From ATL to FAMU—Help Me Continue My Education

Greetings, my name is Makhia Blackmon, and I’m a freshman at Florida A&M University (FAMU), majoring in Criminal Justice. I graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in Atlanta, Georgia, Class of 2024. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, and this past semester I finished with a 4.0 GPA and made the President’s List.

FAMU has quickly become my home away from home. I love everything about it: the people, the energy, and the opportunities. But right now, I’m facing a serious challenge that might stop me from continuing my education.

I currently owe FAMU $3,900, and I have no way to pay it. I was raised by a single mother and I’m the oldest of six kids, so we’ve always had to make ends meet with very little. As an out-of-state student, tuition is more expensive, and unfortunately, I didn’t receive any merit scholarships from the school.

This semester, I’ve done everything I could to save money. I didn’t buy any textbooks and had to find resources online just to complete assignments. I’m also using a borrowed MacBook from the school because I can’t afford one on my own, but I need it to do my work.

I’m sharing my story because I truly don’t want to give up on my education or leave FAMU. My dream is to become a lawyer, then a judge, and one day open my own law firm that supports women, especially young Black women, in the legal field. I’ve come this far and I don’t want to stop now.

If you’re able to donate anything at all, I would be so grateful. Every little bit helps me get closer to staying in school, continuing my journey, and eventually giving back to others the way I hope to be helped now.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting me. Even if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with others who might be able to help.

With love and gratitude,

Makhia Blackmon