Dear RTE Supporter,

If I could go back and talk to my high school self at Paly, I’d tell her one thing: "It’s not as daunting as it appears. With the right people and a supportive network, college becomes a space for self-discovery."

My name is Isa Morabia. I am a member of the Paly Class of 2022 and currently a senior at San Diego State University, where I am majoring in Liberal Studies and Elementary Education. As I prepare to graduate this year, I am writing to you not just as a student, but as a firsthand witness to the power of the community you support through Rise Together Education (RTE).

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with children. I’ve always been inspired by their curiosity and the way they approach learning with such openness. But the transition from high school to a large university wasn’t easy. I initially struggled to break out of my shell and find my place.

This is where Rise Together Education changed everything for me.

Because of donors like you, RTE provided me with two things that were essential to my success:

1. Financial Stability: The scholarship support from RTE allowed me to stop worrying about how to pay for my next semester and instead fully dedicate myself to my studies and campus life.

2. A Lifelong Mentor: My mentor, John Fitton, has been a steadfast source of support since my first day. Whether helping me navigate my first-year transition or guiding me through my post-graduation plans, his genuine investment in my growth has been invaluable. Without him, my college experience would have been vastly different.

Today, I am no longer that nervous high school senior. I am a future educator. My goal after graduation is to earn my Master’s in Education and teach in under-resourced communities, where I can advocate for the same kind of equitable and inclusive learning environments that helped me thrive.

Will you join me in supporting the next generation of scholars?

Your gift to Rise Together Education ensures that students like me don’t just get into college, but that we have the financial and emotional village required to graduate.

Whether it’s $50 or $500, your contribution goes directly toward scholarships and mentorship programs that turn daunting obstacles into opportunities for growth. 

Thank you for believing in me, and for believing in the mission of Rise Together Education. Together, we are building a more equitable future: one college graduate at a time.

With gratitude,

Isa Morabia 

SDSU Class of 2026

P.S. Your support makes a real-world difference. Please consider making a donation today at risetogethered.org/donate to help more Paly grads reach their college graduation day.