Hi! I am one of several teachers working as an early childhood educator alongside Shany Walker to make sure one of our amazing students can continue her education and graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Development. She is a hard worker, responsible student, and all-over great human being. We fully support her and want to help her pay for this next semester as she tries to find other funding through scholarships and loans. Below is a letter from Shany:

"Hi, my name is Shany Walker, and I am a student at Appalachian State University pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development. I moved from Costa Rica to the United States with the dream of building a future centered on education, service, and giving back to young children. Leaving my home and everything familiar behind was incredibly difficult, but I did so with hope and determination.

This semester, my journey was interrupted by unexpected financial hardship. A private loan provider informed me that my program of study was no longer eligible for loan coverage, which prevented me from paying my outstanding tuition from the previous semester. As a result, I was unable to register for classes on time this term. Without enrollment, I am also unable to continue working, losing both my education and the work that has inspired me to continue pursuing this path.

Thankfully, this past semester of outstanding tuition has been covered and paid for by a community member. However, I still need to figure out finances for the next few semesters while I am working on scholarships and other loan options.

If I am unable to resolve this situation, I will be forced to put my education on hold. This is more than just paying for my tuition; it is the ability to continue learning, growing, and serving children in a field that I deeply believe in. Early Childhood Development is not just a career for me; it’s my biggest passion.

Your support would allow me to continue my studies, return to the work I love, and keep moving forward toward the future I came to this country to pursue. Any contribution, no matter the size, or even sharing my story, would mean the world to me and bring me one step closer to continuing my education.

Please help us gather some funds to help Shany pay for this Spring 2026 semester of classes so she can continue in her degree and continue working with us to pay her bills as well.