Hi John,

Perseverance is the cornerstone of my campaign and my life.

The only college I applied to was the University of North Carolina. I attended for 2 years through scholarships and grants but eventually left to work after I could no longer sustain the tuition costs. I went back a few years later for one semester, but even then, I couldn’t manage working and studying full time. I got married, and had my children, but I always felt like something was missing.

The thing is, John, I’m not a quitter, but I had quit school. I felt like I had let down my friends who had graduated college, and wanted to be an example for my children on how to accomplish goals – but mostly, I had this fire within me to succeed.

So, over 25 years later, I went back to UNC and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Afro and African-American studies. For those 4 semesters, I was a dean’s list student while working as County Commissioner. John, what I’m trying to say is: If you know you have it within you, you can make it.

Our mid-month fundraising deadline is tonight at midnight, and we’re just short of our $10,000 goal. I’ve seen what this team is capable of, and I know we have what it takes to pick up the pace and close the fundraising gap. Please consider pitching in $5 or anything you can right now: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vf-em-fr-july24

I know we have what it takes to succeed.

Thank you,

Valerie