LIVE YOUR DREAM

Savannah Gilmer
Savannah just earned her Associate’s Degree from West Los Angeles College and is planning to transfer to a California State University to study for her Bachelor’s Degree. The first in her family to attend college, she plans to study early childhood education and to become a teacher. In her own words:

I am a single mother to my nine year old son. I gave birth to him right after graduating high school and even gave my senior class president speech at graduation when I was eight months pregnant with him. I am also a former foster child. I work several jobs to make ends meet. I have defeated the odds against me again and again.

As I reflect back on my educational experience, I am grateful that I pushed through my education, even with all the odds stacked against me. I could have easily become a victim of one of the many leaks in the pipeline due to my unstable childhood.

I feel proud to be the first in my family to go to college and to be an example to my son that you can break generational cycles. This is an accomplishment that I do not hold lightly.

Roshumba Mason

Roshumba Mason is studying Psychology at El Camino College and is working towards being a school psychologist. In her own words:

Throughout my adolescent years, my mother struggled with her mental health. In the Black community seeking mental health care is often stigmatized, and many issues go undiagnosed. It wasn't until graduating high school and turning 18 that I started to become more aware of my home life and what I was missing. Not having a stable home environment made it difficult for me to concentrate, complete my homework, and attend class. I started to develop stress and anxiety. As time went on, I stopped going to school to get a job to help financially support my family. I was only supposed to take a 1-year break in school, but one year turned into five years. During those years I also became a mother. Motherhood has taught me about all of life’s challenges and obstacles and showed me what love, strength, empathy, and making sacrifices are. I wanted a better life for my daughter, and I knew I needed to be in school.

I am looking forward to returning to my community to help provide mental health services for the residents of South Los Angeles. Being a Black woman who wants to contribute to defying the odds of systematic racism, I want to inspire my community and other Single Black mothers who aspire to return to school to pursue their education, but feel that they can't.

Makaila

Makaila’s passion for food has led her to pursing a degree in culinary arts/baking and business, and the ultimate dream of starting her own catering company.

In her own words:
This award would help my family gracefully. From living expenses to school, bills, and most importantly my kid’s needs. As a hard working mother my job is never done … but it would make it a lot easier if I had the financial help I needed. My hardship started about a year ago when the father of my child passed away unexpectedly a week after we got our place and 1 month before my daughter was due. Since then I’ve had to work work work nonstop and no time for myself or what I needed to better myself. Funding me would help with my many expenses and would give me and my kids a helping hand to a better life!

Jennifer Aleman

Jennifer is pursuing a degree in education with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She is passionate about educating the young and shaping future generations.

In her own words:
Obtaining a higher education is probably one of my greatest aspirations that will lead me to a university. The amount of obstacles I have been plagued with throughout the years as an undocumented immigrant and a single mother have been numerous.

Due to my status many employers refuse to offer a fair wage or even hire me at all. With this award, it would provide me with financial stability to cover for upcoming tuition fees, textbooks, and other expenses. It’ll provide me with a sense of relief that’ll allow me to focus solely on my studies without worrying about making ends meet. As such burdens often force individuals like myself to put their educational goals on hold indefinitely. Furthermore, winning this award would allow me to transfer to a university from my current community college. Attending a university would not only provide me with access to a wider range of academic resources but also offer greater networking opportunities that could benefit both my education and future career prospects. A university education will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Beyond fulfilling my aspirations, obtaining higher education is crucial for improving my immigration status in the long run. I’m confident that with this award's support, not only will it help overcome financial challenges, but will also provide network support that'll empower me to be an even greater individual to keep contributing to my community. By achieving my dreams of higher education and rectifying my immigration status, I will serve as an inspiration for those facing similar circumstances to my own. Receiving this award would be an incredible step toward turning my dreams into reality. It would empower me to break free from the cycle of limitations imposed by circumstance and build a brighter future for both myself and my children. Your assistance would not only change the trajectory of my life but also enable me to become a role model for my child and make a meaningful impact on the world.