Support Devonte Final Semester At Howard

Hi everyone, My name is Devonte Jackson, and I’m a senior at Howard University, majoring in Supply Chain Management. I recently turned 21 on November 9, 2024, and I’m reaching out to raise $23,490 to cover my tuition balance and graduate in May 2025. My journey is about breaking barriers, honoring my family’s sacrifices, and inspiring others to persevere through adversity. I grew up in Rochester, NY, the youngest of six siblings, in a city known for its resilience but also its struggles with youth violence and educational inequities. Despite these challenges, I graduated high school at the top of my class with a 4.67 GPA, earning the HU Achievers Scholarship. However, my path has been far from easy. The Losses That Shaped Me In 2019, during my sophomore year of high school, I lost my cousin, Zadane Wright, who was like a brother to me. We were born just one week apart—my birthday is November 9, and his was November 16. Tragically, Zadane only lived to be 16 for three days. My last words to him were, “Be safe and love you, brother. Happy birthday.” His death left me with depression and PTSD, but it also taught me the importance of resilience and cherishing the people we love. In the fall of 2023, while attending Howard, I lost another cousin, Shalar Davy, to a senseless act of violence. Shalar, who babysat me as a child, was a light in our family, teaching me about faith, positivity, and the importance of doing good. Losing him was devastating and compounded my mental health struggles, but it also deepened my determination to honor both Zadane and Shalar through my actions and perseverance. Financial Hurdles and Transparency My college journey has been marked by significant financial challenges. After losing my HU Achievers Scholarship during my freshman year due to mental health struggles, my GPA fell to a 1.25. Determined to rebuild, I worked hard to regain Good Academic Standing, raising my Program of Study GPA to 3.15 by my junior year. Despite this progress, funding my education became an uphill battle. • Both of my parents were denied Parent PLUS loans due to adverse credit histories. • I took out private loans, but I have now maxed out my borrowing limit. • Over the years, I’ve accumulated $100,000 in student loan debt, using it to cover tuition, books, and essentials. • Even with personal loans, I’ve had to pay rent out of pocket each month while balancing my academic responsibilities. Now, with no other borrowing options available, I need to raise $23,490 by January 3, 2025, to register for my final semester and secure housing. Without this, I face: • Delaying my graduation as a first-generation college student. • Losing my housing, despite signing a lease. • Owing Howard University for the academic year without earning my degree. Strategic Use of Funds While my primary goal is to raise $23,490 to directly pay my tuition balance and secure my housing, I am committed to exploring all possible avenues to ensure I can graduate. If I cannot raise the full amount, I will use the funds to fulfill other financial obligations, such as paying off outstanding debts or improving my credit. This will allow me to become eligible for additional funding or loans to cover my tuition. Every dollar raised will be used strategically to help me cross this final hurdle and achieve my dream of graduating in May 2025. Turning Adversity Into Strength Growing up, I participated in the Champion Academy, a program founded by NFL Super Bowl champion Roland Williams, which taught me to build “mental muscles” to handle adversity. These lessons carried me through my darkest times and laid the foundation for my resilience at Howard. Despite losing Zadane and Shalar, I pushed forward, proving that I am not a victim of my circumstances but empowered by them. My determination is reflected in my journey: • I’ve excelled in rigorous courses like International Business and Project Management. • I’ve worked tirelessly, often commuting 35-40 minutes to campus for 8 AM classes while managing part-time jobs to pay for my apartment. • I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Memorable Moments at Howard While my journey has been full of challenges, Howard has given me incredible opportunities and unforgettable experiences: • Attending Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign events and witnessing history in the making. • Meeting Kevin Hart, whose story of perseverance inspired me. • Connecting with Corey Arvinger, founder of Support Black Colleges, and learning from his entrepreneurial journey. • Participating in Alternative Spring Break, helping to empower youth and restore communities in Chicago. • Volunteering in Fort Myers, Florida, for hurricane disaster relief, which opened my eyes to the challenges faced by immigrant students and the removal of Black history from their curriculum. These experiences have shaped me into who I am today, and I’ve included photos from these moments in a Dropbox folder for transparency. The folder also includes a digital flyer with a QR code, making it easy to share my story online or in person. Access it here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/wkb95vztb2blro1st92g1/AOqeE6U8DqsPenbEaHm5je8?rlkey=viob1tx2pgs7yduk74bqgcwdq&st=kve04pso&dl=0 Achievements So Far In just one day, I’ve raised over $1,500(7% of my goal) from 27 donations, and my Instagram posts have reached 27.7K people, receiving over 20,000 views. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has shared my story, donated, or encouraged me. This campaign isn’t just about me—it’s about inspiring others to believe that they can overcome life’s challenges, no matter how big. Why Your Support Matters I aspire to attend law school, become a lawyer, and eventually build a career as an entrepreneur. Achieving these goals will allow me to give back to my community and honor the sacrifices my family has made. Your support will help me overcome this final hurdle and graduate in May 2025, fulfilling my dream of becoming a first-generation college graduate and beginning to repay my student loans. How You Can Help 1️⃣ Donate: • GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/dd4b175e • CashApp: $Devonte3981 2️⃣ Share: • Share my story with your network via social media or email. • Use my digital flyer to spread the word online or in person. 3️⃣ Offer Support: • Help me organize fundraising events or connect me with resources and opportunities. Stay Connected: • Instagram: @DevonteJOfficial • Email: [email redacted]ard.edu A Holiday Season of Gratitude This holiday season, I’m reminded of the power of community and the generosity of others. Your support—whether through a donation, a share, or simply an encouraging message—means the world to me. Together, we can make this dream a reality. With gratitude, Devonte Jackson