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One of the most important factors for students to be successful is being able to show up. That’s nearly impossible to do when your car won’t run and you don’t have a viable second option.

That was the situation Kassie Salts, senior education major, found herself in back in 2022 when a head gasket on her car’s engine blew. The repair cost was over $1,000 and simply out of reach. 

Kassie, who grew up in Wooster, decided to continue her education online, emailing professors back and forth, but it was no comparison to in-person learning. That’s when one of her professors shared news of the Student Emergency Fund, which she applied for and received.

With the emergency funds, she was able to get her car fixed and continue her education at ������̳ Mansfield.

“Receiving this fund kept me in school,” said Kassie. “If I didn’t have it, I would probably have had to quit school and continue working my job at Walmart.”

She started her student teaching experience in August of this year and is looking forward to working in a field she dreamed about.

As a child, she remembers “playing teacher,” so it seems fitting she would pursue a teaching career. She was undecided on careers when she first started college but always knew she wanted to do something that would be fulfilling and rewarding.

After graduation, she plans to become a second-grade teacher. In addition to student teaching, she also holds a position with campus dining services.

Kassie appreciates the support donors made to the fund when she needed it and hopes the giving spirit will continue for other students in need.

“It helps way more than you might initially think,” she said. “There are a lot of people in need and it’s reassuring to know there are people willing to give.”

Support the Cause

Now through Dec. 2, your gift can make a difference in the life of a college student in need by supporting the Emergency Fund. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 and help students at ������̳ Mansfield reach their goal of graduation. 

This Giving Tuesday, donate through   or through

Your donation via either preferred platform will help us reach the goal of $10,000 to provide resources for our most vulnerable students.