My name is Andreas Nordlund, I'm a student at California Lutheran University, and I'm going to be a third-year Art and Design major in the fall of 2025. I am a Christian student who has loved attending CLU, and I can't imagine not going back there to finish my degree. CLU has become my second home, from the professors who’ve supported me, to the friends who’ve become my family.

I've valued bringing people together, in all the clubs and groups im involved with at CLU. Whether it’s cheering someone on after a hard day, leading, or just being there to listen, I do my best to be a light in others’ lives. I really do believe that is what we are called to do.

Why I Need Your Help

Since being accepted into California Lutheran University, I’ve worked tirelessly to secure the funding I need to pursue my education. As an international student from Canada, I’ve faced a unique set of challenges when it comes to financial aid and student loans.

Over the last two years, I’ve explored every option available to me. Whether that be applying for scholarships, speaking with financial aid officers, and especially pursuing student loans through the Canadian government. Unfortunately, despite my determination and persistence, I’ve encountered roadblocks that are beyond my control.

While I have received some scholarships, the amount simply isn’t nearly enough to cover my tuition and living expenses. I’ve reached out to multiple departments at CLU, including the director's of different departments and financial aid offices, to advocate for myself and seek solutions.

One of the biggest challenges has been the university's unwillingness to complete the necessary paperwork that would allow me to apply for Canadian student loans. When I first committed to CLU, I was told that the school was in the process of becoming designated for international loan programs through Canada. For over a year, I was reassured repeatedly that this designation was coming soon. It wasn’t until this past spring that I was informed the school had decided not to move forward with the process, leaving me with no way to access the loans I had been counting on.

Had I known this earlier, I may have made a different decision about where to study. But by the time I received this news, I was already well into my program and fully committed to the path I had started. Not to mention the countless connections I've made and the love I have for the community.

In the meantime, I’ve done everything I possibly can to fund my education on my own. This summer, I’ve been working two jobs, a full-time shift at a marina from 8am to 4pm, and then straight to serving at a busy restaurant from 5pm until midnight or later. I’ve been working both of these full time jobs because I believe in the education I’m pursuing. I refuse to give up on those.

My parents have helped me financially as much as they were able to over the last two years for me to get through. As they are both self employed and with the current state of the economy, they just aren't able to help me enough for me to be able to attend CLU this year.

A thank you to my friend Maia, who encouraged me to create this GoFundMe. Your support has encouraged me so much. And of course, to everyone who’s been a part of my journey. I’m incredibly thankful for CLU.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer, whether that’s a donation, a share, or simply some words of encouragement. It truly means the world to me.