Not many people get a second chance to pursue their dreams. But Mary Bulaon is not your typical person. Through perseverance and sheer guts, Mary is making her dreams come true.

Nearly 30 years ago, Mary was forced to drop out of community college when she lost her financial aid. She spent decades in low-wage jobs so that she could raise her children. “As a single mother raising my two children I had to put my dreams and hope aside,” said Mary.

When her son was accepted to the University of Illinois, Mary was excited that he would have the opportunities that she never had, but after years of struggle and sacrifice, she didn’t have enough saved to put him through school. That’s when she discovered Illinois’ Monetary Assistance Program (MAP), which provides need-based grants for lower-income Illinois students. “If it were not for the MAP grant, my son would have missed out on college, just like me” said Mary.

When Mary’s son graduated and landed a job in the field of his choice, Mary decided it was her turn to go back. Like her son, she received financial aid through the MAP grant, which has allowed her to attend Loyola University in Chicago. “My education is giving me a chance to increase my earning potential so I can have a better quality of life,” Mary said. “At 49 years old, security for the future is very important. And being able to work in a career that I love is a dream come true.”

Mary is now entering her final year at Loyola and she has a bright future ahead of her, although she isn’t planning to rest on her laurels. Instead, she wants to give back and make sure that more low-wage women can benefit from the opportunity to go to school. This year, Mary joined Student Advocates for Success (SAS), a project of Women Employed that organizes students to advocate for financial aid and other support services that help students to succeed. SAS has been on the front lines fighting to save the MAP grant from Illinois budget cuts. “We need to work to make sure all students can get the affordable education that my son and I have enjoyed. It is because of the hard work that Women Employed put into fighting for financial aid that my dream is becoming my reality,” said Mary.

Mary is even recruiting others to join SAS. Her 29-year-old daughter, a community college student in Wisconsin, is now a member. Mary is also spreading the word to other family-members, friends and fellow students. She is motivated to keep fighting because, “I’ve been lucky, but we need to fight for those who are just as determined, just as worthy, but who are being left behind because they can’t afford the education and training that they need.”

If you are a student who is interested in joining SAS, visit http://www.womenemployed.org