Help Ashley Fund for College

Hi!

For those who don't know me, my name is Ashley. I'm the daughter of two amazing, inspiring, and caring parents of the name Brian and Christine. My parents are both immigrants from South Korea. Growing up, I watched my parents work hard for every dollar they brought home. So much so that in elementary school I was basically raised by the Boys and Girls program at Richland Elementary school by the wonderful faculty there- in particular, a woman named Mrs. Glenda.  

Fast-forward to now, where my dad had to retire for health reasons and live off social security checks while my mom works a part-time job at dry cleaners in Seattle. Unfortunately, my parents are unable to pay for any expenses in college because they themselves are barely scraping by. I'm on my own, financially, to pay for my tuition, housing, books, etc, but still doing my best as a first-generation college student.  I still remember the day when I got my acceptance letter and watching my parents cry tears of joy for the first time because they came to America for this moment. That's the moment I remember when I feel like I want to give up.


I've started this gofundme in hopes to raise enough money for my housing. I've taken out loans to cover my tuition, but housing comes directly out of the money I make from my summer job. While last quarter I was able to pay for my housing, dues, and books and send money to my parents to help, this quarter I'm struggling. I had worked two jobs during my senior year in retail and worked full time during the summer. This past fall quarter, I was unable to work a job because I had to keep up with my academics.

My housing is a sorority, Chi Omega at the University of Washington.  Chi Omega has given me, as cliche as it is, some of my forever friends. College would've been significantly harder emotionally had I not been a part of this wonderful house filled with girls who are ambitious, kind, and intelligent. The $4000 I'm raising is so I can stay in the house and pay off this quarter's housing and chapter dues. 

Although I don't have a direct plan for my future, I know that I'm in school to obtain a degree to help people and to be part of something greater. Whether it's to be part of something politically and create legislative equity for communities that have been at a constant disadvantage or to fight for the people who have had their voice silenced for so long. Whether it's to be part of a healthcare field where I can directly help patients and their families during the hardest times of their lives or to give aid and education to countries that have been plagued with HIV/AIDS. What I do know is that despite the horrific news we see every day, there are still glimmers of kindness, and I'm reminded to have faith in humanity.

Hence, I have started this campaign. If you've read my story, thank you for your time.  If you've shared my story, thank you so much for helping me put myself out there! If you donate even a dollar, thank you a million. If I somehow reach past my goal, all extra donations will go directly to my parents to help them.