Watch Lorena's video

Overview

I need money to help pay for my sister's college application fees. This includes the full payments for four different college applications.

My sister was a miracle baby. She had a cranial facial reconstruction at eight months with a 20% chance of survival, and now 17 years later she is on the verge of graduating high school with amazing grades. I have no doubt in my mind that she will do amazing things.

Meeting this need will help because it will give my sister the opportunity to not limit herself to just applying to one school. She will have the option to choose going to a school where she will have a higher possibility to graduate and meet her goals and dreams.

My goal is to give my sister the opportunity to be the first out of our family to receive a bachelor's degree. That will be a great start for her independence and have something to hold on to in the real world.

Currently our family is working through to keep our family together and support the expenses of our home, as well as help my sister who is a single mother and brother who was recently released from jail.

I'm from Concord, CA, and now live Pittsburg, CA. Something interesting about me is that I like helping my family succeed. I'm happiest when I have overcome something difficult, and succeed. I'm most proud of my father who came to this country without knowing the language.

I was not able to continue my education due to my financial instability at home, but now am working on continuing as well as helping my younger sister further her education as well.

Watch Andrea's video

Validated

Validated by Andrea from Michael Chavez Center & Monument Community Partnership (What does this mean?)

We met when Lorena's sister enrolled in our tutoring program. Since the beginning, they both have been really engaged with our program, where Lorena is constantly looking over her sister. Lorena is always looking to make sure her sister takes advantage of all the opportunities, she herself did not get a chance to do. Her sister is an amazing, bright student who is looking to be the first in family to receive a bachelor's degree.

I think meeting this need is important because it will not hold her back on applying for school. She will be able to apply to various schools, and get the opportunity to choose the school that best suits her.

About Andrea

My job title is Civic Engagement and Youth Tutoring Program Coordinator. My work involves connecting the residents to resources and programs where they wish to be more involved. I also coordinate our high school tutoring Program, Go Get It! It's your future! What I like about my job is the direct… Read more