Her Own Wings

Liz, College

Liz enrolled at the local community college, and in the process of applying for financial aid, was able to get on the work-study program at the college. In exchange for valuable job experience, she was given a job, and decent pay. She scrimped and saved every penny to pay for books and tuition. She smiled as she remembered the conversation she had with her grandmother.

"Grandma, I decided that I want to go to college. I know we can't afford to pay, but I went and talked to the people last week, and found out some stuff. They said I qualify for a small grant, so most of my tuition is paid. And, they offered to put me on the work-study program. So, I'll work a few hours a week for the college, they'll pay me, and I get job experience AND money that I can save to pay the rest of my tuition, for books, and then I can pay insurance and gas for the car! I am so excited!"

"Liz! That is wonderful news! I am so proud of you. You said you already talked to them? Did you sign up for classes? When do you start?"

"Yes, I signed up. Classes are going now, so I'll start during the summer, and take a couple classes over the summer, and then I'll talk a full load in the fall. I'll be working there almost full-time over the summer, so I think I'll have enough money saved to pay what I'll need for the fall."

"Liz, we haven't had any family go and complete college. I can't tell you how proud I am that someone in our family wants to better themselves, and is doing something about it. I have always known you were a special young woman. This just proves it to me. I want to help you in some way. If you keep working hard, and saving your money, and don't spend it foolishly, I know you can do it. And, I want to help. If you ever find you don't have enough money for books, or classes, or gas or insurance, or anything else you need, I want you to come talk to me. I want to support you, and do everything I can to help you."

She remembered that conversation like it had just happened. At the time, she felt amazed. Amazed that anyone cared enough about her to be interested in what she was doing. She was amazed that someone, in her family, was interested, able and willing to help her, and was amazed that the help was offered without her even asking for it.

She smiled as she remembered, and decided that was the moment. That moment she realized she had someone who loved her, who cared for her, that was the moment she decided that no matter what, she was going to overcome every shitty card life had handed her. She knew then, that no matter what, she was smart enough, good enough, deserved it enough, wanted it enough to make a good, positive life change for herself. She knew then that some way, some how she was going to end up leading a life that she had always dreamed of having as a child. She knew she would one day have a beautiful home in the suburbs. Liz knew she would be married to a wonderful man that adored her, and they would have beautiful, well-behaved, smart children. She knew she was going to do something positive with her life, something life changing.