Lacey Johnson is determined to be a teacher. A transfer student at Western Washington University (WWU), Lacey is doing everything she can to earn money for school — saving, working, and applying for scholarships. As a recipient of a grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund, the Everson, Washington native is well on her way to making that dream of teaching a reality.

What are you studying in school?

I am in the process of declaring my major in chemistry and math for secondary education.

What is your professional dream?

It has always been my dream, for as long as I have known, to become a teacher. I am working on finishing my major to enter my dream career.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Fund grant?

Going to college has taken a lot of planning to figure out how to meet all my costs. I have been saving, applying for many scholarships, and working to pay for school. I have been hoping to stay away from loans as long as I can, so I have enough money to pay for my first year at WWU. The 1,000 Dreams Fund grant is helping me pay for tuition and books at WWU. I have four years of paying for the expensive books and tuition!

What advice do you have for other young women looking to go for their dreams?

Never give up on pursuing your dreams, no matter what obstacles are thrown in your way, because there is someone or something out there to help you overcome — like I am doing right now.

What’s been your biggest challeng?

My biggest setback so far is the cost of paying for school on my own. I actually went to Whatcom Community College, so my time at WWU would be shorter.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

As of right now, my goal is to pass my classes this quarter. Long-term, I am hoping to finish my  degree on time in June 2020. Then, I hope to eventually get a job as a full-time high school teacher for Chemistry and/or Math.