Hi, my name is Sheree Martin, a senior Health Science major with a double minor in Biology and Chemistry attending Howard University, from Detroit, MI. I am only one semester away from earning my degree, with graduation set for December 2025. With only one semester left, I’m at a heartbreaking crossroads: I have an outstanding balance of $18,452 for the 2024–2025 academic year (approximately $9,226 per semester), and if I cannot resolve it, I risk losing my housing this fall and being unable to finish my degree.

Despite applying for dozens of scholarships and navigating financial aid independently, I’ve fallen short. If this balance is not resolved, I will have no place to live come Fall 2025—all while I’m just a few months away from crossing the finish line. I’m asking for your support—because giving up is not an option. I've come too far, and my purpose is too great.

But this ask is bigger than me. My dream is to become a physician-scientist through an MD/PhD program so I can be both hands-on with patients and hands-in with research. My life’s mission is to eliminate health disparities faced by women of color—starting with, but not limited to, maternal care.

Black women are more likely to die during childbirth—a terrifying reality that often stems not from biology, but from neglect, bias, and lack of inclusive medical research. But the disparities go far beyond the delivery room. In everyday primary care, we are more likely to be dismissed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed too late, leading to unnecessary medications, treatments, and trauma. Why? Because standard protocols are often modeled on patients who do not look like us, live like us, or experience pain like us.

God placed me at Howard University, THE Mecca, for a reason, and I believe my mission here isn’t over yet. I’m fighting to stay on this path—and I humbly ask you to fight with me. Every donation, share, and prayer helps. I’ve made it this far through grit and grace, and with your support, I will make it to the finish line.

With all my heart,

Sheree Martin