Help a First Generation Student Afford Tuition
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Hello! My name is Martha Perez Palma, I'm a 20 year old college student attending St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas.
My family is from Mexico and I'm the first in my family to attend university in the United States. This is very exciting for me and a very proud moment for my family.
I am incredibly blessed in so many ways that I find myself feeling a little sheepish to be setting up a GoFundMe page.
I have a loving mother and sibling. I have good health and wonderful friends. My life-long aspiration has been to be become a mental health professional helping adolescents struggling with mental illness. It was thrilling when I got accepted at prestigious St. Edward's University (in case your wondering, I did apply to a State school as well and didn't get accepted). St. Edward's has been incredibly generous to me with grants and scholarships. So, what is the problem? With all this wonderful, why am I here?
My dream of completing college recently encountered a serious financial barrier. My home recently became a single-parent household, with my mom being the only provider for my younger sister and I, which instantly halved our household income. Even with scholarships and grants and grand-parents chipping in St. Edward's is a private institution, which means it is much more challenging to bridge the tuition gap. And, that is just a bridge too far. Even with waitressing, baby-sitting and having sold my car the writing is on the wall - I am at risk of becoming a part-time student next semester. Which means I lose my scholarship.
With deep humility I ask for your help. The assistance I need to close the gap over the next three semesters is $8,725.00. But, anything you send my way (even if it is only good wishes) will be an investment not just in me, but the future. The kids with mental illnesses who I will be there to support in their time of need in the years ahead.
And, incidentally, I now truly understand the meaning of "paying it forward". I know I will. Thanking you in advance for your help and best wishes!
With much love from Austin!
Martha
My family is from Mexico and I'm the first in my family to attend university in the United States. This is very exciting for me and a very proud moment for my family.
I am incredibly blessed in so many ways that I find myself feeling a little sheepish to be setting up a GoFundMe page.
I have a loving mother and sibling. I have good health and wonderful friends. My life-long aspiration has been to be become a mental health professional helping adolescents struggling with mental illness. It was thrilling when I got accepted at prestigious St. Edward's University (in case your wondering, I did apply to a State school as well and didn't get accepted). St. Edward's has been incredibly generous to me with grants and scholarships. So, what is the problem? With all this wonderful, why am I here?
My dream of completing college recently encountered a serious financial barrier. My home recently became a single-parent household, with my mom being the only provider for my younger sister and I, which instantly halved our household income. Even with scholarships and grants and grand-parents chipping in St. Edward's is a private institution, which means it is much more challenging to bridge the tuition gap. And, that is just a bridge too far. Even with waitressing, baby-sitting and having sold my car the writing is on the wall - I am at risk of becoming a part-time student next semester. Which means I lose my scholarship.
With deep humility I ask for your help. The assistance I need to close the gap over the next three semesters is $8,725.00. But, anything you send my way (even if it is only good wishes) will be an investment not just in me, but the future. The kids with mental illnesses who I will be there to support in their time of need in the years ahead.
And, incidentally, I now truly understand the meaning of "paying it forward". I know I will. Thanking you in advance for your help and best wishes!
With much love from Austin!
Martha
Organizer
Martha Perez Palma
Organizer
Austin, TX