I was recently admitted to UC Berkeley for Fall 2026 as a transfer student from community college, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Architecture. I believe that design should exhibit social consciousness and that architecture can help culture and communities thrive. My career goal is to create inclusive designs as an architect and to begin gaining experience in the field.

My family and I moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2022 under the U4U Program due to the Russian invasion. Since arriving, we've faced ongoing financial instability. Very recently, my mom had to stop working and is now looking for a new job with better conditions. As a full-time college student, I am currently working part-time, and so is my brother, both of us earning minimum wage. We divide our rent among all of us, and I use my savings from my summer job and Pell Grant to help pay rent and cover my own expenses, including gas, food, supplies/books for school, and my phone bill. Even with careful budgeting, it is very challenging for me to balance these financial responsibilities while staying focused on my education.

My family has no savings to support me with my college education. I am raising funds to cover my essential cost of attendance for one full academic year at UC Berkeley. Each semester, my required expenses include $7,794 for UC systemwide tuition and fees, $1,173 in campus fees and the Class Pass, and $656 for books and supplies. These academic costs repeat for both Fall and Spring, bringing my total annual amount needed to $19,246. I am in the process of changing my immigration status, which makes me ineligible for FAFSA for the upcoming semester. It is really important for me to get a good education because I want to learn how to create more housing that families like mine can afford and design spaces where they can thrive and grow. Through witnessing my mom’s experience as a non-English speaking single mother struggling in a new environment, I understand the importance of creating facilities that provide resources for immigrants and other underrepresented communities, helping them become a part of a community that feels like home. My family's financial situation and my immigration status are out of my control, and I am doing my best working a part-time job while studying to afford college. Any support would mean so much and help me stay focused on my education.