Carter's Final Push: Honor His Mom's Wish

Hey everyone,

My name is Carter, and I’m a dedicated final-year student finishing up a degree in Computer Engineering with a strong focus on Computer Science, Machine Learning, and AI. Many of you may have been following my journey over the years, supporting me through ups and downs. To those just tuning in, welcome, and thank you for taking a moment to hear my story.

I’m nearing the finish line of my engineering program, and next semester is shaping up to be the most demanding yet. I’ll be tackling everything from computer networking and cybersecurity to hands-on hardware engineering, deep learning, and cloud computing. After years of perseverance—juggling academics, personal responsibilities, and various side gigs—I’m on the brink of stepping into a career where I can bring cutting-edge tech solutions to life.

My path has been far from straightforward. I took several years off to care for my mom as she bravely fought stage IV breast cancer. After she passed away, I returned to school determined to fulfill her wish of seeing me graduate. Unfortunately, the extended timeline has meant that crucial scholarships and grants have run their course. Now, I’m facing a significant financial hurdle: a $19,000 debt that is standing between me and my final semester’s registration.

I’ve worked hard to keep myself afloat—taking on a 20-credit course load (5 classes) this semester while also working, launching a unique part-time venture called “Carpool Rideoke!” (a joyful twist on the “Carpool Karaoke” concept), and providing freelance services. I’m a skilled full-stack developer, versed in DevOps, mobile app development, AI/ML, and cybersecurity. I’m projecting to earn between $3,000–$5,000 through these efforts over the coming Christmas break. Still, with final projects and exams on the horizon, I have and will likely lose several more valuable working days just to stay academically on track.

Deferring graduation isn’t a realistic option. Waiting longer would mean losing what’s left of my scholarships and driving up costs even further. Every semester I postpone is a semester I’m not out there applying my skills, landing a position that will help me pay down these debts, or developing my passion projects that could benefit others. One of these projects—my senior design thesis—is an innovative AI controlled fundraising platform me and my team are creating, and I have another thesis in the works: an AI-driven, solar-powered, voice-activated security and entertainment in-car camera system. Completing my degree now sets me up to bring these ideas to market, where they can help both my supporters and the larger community.

Your help today would mean the world. We’re heading into the holiday season, and there’s no better time to open a new chapter than Christmas and the New Year. If you’ve watched my journey, you know how much this milestone means to me. If we’re just meeting, please know that your support will help ensure I can finish strong and pay it forward through the innovative work I aim to do.

If you can spare a donation of any size, it will truly help. If you can contribute financially, you’ll be helping me cross that final finish line, and I’d love to say thank you in a way that brings a smile to your face—perhaps a free “Carpool Rideoke” session if you’re nearby. If you’re an entrepreneur, a small business, or simply someone who needs tech help, consider it an opportunity for a future favor: I’m skilled and eager to apply my full-stack development, AI/ML expertise, cybersecurity knowledge, and more to assist you once I graduate—I’d be honored to return the favor once I’ve crossed that graduation stage. Think of it as an investment in my ability to support you and others down the line.

You can also send donations via:

Zelle: carther @ mit . edu

Venmo: https://tinyurl.com/Venmo-Carter-T

Thank you for reading, and for considering lending a hand. Whether you contribute financially or simply share this with someone who might be able to help, you’re making a real difference. Let’s launch this next chapter together and prove that support, community, and hard work can truly change a life.

With heartfelt gratitude and warm holiday wishes,

Carter