As you know, we motivate the kids in our programs to DREAM BIG. This includes walking alongside them as they take the steps to live those dreams. We also want to support them as hurdles arise related to funding for amazing opportunities. Makaylah’s dreams and aspirations are definitely BIG, and she is in the middle of her journey needing a little help for the next step!
Makaylah’s ultimate goal is to become a Cardio-Thoracic surgeon. She is a junior at The University of Cincinnati pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences on the Pre-Medicine track. She has met the requirements for a Psychology minor and is currently working on meeting the requirements for her Spanish minor. Makaylah wants to fulfill the gap of providing exceptional healthcare to the Hispanic population. She believes, “In order to be able to give Spanish speaking people the healthcare they deserve that it should be easily accessible without the issue of a language barrier.”
This summer Makaylah has the opportunity to study abroad in Spain to help her earn her Spanish minor. We need your help – any amount you can donate will get Makaylah closer to harnessing this opportunity!! With your kindness we would like to raise $2,000 to be put towards her trip! She has already raised $6,000 and continues to save her own money and fundraise for the remaining portion. This would be fulfilling a BIG dream for Makaylah. Donating is easy – click here to donate online. We also have venmo @choicesinc – please designate your donation to be for Makaylah or study abroad.
Makaylah’s journey has not been easy, as a very young child she witnessed domestic violence against her mother. Her father was removed from the home and her mother suffered with addiction. In elementary school, Makaylah lacked parental supervision and nurturing and was often late to school or waiting for her mom to get her when the day was over. Even at a young age school kept her centered while her home life was chaos.
Makaylah’s world changed when she was 12 and her little brother was born. She became his sole caretaker – still focusing on learning and school. Things changed when her mother was evicted and she entered foster care. The journey to college was not easy for Makaylah, she is deeply driven in part to showing her siblings that they can reach their educational goals. Makaylah refuses to let daily obstacles hinder her success. She believes these obstacles have shaped her into the person she is now. If it weren’t for the struggles alongside her endless endeavors, her mindset and future would look very different.
Please consider helping Makaylah work towards her academic goals! Every donation will help her reach her larger goal. Contact Ashley Pester, Development Director at apester@choicesfostercare.com or 937-264-0084 ext. 122 with any questions. We make giving easy with online options, but checks are also welcome and can be made out to CHOICES, Inc. and sent to our office at 1785 Big Hill Rd. Dayton, OH 45439.
Thank you for helping Makaylah expand her horizons and DREAM BIG!
