Astral Edwards Final Year College Fund
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Hello family, friends, strangers, anyone finding themselves reading this post! My name is Astral Edwards and I am an international student from Trinidad and Tobago. I am currently in my final year of college at the University of West Florida and I plan to graduate with a BSc in Economics with minors in International Studies and Public Administration.
This is my story:
I transferred from La Salle University where I played varsity soccer at the Division 1 level on a partial scholarship. I was contacted by the Soccer program at the University of West Florida, scouted and promised a place on their varsity team with a full scholarship. After some consideration I decided it would be beneficial to accept the full scholarship offer from The University of West Florida and transferred in my Junior year. It turned out to be a fateful decision. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the university to my surprise the coaching staff changed. The coach who scouted me was no longer there. The new coaching staff advised me, along with other invited players that the team was changing directions and we were no longer a part of the team’s plan. We were not given the opportunity to sign our scholarship agreements.
As such for the last two years my family has been providing full financial support to complete my education goals. With two semesters left, we are experiencing some financial difficulties and I need $6,000 to clear tuition arrears from the last semester to register for the upcoming semester and $20,000 to complete the program. We have tried several fundraisers over the summer, raising $4,000 on our own but this is the total windfall after those efforts. Although my total goal is $26,000, my immediate concern is raising $6,000 so I can register for the upcoming semester. Given the current US Policy regarding foreigners, I am concerned of the arrears and what will happen if I am not able to register for classes in 2 weeks. I have read some horror stories of international students being arrested or detained due to being in similar situations and I am reaching out for any help with tuition arrears to avoid this.
I plan to further my education in economics and would like to work in economic development, serving undeveloped communities. I also have dreams of pursuing a professional football career where I would use my platform to impact underdeveloped areas in my region and throughout the world. I am almost across the finish line and would greatly appreciate any form of assistance that can be offered in this regard. As an old Tanzanian proverb says, "Little by little, a little becomes a lot."
Thanking you in advance for your support.
Regards,
Astral Edwards Class of 2020
This is my story:
I transferred from La Salle University where I played varsity soccer at the Division 1 level on a partial scholarship. I was contacted by the Soccer program at the University of West Florida, scouted and promised a place on their varsity team with a full scholarship. After some consideration I decided it would be beneficial to accept the full scholarship offer from The University of West Florida and transferred in my Junior year. It turned out to be a fateful decision. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the university to my surprise the coaching staff changed. The coach who scouted me was no longer there. The new coaching staff advised me, along with other invited players that the team was changing directions and we were no longer a part of the team’s plan. We were not given the opportunity to sign our scholarship agreements.
As such for the last two years my family has been providing full financial support to complete my education goals. With two semesters left, we are experiencing some financial difficulties and I need $6,000 to clear tuition arrears from the last semester to register for the upcoming semester and $20,000 to complete the program. We have tried several fundraisers over the summer, raising $4,000 on our own but this is the total windfall after those efforts. Although my total goal is $26,000, my immediate concern is raising $6,000 so I can register for the upcoming semester. Given the current US Policy regarding foreigners, I am concerned of the arrears and what will happen if I am not able to register for classes in 2 weeks. I have read some horror stories of international students being arrested or detained due to being in similar situations and I am reaching out for any help with tuition arrears to avoid this.
I plan to further my education in economics and would like to work in economic development, serving undeveloped communities. I also have dreams of pursuing a professional football career where I would use my platform to impact underdeveloped areas in my region and throughout the world. I am almost across the finish line and would greatly appreciate any form of assistance that can be offered in this regard. As an old Tanzanian proverb says, "Little by little, a little becomes a lot."
Thanking you in advance for your support.
Regards,
Astral Edwards Class of 2020
Organizer and beneficiary
Astral Edwards
Organizer
Pensacola, FL
Sheldon Andrews
Beneficiary