I am single mom raising two amazing kids, ages 6 and 14 on my own. Both are good, smart, active and kind. I work as a licensed substitute teacher and am actively seeking a teaching contract which would give us health benefits in addition to more money. I have turned in more than a dozen applications and have had one interview recently. It is occurring to me that I might need to go to grad school to update my training and thus become more employable. I can get a reading endorsement with 24 on-line credits. Easy enough. Except the credits cost $300 each, which makes the endorsement cost over $6000. Going back to school seems impossible. I have looked around for grants and scholarships, but have found it overwhelming. If anyone has any concrete suggestions or applications, please send them my way.
Right now, as we near the end of summer, money is extremely tight. There is a time delay between my earning the money and the arrival of the paycheck. I am unsure how I am going to cover October’s rent of $630. Also, I have no health coverage and need dental work and glasses. Thankfully, the kids are on the Oregon Health Plan. The list continues: my transportation needs brakes, not just pads but the whole shebang with rotors. The estimate for the brake job is $500.
Last night my daughter was very upset because I cannot afford private music lessons. She has been playing flute and bari sax in band for 4 years, takes it seriously and practices regularly. She did not pass the auditions for the more challenging bands in high school and all of her friends (who have private lessons) did. She says she wants to quit music. It broke my heart to hear her say that.
I guess that is all for now. I’m not sure what will come of this posting, but I welcome all that is good. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
