My name is Gypsy and I am raising funds to help an amazing woman graduate college. Ms. Linda is a vital part of our special education department and a loving role model to our students. Here is a note from Ms. Linda explaining what we are raising funds for.

"I am a 56-year-old mother of two, a proud grandmother, a first-generation college student, legally blind, and a breast cancer survivor. Each of these roles has shaped who I am and brought me to this moment — just one class away from fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. This journey has not been easy, but it has been marked by determination, perseverance, and unwavering hope.

Returning to school later in life was not a decision I made lightly. As someone who has spent years caring for others — raising children, helping with grandchildren, and battling a life-threatening illness — I’ve learned that timing is never perfect, but purpose never fades. I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Education, to me, is not just a career — it is a calling. I want to be the kind of teacher who uplifts students, encourages them to dream big, and shows them what’s possible, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As a first-generation college student, I have faced many challenges navigating the education system without a roadmap. Financial constraints have always been part of the struggle, and while I have applied for aid, worked hard, and made sacrifices to get this far, I now find myself at a critical juncture. I currently have a balance at my school that I am unable to pay. That balance is preventing me from enrolling in my final one-hour class — the last requirement standing between me and graduation, between me and the certification I need to begin teaching.

This is more than just a financial setback. It is a roadblock on a journey that has already

overcome so many obstacles. Being a breast cancer survivor has taught me to cherish every opportunity, to keep fighting even when the path forward seems unclear. I survived because I still have more to give — and I believe one of the greatest ways I can give back is by becoming an educator.

Receiving financial help would mean so much more than tuition assistance. It would mean being able to finish what I started. It would mean finally standing in front of a classroom not as a student, but as a teacher — ready to inspire, guide, and empower young minds. It would allow me to show my children and grandchildren that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, and that perseverance can lead to purpose.

Your support would help me cross the finish line and open the door to a meaningful new chapter in my life — one where I can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of students and in my community."

Please consider helping Ms. Linda achieve her dreams and give students the teacher they need and would love.