When Kara became a Pivotal scholar, she was balancing a full-time job, college classes, and raising two children. After putting her own educational goals aside for several years to support her family, she was ready to return to school but knew she would need support to make it possible. Introduced to Pivotal by a friend, Kara applied for a scholarship and quickly found far more than financial assistance; she found people who were truly invested in her success.

"I'm not only getting support from my Pivotal coach, Brian; I feel like there’s a whole team behind me and a community of people who understand my experience. Just being around other people like me who are doing the same thing, it just makes my heart really full." 

Growing up in foster care, Kara experienced significant instability. She estimates that she attended 16 different schools by the time she graduated from high school. The constant moves made it difficult to keep up academically, and she often felt like she was falling behind. When she finally entered a stable foster home, she began receiving the educational support she needed, including an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and tutoring. What once felt impossible began to feel achievable. Kara went from struggling in school to making the honor roll and receiving recognition for her remarkable academic improvement. 

Today, Kara is in the paralegal program at West Valley College while also working full-time at a law office and raising her two children. It is a demanding schedule, but she is determined to create new opportunities for herself and her family. 

Her coach, Brian, has helped her stay focused on her goals, especially through difficult classes and moments when old doubts resurfaced. For Kara, that steady encouragement has been deeply meaningful because it reminds her that she does not have to navigate college alone. 

Pivotal’s combination of coaching, encouragement, scholarship support, and community has helped reinforce Kara’s belief that she belongs in college and can achieve her goals. 

One of Kara's proudest accomplishments has been overcoming the learning challenges that once made her doubt herself. She describes herself as someone who learns differently and said there were times when she questioned whether she was smart enough for college. Instead of letting those doubts define her, she persists.   

Her motivation comes from the people she loves most. Kara says her husband and children inspire her to keep moving forward. She beams with pride when talking about her kids, who are thriving in school and regularly earn honor roll recognition. Watching them succeed reminds her how far she has come and why her own educational journey matters.  

To young people from foster care, Kara’s message is simple: don't give up.

Kara Quote

Kara is building the future she once thought was out of reach. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, persistence, and belief in oneself, extraordinary things are possible.