Hi. Hello. Greetings. Bonjour!
I come to you today with a crisis. Not a small crisis. Not a “that milk is expired” crisis. A “my roommate might have to leave the U.S. and I will have to emotionally start over with a stranger who probably doesn’t share snacks” crisis.
Let me explain:
My current housemate/roommate, Maria Hernandez, is trying to stay in the United States to continue her education in Business Administration. She already has a BS in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Media Production—she’s so cool, it’s honestly a little inconvenient for the rest of us.
She’s been applying to several schools because where they give the diplomas, students will gather!
She’s done everything right:
- Applied to schools
- Got accepted
- Is actively trying to build a future
BUT—in order to have her visa processed, she needs to show proof of funds.
She needs $47,000 in available funds
(What a deal. Love that for us.)
Apparently being born a little to the left of an imaginary line makes you more expensive to educate. Good ol’ U.S. of A. freedom eagle caws overhead
This is required for her visa processing, and she needs to show proof of funds by:
APRIL 18TH
Yes. That soon. No, we are not okay.
Send help, and by help I mean money!
Why this matters (a.k.a. why you should care about ME specifically):
If Maria can’t secure this funding:
- She has to leave the country
- She doesn’t get to continue her education
- She will lose all the things she’s worked for so far
And most importantly…
I lose my roommate… and her stuff.
Let me paint you a picture of the life I stand to lose:
- She bakes banana bread. Real banana bread, it’s soft, warm, life-altering.
- She eats vegetables voluntarily (she’s an inspiration)
- She lets me steal her fish sticks from the freezer without complaining or hiding them where I am too lazy to look (she is truly a charitable soul)
- She lets me sit next to her and watch her shows over her shoulder, AND turns on subtitles so I can read along like an ADHD gremlin (she loves me)
Do you understand what is at stake here??
- This is not just about education.
- This is about domestic harmony.
- This is about banana bread access.
- This is about me losing the best roommate I have ever had!
(No offense previous roommates I love you all… mostly.)
But I will let Maria explain her life decisions to you herself. TAKE IT AWAY ROOMIE!!!
Maria’s voice (the actual responsible adult section):
Thanks roomie!
Hi everyone, I’m Maria.
As said before, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Media Production, and I’m currently pursuing further education in Applied Computer Science to expand my opportunities and build a stable career.
Just like everyone else I have dreams and hopes, and after so many years of building relationships, memories and experiences, I’m having to face an abrupt end to it all because of the common problem, money.
I’ve been accepted into school programs in the United States, but as an international student, I’m required to show proof of financial support to complete my visa process. The required amount is $47,000, which covers tuition and associated costs at the international student rate. Which by the way, would drop significantly if I’m able to stay with my amazing roommate Brooke.
This is the final step I need in order to continue my education and continue to remain in the country legally.
Any support, whether through donations or sharing this campaign, would mean more to me than I could ever say. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for helping me continue building my future.
Now Back to Me (The Roommate in Distress):
If you’ve ever:
- Loved a good roommate
- Hated finding a new one
- Believed education shouldn’t cost more based on geography
- Or just want to help a genuinely hardworking human stay on track
Please donate. Share. Do your internet thing. Help us hit this goal by April 18th.
Help Maria stay. Help her finish what she started. And most importantly… don’t make me get a new roommate!
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Brooke “The Roommate”
&
Maria “The Education Enthusiast”
Organizer and beneficiary
Maria Hernandez
Beneficiary




