Funding Tristen’s Higher Education!!
I’m Tristen Todd, a 17 year old who recently graduated from Uplift Luna Preparatory with Latin Honors. It has always been a dream of mine to continue my education and attend an HBCU, I just didn’t have an idea of which university was right for me. After months of decision-making, my final decision is to attend Dillard University. It would be an honor to receive a donation to further my education at Dillard University, mainly because the cost of attendance for me is equivalent to my annual household income. By receiving these funds of support, it would relieve a financial bind off myself and my mother. Currently, I am working part-time at Walmart to have an additional income source to my mom’s due to COVID-19 being a part of her workplace temporarily closing, which placed her on furlough. What motivated me the most to attend college was my family. Growing up, I was raised in a single-parent household.
Observing my mother's daily struggle to provide for two children and still manage to do her best to keep us clothed, sheltered, and fed every single morning, evening and night. This showed me that I would never want my mother to endure such experiences ever again. As an individual who is always goal-oriented, driven to succeed and very positive, you would think nothing could possibly stop me from achieving my goals. I would like for college to be my foundation to giving her and my sister a better life to look forward to once I get fully developed in my career.
My reasoning for pursuing the career path of Business is to serve as a role model for men in the African American community. Growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood, it was common to see black men experiencing hardships and as a result, many relied on fast money for quick income. Presently, it would be an understatement to say that most African American men that I know have abandoned their dreams to the “streets.” The initial problem starts with the lack of professionalism. For men in the African American community, having an expansive vocabulary and being proficient often is mistaken for pride and masculinity. I want to make a difference and eradicate this stereotypical image- essentially, I hope to make a difference and give back to my community by breaking a common stereotype and helping to reshape the world’s view of a black man. After college, I will have my Bachelor’s in Accounting and obtain my certification in Real Estate. One day, I will hope to start a vocational program that primarily benefits felons. As a result, I will be allowing them to earn their G.E.D, if not obtained yet, by being a beacon of hope in the moments where they feel the most rejected by the world.
With your generous donation, I am able to pursue my dreams. Thank you for blessing me to do what I’ve always imagined. I will continue to strive for excellence and see that my dreams become a reality.
I have enclosed the address where donations can be sent. No amount is too small. Also, can you please notify me if a donation was made so I can properly send a "Thank You."
