Back Rent, Bills & Barriers for Bex

Hi friends, 

Apologies for being out of touch with many of you - it’s been a roller coaster of a pandemic for everyone, myself included. I wanted to share a little bit about what’s been going on with me because I need your help to get back on my feet. It’s hard for me to ask for help, or even share things on social media, but I’m doing it because it’s necessary to turn to my community for support - nobody does anything alone.  


In October of 2021, I decided to leave my nine-year teaching career for my health and sanity. I had already been planning a career move pre-COVID, but my options were limited once we were in full lockdown mode. I actually thrived teaching online; now I know that’s because I was able to regulate my environment and meet my needs. I could eat, use the restroom, sleep when I needed to, move my body when I needed to, etc. All of these things are important for everyone, but for me as a neurodivergent adult (I am ASD/ADHD), it’s the difference between a sustainable and unsustainable work environment. 


I received none of these supports or accommodations when I tried to “go back” to a physical classroom. Although I advocated for myself and let my administrators know that I was not doing well, they were unable to provide what I needed. *Insert 45-minute TED talk about how the US education system fails its teachers - there’s a reason we have a teacher shortage.* I began to have daily panic attacks, went entire days without eating, and eventually realized that I could not serve students and show up for them the way I needed to when I couldn’t take care of myself.  


In the six months since I left the classroom, I’ve been working as a delivery driver to make ends meet while I figure out my next career move. I’m living paycheck-to-paycheck, which means that any unexpected expenses or any lost work time puts my financial stability in jeopardy. And, unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happened. Over the past two months, I’ve been hit with over $3000 in urgent car issues (new battery, rear struts, coolant leak, exhaust manifold) Because my car is my main source of income right now, I also lost 2-3 weeks’ worth of work ($800-$1000/week) while my car was in shop/undriveable. This puts me in a really tight spot already, and that’s part of why I’m asking for your help - this is an immediate need because I’m short on rent for this month.


I’m anticipating other upcoming expenses that I won’t be able to absorb without help. When I left teaching, I also lost my health insurance and did not have access to the life-saving hormones and ADHD medication I need to function. I ended up having to pay out of pocket for continued coverage through Kaiser ($300/month), and because my plan has a high deductible, I also have to pay out of pocket for my meds - what was once $25 every six weeks or so has skyrocketed to over $200 until my deductible is met. Having access to my medication is non-negotiable, but I did have to choose which prescription to refill because I could not afford both testosterone and adderall. 


Finally, in order to move forward with my personal and professional life, I need to have my name legally changed to reflect who I am sooner rather than later. Having my birth name on all of my documents no longer makes sense. I am Bex, and I want to be recognized and be connected to others that way. It’s $400 to file the name change petition. 


My goal is to raise $5000 to help pay my bills, continue having access to medical care and medication, and to change my name so that I can not just get back on my feet but have the energy and means to find the best career and role for me. Whatever you can contribute to this goal is immensely helpful. Thank you so much! 

Much love,

Bex Wyke
he/they