Success looks fantastic on the outside.... What often goes unacknowledged is the road it takes to get there. The sacrifices and compromises. The early mornings and late nights. The missed meals and messy house. The missed birthday parties and celebrations. The consuming overwhelming stress, fear, and doubt. Fighting through the urge to give up and throw in the towel. The unmanageability of an unbalanced life. The worry the financial stress puts on the whole family.

I got accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Tufts University is Seattle. The program is $127,000. This doesn't include the cost of mortgage, bills, daycare, travel, food, life.....I'm asking for help to cover a portion of the cost of school. I've continued to work full time throughout my academic career to pay for financial responsibilities. I've been paying out of pocket for my current school (which is $8,300 a term) and I recognize that I need help. I am humbling myself and swallowing my pride and letting ego go in doing so. My goal is to raise $50,000, which is still less than half of the cost of school. Anything helps, even if all you have to give is good vibes, hopes, and prayers. Also, next time you come across a success to celebrate, take a moment to think about all that person went through to get where they are.