Local Student Hits Hard in Both the Classroom and Boxing Ring

I have always been taught by my parents to take every opportunity available to me, or, in some cases, make them available. I was taught to reach out and look for the blind spots; that there will always be something out there for my advantage.My name is Isabel and I am a senior at San Diego’s finest school, Gompers Preparatory Academy, and I have many things planned ahead of me. However, some of those plans will need to be put on hold for a while, or, worst case scenario, be forgotten. I say this because of my family’s financial situation. As aforementioned, I am a senior in high school and there are a lot of things that need to be paid for including: books, uniforms, supplies, tickets to events, prom, and dress clothes for those events, which will be to my dad’s expense since he is the only one with a job. We have always struggled due to this circumstance, but my father always found a way to provide what he could for us. From being relocated several times in our lives, my family and I have learned to adapt and be grateful for the smallest of things.In addition to that, I am an athlete and an artist. I am involved in boxing, cross country, crew (rowing), track and field, as well as weightlifting. There have been many times where my equipment, shoes, and gloves no longer support me the way they are supposed to due to how worn out they are from how often and rigorously I practice and compete. I am extremely passionate about my sports and I take them very seriously. My parents are my biggest support and everything I do, every belt, medal, trophy and certificate, goes to them. I know I cannot help them financially, which frustrates me, so it is the very least I can give back along with my grades.In regards to art, let me just say that supplies are very, very expensive. I have honed my skills since a very young age and have never loved anything more than art. I aspire to someday become an illustrator and fill the world with another perspective of art. Perhaps it is a very naive thing to read, but thanks to my parents’ support and love, I've been able to share this with my school and community and thus prove otherwise. But, it is very disheartening to go to art stores, or even to Target and try to decide if I really NEED that pencil or pen because I have to swallow down my guilt when I ask my mom or dad if they can buy it for me. The art supplies I have now are little and very old, but they still get the job done. I am grateful, but receiving help to buy supplies could assist with my small hobby of selling art to buy things here and there as well as helping them with other purchases. Selling art became a small reassurance for me because it inspired the notion that I had potential to become a successful artist. Although it may not be much at the moment, I am grateful and hope to help my parents in any way.Being sponsored by A Bridge for Kids would be a remarkable support and help me make things a little easier for my parents who deserve more than the world. Sponsorship by the program to help fund my senior year, graduation and college tuition and all what's in between, would be amazing.Click Here to sponsor Isabel or make a donation on her behalf