Some of you probably remember Zach from my trip with Kelle Hampton back in March. We got to spend “a day in the life of” Zach and Ali on the Western Carolina University campus and it was truly an experience. I had been working so hard to help people like Ali and Zach achieve their dream of higher education…but I really didn’t know what it looked like. To get to spend the day with them and truly see the impact it has on not only them, but the entire college community…was priceless. It was everything I can ever hope and dream for both of my daughters. If you missed the blog post Kelle did, you can catch it HERE.
I LOVE getting updates from ALL recipients, but Zach has a special place in my heart. I have probably gotten to “hang” with him the most of any recipient since I spent an entire day with him on the WCU Campus, not to mention seeing him at the NDSC Convention this past year where he even helped “man” our booth for a bit…
I reach out a lot throughout the year to recipients to check in and see how they are doing and what they are up to, and Zach frequently checks in. He always asks how I am doing….and ALWAYS asks about Ruby and Ella Mae. He even sent them some of his favorite books he loved to read when he was their age for Christmas; Polar Bear Express, Twas the Night Before Christmas, and an “I Spy” Christmas book (I Spy is still one of the girls fave “bathroom reading” materials :)). His mom told me that it was all his doing, and he even had a sweet, handwritten card in there for them. I have loved getting to know Zach because it gives me such hope for Ruby’s future. He is smart, funny, thoughtful and a caring friend… and I have no doubt lil’ miss Ruby will follow in his footsteps.
Zach recently graduated from the Western Carolina UP Program in May and is currently living in his own apartment and working at Ingles Market. He is livin’ his dream and life is good…
This is the latest email I got from Zach:
Hey Liz,
Good to hear from you again. By the way I love my apartment and keeping it clean and tidy up too. Its been really great that I got a patio because I can just enjoy the view of the mountains and every thing too. Still staying in shape and running around the college some. On the other hand I’m just still working at ingles in Waterville with good hours. Living In an apartment all to my self is just like I’m living my own dream and really spending my time wisely to figure out what I need to do. Not that hard is mostly cleaning, tidy things up, take out the trash and all of that stuff. Though I hope that every thing is going great with your two daughters and keeping up with them. hope they don’t give you an hard time though, if they do you do that back to them.
Thanks a bunch,
Zach
He even took a “selfie” of himself in his apartment..
Keep on Rockin’ it Zach!! You inspire us all to go for our dreams and try a little harder to make the world a better place!
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