because I believe in the power of community, and I believe in the dream that has fueled me for so long.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve known I was meant to be a teacher. That dream has never faded, even though the road to get here has been anything but straight. I started my journey back to school as a single mom, taking classes at DMACC while working as a receptionist in healthcare. I eventually became a paraeducator in Waukee, and in 2020, I welcomed my daughter, Olivia. Life slowed down, but I never quit.

In 2022, I was accepted into the University of Northern Iowa’s education program. While working full-time as a para at Southeast Polk and juggling part-time jobs and evening classes, I also earned my substitute authorization. That opened even more doors—including a long-term sub position in Des Moines Public Schools. It was a life-giving experience that affirmed I was right where I belonged.

By spring of 2024, I was supposed to be student teaching and graduating. But reality hit hard. As a single mom supporting two kids on one income, it became clear that completing 16 weeks of unpaid student teaching wasn’t financially feasible. I left the school system feeling defeated, ashamed, and heartbroken. How could I have come so far, worked so hard—only to be stopped by a financial barrier?

Currently, I’m working as a Curriculum Director at an early childhood center, holding onto hope that this dream is still possible. And recently, I received a glimmer of that hope: thanks to a bill passed in Iowa, I now qualify to complete my student teaching in 8 weeks instead of 16 due to my prior subbing experience.

While I’ve worked throughout this journey—often balancing multiple jobs and responsibilities—saving enough for an unpaid 8-week stretch as a single parent has simply not been possible. Every dollar I’ve earned has gone toward providing for my kids and staying on track with my education.

But there are still two major hurdles:

I need to pay a $3,700 balance on my university bill before I can student teach.

I need enough support to sustain myself and my children during those 8 weeks without a steady income.

This isn’t a “maybe someday” goal—this is happening as soon as I can clear this final hurdle. My placement is ready, my coursework is complete, and I’m qualified to do the 8-week student teaching because of all the work I’ve already put in. Every bit of support gets me one step closer to officially becoming the teacher I’ve worked so hard to be.

So here I am—humbly asking for help. Not for sympathy, but for belief. If you’ve ever cheered me on, encouraged me, or believed in my purpose, I ask you to consider joining me in making this final push.

Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement matters. This isn’t just about me—it’s about showing my children that perseverance pays off, that dreams are worth fighting for, and that community carries us when we can’t carry ourselves.

*If you prefer Venmo over GoFundMe please send to: hilarybwright*

With deep gratitude,

Hilary Wright