Ola Elementary Principal Shares Her Journey to Achieving the American Dream
School principal’s American dream fulfilled: becoming an educator and teaching her mom to read

Image: New York Post
Rubylinda Zickafoose, principal of Ola Elementary School in Florida, reflects on her journey from the daughter of migrant farm workers to an educator. She emphasizes the importance of education and fulfilling her promise to teach her mother to read, embodying the American dream of self-sufficiency and opportunity.
- 01Rubylinda Zickafoose's parents were migrant farm workers with limited education.
- 02She vowed to teach her mother to read after a childhood incident that left her mother feeling ashamed.
- 03Zickafoose views the American dream as achieving personal goals and overcoming obstacles.
- 04She is now a principal, supporting herself and her son as a single mother.
- 05The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream highlights stories like Zickafoose's to celebrate opportunities in America.
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Rubylinda Zickafoose, the principal at Ola Elementary School in Florida, shares her inspiring story as part of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream project. Growing up as the daughter of migrant farm workers, Zickafoose faced significant challenges, including her mother's limited education. A pivotal moment in her childhood occurred when she showed her mother her report card, which was upside down. This moment led to a promise that she would teach her mother to read. Zickafoose describes her journey as one of overcoming obstacles to achieve her dream of becoming an educator. She emphasizes that the American dream for her means making choices that allow her to live independently and support her family. Her story is featured in a series celebrating America's 250th anniversary, showcasing real-life narratives that illuminate pathways to opportunity. The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream aims to inspire others by sharing such impactful stories.
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Zickafoose's journey highlights the importance of education in transforming lives, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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