Columbia University Tuition Support Fund

I'm Aysan, I was born in Tabriz, and my life took a challenging turn when I lost my mother to chronic depression at 14. At 18, I became a refugee in Greece, facing isolation, separation from my father, financial struggles, and language barriers. Yet, I persevered, learned Greek, improved my English, and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

My passion for psychology stems from the stigma around mental health in Iran, where I saw the need for proper care. My life in Greece is a testament to my hard work, as I've been financially supporting myself since the age of 18. I paid for my college during my undergraduate studies by working full-time while studying.

Now, I've been admitted to Columbia University's Teachers College in New York, to pursue a master's in counseling psychology, aiming to support underserved communities. However, I need financial assistance to cover my tuition. I request funding of up to $68,228 to continue my journey of helping people with mental health challenges and promoting mental health awareness.

I arrived in New York on August 28th, 2023, the second time I am swapping countries in 7 years. I am currently searching for a job as soon as possible. Unfortunately, my student visa only permits me to work part-time in the US, and my tuition is $68,228 ($1,990.00 per credit), which must be paid over two years. I hope you understand how stressful it can be to pay these sums of money so quickly after arriving in a new country, while simultaneously focusing on my studies. Also, being an international student, we do not have access to same financial aid as American residents. Your support will empower me to make a difference, breaking down barriers and fostering a brighter, stigma-free future. Beyond offering this support, I aspire to become a source of inspiration, demonstrating that resilience, education, and determination can lead to transformative change. I'm deeply grateful for any financial assistance and am committed to creating positive change in the lives of others.