Real-life challenges are a factor for many young women when it comes to funding college costs. A student at the University of Arizona, Brittany Reaves wanted to lessen the financial burden her family to help her mom, who is undergoing chemo. She says being a winner of our #MyCollegeCosts Challenge, underwritten by Charles Schwab, was a true “blessing.”

What is your professional dream?

My professional dream is to get my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and to teach abroad in as many countries as possible.

What are challenges you’ve faced while trying to fund your professional dream?

I transferred and none of my scholarships transferred with me. I now have to pay a portion of tuition, so my main challenge is making sure that I am able to cover tuition.

What hidden cost of college did you want funded and why?

Textbooks and housing. Textbooks can be pretty expensive, especially when they are custom editions and you have no alternatives to buy. With housing, I moved back home to help my mom and brother out while my mom is going through chemo, so this money is allowing me to help her out with some of our bills and to take some of her stress away.

What does winning the #MyCollegeCosts challenge mean to you?

Winning this challenge was a true blessing. I can now use this money to help my mom with bills and to get ready to buy my textbooks and other supplies that I will need for next semester.

What about the challenge most excited you?

I was really shocked when I found out that I was one of the finalists and super excited that I was given this opportunity. I think the most exciting thing was that my family, friends, co-workers and other students all came together to help me win.

How do you fund your college costs? (e.g. part-time job, scholarships, etc.)

My part-time job, scholarships and student loans help fund my college costs.

What advice do you have for young women facing financial hardship while pursuing their college dreams?

Never give up on your college or career dreams because you cannot afford it. There are so many resources and scholarships available that will help you pay for college. Hard work always pays off!