My Student's College Tuition

The year after I graduated from college, I taught 8th grade math in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  That year I met Bevann, who walked into my classroom for the first time on her 13th birthday.  Almost five years later, I had the pleasure of attending her high school graduation (see photo), and now she is a rising sophomore at St. Johns University in Queens, New York.  Due to her achievements in high school, she was accepted into the Ozanam Scholars Program at SJU.  As part of this program, she is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to participate in volunteer work on campus, in addition to her work-study job.

Bevann was raised by her mother Wendy, who instilled in her a drive to get an education.  As long as I've known her, Wendy has worked incredibly hard to take care of and provide for Bevann and her younger brother.  Due to a small increase in Wendy's earnings this year, Bevann's scholarship funding was reduced.  The government will not provide her with additional federal loans, and she has not been able to get approved for a private loan.  She appealed the decision but has not received an answer.  She is currently approximately $5,000 short of being able to pay her fall tuition bill.  I would be so thankful for any support that you are able to provide to help Bevann pay the balance on her tuition.  

Bevann is not the type of person to ask others for help in this way, but I asked her if I could reach out to my friends and family because I know how important her education is to her.   On the day of her high school graduation, she posted a picture of herself with the caption "see you again cap and gown in four years!"  Despite growing up in a city where many of her peers did not make it to high school graduation, there was never a question of whether Bevann would get a college degree.  I also know that she will pay it forward to others when she is able to - she already has.  Throughout high school she was highly active in her school's chapter of BuildOn, spending her weekends and school breaks fundraising, volunteering, and even going a international trip to help build schools for kids who had less than she did.

I could not be more proud of Bevann, and I cannot think of a person more worthy of your support.  We've all gotten to where we are today with a little help from someone, whether our parents, a friend, a mentor, a teacher, or just a kind individual.  Please consider being part of the community that helps Bevann achieve her dreams!  Her and I would both be extremely grateful.

- Samantha