Hello world, this message is sooo hard for me to write. I’ve always prided myself on being independent and finding a way to make things happen on my own. But I’ve learned closed mouths don’t get fed and I’m at a point where I truly need support finishing my last semester of nursing school. So here we go…

I am a first-generation college student, which means my mom and I had to navigate this entire journey without much guidance. When I first enrolled, neither of us understood the financial challenges of attending a private university. By the time we realized how much higher the costs were, transferring would have caused me to lose many of my credits, pushing everything I had worked so hard for back. So we pushed through the best way we knew how.

I am now a senior nursing student scheduled to graduate in May. I have never failed a class, and despite every challenge, I have continued to show up, work hard, and persevere. My mom has put in countless hours at work— paying thousands over the years literally working just to pay my tuition. On top of that her boyfriend has taken out many loans to help me stay enrolled (they just bought a house so things are tight for them now), I’ve maxed out my financial aid, and I work as much as I can on top of learning to do hair— yet I am still coming up short for my final semester.

These past few years have not been easy. There were moments when I questioned whether I belonged in the program at all — from professors asking if I was “sure” I was supposed to be in their class, to classmates being surprised when my grades outperformed theirs. It was discouraging and isolating, but I refused to let any of it break me. I know the nurse I’m becoming and the future that I’m building, and THAT is what has kept me going.

After years of studying, crying, clinicals, long nights, and sacrifices, I am facing a $9,000 balance for my final term… (the balance shown in the picture below has to be under $3000 by early January for me to register for my last semester).

Money was the last barrier I could’ve thought of that would be standing between me and walking across the stage in May.

I am asking for any support at all, whether it’s a donation of any amount or simply sharing this post so it reaches the right people. Your support, in any form, means more to me than I can express.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me get this far. I am so close to the finish line, and I’m doing everything I can to cross it. Becoming a nurse has always been my dream, and I am determined to step into a career where I can care for others with the same compassion, strength, and resilience that got me through this journey.

Ways to Help

Direct School Payment (Guest Link):

https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneti/static/epayment/valpopay/login?isGuestUser=yes

Student ID: 4064867

Last Name: McSpadden

- Pay under FALL 2025 term!!

Cash App: $franchise2005

- my cashapp got flagged!! yall doing yall big one this my step dads cashapp

Any amount or even a simple share truly helps. Thank you all so much.

SN: my academics are covered through grants and scholarships, i really got messed over having to pay room and board! once again we didn’t realize that once I chose to stay on campus I’d have to do it for 6 semesters that was a requirement (for this private university). I couldn’t get an exemption or transportation so here I am having to pay $8000+ a semester for room and board. Please don’t judge me for simply misunderstanding everything when I first began college. I am first Gen!! And this is hard posting as it is..

this all started with a Facebook post and I’m bringing it here because it’s hard to manage all money through cashapp! I have posted receipts as well I am putting every penny towards tuition!