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Jennifer Stoneburner, one of Susan Armenta’s students at
Monarch High School, lives in a rundown apartment building
with her mother and younger brother. Her neighborhood is
peopled by many that seem to be without hope—drug addicts,
alcoholics, prostitutes, and the homeless. There are many
reasons why Jennifer should not be successful in school. If she
did not have a teacher like Susan Armenta, Jennifer may not
have developed the love of learning that she has.
Before Susan could reach Jennifer academically, she had to be
sure Jennifer’s basic physical needs were considered. At
Monarch High School, Jennifer was able to do her laundry,
shower and receive food that could be shared with her family.
Jennifer needed someone to show her a way out—hope for the
future. In Jennifer’s case, a mentor in the community has gone
a long way in ensuring her success.
Susan matched Jennifer with San Diego businesswoman Katie
Fulhorst. Through the relationship with Katie, Jennifer
experienced another side of the city. She found that she did
have options. Jennifer talks about her hopes for the future.
“Someday I want to own a big hotel. People I hire from the
group home I want to start will run the hotel. The profits from
the hotel will pay for the costs of the group home. I know this is
big, but it’s what I want to do. I want to help others like Susan
helped me.”
Jennifer is doing well at school now. She also volunteers as an
outreach source in her community to other children that are
homeless.
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