1 Girl 1 Calculator
1 GIRL+1 CALCULATOR
Calculators really are a girl’s best friend. My TI-84 Plus CE calculator has been a part of my life since I started advanced math in 8th grade. My friend even named my calculator “Rose” after its rose-gold color, because it went everywhere with me. In fact, one time in middle school, the only way my parents could get the truth out of me was to threaten to take away my TI-84! Take away my makeup and phone privileges--just not my calculator!
Through the years, math did not always come easy to me and I had to seek out extra help at school from my teachers. Regardless, I challenged myself to take advanced math, and am now earning high grades in all my math classes. I started offering free peer tutoring to other girls my age who struggled with algebra and geometry because I know how thankful I am for those who helped me. And, I am thankful for the use of my calculator.
In most of my advanced math classes in high school, I looked around and saw mostly boys. Most of my math teachers have been men, as well. This made me aware that perhaps young girls my age felt the same kind of insecurity I felt while I was struggling with math, and had just given up hope. My hope in math got a huge boost when my parents purchased me my first brand new calculator in the 8th grade. Since then, I have cherished this gift, and want to make the same feeling of confidence and power possible for other young girls who are beginning their journey in math. I want them to know they have something they can count on-literally!
I realize these calculators are not cheap. Each TI-84 Plus CE costs around $120 plus tax. When my parents purchased my first calculator, they explained this was a very big investment. I knew I would take care of my calculator because it would last me through high school and beyond. In fact, my calculator will stay with me well beyond high school and college, as I plan to pursue accounting and finance with the hope of one day becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
After sitting for the SAT, I was so thankful for the use of my graphing calculator. As I looked around, I realized that not everyone around me had a calculator, or that they did not have one that had the kinds of helpful features that would benefit them on the test, such as the graphing function. I realized my own privilege, and knew there was something I could do to help.
I am asking if you would consider sponsoring 1 Girl+1 Calculator by helping to meet the $130 cost of a TI-84 Plus CE calculator. My goal is to raise $2,600--enough to purchase twenty calculators for twenty girls. I hope I can add you to my list of donors! My goal is to raise the funds by December 1. I realize this is very close to the holidays, and can only imagine the look on a young girl's face when she opens her very own calculator.
I realize there are other less expensive calculators out there; but, I want these girls to have the same one I have been fortunate enough to have, even in the Rose Gold color! The calculators will be donated to teenage refugee girls though local charitable organizations and to young girls from low-income homes in the Buffalo area.
Thank you for supporting 1 Girl+1 Calculator!
Together, we really do count!
Macy Hill