Help Marilyn Return to MHC
Donation protected
If you've ever spoken to me about my years of teaching, you've heard me talk about Marilyn. From the first day she walked into my class, I was impressed by her poise and wit; her amazing writing and passion for drawing; and her fierce individuality, which earned her the respect of every student and teacher. She would often linger after class to discuss the nuances of a poem, or to share some of her own writing or art with me. It quickly became clear that Marilyn was a true daughter of Mary Lyon, and I encouraged her to apply to Mount Holyoke College.
The day Marilyn learned she was accepted to Mount Holyoke with a full financial package was the happiest day I ever experienced as a teacher - we both broke down in tears of joy. Marilyn and her siblings were raised by loving parents who worked hard to support their family without having high school diplomas themselves. Her family was in and out of the shelter system during her childhood and teenage years, but Marilyn stayed focused on her academics. She was the first member of her family to be accepted to college, and her family's pride was palpable. Attending Mount Holyoke would truly change her life, and intially she thrived despite the challenges of living and learning in a very different environment.
In January 2012, her older brother Ramon was murdered. She immediately returned to New York to say goodbye to him. Returning to school after his funeral was difficult. Marilyn was open about her past struggles with depression, but after her brother's tragic death her depression returned and she began to falter, but pushed through. She ultimately had to withdraw before the end of the fall 2013 semester in order to focus on her health.
With the help of doctors and therapists, Marilyn has fought hard to regain control of her depression. She planned to return to Mount Holyoke for the fall 2015 semester to finish her degree, but recently learned that due to an outstanding balance of $3555.51 from a complication with a loan, she would be unable to register for classes and return to school. Marilyn has been told that if she does not pay the balance she cannot return to school and will have to fully withdraw from Mount Holyoke.
Unfortunately, this story is all too common among students like Marilyn. The statistics on college graduation rates for low income and first generation college students paint a bleak picture - one recent study by the University of Pennsylvania showed that only 9% of students from the lowest income bracket earned a 4 year degree by age 24. Up until her brother's death, Marilyn was on track to graduate in four years.
I have decided to start this fund on Marilyn's behalf (and with her very humble thanks and permission). By raising $3600, Marilyn will be able to pay her outstanding balance and return to school, but any amount raised will make a significant dent in the outstanding balance.
Please consider donating and sharing with your network - no amount is too small. Thank you for your kindness, generousity, and unending sisterhood.
To Mary Lyon!
Glynis
The day Marilyn learned she was accepted to Mount Holyoke with a full financial package was the happiest day I ever experienced as a teacher - we both broke down in tears of joy. Marilyn and her siblings were raised by loving parents who worked hard to support their family without having high school diplomas themselves. Her family was in and out of the shelter system during her childhood and teenage years, but Marilyn stayed focused on her academics. She was the first member of her family to be accepted to college, and her family's pride was palpable. Attending Mount Holyoke would truly change her life, and intially she thrived despite the challenges of living and learning in a very different environment.
In January 2012, her older brother Ramon was murdered. She immediately returned to New York to say goodbye to him. Returning to school after his funeral was difficult. Marilyn was open about her past struggles with depression, but after her brother's tragic death her depression returned and she began to falter, but pushed through. She ultimately had to withdraw before the end of the fall 2013 semester in order to focus on her health.
With the help of doctors and therapists, Marilyn has fought hard to regain control of her depression. She planned to return to Mount Holyoke for the fall 2015 semester to finish her degree, but recently learned that due to an outstanding balance of $3555.51 from a complication with a loan, she would be unable to register for classes and return to school. Marilyn has been told that if she does not pay the balance she cannot return to school and will have to fully withdraw from Mount Holyoke.
Unfortunately, this story is all too common among students like Marilyn. The statistics on college graduation rates for low income and first generation college students paint a bleak picture - one recent study by the University of Pennsylvania showed that only 9% of students from the lowest income bracket earned a 4 year degree by age 24. Up until her brother's death, Marilyn was on track to graduate in four years.
I have decided to start this fund on Marilyn's behalf (and with her very humble thanks and permission). By raising $3600, Marilyn will be able to pay her outstanding balance and return to school, but any amount raised will make a significant dent in the outstanding balance.
Please consider donating and sharing with your network - no amount is too small. Thank you for your kindness, generousity, and unending sisterhood.
To Mary Lyon!
Glynis
Organizer and beneficiary
Glynis O'Leary
Organizer
New York, NY
Marilyn Wolmart
Beneficiary