Hi, I'm Norah. I'm a senior at Bard College in upstate NY studying Human Rights and Written Arts. I've had a really lucky academic career so far. I studied for two years for free at Deep Springs College, which has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, and then transferred to Bard. I was lucky enough to raise enough money last year to attend, and also received a donation through the college which helped me meet the remainder of my needs. I've also worked a variety of jobs throughout college, including assisting with journalism, literary internships, ranching/ agriculture, food service, and working in both Bard's museum and library. I've also been involved with Bard's radio station and newspaper on top of working multiple jobs.

This past year has been a difficult one. My mother passed away, and my stepmother and father are under a lot of personal financial stress. I have two younger brothers, so while I'm lucky to have a lot of support from my family, financial support is not possible. I pay my own rent and for my own materials, which doesn't leave much for tuition, even after scholarships.

Bard let me know that it's highly possible that if I am not able to make a payment, they may withhold my diploma. This is pretty discouraging, as I'm currently working on my Senior Project, and meeting the last of my credit requirements. If I were to take out a student loan, I would have to do so independently, which is a dangerous exchange for me as someone who is already financially vulnerable. I would like to be able to meet personal goals on top of getting my Bachelor's degree, such as purchasing my first car, and regularly seeing a doctor.

If you have the means to donate, meeting my goal would make these dreams all the more possible.

Thank you, and especially thank you if you donated last time.

Norah G.