Kiara has always known she was meant to be a teacher. Her passion for education and heart for children guided her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at Athens State. Today, she’s doing exactly what she was born to do- serving as a lead preschool teacher at Ekklesia Preschool and Child Development Center, pouring knowledge, love, and stability into the lives of her young students. But just a short time ago, that dream was nearly out of reach.
While working toward her degree, Kiara found herself facing a crisis no student should have to endure. Pregnant, caring for her three other children, and suddenly displaced from her home, she was caught in a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.
“I didn’t know what to do,” she shared. “It was devastating to think that I was going to have to drop out.”
That’s when someone pointed her toward the Emergency Student Assistance Fund at Athens State- a resource made possible through the generosity of donors.
“At first I felt unsure about asking for help,” Kiara admitted. “But I applied anyway knowing that the money was to help for situations just like mine.”
The funding Kiara received provided a deposit for safe housing. It gave her stability, peace of mind, and most importantly, the chance to stay in school and continue building the future she had always envisioned for herself and her children.
Athens State didn’t just educate me, they invested in me,” she said. “They saw my moment of need and gave me a lifeline. Because of that, I get to live out my dream of being a teacher and making a difference in the lives of children every day.
Kiara earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in May of 2025 and wants to encourage other students who may be struggling to reach out for help when it’s needed most. She says she doesn’t want students to let fear or shame keep them from pursuing their dreams. The help is there, students just need to reach out.
Each year, thousands of college students across the country face the decision of dropping out due to unexpected financial hardship. In fact, according to the 2024 Annual Report from Ellucian, one in five students cite financial uncertainty as the primary reason for abandoning their academic pursuits and 59% of students consider dropping out due to financial stress. However, your support can change that, just like it did for Kiara.
When you donate to the Emergency Student Assistance Fund, you help ensure that students have the resources they need to continue their education if they face financial hardship. Please consider making a donation to support Athens State students today!