Hi everyone,

Asking for help is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I'm at a point where I can't reach this dream alone.

This fall, I begin my Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Arizona State University. My goal is to become a hospital social worker, specifically working with children and families facing serious illnesses.

This career isn't just something I chose. It's deeply personal.

When I was six years old, my older brother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Watching my family navigate hospitals, uncertainty, and fear changed the course of my life. Through one of the most difficult chapters we have ever experienced, I saw firsthand how important social workers are. They don't just connect families to resources. They provide hope, stability, advocacy, and compassion when families need it most.

Ever since then, I've wanted to be that person for someone else.

For the past three years, I've worked as a Housing Case Manager serving youth experiencing homelessness, helping young people find safe housing, navigate crises, access healthcare, employment, education, and build more stable futures. It has been the greatest privilege of my career. Alongside that work, I've coached youth soccer, mentoring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field.

To pursue my MSW full time, I had to make the incredibly difficult decision to leave my full-time job. I'm continuing to coach while I'm in school so I can pay my rent and living expenses, but coaching alone isn't enough to cover the cost of graduate school.

I've been financially independent since I was 17 years old. I've worked hard to support myself, pay my bills, and build a career centered around serving others. My parents are both disabled and are unable to help financially, and despite exhausting my options, I've struggled to secure enough student loans to cover the remainder of my education.

Even with these financial challenges, I've remained committed to my responsibilities. Since graduating with my bachelor's degree three years ago, I haven't missed a single student loan payment.

I'm raising **$20,000 to cover the remainder of my tuition** so I can complete my Master of Social Work degree and continue pursuing my dream of becoming a hospital social worker for children and families facing some of life's hardest moments.

If you're able to contribute, no matter the amount, I would be incredibly grateful. If donating isn't possible, sharing my fundraiser with your friends, family, or community would mean just as much.

Thank you for believing in me and helping me continue a life dedicated to serving others. My hope is that one day I'll be able to support families with the same compassion, guidance, and advocacy that made such a difference for my own family.

With gratitude,

Zetta