Simone entered foster care at age 3 and emancipated at 9. She didn't just survive that transition — she thrived in school. She made Honor Roll, took dual enrollment classes in high school, and earned her associate's degree in 2021. When the pandemic hit and financial hardship followed, the path forward got harder. She spent several years couch surfing and working across different industries, but she never stopped building. Now she's ready to go back. Simone is pursuing a college degree in psychology, and she's already enrolled. She's not starting from zero — she's coming in with real workforce experience, an AA under her belt, and a clear-eyed sense of what she needs: stable housing, access to financial aid resources, and guidance on transitioning from full-time work back into full-time school. She describes herself as a resilient student, an active community member, and a catalyst for change. That's not a pitch — that's her record.