Hello friends and family,

This year has been a difficult one, but we still persist. I began my higher educational journey when my papa was diagnosed with cancer. He said he wanted me to get my degree; that was his wish for me. After graduating with my Associate's degree in Health Sciences from Cañada College during COVID, it was a bittersweet moment not being able to hear his cheers for me, but sweet because I completed something that was tangible and had meaning.

Last year, I took a leap of faith and changed gears educationally, and got accepted into the online Forensic Psychology program at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m nearly done with my requirements to receive my Bachelor's degree, and it has not been easy juggling working full-time. Although I was granted FAFSA from federal aid, it only covered a portion, and I have been left to pay the rest out of my own pocket, which was working until my work contract ended, and now I’m applying for unemployment. It’s been almost ten years since I’ve been unemployed, maybe more. I understand that everyone is going through tough times currently, but I also believe it never hurts to ask, and it truly takes a community village to survive these days. So, I’m swallowing all my pride and asking all you kind people who are still reading this lengthy message to assist me in paying for my education and completing my degree.