Have you ever had a dream and you’re so close to reaching it but life gets in the way? Thats currently what I’m experiencing as I am so close to fulfilling a dream of mine yet there’s still something that’s holding me back, financially.

Hello, my name is Joy Hames and I recently graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2024 with my bachelor’s in English with a focus in Creative Writing. I started as an Education major but decided that I wanted to go about it a different way. In my last year of college, I was able to choose a student teaching position since teaching has always been a part of me. It was the most rewarding experience and I am thankful for the students that my co-teachers and I were able to help delve into their own learning.

In September of 2025, I will be making a big move from Georgia, U.S.A to Madrid, Spain. I am going through a program called RVF International and will be teaching from October 2025 to June 2026 as an English Language Assistant. I am overjoyed to be able to continue fostering the education of our children in this world. It has always been a dream to move abroad and experience what all life has to offer.

To be realistic, I am working two jobs nearly everyday and it still isn’t enough. With the current budget that I need to maintain before my departure, it has been hard to raise the money all by myself. Frankly, I need help and although it may not seem like the most dire situation (and it isn’t) compared to most, it is something that would help a first-year teacher feel more financially secure in chasing her dream!