Tell me a little bit about yourself? What was your life like growing up?
Growing up was hectic. I definitely experienced a lot more before the age of 18 than most kids do . I struggled with having a stable place to live due to being taken away from my parents because they were drug addicts/alcoholics. I went through countless families, group homes, homeless shelters was even homeless for awhile. Life wasn’t the easiest, but I found ways to just keep moving forward.
How did you hear about A Bridge for Kids?
A really amazing lady that helped me with a lot during high school told me about them. She worked in the counseling office and I visited her regularly.
How did it feel when you were told that you were sponsored?
It was amazing. I was told I was sponsored at the same time I was told I had won the essay contest. Staff I was close with from my school were all sitting around a table beside Mr. Nance and Mrs. Rothberg ( my sponsor) as they told me. It was such a memorable moment. I felt so special that all these people wanted to help and support me.
Did you have a good relationship with your sponsor? If so, how would you describe it?
Very . I try my best to email her frequently. We meet up for coffee or lunches on occasion to catch up and check in with how things are going for me. She always responds right away and offers her help and guidance in anything and everything I mention I am struggling with.
Were there things your sponsorship allowed you to do with your life that you otherwise would not have been able to do?
I mainly use my sponsorship money for my textbooks. It’s very helpful because textbooks are expensive. The cost of my textbooks for one semester is the equivalent to a month’s worth of rent.. Very helpful.
What school do you attend?
I attend Grossmont Community College. I hope to transfer to four year. My major is undecided but I am looking into child development and sociology.
Have you taken advantage of any other form of aid that ABFK offers like tutoring, SAT prep or college tours? If yes, how have those things helped you?
The college tours. They were very helpful in getting a feel for what a four year college would be like and seeing how colleges differ from each other. A Bridge for kids is amazing and has been such a benefit to me throughout my life. Keep up the good work!