Hi Everyone,

My name is Rylee Reichard, and I’m a senior at Castle View High School in Castle Rock, Colorado. I’ve been taught my entire life that you can do anything you put your mind to and build the future you dream of. I come from a family that isn’t struggling to live, but isn’t exactly in the position to be able to fund my college. My parents will always give me love and support, but paying for my education is something I want to do by myself. I’ve been working at In-N-Out since I was fifteen, saving half of every paycheck. I sacrifice weekends that I could be hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and missing out on things seniors get to enjoy, knowing I have something big planned in the future. My regular day includes school, work, homework, and trying to fit in workouts when I can. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA in my high school years because education is important to me and something I strive to achieve. I’m also involved with many things at school and the community, volunteering, student government, and church groups.

I recently committed to Coastal Carolina University. I was awarded an academic scholarship and am still applying to more scholarships. But even doing this, I’m facing the overwhelming reality of student debt. I am not afraid of hard work and I will always work hard. But what I’m afraid of is getting right out of college and starting my adult life buried under financial stress so much that it affects my grades, my mental health, while still being able to fully get the college experience. I don’t want to spend every day working at college and missing out on so many experiences just to try and survive financially, or be so exhausted I can’t keep up. I plan to major in Criminal Justice with the goal and dream to one day apply to the FBI. This has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I will accomplish my dream and will do anything it takes to do this. I have always strived to make a difference in this world and protect the community. I do need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to do this, so college is my first step toward this future.

I’m just asking for help easing the weight if you feel compelled to do so. Even $1 makes a difference, and if you can spread this around, that would mean the world to me. In this, I will promise transparency. I will provide updates, share my grades, and will show that every single dollar is going towards my tuition and school expenses, nowhere else. I am committed to at least getting a 3.0 GPA, and I fully intend to graduate higher than that. If something happens and I am not able to complete my education, I promise the funds will either be returned or donated to another student that is going through the same thing. This isn’t easy for me to ask. But if you believe in hard work, a good education, while giving someone the chance to chase their dreams without being crushed by debt before they even begin, then your support would be such a blessing and impact in my life.

Thank you for reading my story. I am very grateful for the life I have and the opportunities coming my way. Thank you for believing in me.

-Rylee