My name is Mariana.

I am 23 years old and was born in Brazil. My life has been shaped by constant change, uncertainty, and many challenges. There were times when I did not know where my path would lead me. But one thing I have never lost is my dream.

As long as I can remember, acting and film have been a constant in my life. They have always been my safe place, where I could tell stories, express emotions, and, even if just for a moment, escape the challenges around me. Over time, this passion has grown into a clear goal. I want to study film.

I am the first in my family to go to college. This step means so much more to me than just getting a degree. It represents hope, change, and the courage to create a new path. I want to be a role model for my younger siblings, my cousins, and everyone in my family, showing that it is possible to believe in yourself, even when the journey is difficult.

The path to this point has not been easy. I have faced many obstacles, doubts, and setbacks. There were moments when it all felt impossible. But I kept going.

Today, I am standing at a point I once could only dream of. I have been accepted into two of my absolute dream universities.

But now I am facing the biggest challenge of my life: financing my education.

The total cost for my first year is $67,000. I have been awarded a scholarship of $13,000 from one of the universities, and I am incredibly grateful for that support. However, there is still a large gap that I cannot cover on my own.

As an international student in the United States, I am not allowed to work freely while studying, which makes it extremely difficult to contribute to these costs myself. I was raised by a single mother who has always done everything she could to support me, but this amount is far beyond what she can afford.

The tuition includes not only my education, but also housing and meals. This means that supporting me is not just helping me attend university, it is giving me a place to live, food to eat, and the ability to fully focus on my studies.

That is why I am reaching out for help.

I need to secure the remaining amount by August in order to accept this opportunity and begin my studies. Time is limited, and without this support, I may not be able to take this life-changing step.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me closer to my dream. You are not only helping me start my education, you are helping me change my story, and maybe even the future of my family.

I promise to make the most of this opportunity and to one day tell the stories that need to be heard.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

And thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support.