Completing My Life's Dream
Donation protected
Oh man. I truly don't know where to begin.
My story is long and the path by which I have found myself here is a windy one.
And, I've now typed and deleted about 10 different versions of what I want to say, this being number 11 - and yet nothing seems to sound or feel right.
For now, I'll give you the facts.
I attended UCLA in the mid 1990's...and good lord I loved it there. I returned today and felt so many of the same feelings - - -it was incredible. This time, however, I had my 5-year old daughter in tow - - - - and NOTHING was more awe-inspiring and moving than giving her a tour of my old stomping grounds, peeking inside of classrooms and lecture halls, seeing her eyes wide open.
"Were you the line leader when you walked into your classes?" Her question was so perfect: reflecting that which is important to her at this juncture of her academic life. She DID, after all, JUST graduate Kindergarten. So, she knows stuff...and being line leader is crucial. I'm just flattered she thinks I COULD be line leader at a place like UCLA.
I had no intention of actually enrolling today. I merely went to visit a counselor to find how to finish my last TWO classes. Yes. Two. Eight measley units (which have since morphed into 10 units). I never much liked science and here I am, age 43, with two SCIENCE classes keeping me from my BA in English Lit.
I can't tell you why I graduated (Ie: participated in the cap and gown ceremony) without having completed those dang classes. I think because my MAJOR was completed I was anxious to feel validated...to walk the walk, literally.
And here I am. Someone who has managed a business, owned a business, choreographed about 100 shows for kids and adults having worked all over Southern Los Angeles.
And THEN....
...five years ago, my biggest accomplishment, my daughter, came into my life just about as swiftly as her dad walked out. Unfortunately, we don't receive any financial support. I'm it.
We are all each other has - we are each other's world.
Well, this morning, as I was making my coffee, I decided that I was going to stop talking about these two freakin' classes that have kept me from pursuing bigger dreams. I decided that enough was really and truly enough. I am more than who currently I am - I am capable of more than I currently realize - and I have so much to give to the students who might end up in my classroom on the day I finally have my credential.
So, I enrolled. I am enrolled. In two classes. Holy cow!!!
For the last several months, I've been working at a school as a T.A. I make less than 11.00 an hour for full-time work. I cannot pay my own rent. I cannot afford car insurance. I buy about 50% of my food at the 99cent store. AND I'M OKAY WITH ALL OF THAT - except for one thing: I'm unable to properly take care of my child.
With my BA my hourly wage increases. Not by much, but any increase is excellent. I also become eligible to sub and most importantly, I can go to school to get my Masters/Credential in Special Education so I can CONTINUE helping the students at my school.
I told the principal at my school that I oftentimes feel that EVERYTHING I've done in my life thus far has led me to this place - this school - these kids with their needs. The work is hard but I love it. I feel it is where I am meant to be.
BUT NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT THESE LAST TWO CLASSES.
So, I need your help. Any amount. ANY.
I applied for financial aid today - but because my forms were submitted after the 3/2 deadline, the chances are slim. But I'm trying.
If you are able to help in any way, please know you will be helping me achieve a huge, 20+ year long dream - - - - not only to make life better for my daughter and me but to help change the lives of my students.
Hmmmm. "My students." I like the sound of that.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Gratefully,
anna:)
My story is long and the path by which I have found myself here is a windy one.
And, I've now typed and deleted about 10 different versions of what I want to say, this being number 11 - and yet nothing seems to sound or feel right.
For now, I'll give you the facts.
I attended UCLA in the mid 1990's...and good lord I loved it there. I returned today and felt so many of the same feelings - - -it was incredible. This time, however, I had my 5-year old daughter in tow - - - - and NOTHING was more awe-inspiring and moving than giving her a tour of my old stomping grounds, peeking inside of classrooms and lecture halls, seeing her eyes wide open.
"Were you the line leader when you walked into your classes?" Her question was so perfect: reflecting that which is important to her at this juncture of her academic life. She DID, after all, JUST graduate Kindergarten. So, she knows stuff...and being line leader is crucial. I'm just flattered she thinks I COULD be line leader at a place like UCLA.
I had no intention of actually enrolling today. I merely went to visit a counselor to find how to finish my last TWO classes. Yes. Two. Eight measley units (which have since morphed into 10 units). I never much liked science and here I am, age 43, with two SCIENCE classes keeping me from my BA in English Lit.
I can't tell you why I graduated (Ie: participated in the cap and gown ceremony) without having completed those dang classes. I think because my MAJOR was completed I was anxious to feel validated...to walk the walk, literally.
And here I am. Someone who has managed a business, owned a business, choreographed about 100 shows for kids and adults having worked all over Southern Los Angeles.
And THEN....
...five years ago, my biggest accomplishment, my daughter, came into my life just about as swiftly as her dad walked out. Unfortunately, we don't receive any financial support. I'm it.
We are all each other has - we are each other's world.
Well, this morning, as I was making my coffee, I decided that I was going to stop talking about these two freakin' classes that have kept me from pursuing bigger dreams. I decided that enough was really and truly enough. I am more than who currently I am - I am capable of more than I currently realize - and I have so much to give to the students who might end up in my classroom on the day I finally have my credential.
So, I enrolled. I am enrolled. In two classes. Holy cow!!!
For the last several months, I've been working at a school as a T.A. I make less than 11.00 an hour for full-time work. I cannot pay my own rent. I cannot afford car insurance. I buy about 50% of my food at the 99cent store. AND I'M OKAY WITH ALL OF THAT - except for one thing: I'm unable to properly take care of my child.
With my BA my hourly wage increases. Not by much, but any increase is excellent. I also become eligible to sub and most importantly, I can go to school to get my Masters/Credential in Special Education so I can CONTINUE helping the students at my school.
I told the principal at my school that I oftentimes feel that EVERYTHING I've done in my life thus far has led me to this place - this school - these kids with their needs. The work is hard but I love it. I feel it is where I am meant to be.
BUT NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT THESE LAST TWO CLASSES.
So, I need your help. Any amount. ANY.
I applied for financial aid today - but because my forms were submitted after the 3/2 deadline, the chances are slim. But I'm trying.
If you are able to help in any way, please know you will be helping me achieve a huge, 20+ year long dream - - - - not only to make life better for my daughter and me but to help change the lives of my students.
Hmmmm. "My students." I like the sound of that.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Gratefully,
anna:)
Organizer
Anna Rubin
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA