Transform Lives This Holiday Season
As we approach the holidays, I feel the urge to reflect upon this past year and everything that we've been able to accomplish together for our Dutchess Community College (DCC) students. It never fails to inspire me how they can overcome obstacles that are thrown their way.
Your generosity empowers so many students to start, continue, or complete their education at DCC, no matter their circumstances. And make no mistake, many of our students are faced with significant challenges.
For Jennifer, already a recipient of a lung transplant, difficult situations are nothing new. But when she got COVID, it was not only a big health scare for her, it also threatened her education - and that of her daughter and fellow DCC student, Kylee.
"My car is in desperate need of new brakes and rotors," says Jennifer. "I'm a second-year, older adult student who is fully enjoying my learning experience at DCC. My experience is made better wtih my daughter enrolled here with me, so it's that much more important that we are able to travel to campus from our home in Newburgh."
With COVID causing Jennifer to miss shifts at work, the vehicle issues couldn't have come at a worse time. It became impossible for Jennifer and Kylee to travel to campus.
This holiday season a gift of any amount will help students like Jennifer and Kylee to have a reliable way to get to class and continue with their education!
Jennifer has already been through so much. It's heartbreaking to think that her and Kylee's goals could be derailed by a lack of reliable transportation, but that's not the reality many of our students face.
They're one missed shift, one medical bill, or one necessary repair on their car - or on their parents' car - away from having to hit the "stop" button on their entire life's plan.
"This is one of the reasons why getting to campus is so important," Jennifer says. "I'm living. I have another chance to create a great life for myself and my daughter. We lost a lot of years. We can't go back, only forward. I choose to do the best I can with the time I have. That includes earning my degree in the arts."
For Jennnifer, the donor of her new lung gave her a new chance at life. Your gift today will give both her and her daughter a second chance at achieving their academic dreams.
We often think of the holidays as a time to celebrate family. As you celebrate with yours during this joyous and hopeful season, it's my sincere hope that you'll think about this DCC family and the joy and hope that you can create in their lives!
With gratitude and warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season.
Diana L. Pollard, ‘97
Executive Director
Dutchess Community College Foundation
Your gift can help them - and many other DCC students who need you! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at pollard@sunydutchess.edu or (845) 431-8403. You may use this SECURE online form to make a gift via Mastercard, VISA, American Express or Discover.*required fields