Hi there, my name is Abby Clem. I’m 24 years old and a prospective student at the University of Iowa. I plan on continuing my studies in studio art with a focus on 3D design. My dream is to one day graduate here with a bachelor’s degree, then go to grad school, then become an architect for low-income, eco-friendly housing.

My main hurdle right now is my outstanding u-bill. I currently owe $3,500+ and cannot go back to classes until it is paid off. The last time I was in school was last fall, and I have not attended classes since.

Last December, I had been told devastating news that sent me into a severe, debilitating mental breakdown. I lost my job as a result. Since then, I’ve been trying to keep myself afloat through plasma donations and unfitting jobs but health problems kept arising. I have an stress-induced chronic illness that bedriddens me every time it flares up. I just have barely fought through a recent eviction notice, and that’s left no money towards my university bill.

I have been denied from loans for having a subpar credit score. I also have no family or friends that can or will co-sign any loans for me. I have completely ran out of options (as scholarships are hard to come by—I have been applying fervently however) until I can finally find work suited for me and my needs, then be able to pay off future tuition after FAFSA and scholarships.

Getting me back into university will do many things to better the quality of my life. I come from a long line of poverty and I want to be able to break that generational chain through getting an education and starting a career in architecture. I will also be granted new avenues of jobs through the university that can offer me as an enrolled student that can better fit my needs as a chronically ill person. And if you know me, you know that I’ve had a struggle with getting education but always a persistence to succeed anyways.

Being here and going to college has been my biggest dream forever. I will always be a hawkeye at heart. Every single penny of the proceeds will go straight to my university bill.

Thank you, and God bless