Hi, my name is Megan Carlson — a proud first-generation college student, single mom, and survivor. I’m transferring from San Diego to UC Berkeley to major in Sociology, with plans to earn a master’s in Higher Education so I can help make college accessible for people like me — people who’ve faced adversity and still keep going.

My Journey

My passion for education comes from lived experience. I know what it means to fight for a better life:

My daughter and I have moved 10 times in the last few years.

We experienced homelessness, living in hotels with vouchers just to have a roof over our heads.

I was a full-time student, full-time mom, and full-time worker, often spending 20 hours a week on buses just to get to class.

✨️ I battled addiction, healed from domestic violence, and worked to rebuild my life after incarceration.

Through it all, education became my lifeline — my way out of poverty and into purpose.

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What I’ve Achieved So Far

Even through unimaginable challenges, I kept going:

✅ Earned associate degrees in Psychology and Sociology

✅ Made the Dean’s List every semester

✅ Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

✅ Served as a Peer Mentor and later President for the Rising Scholars program, supporting other justice-impacted students

✅ Elected as an ASG Senator, where I helped lead a campaign to end human trafficking

✅ Received multiple scholarships and spoke publicly to inspire others

✅ Accepted into every university I applied to — including my dream school, UC Berkeley

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Why Berkeley Matters

At UC Berkeley, I’ll continue turning pain into purpose by:

Advocating for single parents and survivors of human trafficking

Supporting formerly incarcerated students in higher education

Creating programs that give people second chances and the tools to succeed

Education didn’t just change my life — it saved it. Now, I want to help others do the same.

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How You Can Help

Moving to Berkeley is a huge step forward, but it also comes with financial challenges. Your support will help cover:

Housing and moving expenses

Gas and Uhaul to move in

✈️ Flight to pick up my daughter and move us to Berkeley

Every dollar helps me and my daughter take one step closer to stability and success.

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✨ Join Me on This Journey

If you’ve ever believed in second chances, in education as liberation, or in the power of a mother’s love, please consider donating or sharing my story.

Together, we can prove that resilience, education, and community can transform lives.

Thank you for believing in us

— Megan & Andrea