Hi everyone,

My name is Aliyah, and I’m a 42‑year‑old mom of two wonderful kids, ages 14 and 9. I’m currently receiving partial unemployment while I wait to hear back from full‑time job interviews, and money is very tight for our single‑income household. In addition to actively looking for full‑time work, I am also a college student pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University.

I last took a class in the summer of 2025, but my financial aid did not fully cover my tuition, so I have been paying the remaining balance out of pocket. Right now, I owe $1,714.54. I’m enrolled in a payment plan and pay $194.80 each month; I have already made December’s payment.

Because of this remaining balance, there is a hold on my student account from the Bursar’s Office. This hold prevents me from enrolling in new classes until I bring my balance down to $1,000 by January 11. If I can meet this deadline, I will be able to enroll for the spring semester and stay on track to graduate in December 2026.

As a single mom who is barely making ends meet, I simply cannot afford to make the $715 payment needed by that date on my own. Attending the spring semester is incredibly important to me because it will allow me to continue working toward my degree, open the door to better job opportunities, and move my family closer to long‑term financial stability.

Any contribution—no matter the amount—would mean so much to me and my children. Your support will help me stay in school and continue pursuing an education that I hope will lead to a more secure and independent future for my family. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any help you are able to give.

With gratitude,

Aliyah Da Silva