Answering My Calling: From Motherhood To Clinical Counseling

Investing in a Dream, a Family, and a Future

I never imagined that going back to school would become one of the most challenging—and meaningful—things I have ever done. I am a mother of six and a grandmother of four. For much of my life, my focus has been taking care of my family, supporting the people I love, and doing whatever was necessary to keep moving forward. Now, I have decided to invest in myself and pursue a dream that I believe can make a difference far beyond my own life.

I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology with a dual degree in Clinical Counseling. I chose this path because I want to understand people more deeply, walk alongside those who are struggling, and ultimately use my education to help others find hope, healing, and a better direction in life. This journey has not been easy. Despite the challenges of balancing school, work, and family, I have worked extremely hard academically and have maintained a 3.8 GPA. My goal is to graduate a year early. I am proud of what I have accomplished because every grade represents late nights, sacrifices, determination, and choosing to keep going even when quitting would have been easier.

I also work part-time because I am a mother first. My 12-year-old daughter has learning disabilities, and she needs me. Being available for her is incredibly important to me. I have had to balance being present for my daughter, caring for my family, working, and being a full-time student. Sometimes that means there aren’t enough hours in the day.

Financially, I have tried to do everything I can to make school possible without creating a mountain of debt. Since beginning this journey, I have applied for all types of scholarships (first-generation, Hispanic women, mothers going back to school, etc.) and continued looking for opportunities to help with my education. Unfortunately, I still have not received any scholarship assistance. I have accepted the Pell Grant that I qualify for, as well as a subsidized student loan, because I am determined to stay in school. But I do not want to continue taking on unnecessary debt to finish my degree. That is why I am fundraising.

I am not asking for help because I am unwilling to work for my education—quite the opposite. I am working, raising my family, caring for my daughter, maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and doing everything I can to keep moving forward. I am asking for help because I believe there is a difference between asking someone to carry you and asking someone to help you carry something heavy.

This degree represents so much more to me than a piece of paper. It represents perseverance. It represents showing my children and grandchildren that it is never too late to pursue a dream. It represents proving to myself that the difficult chapters of my life do not have to determine the chapters that come next. And it represents my hope that one day I can take everything I learn and use it to help other people who may feel unseen, overwhelmed, broken, or uncertain about their own future.

I want my children and grandchildren to see that education, hard work, faith, and perseverance can open doors—even when the road to those doors isn’t easy. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help me continue my education and reduce the amount of debt I have to take on. Funds will help cover the costs of staying in school, including tuition and educational expenses. If you can contribute, please know that you are not simply helping me pay for college. You are helping a mother finish something she started. You are helping a grandmother build a different future. You are helping a daughter see that her mother can pursue her dreams while still being there for her. And you are helping me prepare for a career where I hope to spend my life helping others.

If you cannot donate, sharing my fundraiser means just as much. You never know who may see my story, understand the journey, and feel led to help. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in what I am working toward, and for supporting me in any way you can. Praying for my journey is even more helpful. I am not just pursuing a degree. I am building a future, creating a legacy, and showing my family that it is never too late to believe in what God has placed on your heart.

Thank you for being part of my journey.