High School Dropout to Harvard Graduate Student

I am a high school drop out.

At 17, an educator broke my spirit. He was a well-liked faculty member acting as the dean of students in my high school, so nothing prepared me for, "you don't belong in academics", "I will make life so miserable on you that you'll quit, or I will find a way to expel you", and "you aren't exactly Harvard material".

I believed him for many years, and after dropping out of school, I didn't look back.

He was wrong, though. I am launching this GoFundMe as a graduate degree candidate at Harvard Extension School.

I am also launching it as an honorable United States Marine Corps veteran, former peace officer for the state of Colorado, co-founder and executive member of a Colorado nonprofit that provides hope and resources to Coloradans returning to Colorado communities from incarceration that enhances community safety, increases statewide employment, and reduces recidivism, a first generation Summa Cum Laude graduate of Colorado State University's bachelor of science marketing degree program, and a published author of two books as well as 12 success columns in online business publications. Most importantly, I am asking for your generous support as an educator of high school special needs students, and as a father of three wonderful children so that my academic success can serve as a testament to them that everyone belongs in the learning environment. It is my mission that those who have been marginalized, stigmatized, and told they weren't good enough, smart enough, or just didn't belong never have to feel the way an educator made me feel when I was 17 years old.

Often it's the cultural narratives that drive these types of prejudices. As a journalism and communications major, I intend to advocate for those in my community whose stories have been misrepresented and misunderstood; and reclaim dignity, hope, and ambition. I intend to be their amplifier when their stories are told through their perspectives, so that they can inspire others to rise up from adversity and take control of their futures.

Your support means the world to me and all of those are have stood by my side in support of my goals and ambitions to heal the parts of Colorado that are often dismissed and discarded.

Unfortunately, it has been a difficult year with an unexpected financial hardship. I am the grateful recipient of a scholarship sponsored by a local law firm and nonprofit organization, but there is still a shortfall that I am unable to bridge on my own.

Thank you for your generosity, investment, and kindness.