My name is Aiyana Martin. I am an 18-year-old with an associate’s degree that I was able to achieve through having educational freedom. Educational freedom has brought me closer to my goal of owning my own family-run clinic. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was in 4th grade. Little did I know the journey towards that would begin my sophomore year. Because ESA was available, I completed college classes to help me toward becoming a doctor. Being in a large family that travels to new locations yearly, we only have so much financially to use for extracurricular activities. I never would have been able to obtain so many goals this early on in life if it were not for ESA.
When I was a child, dance, especially ballet, was my passion. It was my heart and soul. However, as I got older, I had to discontinue dancing because of my family’s financial situation. When I even think of ballet, I feel a wave of peace and calm over me. Ballet gives me a euphoric sense of freedom. I feel like a better person when I dance ballet. I look at ballet like a poor man looks at gold. I believe it is the most beautiful art form there is. By emphasizing that, you can see how downhearted I was when I discontinued ballet. Recently, thanks to ESA, I registered for ballet classes to reignite my passion once again. ESA is the only reason I can dance again.
About 3 years ago, my mom became a travel nurse. Originally from south Alabama, we moved to the west coast. We could not take much with us, so I left behind my bass guitar. I was new at it, so I was just learning how to play. My family is very musically talented, and we all missed our instruments. Again, because of ESA, I was able to purchase a bass guitar along with the amplifier, cord, and even lessons. My brother and sisters were able to get a keyboard, drum set, and speakers. Not to mention, they take online classes through ESA to help them learn how to play those instruments. I see everyday how excited my sisters are to learn something new. This would not be possible without ESA.
Educational freedom has provided for and helped my family and I in so many ways. It goes beyond just giving us something to do or have. It brings us joy. It is positive. I am active and I am learning. ESA is beneficial for every child in Arizona. It helps children discover what they love. It helps them find a passion. It puts them on the path to success. It does for me. I am forever grateful for the educational freedom that I have. If I did not have it, my life would be very different.
Author: Aiyana M.
Age: 18
