To my family and friends,

 

I am reaching out to seek financial support as I continue to further my education. As you may know, I am currently enrolled in The School Executive Leadership Academy (SELA) via the McColl School of Business at the Queens University of Charlotte. My program is an innovative 14-month initiative designed to prepare me to become an executive leader by instilling the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the changes needed in our schools. “It is designed to replicate the real challenges a public-school Principal faces. It combines a rigorous 5-stage selection process, an intensive summer cohort experience with the simulated school, and a residency year spent as a full-time intern to a trained mentor Principal.” (Queens University, 2021). I am currently in my residency as a Principal Intern at South Mecklenburg High School, where I also teach full time. Once complete, I will have my School Administrative License and more than half the credits needed to wrap up my Master of School Administration (MSA) degree.

 

The SELA program is unique and has been a rewarding challenge to me; I am determined to complete it! My program is also distinct, as it does not qualify for traditional forms of financial assistance. Therefore, I have been paying for the program out of pocket by working three part-time jobs and using my savings. Unfortunately, I have reached a point where I can no longer handle the tuition by myself. I have to decide to either continue or withdraw from my program to sustain my living expenses. Currently, I need $4000 to cover my last three payments for school.

 

My goal is to continue to do my part as a leader to disrupt the inequities within education to better my community. I have been adamant in doing so in every capacity I can throughout my six-year career as an educator. So to practice what I preach, I am putting the fear of being vulnerable to the side and advocating for myself by seeking your support so that I can continue to do the work of a justice-oriented leader. No matter how big or small, your contribution is valued. If you cannot give financially, I am asking for words of encouragement and for you to share my post. Thank you for taking the time to read my request; I recommend watching my values-statement video (see above), which highlights my “WHY” as an educator.