Lynn student, mother of 2, feels holiday stress

LYNN – For most college sophomores, this time of year means a nice, long, winter break from 8 a.m. classes and horrible cafeteria mystery food. Some might even be headed up north for a snowboarding get-away with friends. Others will stay home and enjoy the simple luxury of having a mother that does your laundry and makes your breakfast.But, not every college student gets to take a break from the world. For those who pay their own way through school, Christmas is more of an added stress than a joy.Eva of Lynn is one of those people.As a 26-year-old college sophomore and mother of two, getting herself through nursing school is extremely difficult. Unlike your average student whose main responsibilities include class, eating, sleeping and upholding a reputable social life, Eva has much more on her plate.She works full-time, goes to school full-time, and somehow manages to change diapers, make supper, and put each of her young children to bed by reading them a story every night.Between paying rent, groceries, heat and school supplies (for herself and her kids), Christmas presents take a back seat.”I just can’t do it this year,” said Eva in a letter to Item Santa. “It’s been very difficult. Rent is $400 just for a room I rent.”If Eva had help paying for her education, she would have the money to buy her children Christmas gifts. But, that’s just not in the cards for her.”I am determined to graduate and make a better life for myself and my kids,” she said. “We’ll have better Christmases when I’m done.”Here in the United States, education is considered power. It’s believed to be the key that unlocks every door to success; a key that every American is entitled to.However, it’s not exactly easy for some to embrace the opportunity for an education beyond the secondary level. It takes time and money, two things not everyone, like Eva, is privileged to have an endless supply of.Christmas is supposed to be a day for families to be happy and enjoy the life they have been given, not a day to worry. If Eva could provide her children with a bit of that sentiment, it would make a world of a difference in their lives.”One day I hope that I can become a Salvation Army sponsor instead of a recipient,” she said. “Until that day, your help would be greatly appreciated and not forgotten.”To make a donation to Item Santa, clip the coupon in today’s Item or download one and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 951, Lynn, MA 01903.For more information, call the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.