The Dream

This May, I graduated from Colorado State University as a first-generation college student, a milestone made possible by the tireless work of my parents and years of academic rigor. My journey in interdisciplinary science has already led me to two research laboratories and two first-author manuscripts. Now, I have been accepted to Sorbonne University in Paris to pursue a prestigious and innovative selective master's that only accepts 15 students—a major step in my journey to reframe how we fundamentally think about living organisms.

The Final Step to France

While my academic preparation is complete, the transition to France presents a final, significant hurdle. As I finish my undergraduate years, I am working two jobs to cover anticipated relocation costs. However, a financial gap remains for essential upfront costs, such as:

Why Your Support Matters: Because my parents started a family at a young age, I grew up watching them sacrifice so much to create opportunities that didn't exist for them. This move to Sorbonne isn’t just about my education; it's about demonstrating what is possible regardless of background, through hard work and community support.

Closing the Gap

To bridge the gap between my earnings and financial aid and upfront costs, I am seeking to raise $1,800 to cover these non-negotiable costs between now and the visa interview deadline in August. Whether it’s a small contribution or simply sharing this page, every contribution directly enables me to step into the lab at Sorbonne this fall.

How Your Donation Helps

Follow the Journey

To thank donors for support, I will share regular updates on my experience at Sorbonne, including the research i'm involved in and the progress I make along the way. These updates will allow donors to see exactly how your support has contributed to my growth and research.

I want to sincerely thank you for being part of this next chapter. Your support is what will make this next step possible.