From Malawi to the US, help Melissa get her Master's degree

My daughter Nicolette (pictured) passed away at 25 from Sickle Cell Thalassemia in 2019. Today, Sept. 23rd marks the fifth year since she was called home. For four years in a row, I've had a fundraiser in her name to support seniors from Amityville High School, where she graduated in 2012. So many generously donated between 2020 and 2023, with over $20,000 raised. Those donations helped 15 graduates with their college tuition/expenses.

I didn't do a fundraiser this past May, and until now, I couldn't tell you why.

I now know that God had other plans for the fundraiser this year. I met a wonderful soul, Melissa B., from Malawi, Africa. She is a strong, self-assured, beautiful, intelligent, and resilient young woman who I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the past few months. She was introduced to me through a very good friend I have known for over 30 years. He's been a missionary in Malawi for over 10 years.

Please consider donating! My prayer is to raise enough for her to complete her education and cover her living expenses. Melissa's expected Master's degree graduation is in Spring 2026.

This is her story:

My Hopeful Journey in America

I am a 26-year-old woman studying for her Master's degree in the U.S. I am the oldest of three children raised by a single parent in Malawi, Africa. As a young dreamer growing up in a small village, my goal has always been to seek higher education and obtain a master's degree. In 2020, I completed my studies in Malawi and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

After graduation, I worked diligently to fulfill my financial duties for my mom, brother, and sister, as well as support my siblings through their own undergraduate studies. I am thankful that God continuously met our needs, even with only a part-time job. In February 2023, I secured full-time work at a bank in Malawi. My mom had also started a small business, so I was able to save money and began applying for Master's programs in the U.S., getting closer to my lifelong goal.

I was also excited to have secured a school loan from a company that helped international students get loans to study abroad. I left my family, my home, and Malawi for America with excitement and hope! I had saved enough for my flight and living expenses. Knowing that I would have the loan to pay for school, my new journey had begun. The initial months in the U.S. have been incredibly challenging, and the course load was heavy, but I managed to get an A in each of the two classes I had this summer.

However, the high cost of living in the expensive city began to take its toll. Rent, food, books, and transportation were far more costly than I had anticipated. Basic needs quickly consumed the little income I brought with me from my home country, and by the end of the semester, I realized I had very little left - but at least I had my school loans for the fall semester... or so I thought.

The company that had initially approved the first loan for my summer school chose to deny me any further loans. I was unaware of the "fine print" that said I would need to be approved each semester. I was suddenly without funds to support the remainder of my education. I applied for other loans, but it was too close to the beginning of this fall semester. Despite the challenges, I didn't give up. I reached out to my professors and advisors. They were all very kind and supportive, but without the finances to pay for school, there was nothing they could do.

The pressure has been overwhelming, and there are moments when I think of going back home. But whenever that thought crosses my mind, I remember my village, my family, and all those little girls and others who look up to me as a role model. They need to see me succeed. They need to know that dreams, no matter how far-fetched, can come true with determination and support.

My hope now rests on the goodwill of well-wishers who might help me through the final stages of my journey and continue my efforts of becoming a master's graduate ready to give back to my community in Malawi.

My student visa remains active through the end of this semester. My prayer is that I will be able to begin classes again in Spring 2025!

Thank you all, and God bless each of you!