I found my 2015 GoFundMe page and thought I’d share. I can tell you this now in reflection, the campaign was an interesting experience, and my educational journey is still continuing. With the support and motivation of all my friends that shared the link, as well as their words of support, I not only bore through some difficult life situations but also earned my degree! Yes, I am an alumni of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, earning a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development in December of 2015. That was ultimately a 13-year journey from when I earned my first college credit. I’m the first college graduate in my family, as well as my wife’s family. Nearly two years later, my wife and I are both in school–her starting for the first time after becoming a “displaced worker” from the Haggen bankruptcy, and myself now a ZAG pursuing a Masters in Organizational Leadership. The student loans might be staggering, but life has never been better.

Fun fact: At 2.5 years old, Annabelle now frequently climbs up and joins me at the dining room table, saying “I do homework.”

What Can We Accomplish? I intend to be the first in my family line to earn a college degree. With your help I want to show my wife and daughter that anyone can succeed when they set their mind to it! I think learning and education are invaluable. I want to instill those beliefs in my young daughter as life-long principles (at 9 months even–I think it’s never too early to start). Even if you can only donate $5, please share this story and this post with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.

Who Are You Helping? I am a 29-year-old husband, father, full-time worker, debt-burdened middle-class living paycheck to paycheck, and I have rather pale skin (except for a short period during the Pacific NW summer). I love learning new things and reading. I definitely qualify as a “techie”. I have been married to my beautiful and supportive wife for 5 years and together we are raising our absolutely gorgeous and curious 9-month old daughter, Annabelle.

Why We Need Your Help? There aren’t many scholarships out there for our demographic (I’ve been searching and applying!) and I qualify for only a small Stafford loan.

I need your help! Even $5 helps, especially if you share our story on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, everywhere!

What Am I Doing Already? I am enrolled and actively pursuing my B.S. in Workforce Education. I have one year left… but not enough up-front money to cover it. Please, help however you can. Share this with your friends. Let’s show Annabelle that anyone can succeed!