Published December 16, 2024
Do you remember the last time you gave yourself permission to explore a new interest or pursue a creative outlet? Laura Nice is a busy single parent, with a demanding “all-in” job as an 8th-grade teacher. She is just one of the Conservatory’s Access Family Members who loved the idea of expanding her horizons through one of our Adult Education classes, but found the cost to be out of reach.
This year, however, a new Adult Education Class Scholarship is opening doors to creativity and lifelong learning for more people in our community. The scholarships provide an 80% discount for income-qualifying Access Family Members, and are underwritten through a generous gift from long-time Conservatory supporter, Carla Cefaratti.
For Laura, a full-time teacher and a foster and adoptive mother of three children, this scholarship has been a powerful gift. Laura first discovered the Conservatory years ago, drawn to its beauty and welcoming atmosphere. She now uses the Adult Education Classes as a way to escape the stressors of everyday life. “It’s something I can do for myself…as self-care and stress relief,” she explains, noting that the challenges of balancing teaching and being a foster parent can be taxing. For her, having an affordable way to attend more classes has made all the difference. “To be able to get out of the house and do something I love is a great benefit, and I can do that more often because it’s more affordable.”
Thanks to scholarship funds, Laura has been able to try new things and expand her knowledge, recharging in ways that feel fulfilling and meaningful. “It’s that wonderful experience of just stepping outside of your everyday life and having those mindful, peaceful moments, being able to look at the beauty of nature and learn. Having that connection with nature is calming,” she says of her participation in classes like wreath making and flower arranging.
In addition to her solo visits, Laura also makes the Conservatory a special part of her family’s lives. Occasionally, she’ll bring her 11-year-old son to participate in workshops or community gardening classes. “We’ve gone to some of the free community gardening classes, and we’re signed up to do a collage class together. He likes the crafty stuff, too!” Beyond the skills they learn, the shared experience brings them closer and allows them to bond over a common interest, something that is important to her as an adoptive and foster parent.
Through the generosity of Carla’s investment, opportunities for lifelong learning and enrichment are within reach to more members of our community. To learn more about sustaining or expanding opportunities like these through a gift to the Conservatory, contact Marly Coldiron at [email protected].