I am a continuing education student who is a single mother, raising four children, ages 3, 4, 8 and 11. I am alone for the first time, and starting my education from scratch with hopes of being one of the first members of my family to earn a college degree. Since the beginning of my vocational training through the state, I have been a top student, making all A's in our program. I have worked very hard and now that the program is over and we recently held our graduation, I received my CNA, CMA & BLS with the hopes of attaining Health Care employment so I can support my children on my own. I apply for about 13 positions a day and if I get an interview, they all, understandably, want to know if I have reliable transportation. The only major roadblock I have is transportation. I do not own my own vehicle. It has been very difficult so far, trying to get the kids to and from school on cold days, borrowing friends cars or asking for rides.. I want to sign up for more college courses at Metro, hoping to be an RN someday, while working as a CNA at the same time. I know this is a hard enough journey for anyone to take, much less, when you can't pay for any classes and can't get transportation for classes OR work. But the self esteem and confidence I have gained just from completing the first steps in attaining at education, are priceless. Now I'm driven more than ever to achieve my goals and be a positive role model to my four girls. I want them to see how important it is to get an education, go for your dreams, and dare to achieve what seems impossible. All I want, is to raise my girls. And while I'm working at my job during the day, in order to support my children, I want to be helping other people. This is why I chose the Health Care field. Please consider my girls and myself for Cars4Christmas. I feel confident that with transportation large enough to fit all 5 of us in, I would be on my way to earning that degree and attaining a career that will allow me to support my family without state assistance. Thank you for your consideration and for having this much needed program!
Sincerely, Sarah