Hey Everyone,

My name is John Santos and I'm a first generation student at Temple University. Transferring to Temple was always a dream of mine, especially coming from a small town in New Jersey. I am grateful to have been able to continue my studies at Temple. Unfortunately, I have faced many adversities during my time at Temple, some due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the spring semester of 2021, I had lost my financial aid for the semester in which I had to pay $17,000 out of pocket in which resulted having to take off the spring semester and this past fall semester in order to pay off my debt. During my time off, I have been working at the Center for Autism as a Behavioral Tech during the day and serving tables at night to help ends meet. Temple has offered to give me the "Broad Street Finish Line Grant" of $5,000 if I can get my debt down to $10,000. I currently am at $14,170.52. This has been a difficult road block in my pursue of getting my degree. My goal is to be able to finish my degree in Psychology and open up my own practice of art therapy. I want to help those who suffer from mental health and create a light in this world. Any contribution to my GoFundMe is much appreciated. I am very hopeful of passing this obstacle and making my family proud by finishing my degree but as well starting the path to finding new solutions to our love ones having trouble with their mental health.