Calibe Simpson University Hopeful

My name is Calibe Simpson, and this is my story. My story started in a poverty-stricken community in Jamaica, living in a single-parent home with a mom who struggled daily to make ends meet. It was hard on my mother, and caring for her children alone didn't make it any better. Nonetheless, she did her very best every day. So, growing up and seeing how hard my mother had to work to provide for us and the toll it took on her physically and mentally, I vowed to work my hardest in school to take her out of the life of poverty one day. I always had a passion for learning and worked hard in primary school, and I carried that passion and determination with me when I started high school. However, this was when things got worse for my family financially, as the cost of tuition was extremely high. Because of this, I attended school irregularly, leading to my academic progress needing to improve. When covid-19 struck in 2020, we could not attend school in person; this was an all-time low for my family. My mother's work hours were reduced, which led to her making less money and made it harder for her to find food and pay the rent. We also needed access to the internet and other technological tools to go online for my classes. Due to these barriers, I ended up failing my classes. When I believed all was lost, God sent an angel to save me, or so I thought. This angel was my aunt, whom I had become aware of only months after my father passed away. She offered to help my mother by giving me a new life and having me migrate to America.      In December 2020, I migrated to the U.S. I came here hoping to have a better life and more academic opportunities. I started attending Weaver High School in January of 2021, where I met new people who became new friends and are now the most important people in my life. Unfortunately, after a few months, the help promised to me was not available anymore. I was homeless at 17 years old, in a new country where I had no other family and no support, I had nothing but a few pieces of clothes and $30 in my pocket. The only place I knew was the Jamaican restaurant where I had been working. I had been working there to take care of myself before being homeless. That night I went there with tears running down my face, scared and hopeless. My boss and some of my coworkers knew of my situation, so they offered to help me. My boss became my legal guardian a few months later, and I now had a family and newfound hope. I continued to work extremely hard both in and outside of the classroom.      Despite my challenges, I refused to give up on my education, and I continued to work tirelessly to make my dreams a reality. I worked long hours at the restaurant while being a three-sport athlete. I excelled both on the court and in the classroom, maintaining a 3.5 GPA and being active in my school and the community. In my junior year of high school, I was awarded the Harvard Book Award and became the junior class president, along with other achievements. I also became the mistress of the ceremony for the 2022 graduating class. In addition, I was a part of the BHEST program ( Blue Hills Civic Association/BHCA), where I received the leadership award.        My summers were no different; I picked up extra hours at the restaurant while doing a 120 hours internship with ReadyCT to make extra money and gain more exposure and experience. My summer was also used doing club volleyball with "Huskies Volleyball" to get better at the sport. It all paid off because I excelled and achieved a lot more in my senior year. I became Senior Class President and was the new Varsity Captain for my volleyball team. I also got the Coaches award for volleyball and Honor Roll for two marking periods. I was always willing to join every program and take advantage of all the opportunities given to me. I am known as a team player, builder, and a positive role model among my peers. My hard work and dedication toward my education did not go unnoticed. I applied and got accepted to 15 colleges, such as, The University of Connecticut, Clark Atlanta University, Norfolk State University, Rider University, Norwich University, Southern Connecticut State University, and a lot more, with the hopes of continuing my academic journey. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that I did not qualify for FAFSA or other financial aid services to attend any of the colleges I was accepted to, because I lacked certain things that I needed. This resulted in several missed educational opportunities because I needed help to afford college tuition, preventing me from reaching my full academic potential. I always believed that education is the key to unlocking my potential and achieving my long-term goals. Your generous support can help me access these educational opportunities that will help me pursue my dreams/goals. The donation will help me cover the cost of my tuition, books, and other essentials needed to help further my education. It would also help decrease the financial burden on my mother and myself.         In closing, I sincerely thank you in advance for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity would make a significant impact on my life. Despite the challenges, I am hopeful that with your support, I can achieve my academic goals at the college of my choice and later pay the same kindness you all have given me forward.