Help an Amazing Scholarship Student Travel To & From College

We are raising money to assist a very talented young woman who received a full scholarship to Smith College. Going to college across the country is expensive and daunting, even with the incredible scholarship opportunity – and things like plane tickets, airport shuttles, winter clothes and boots, and even being able to go out with classmates for ice cream can really add up. We’d like to provide a cushion to help her cover these costs so she can focus on learning and adjusting to a new environment.

Here's a personal statement from the student herself, and please read my short personal note at the end of this appeal:

"Hello, my name is Astro and I am a Latinx, First-Generation, future Smithie! I am an avid crocheter, love to garden, work with kids, and plan community events! At Smith, I will be pursuing my passions and taking advantage of the open curriculum to explore what I wish to do in the future.

My family has always struggled financially, so the scholarship I'm getting from Smith College ensures that they won’t have to worry about my financial security as I move to the East Coast for my studies. I will be far away from home with no family near to support me or visit, so I will make a living for myself and embrace the independence I must find.

I have also received grant-based aid and work-study opportunities from Smith, and I plan to become an America Reads and America Counts tutor to ensure students receive the support they need to dream higher and achieve their goals just like I did. It won't be easy, but I want to make the most of my next four years at Smith to become a community leader back in Downtown LA and ensure that more students like me have the opportunity to dream big and become achievers in what they hope to accomplish."

When I heard about Astro's amazing opportunity, I knew I wanted to jump in and help in some way. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of the tremendous economic, social, and political upheaval we are facing right now, and to wonder what we can do to fight it and bring some sense of normalcy back to our lives. One of the ways we can do this is by taking small, local steps that are immediately possible and that will have a significant, positive effect on the life of another. For me, this is such an opportunity. Please join me and throw a pebble, a rock, or a boulder into this pond, whatever you can do. Share this story and ask others to participate, knowing that the ripples from your action will spread and have an effect far beyond anything you might be able to see.