This matter is personal for me. From as young as I can remember, I was told, “If you want to go to college, you are going to have to pay for it.”

My parents didn’t say this because they didn’t love me; it’s because financial scarcity is real and education is often a privilege. Through financial aid, generous grants, and variety of jobs, I was blessed to graduate with a college degree. After college, I was able to pay off student loans, purchase our first car, buy a small home, and float our family on one income through 2020. Education has the power to change lives, and I have lived this first hand.

At its core, education breaks poverty cycles. It allows for the chance of a fair shot, for justice to prevail, and for creative passions like being an artist come to fruition. I want to give this same chance I received to girls across the globe.

I have personally met and become friends with some of the Village Schools International team, and I’ve never been more impressed with a mission organization. Their commitment to creating sustainable solutions, honoring the people they serve, and ensuring every boy and girl receives an education has humbled and challenged me a hundred times over.

Thank you for honoring my artwork, my poetry, and, in turn, my creative heart. Thank you for being a part of change!

All my love, Andrea