Four Separate Nominations for One Homeless Student: A Story of Community Generosity

Four Strangers Nominate Homeless Teen for Vehicle Charity

When it comes to uplifting individuals facing hardships, the power of community can truly shine. In a remarkable event this winter, four different people independently nominated an 18-year-old homeless student named Mya for Aardvark Automotive's annual Wheels to Prosper car giveaway in Amarillo, Texas. Each nominee shared their insights without any knowledge of each other's nominations, illustrating a beautiful synergy of compassion and generosity.

Mya found herself homeless during her junior year of high school. After her mother had to relocate over a thousand miles away to Ohio, she began living a transient life, bouncing between friends' homes and struggling to find a stable environment. Despite these challenges, Mya has remained a dedicated student, consistently earning straight A’s.

The four nominations for Mya came from different perspectives but told a coherent and touching story. A school counselor, Sasha Reilly, attested to Mya's relentless perseverance, stating that not having consistent transportation severely limited Mya's ability to secure stable employment and attend essential school functions. In her nomination letter, Mya herself expressed the difficulty of maintaining a job without a vehicle, which directly impacted her chances for a better future. She emphasized her pride in her academic achievements, stating, "Despite everything, I am a straight-A student, working hard to build a better future for myself."

In addition to the counselor’s submission, Mya’s recent foster mother, a single mother named Monica Tijerina, detailed how she took Mya in after hearing of her dire situation through a mutual connection. She shared how much she wished she could provide Mya with a vehicle but was physically and financially unable to do so. Another community member, Monica Kalka, described Mya as a caring individual who relied entirely on others for transportation, further emphasizing the challenges she faced daily.

On April 2, 2026, the day of the giveaway, Mya received the keys to a fully restored 2010 Ford F-150 Crew Cab, complete with a remanufactured engine and a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty from Aardvark Automotive. This moment was an emotional high for Mya, who had spent years enduring homelessness but continued to strive for academic success. The restoration project was funded primarily by Aardvark, who also received support from O'Reilly Auto Parts and media partner KFDA NewsChannel 10.

Aardvark Automotive’s owner, Donna, reflected on the significance of Mya's multiple nominations, saying, "When you see one person nominated four separate times by people who don't even know each other, that tells you everything. She didn't ask anyone to feel sorry for her. She asked for a chance. That’s exactly the kind of person Wheels to Prosper was built for."

Wheels to Prosper, initiated in 2011, aims to restore and donate vehicles to individuals like Mya who are facing transportation challenges. This year, the program saw a record 160 nominations.

For many, a vehicle symbolizes freedom, mobility, and the ability to pursue opportunities—something Mya was in desperate need of after enduring such difficult life circumstances. As she embarks on this journey with her newly acquired truck, the community's support has not only brightened her day but also opened doors to a brighter future. Aardvark Automotive, located in Amarillo, is a family-owned service shop specializing in European, Asian, and American vehicles, further demonstrating the heart behind their mission and their commitment to making a difference.

This inspiring story is a reminder of the positive impact individuals can have when they work together to lift one another up. Mya is not just the recipient of a vehicle; she is a testament to the power of community, hope, and determination—qualities that will undoubtedly guide her along her path forward.