My name is Elizabeth Montague, I am entering my Freshman year at Ocean County College majoring in Education with a minor in psychology.  I graduated high school with honors from Toms River High School South where I was a competitive cheerleader since I was five and have enjoyed creating music on my violin and piano for nine years. Currently, I am employed as a child care provider at a day care center and volunteer as a youth cheerleading coach. Reading and writing has been my passion from the time I was young. I intend to someday present the wonders of literature to the next generation of students. My dream is to further my education in the upcoming years to obtain my goal of becoming an English teacher.

On September 11, 2012 I woke up on a normal Tuesday morning, and fell asleep in a nightmare. My father, a truck driver, was killed at work in an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. Our whole family was devastated. My father had always been my biggest cheerleader. I was Daddy’s Girl. Whatever it was that I wanted to do, he was standing right behind me. I believe his spirit still is to this day.

Since losing my Dad, money is always tight. As I got older I realized more and more that college just might not be in the cards for me. Being awarded this Kids Chance of New Jersey Scholarship, however, has changed all that. Knowing that there are people that I don’t even know who care, people who are cheering me on to achieve my dreams, makes me want to work even harder! With this type of support, I know that success is within my reach. Thank you, Kids Chance of New Jersey.