To my community —

My name is Benedicte Yodishembo, and I am currently a senior at Howard University pursuing a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences on the Nursing track.

Due to a two-year lag in the integration of Howard’s old and new systems (https://www.washingtoninformer.com/howard-students-financial-challenges/), I have been left with a balance of over $20,000, with only two weeks to resolve it before the end of the add/drop period. If left unpaid, this balance would make me ineligible to graduate in May 2026.

I am humbly asking for your support to help me continue my education at Howard. Your gift, no matter the size, will go directly toward covering this balance and materials for the school year. If you are unable to give financially, I ask that you please share this with your community. And above all, I ask for your prayers—prayers for academic success, a sound mind, and endurance as I enter my final year.

More than the degree itself, my deepest desire is to pursue the calling God has placed on my life. As a follower of Christ, I strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Earning this degree will open the door to pursue my MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and eventually my DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), equipping me to not only serve locally but also return to my home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, to help provide care to families in need. The Lord has placed this burden on my heart as a command to live out my purpose—showing His love in action through holistic healthcare.

Whether you choose to sow into this journey financially and/or prayerfully, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wholeheartedly believe I am the sum of God’s love and the love of my community, and your support is a testament to that truth. May God bless you richly and reward you greatly for investing in my future.

With the utmost gratitude,

Bene Yodishembo