help make my dream come true

Hi,

My name is Mary, and I know scrolling down seems a lot, but please bear with me as I share my story (in the most concise way possible :-)

Up until last spring I was an International Honours student at York University. This year I am supposed to be graduating with a Double Major in Psychology and Economics but, unfortunately, life doesn't always work as planned.

I spoke to my mum prior to my exams of April 2015 about when she would finish paying my outstanding tuition, especially because my course enrollment was coming up shortly after my exams were done. But again, as she explained to me before, the financial means of our family is unpredictably low as the economy of our country (Nigeria) is suffering a fatal blow.

As time passed, so did my enrollment. The interest rate on the previously owed tuition grew, the number of failed promises continued to grow, the number of times I cried became uncountable. My hope of graduating any time soon and applying to graduate school with the rest of my peers has diminished.

I applied for academic scholarships, which I am qualified for considering my academic achievements. I also went to the administration at YorkU and asked them for financial help or advice or even an interest freeze on my current debt, but all to no avail because I am not a Canadian citizen/Permanent Resident. The only thing I did get was the advice: "Get a job!"

To be honest, I worked three jobs (Wendy's, Tim Hortons and A&W) simultaneously, standing on my feet 16 hours out of 24 everyday, with no days off until I was worn out, depressed and physically ill. But not being a student and living off campus came with its own problems and unexpectedly high expenses, and therefore, my savings were immensely insufficient (Considering the costly International Students' tuition).

Sadly, my story does not get any better. For my parents, right now, school ranks No. 2 on the priority list. An immediate family member (whom I prefer to keep confidential) is in need of brain surgery and the medical expenses at hand is adding to existing debts. Thus, even the insufficient savings my parents were able to raise are not available for school anymore.

With every semester that passes, the hope of going back to school seems more and more distant. In addition, getting back to the academic curriculum and its strenuous demands would prove more difficult the longer I am away from school, especially because I have embedded myself so deep within the labor sector as a wage-earner rather than a student.

I don’t want to sound selfish, but sincerely, I would really love to go back to school this upcoming Fall semester and make something more out of my future other than just flipping burgers and serving coffees.

I will truly and gratefully appreciate your help in any way no matter how small the donation. It would be you helping me cushion the effects of the financial and emotional situation that prevails at home, as well as giving me the chance to make myself a happy ending. Please understand that I am one child out of four and I am sure every penny would reduce a ton of stress and a load of worries from my parents and I.

To all the sympathetic hearts and generous people out there, I thank you for your time and effort in advance even just for reading, understanding, and sharing my story (with or without a donation). And for everyone who did or will donate and share this post, A Great Big Thank You! I will be sure to keep you updated as to my progress thanks to you!

Sincerely,

Mary E.