Help a First-Gen Nursing Student Stay in school

Help a First-Gen Immigrant Nursing Student Stay in School — For My Family, For My Future

Hi, my name is Zulema, named after my late mom. I go by Zamira, Sami, and all other names to the people who know me. I’m a first-generation nursing student at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. I’m reaching out with a hopeful heart to ask for your support.

I was born in Bolivia and brought to the U.S. when I was just 2 years old. From a very young age, I’ve lived in fear — not just of uncertainty, but of what it meant to grow up undocumented, to fight for my education without legal protections, and to constantly worry about whether I would be allowed to stay, let alone succeed.

Despite these obstacles, I pushed forward. I worked hard through school, navigated complicated immigration systems, and did everything in my power to earn my place. I stayed quiet when I was scared. I kept going when doors were slammed shut. And I never gave up.

Even now — after all that — I’m facing my now, biggest educational barrier.

Nursing is not just my career goal — it’s my life’s purpose and what I feel sincerely, what I was made to do. I chose this path because of the pain and love that shaped me, as some may know my mom had a 2 year battle with brain cancer before she passed my fresh man year of high school. I lost the strongest person I knew then which to this day pains my heart. I am blessed to have such a hard-working father who continues to struggle with his own health, has sacrificed everything to support my brothers and I.

They are the reason I do everything. They are my strength, my motivation, and my “why.”

After graduating with my associate’s degree from Montgomery College, I worked hard to get accepted into one of the top nursing programs. I balanced work, caregiving, and school to make it here — and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

But now, I’m facing a devastating roadblock.

Despite my status and years of effort, I was denied in-state tuition, and now — due to a FAFSA verification delay — I’m not eligible for federal loans this last spring semester. I’ve submitted everything, and followed up more times than I can count… but nothing has changed.

I’m now being charged over $24,000 for this semester alone, and I’m expected to cover that out of pocket before I can even think of registering for my fall semester. All while working part-time hours and being there for my family. This summer is dedicated to work more hours and do what I can to support myself, my family, and anticipate what comes in the fall. Though it'll be difficult to do on my own.

I am not someone who gives up easily, and let alone ask for help. But I’ve reached a point where I can’t carry this alone.

If you’re able to contribute, even just a few dollars, it will go directly toward my tuition and help me stay enrolled in the program I’ve worked so hard to get into. If you can’t donate, please share this post with your network. Your support — in any form — means everything.

One day, I hope to give back as an oncology nurse to families going through what mine has. And pay back the support all my loved ones, friends, and all of you have been able to help with. I want to honor my mom and make my dad proud by turning all of his sacrifices into something meaningful.

Thank you, truly,

Zulema