Christopher has reached his fundraising goal on HandUp!

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I am asking for help in raising money to buy a Video CamCorder, which I am in desperate need of this semester, so that I can further my education in the area of Television Broadcasting. I am currently a student at Ohlone College in Fremont CA working on completing my AA degree. I am studying to become a News Broadcaster, and as in any field of work it always helps to have the right tools to accomplish the job. In this case, a video camera is vital so that I have the ability to capture the news while it is happening, at any given moment.

About me.

I am from the Bay Area and currently live in supportive housing in Hayward.

My backstory.

A couple of years ago, for the first time in my life, I hit hard times and became homeless. I was living in a homeless shelter for awhile, but now I'm in supportive, affordable housing. It is great to have the stability that comes with a safe place to live and a roof over my head. After moving here, I did not have enough income to buy a few needed furnishings for my apartment. I am grateful to have gotten a bed and dresser through the generosity of HandUp donors!

My goals, moving forward.

Since finding a safe, affordable and stable place to live, my life has started to get much better and I have had the opportunity to work on both short and long term goals for the first time in many years. I started attending Ohlone College in Fremont on the fall of 2014 and am enthusiastically enrolled as a full-time student. As of this month I have completed almost two years of College - still enrolled through spring and considering a transfer to a four year College. After starting back to school, I found a true passion in the field of Television Broadcasting and am focusing my sights on getting a job in that field eventually. I have worked hard to stay positive as I reach toward my goals of completing my education and finding full time employment in a career that is exciting to me. Additionally, I am furthering my knowledge of American Sign language - hoping to also integrate that into my future career goals.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I am happiest when helping people. I worked with hearing impaired children for a couple of years and know American sign language. Working with children was incredibly rewarding and I am currently brushing up on my skills through a class at Ohlone College so that I can once again help children who are hearing impaired.