Hi, I’m Karen Rapp. I am a paraprofessional in a middle school (grades 5-8) in Massachusetts. I have been working in the school system since 2000. I work with students who have accommodations and need extra help to be successful. I started substituting when my youngest was in first grade, then became a 1:1 aide, and finally a para-educator working with several students during a school year. I enjoy working with the students and teaching them skills to succeed.
As a mother of two, college came fast with my boys graduating two years apart. I wanted my sons to get the best possible education without being in debt for years. I helped them as they researched schools that not only offered the field of study they were interested in, but also were affordable. Many colleges give some sort of scholarship as a way to entice but it isn’t always enough or the right financial decision. I encouraged them to apply for every scholarship offered/submitted to their high school. We researched additional potential scholarships offered by specific organizations such as Boy Scouts, Engineers, etc. In the end they went to great schools, graduated, and have found jobs in their field of study with minimum debt.
I was asked to join the Zenie Foundation (ZF) as a Coach and feel this is quite an honor! I have known the family for over 25 years, meeting them through my husband, Ken. My children have grown up with their family. The mission statement of ZF is so important. The coaching we give to potential ZF students address areas many may have not yet considered. I look forward to coaching applicants through their college decisions and hope to share the experiences I have had with my own 2 boys through their college years.
For fun I like to read, do puzzles, relax on the lake and spend time with the family. I am fortunate that my family is nearby. We get to share dinners, spend some holidays together, and take vacations together. There is no greater enjoyment than to do things for the family and be a part of their lives.
As a mother of two, college came fast with my boys graduating two years apart. I wanted my sons to get the best possible education without being in debt for years. I helped them as they researched schools that not only offered the field of study they were interested in, but also were affordable. Many colleges give some sort of scholarship as a way to entice but it isn’t always enough or the right financial decision. I encouraged them to apply for every scholarship offered/submitted to their high school. We researched additional potential scholarships offered by specific organizations such as Boy Scouts, Engineers, etc. In the end they went to great schools, graduated, and have found jobs in their field of study with minimum debt.
I was asked to join the Zenie Foundation (ZF) as a Coach and feel this is quite an honor! I have known the family for over 25 years, meeting them through my husband, Ken. My children have grown up with their family. The mission statement of ZF is so important. The coaching we give to potential ZF students address areas many may have not yet considered. I look forward to coaching applicants through their college decisions and hope to share the experiences I have had with my own 2 boys through their college years.
For fun I like to read, do puzzles, relax on the lake and spend time with the family. I am fortunate that my family is nearby. We get to share dinners, spend some holidays together, and take vacations together. There is no greater enjoyment than to do things for the family and be a part of their lives.