When I chose to be a teacher before entering college years ago, I wanted to change the world and make a difference in young people's lives.  I was full of passion and zeal to do so, and was always the last one to leave the school building, working on lessons and going the extra mile for my students.  Often, the custodians (who all knew me well on a first name basis) would come to my classroom to remind me that it was time for them to lock up the building and set the alarm.  

I believed my students deserved the best, and my efforts resulted in my winning national and international awards, not to mention numerous newspaper articles, district, local and national television stories, and four grants exceeding $100,000 bringing into the school a number of computers, a server, and successful projects that really helped students learn.  I sponsored a student organization for free all the years I taught, helping students raise funds to enable them to have experiences they would not forget for a lifetime.  

Outside of school, I freely volunteered my time to help serve people in the community over many years.  Though I have no regrets for the lives I had opportunity to touch in many positive ways, I never was quite able to get over the hump when it came to clearing the debt from student loans and credit card bills.  Teaching in the second lowest paying state just didn't cut it when it came to earning a living, even though I was quite frugal and have nothing to show for all those years now.

After losing both of my parents within the same year of 2000-2001, and having a disabled brother to look after since, life has not been easy.  After years of dedicated and loyal service as a teacher and volunteer, I was offered an administrative position that held much promise in another state.  I took it and made the move, only to get laid off after just one year of service.  That happened at the end of 2003, and for the first time in my life I began receiving unemployment insurance checks.  The insurance has run out, and in spite of diligent efforts to get another job during that time, I find myself broke with no income and still in huge debt. 

When I look back over the years I've struggled to get caught up financially and out of debt, the deep despair and emotional turmoil overwhelms me.  My mom always told me that no matter how bad things get, there are always people who are going through worse.  I feel for those people, because I cannot imagine things being worse than they are now.

Please, if you can find it within your heart to help a person who has always given to others their whole life, I would be most grateful.  It's not easy for me to ask, and have never done so before, I just need a helping hand to get through this crisis.  To me, your help would be an investment that would get me back where I can in turn help others once again.  Your kindness and generosity would be appreciated more than you could know, and would never be forgotten.
Thank you so much for your consideration and help.

Member #KM7G4C2