Minaldy's College Tuition

I lost an almost full and necessary scholarship from Boston College as a result of an immigration paperwork mistake due to a fraudulent lawyer 17 years ago. I am in jeopardy of not attending the school of my dreams because of a mistake made when I was two years old that we have only now discovered.

My family immigrated to this country in 1999 to escape violence and political unrest. My parents brought me here to give me a better life. My father, who was an accountant in Haiti got a customer service job and continued to work hard to provide a good life for my family (which now included three sisters) and most importantly to him, a good education for his children.


The only life I have known is the one here in America - the first language I learned to speak and write was English. My parents had filled out paperwork with someone who they thought was an expert on asylum matters. Unfortunately this person submitted the wrong application. A month before classes started at Boston College we met with an immigration officer to finalize our green card and found out this horrendous mistake. Because of this, I lost my scholarship.

I hoped to major in biochemistry. I want to become a doctor. Being accepted to Boston College was a dream come true. I was also accepted to several Florida schools but with the scholarship offered from Boston College, it was also a more affordable choice.

My goal is to raise the money needed to replace the scholarship that I may not be able to receive due to my immigration status. Two weeks before classes started we drove from Florida to Boston to plead our case to the financial aid office. They have made every effort to find a way but without a green card, they are unable to help. My father has taken out loans to pay for the first semester but we do not know what to do for the next three and half years.

Any money raised above my original scholarship will be donated back to Boston College Financial Aid to help others in need. A Jesuit education calls each individual to serve others and live by this code, "men and women for others.”

Thank you so much for any help you can give and your continued support-

Minaldy Cadet