As an after-school educator with over ten years of experience working with youth, I am deeply committed to supporting young people in every way I can. My work involves not only teaching but also providing essential resources—everything from art supplies to food to clothing. I often find myself juggling multiple bags and supplies, running around to ensure my students have what they need. As much as I love the work, the constant logistical challenges of carrying and transporting everything on public transportation have become a major obstacle. Growing up with a single mother and relying on the CTA for most of my life, I understand how limited your options can feel without reliable transportation. That’s why owning a car would not only change my life, but also allow me to better serve the youth and families I work with.
In my current role as an after-school educator, I support students in a variety of ways, from helping with homework to creating art projects to providing meals. But often, the process of gathering the necessary resources can be overwhelming. Whether it’s picking up a large order of food donations for the kids or carrying bags of clothing to ensure they have something warm for the winter, the sheer volume of what I need to bring can be daunting. On public transportation, this becomes a logistical nightmare—multiple trips, cramped spaces, and limited time. A car would provide the space I need to carry supplies efficiently, without worrying about how I’m going to get everything from point A to point B.
Additionally, as someone who is committed to furthering my education and pursuing a degree to become a high school counselor, having a car would make a huge difference in my ability to balance my professional, educational, and personal responsibilities. I’m in the process of enrolling in school full-time, and the flexibility a car provides would allow me to attend classes, fulfill my duties as an educator, and continue supporting the youth and families I work with. Without a car, I am constantly pressed for time, whether it’s managing work, school, or supporting my friends—many of whom are single mothers struggling to make ends meet. With the ability to drive, I could better organize my schedule, making it easier to meet the needs of my community.
But the impact wouldn’t just stop at my own professional and educational goals. As an artist and friend to many single mothers, I also see how much more I could do with reliable transportation. Many of my friends are single mothers who face the daily grind of balancing work, childcare, and personal needs. I want to be able to help them with practical tasks—whether it’s taking them to doctor’s appointments, helping with grocery shopping, or simply taking their children on a nature walk to give them a much-needed break. A car would allow me to do all of these things and more, offering support when it’s most needed.
Ultimately, this car would not just be for me—it would be a tool to help those around me. It would enable me to better serve my students, provide essential resources, and offer emotional and practical support to my friends and the community. Whether it’s transporting supplies for my after-school programs, driving my friends to important appointments, or helping to create a more supportive environment for my students, having a car would allow me to show up in ways that matter. In a world where so many face barriers to access, this car would remove one of those barriers, allowing me to offer more than just my time, but tangible, practical help as well.
This car is not just an asset for me—it’s an investment in my community, my education, and the future of the young people I serve. It’s an opportunity to create lasting change and make life a little easier for those who need it most.
