Donate to Jeanette Varela's Education Journey

Hello guys, if you do not already know me, my name is Jeanette Varela. I've been attending Nova Southeastern University for three years now. While attending school, I’ve participated in helping many events, such as Shark Preview Week, Sharkapolooza, and worked at the Baudhuin Preschool which helps children ages 3 to 5, who are on the spectrum, develop key tools to help them succeed in school. I’ve also volunteered at our school's library in my free time and at our Ocean Campus to preserve our local beaches.

Within my last semester at Nova, I decided to take a new step and join the college program at Disney, learning new tools in a work setting. With that, for the last six months, I lived in Orlando, not near my campus, while attending classes online. In doing so, Nova has removed my scholarship as they don’t see the opportunities I received at the Disney college program aligning with their undergrad requirements. In doing so, I will need to pay out of pocket over $16,000 to finish my schooling and earn my degree.

This entire time through college, I’ve worked a full-time job and attended school to cover expenses my scholarship did not. I was raised by a single mother who has proven to do anything to help her three kids go to school and make ends meet. I will forever be grateful to her for helping my journey and supporting me however, after all my expenses with this institution, it isn't enough. Anything helps as me telling you my story shows you how dedicated I am to my education. Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for all the support given.