My name is Chi and I am a senior at Bryn Mawr College graduating next May with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. I am fundraising to bring my parents (and hopefully my sister too) to the United States from Vietnam to attend my graduation!!
My parents are hardworking, middle-class people in Vietnam who have given everything to help me get this far. When I left Vietnam to pursue my education in the US 3 years ago, my parents supported my dream even though it meant taking out loans, working extra hours, and living under constant financial strain to fund my education abroad. This sacrifice even meant that my sister couldn't pursue her own dream of studying in the US because the resources were stretched so thin supporting me. Now that I'm about to graduate, the one thing I want more than anything is for them to witness the results of their sacrifice, to see with their own eyes that everything they gave up wasn't in vain. But the cost of plane tickets from Vietnam, visa fees, and travel expenses for three people is simply beyond what my family can afford.
The thought of graduating alone in a foreign country, without my family there, makes me feel profoundly lonely. Like many graduating seniors, I'm facing uncertainties about what comes next—but I'm facing them far from home, without the people who know me best by my side. What should be a moment of triumph and celebration feels incomplete.
With that, I am hoping to raise $3500 to cover fully or partially:
- Round-trip plane tickets for my parents and sister
- Visa fees (which, as of recently, have been increased from $185/person to $435/person)
- Travel expenses (stays and food)
Every dollar donated will go directly toward bringing my family here. If by some blessing we exceed our goal, any extra funds will be put toward helping them stay a few extra days so we can make precious memories together. Whether you can contribute financially or simply share this campaign, I am deeply grateful. Your kindness would help turn what feels like an impossible dream into a reality.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for considering helping me reunite with my family on one of the most important days of my life!!!
Organizer
