Hello family, friends, friends of friends, and anyone else this post will reach. I am writing to you to raise funds for school supplies because, in a week, I will begin my Teach For America experience as a middle school English instructor at West Little River K-8 center in Miami, Florida. With this role comes a responsibility to equip students with the literacy tools they need to be competitive in our modern job market, adept in handling their personal affairs, and effective as advocates for causes they believe in.

Empowerment is central to the purpose of education. We educate children to instill in them the belief that they can help society while ensuring they possess the practical means to do so. Creating a welcoming learning environment flush with resources signals to students that they are valued. Without empowerment, an education is a curse, a curse of seeing what could be without the will to pursue it.

As adults, we tend to take for granted our behavior and modes of thought, as if they were endowed at birth. As a teacher in training this summer, I've seen better, like how brief words of affirmation turned a guarded child into a classroom warrior, how a kid rushed to text a picture of a certificate they had won to their mother and father, or how a student began to trust in me because I took an interest in his passion for boxing which led to excellent attendance and elevated academic growth. As they say, it's the little things.

Operating within underserved communities only makes the role of a teacher more difficult and important. Students frequently miss class due to home obligations like caring for younger siblings and lack basic access to the essentials, breakfast and clean clothes. Often times, parental and administrative support is not a given. The classroom can act as a haven for these types of children where their cultivation is the sole priority.

Do these kids need brand new books, binders, and buckets of drawing supplies? No, but it would help. Do they need to know they’re valued and that one day they will meaningfully contribute to the world? Yes, as did we all.

I thank you for your donations and am grateful for the privilege of educating this nation's children.

Here is the supply list your investment will go toward-

• 3 Boxes of Paper (15 Reams) - $75.00
• 2 Boxes of Pencils (288 Count) - $40.00
• Kleenex (18 Pack) - $36.00
• Anchor Chart Paper (2 Pack) - $30.00
• Scotch Thermal Laminator - $29.00
• Hand Sanitizer (Pack of 2) - $28.00
• 12 Quart Stackable Storage (6 Pack) - $26.00
• Paper Towels (12 Rolls) - $24.00
• 2 Packs of Dry Erase Markers (32 Count) - $22.00
• 2 Packs of Ball-Point Pens (48 Count) - $22.00
• 2 Packs of Grading Pens (24 Count) - $22.00
• Broom with Dust Pan - $20.00
• Pack of Highlighters (50 Count) - $17.00
• 3 Packs of Erasers (36 Count) - $16.00
• Scotch Laminator Sheets (100 Pack) - $14.00
• 3x5 Index Cards (10 Packs) - $12.00
• 2 Packs of Sharpie Chart Markers (16 Count) - $12.00
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (3 Pack) - $10.00
• Swingline 3-Hole Punch - $10.00
• Post-it Notes (18 Pads) - $8.00
• Sharpie Permanent Marker (12 Count) - $7.00
• Paper Clips (450 Count) - $6.00
• Swingline Stapler - $6.00
• Binder Clips (30 Count) - $5.00
• Swingline Staples (5000 Count) - $3.00

Back Up Plan