Saving a Space for Staying in School
Donation protected
MY STORY
My name is Jovan and I am an aspiring Astrobiologist. Originating from the Caribbean, I graduated from a university in Colorado, USA, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. Graduating was a goal I once thought was impossible, due to the tug-of-war on my financial support, as my parents were unable to fully assist in the weight of international tuition. Yet miracles lifted me above this obstacle, to push me within arms reach of my Bachelors of science degree, between upper-second and first class honors. However, due to my inability to pay off the last semester’s tuition, I was restricted access to the degree certificate and documents to prove the accomplishments of my hard work.
OBSTACLE
I had to resign from my job, due to a social injustice that led me feeling unsafe mentally and physically. The current time we live in, made it difficult for an international like myself, on an extended visa, to gain another job. Thus my visa expired, creating a ticking clock that marks my borrowed time to legally remain in the United States. At that time, my country restricted traveling entrance, disconnecting me from my only home.
Newcastle University accepted me into a fully sponsored program to study Astrobiology. Unfortunately, the tuition of my previous institution locked shackles to my steps forward, preventing my initiation into the program. Newcastle University now needs my Bachelors certificate and official transcripts, which remain under lock and key by the amount past due. This is necessary for me to proceed with acquiring a new student visa, to have solid ground to land on.
OPPORTUNITY
The program involves research of the dry, frozen Martian world, exploring the habitability for life. Ice may facilitate the erosion of rocks and possibly support life on our Earth and similar systems stippled across other planets. We all know our climate is changing, and this fact threatens the natural laboratories that reside in cold environments. Just as my dilemma is ticking, so is the clock to the possible disappearance of such study systems, that may provide beneficial discoveries to accelerate our knowledge beyond the planet, and my dream hidden in the stars.
Bearing with paying off 2 loans already, I reached out to the kind hearts of this world, as my options seem to have dwindled. I don’t know where else to turn, and I am uncertain where I will end up in the next week or two if I don’t fight past this mountain in my path.
I understand these are difficult times for everyone, but the smallest of support would leave waves to carry me through this storm.
To show my appreciation, I feel the need to give back to your generous assistance:
All helping hands will be acknowledged in my publications from this world changing research +
Organizer
Jovan Z
Organizer
Denver, CO
