Melissa did not have an easy life. As part of her journey, she struggled with her education and ended up dropping out of high school.
She lost her mother at too young an age. But before she died, Melissa promised her that she would get her high school diploma.
Never forgetting that pledge, she enrolled in a program at the Saint John Learning Exchange, a United Way funded partner, to help her achieve that important milestone.
It wasn’t easy, but with the support of teachers, family and friends, Melissa obtained her diploma and graduated. She was thrilled, and grateful.
“The Saint John Learning Exchange changed me as a person. It helped me become more confident and realize that I have to be independent,” she says.
“The staff and teachers became my family, and they made sure I didn’t give up. They helped me every step of the way. They showed me how to love myself, be proud of myself, and most of all, that I can do what I set my mind to.“
Thanks to United Way donors, people like Melissa can build stronger futures for themselves.