We ALL need help from time to time and I’m not afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to be creating this project on behalf of my youngest, Kaylee Jean.

At the beginning of January, Kaylee received a packet in the mail that said “The Washington Journalism and Media Conference” being mailed from George Mason University. I almost tossed it thinking it was junk because she’s been receiving a lot of college mail here recently.

Nope. Not trash. Not Junk. Quite the opposite actually……

Kaylee has been selected to attend the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) as a National Youth Correspondent, representing Virginia this summer.

MIND. BLOWN.

She was nominated based on her academic excellence and interest in the fields of journalism and media.

PROUD MOMMA MOMENT!

In July for six full days (SIX FULL DAYS!), Kaylee will be connected with like-minded peers from all across the nation who share similar interests AND will meet and network with prominent journalists, leaders in the media, CEO’s of the nation’s top media companies, national media figures and distinguished scholars from the Today Show, National Geographic, CNN, NBC News, The Associated Press, Fox News, ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, ESPN and many more!

MY GIRL.

Kaylee will attend exclusive networking events and functions around the nation’s capital while gaining skills, knowledge and guidance from top journalists. This experience will not only motivate her, but inspire her to be a leader in anything she chooses when returning home.

I KNOW MY DAUGHTER.

This will set her on a path that aligns with her future career plans of going into broadcasting and wanting to be a news anchor on TV one day. This is an opportunity that pushes her towards fulfilling those dreams.

OTHER PERKS?

Miss Kaylee will receive one full college credit upon completion AND a press release announcing her attendance will be available for distribution to our local news media.

SHE’S REPRESETNING WINCHESTER, MIDDLETOWN, STEPHENS CITY AND FREDERICK COUNTY.....ALONG WITH RESSIE JEFFRIES, AYLOR AND SHHHHHHHHHERANDO!

This opportunity is exciting, great, wonderful and all of the feel goods, but……it comes with a pretty hefty cost…...we understand. We filled out the necessary paperwork for financial assistance that included my tax returns from last year and an essay written by Kaylee…..and that girl POURED HER HEART OUT! If you’re a single parent on a teacher salary? Trust me. There’s a need!

THE OUTCOME?

Sadly, Kaylee was denied. Not because she wasn’t in need, but because there were so many applicants needing assistance, they ran out of money to support those wishing to attend.

THIS. WILL. NOT. STOP. US.

I will not say “No” to my daughter. I will do EVERYTHING within my power to support her which includes this Go Fund Me project. Kaylee and I have also come up with additional fundraising ideas that includes “Kaylee for Hire” such as babysitting, pet sitting, pooper scooping, sitting with the elderly, being a farmhand……we are not above hard work and labor!

WE DON’T WANT A HANDOUT. WE WANT A HAND UP.

We’ll be posting fundraiser updates along the way via social media. Additionally, Kaylee plans to create an Instagram account so people can follow her journey and be alongside of her EVERY. STEP. OF. THE. WAY.

We appreciate you. We appreciate your love and support. We appreciate the investment in our youth. From the bottom of our hearts…….THANK YOU!

HER STORY IS JUSSSSSSST GETTING STARTED. STAY TUNED.

Want more information? Click here to visit WJMC