My 40th Birthday Wish: A Love Letter to Adult Students with Big Dreams

It's my 40th birthday, and I'm asking for a gift that truly empowers. Join me in supporting DreamVest, the nonprofit I cofounded to create an endowed scholarship for adult students pursuing traditional degrees, skilled trade programs, and professional certifications. 

This mission is deeply personal to me. It took me 11 years to complete my undergraduate degree. I'm incredibly grateful for the abundance of unwavering support I received from family, friends, mentors, and teachers who never gave up on me. Without them, my dreams might have stayed deferred.

This nonprofit is my way of paying that forward. It's a love letter to a college kid whose dreams were deferred, a love letter to a queer young adult who never felt desirable, a love letter to a promising musician that now realizes the most important promises are the ones he makes to himself.

The reality is stark: 76% of adult learners drop out due to financial hardship. This year, I’m making a special wish. My wish is to directly address this critical issue by establishing an endowed scholarship fund. An endowment is a powerful tool; it means your generosity will keep giving, year after year, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity. We're not just helping one student, but building a pathway for countless individuals to achieve their dreams, now and for generations to come.

Please help me reach today's goal of 40 donations on my 40-year milestone – every single contribution brings us closer to transforming more lives.

Thank you!