Overview

I will be the first in my family to go to college. I need a college degree to succeed today in the world. Because I did not have a laptop or Internet access at home while I was in high school, schoolwork was always more difficult for me. I often got to school at 7am and left after 6pm so that I could use the computer and Internet access to complete my assignments. In college today it is a necessity to have a laptop computer to take notes, study, do research so I can succeed in my classwork. I have worked hard and overcome many obstacles to be successful in high school and go to college. I want to be successful in college too. A laptop will allow me to take advantage of more of the opportunities that my teachers offer at school that require internet access. Also, receiving a laptop will help to take the financial burden of buying a laptop away from my dad who has other bills to worry about. Meeting this need will help me to move towards my future goals of successfully completing college and any other schooling beyond the undergraduate level.

I have been attending high school since 2009, and I have been involved with METROSquash since 2010. My sisters and I have lived with my dad since 2010, when my mom put us out of her house and the financial strain has been hard but he wants us all to finish school.

I am the first one in my family to attend college. I am currently a senior and I have never missed a single day of high school. I have two younger sisters. When I was a sophomore in high school, my mom put us 3 kids out of the house and we were forced to go live with my dad in a one-bedroom apartment. My dad worked and took on two jobs and now we are able to live in a nice apartment with 3 bedrooms. Because he's been working so much I haven't seen my dad as much as I'd like for the past 2 years, but it was beneficial to him and us in the end. I have always been the kind of person to make it through any obstacle put in front of me and persevere. I try to be grateful for the things I have because thinking about the material things you don't have will only bring you down. I am proud of myself for overcoming obstacles in my life and I am proud that I am now finishing high school and going to college, something I have worked hard for. I want to be a role model for my two younger sisters because they look up to me and I can have a positive influence on them and impact their lives in a meaningful way. I know that seeing me do well and go to college will inspire them to succeed too. I have worked at jobs maintaining a rooftop garden, cooking healthy meals and promoting green awareness.

Validated

Validated by Ed from Metrosquash (What does this mean?)

I have known Marnee since 2011 when she joined METROsquash. She comes to practice at least 3 times per week and is a dedicated student. I think meeting this need is important because Marnee will be the first in her family to go to and graduate from college. She has two younger sisters she is setting an example for, and a computer will help ensure her success at school.     The computer will move Marnee's life forward by providing her a necessary resource for college. As a first-generation student, the degree she earns can do a lot to help her younger sisters and family. Marnee's father has been supporting his three daughters since 2010; he has worked two jobs to move them out of his one bedroom apartment and keep them in school. With Marnee going to college, it will be even more of a challenge, and getting a computer would help ease their financial burden.

About Ed

My job title is Program Director. I have been in this position since July 2010, when I joined METROsquash. My work involves leading programming for METROsquash team members. Primarily, I help high school students research, apply for and enroll in 4 year colleges and universities. What I like about… Read more