Please support my journey to becoming a Paralegal

Christina Morris is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jenny Holbert.

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Ever since I could remember I have had a passion for horses and early on became labeled as a prodigy. My family had hopes that with my talent, I had serious potential to compete in the Olympics. Every day, from the age of 7 years old, I spent all of my free time at the barn, training, taking care of my horses and perfecting my craft. When I was 15 years old my first Nationally recognized competition, I was selected to represent the Nation in my respective discipline and age division, As I was finishing up my high school years, I opted to go the unorthodox route, so instead of going to college, I went to train with the worlds elitist in the Equestrian world. I worked for 3 Olympians, 1 hall of fame Inductee who is also one of the founders for the United Dressage State Federation and experienced the International competition lifestyle. I interned for 5 years, 6 days a week 12-14 hours a day.

When I decided to turn professional, I had already produced my first GrandPrix horse and competed at the International level. My clients were also doing well, with several Junior Olympians produced and a National Champion in All-breed awards. I have to say though, my dream of becoming an Olympian started to fade when I got into the heart of International competition. The cost, sheer luck, and reality of how small the percentage of riders who actually make the team is in the .00 percentiles.

I was married, then divorced, now a single mother, on one income, This reality of our financial security in the future was worrisome. Yes, horses are my passion and I am very good at what I do, but the reality of the sport is that it does not offer you a huge safety net, especially if you cannot ride anymore. I do not have a 401K plan, insurance is expensive, my retirement funds are not there and then I have to think about my sons' future education!

This has led me to do some serious soul searching. I decided I really want to go back to school and to get a degree that will offer me the 9-5 with all of the securities that I have never had before. I want to live many chapters in this life, so learning another skill, one that I am passionate about and really good at seriously excites me. I love the idea of reinventing myself. I learned that from my mother. She was a mom, Colonel in the Marine Corps, retired, then developed a successful B&B (Lavender Heights B&B in Fredericksburg VA ;) and now at the age of 63, has decided to go back to school. Sh will be attending Mary Washington University this fall! How neat is that? I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

I have thought long and hard about my skills, attributes, and what really gets me excited. I boiled it down to researching, studying, documents, mysteries, equality, doing what is the right thing and encouraging my community too also be good citizens. Some careers that I have thought long and hard about are those that have to do with the law and our legal system. Jobs like - a Paralegal, a Legal Secretary, a Victim/Witness Advocated, even a Private Investigator. So today, I enrolled my fate into Germanna's Community College’s Paralegal Studies, A.A.S. program with the intent to transfer to a four year and complete my B.S., who knows, I may even try my hand at law school.

I have submitted my FAFSA application (Federal Student Aid), but because this is the Fall semester, most recipients have already received the allotted funding for 2019. So now my application will be submitted in the Spring for the 2020 semester. I will be participating in the Work-study program this semester to help pay for some of my schoolings and offset expenses like books, parking, and supplies. What this program does is allows students to work part-time on campus, preferably placed in an area that is similar to their degree, like for myself I would be placed in the office handling admissions, secretarial work, etc. Although it is offered only part-time, it will allow me to stay on campus during the semester while in school full time.

I have completed a few classes many, many moons ago earning myself a 4.0 GPA, so in terms of the coming Spring semester, I am in good standings as a FAFSFA recipient.

What I am currently asking for help with is:

**Fall Tuition - $1,473.75 - Due by August 21st, 2019
* I have asked to be on a payment plan with the first payment of 40% down ($589.50) due on August 6th, 2019.
* With three following payments of ($294.75) due August 21st, 2019.

** My books (used) will be $165.00

**School supplies roughly around $100.00

Totaling - $1,738.75

Any amount of donation will be greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small. I am sincerely so grateful for your support and helping me grow in this life! For those who don’t want to remain anonymous and would like updates on how things are going with my education please send me your contact info. I would love to keep you in the loop of how you have greatly impacted my life and journey.

With sincere gratitude and love,
Christina Morris