Hello, my name is Gabe Trujillo and I am a recent high school graduate. I will be attending MSU Denver in the Fall of 2020. I never thought that I would get an opportunity to attend university due to all the obstacles I have faced throughout my life. For me, attending college is a dream come true. In order to help me realize this dream, several of my teachers offered to help me put together this request. The narrative below was written by two of my high school teachers, Ms. Choi, my economics teacher and Ms. Waltz, my English teacher, and edited by Mrs. Garlock, another one of my English teachers. Please read my story below and if you are inspired, any donation you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

“As teachers, we have seen students take for granted the many advantages that were afforded them. Gabriel Trujillo has not. He has put in the work and accepted every opportunity to excel. His efforts, to achieve a GPA of 4.28, were tireless. He was accepted to Metro State University and he continued his pattern of hard work, applying for scholarships, grants, and loans. Despite his planning and hard-work, Gabe faced the unforeseen circumstances of his mother falling ill, resulting in the financial strain of supporting his family. This summer, it began to feel like his dream of attending college was slipping through his fingers. While he has earned scholarships for tuition, he now needs help with the additional fees.

“We believe Gabe deserves this support because of his many academic and personal accomplishments. On top of being an excellent student, Gabe was accepted into the Colorado Springs Conservatory as a violinist and mentored freshmen students as a Link Crew Leader. Although always respected, Gabe emerged as an emotional leader, became a vocal advocate for marginalized groups, and became a moral compass for his peers. He was even selected as one of Colorado Spring’s Best and Brightest by the Gazette.

“While achieving all of this academically, he was also helping care for his siblings and mother, Gabriela. Gabriela fought to keep her sons safe and away from the violence they endured years ago and instilled in her sons an inquisitive nature. She taught them the importance of being thoughtful and kind. She has been the sole provider for her family. The summer of 2020 leveled this family as Gabriela was diagnosed with a sudden and aggressive form of kidney cancer. She is currently undergoing treatments and surgeries, leaving the primary caretaking and wage-earning role to Gabe and his older brother, Kevin. Despite all the challenges Gabe and his family have faced, his dream is still to attend Metro State in the fall while continuing to support his family. Although Gabe has earned scholarships to cover his tuition and other fees, he needs help covering the cost of books, room and board.

“Gabe is a student who gives us hope for the future as he has the potential to change the world. Access to higher education means that he will be able to contribute so many more of his unique gifts and talents. Even though he has the tenacity and grit to succeed, we are asking for your kindness, compassion, and generosity to help this student not have to give up his dreams. A university education will impact our society in deep and meaningful ways in which he aspires.

“Please consider donating to Gabe's future - we know it will benefit us all.”

Thank you for your time and consideration. Again, any little bit helps.

With much appreciation,

Gabe Trujillo