Chanel E. always dreamed of becoming a nurse, even when she graduated high school seven months pregnant with her first child. Though a college education seemed out of reach, Chanel made a promise to herself, saying that “I would do whatever it took to earn a college degree so that I could be a positive role model to my children.”

A longtime resident and member of the Alta Housing community, Chanel is keeping her promise. While parenting two girls and working as a medical transporter for Stanford Hospital, Chanel was determined to take classes at De Anza College. She explains that, “living in the Alta Housing community has given me the stepping stone to becoming an independent mother.”

Chanel’s hard work is paying off. In 2020, she was admitted to De Anza’s nursing school. With the help of Alta Housing’s Opportunity Fund, a scholarship opportunity for Alta Housing residents to continue their education, Chanel plans on becoming a registered nurse in emergency medicine. “I love a high energy, fast-paced working environment,” says Chanel. “It has always been in my nature to be a nurturer and healer.”

Alta Housing’s Opportunity fund helps members of the Alta Housing community turn their educational dreams into realities. For residents like Chanel, it is an opportunity to write the next chapter in their lives.