Help Arturo with University Expenses
Donation protected
Hi my name is Arturo ,
I was born and raised in Logan Heights in San Diego, California. A neighborhood that doubted my potential due to its stereotypes.
Fortunately, I overcame those stereotypes and became a student in the STEM field.
I admit personally that being a Chicano -first generation student in STEM is very challenging. Not only do you have to battle constantly with yourself as if you are wrong for chasing a dream, but you are also entitled to take care of responsabilities at home, and to top it off- do great in those very high demanding courses.
With many sacrifices, many compromises, and no question to commitment I graduated from San Diego City College with an Associates degree in "Pre-Engineering".
Yes, I want to become a Mechanical Engineer.
The reason for this, is because growing up I wanted to be a jet-fighter pilot for the military. Unfortunately, being a pre-mature infant my heart did not fully developed, which has led me with heart conditions all my life. I have had two-major hear surgeries (1) at eight years, and (2) in August 13, 2020 during the pandemic.
This being said, I was immediately banned from becoming such pilot. Doing research, I found that the Mechanical Engineering field allows us engineers to build and innovate modern marvels that help build aircrafts like such. Although, I might not be able to fly one I would still want to be around such high-performance machines and help in the development of some.
With that being said, I have chased this dream.
I was accepted at the University of California Merced as a transfer student for Mechanical Engineer. Being the first in my family to build the pavement for future generations have been extremely emotional. I was super exctied coming to an institution where I will learn the fundamentals of more complex systems to reach my goal.
This was awesome, but one big event occured in my life, my beautiful mother had a stroke, and this stroke left her speechles. Having a life time mentor, who has been there for you since day one and not being able to communicate efficiently was challenging. This event stopped my focus to think about UC Merced and I was not able to find housing early.
This led to a housing issue that many other students like myself suffered this academic year. The University overbooked many students of which the town could take in. There were and there are construction still occurring for housing, but the demand is high. I traveled 400 miles to a new town I did not know about, of which it generated plenty of stress because it was unknow where I was going to live.
I got in contact with the University and let them know about my situation, so they were able to accomodate me in an in-campus dormatory of which has been a great experience.
The only set back is that my budget to live in Merced did not accounted for the expenses that living on campus cost.
Therefore, I now come and ask for help to my family, friends, and community. I understand that these are tough times for everyone. The pandemic has affected us all in so many ways.
The school release the last updated of my bill of cost and it was $ 8, 325 of which I have to pay by the end of the semester. If I do not pay they will put a hold on my registration and I won't be able to attend school for the next semester.
I have taken subsidize and unsubsidize loans, and with the little money I get from my work I have successfull paid $4000.
My current balance is $4,325, and I am having plenty of trouble coming up with that amount in a short period of time. I have asked the school for help, but financial aid has said that they have given me the maximum they can give me.
I have asked for emergency funds, but I was denied twice.
This is the main reason, why I am doing this gofundme page. I have come so far and to stop here is not an ideal option for me.
I am currently taking 5 classes, of nothing but higher division courses. As challenging they are I have not led up. I have Aced many of my midterms. I currently have all A's in all of my five classes.
I might have this big burden haunting me daily, but I try to not lose sight of what my overall goal is.
If you find it in yourself to help me out, just remember that this is for a great cause. I do believe in equity and equality. I am here to make a change in the lives of many. I am here to spark and interest in STEM for the future generations. I am not just a student or an engieneer; I am an extension to help future generations make it through the STEM field pipeline. I am someone who looks like them and for some that might mean a lot, when someone is making a choice in their career path.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and thank you for your generous donations.
Godbless us all,
Arturo
I was born and raised in Logan Heights in San Diego, California. A neighborhood that doubted my potential due to its stereotypes.
Fortunately, I overcame those stereotypes and became a student in the STEM field.
I admit personally that being a Chicano -first generation student in STEM is very challenging. Not only do you have to battle constantly with yourself as if you are wrong for chasing a dream, but you are also entitled to take care of responsabilities at home, and to top it off- do great in those very high demanding courses.
With many sacrifices, many compromises, and no question to commitment I graduated from San Diego City College with an Associates degree in "Pre-Engineering".
Yes, I want to become a Mechanical Engineer.
The reason for this, is because growing up I wanted to be a jet-fighter pilot for the military. Unfortunately, being a pre-mature infant my heart did not fully developed, which has led me with heart conditions all my life. I have had two-major hear surgeries (1) at eight years, and (2) in August 13, 2020 during the pandemic.
This being said, I was immediately banned from becoming such pilot. Doing research, I found that the Mechanical Engineering field allows us engineers to build and innovate modern marvels that help build aircrafts like such. Although, I might not be able to fly one I would still want to be around such high-performance machines and help in the development of some.
With that being said, I have chased this dream.
I was accepted at the University of California Merced as a transfer student for Mechanical Engineer. Being the first in my family to build the pavement for future generations have been extremely emotional. I was super exctied coming to an institution where I will learn the fundamentals of more complex systems to reach my goal.
This was awesome, but one big event occured in my life, my beautiful mother had a stroke, and this stroke left her speechles. Having a life time mentor, who has been there for you since day one and not being able to communicate efficiently was challenging. This event stopped my focus to think about UC Merced and I was not able to find housing early.
This led to a housing issue that many other students like myself suffered this academic year. The University overbooked many students of which the town could take in. There were and there are construction still occurring for housing, but the demand is high. I traveled 400 miles to a new town I did not know about, of which it generated plenty of stress because it was unknow where I was going to live.
I got in contact with the University and let them know about my situation, so they were able to accomodate me in an in-campus dormatory of which has been a great experience.
The only set back is that my budget to live in Merced did not accounted for the expenses that living on campus cost.
Therefore, I now come and ask for help to my family, friends, and community. I understand that these are tough times for everyone. The pandemic has affected us all in so many ways.
The school release the last updated of my bill of cost and it was $ 8, 325 of which I have to pay by the end of the semester. If I do not pay they will put a hold on my registration and I won't be able to attend school for the next semester.
I have taken subsidize and unsubsidize loans, and with the little money I get from my work I have successfull paid $4000.
My current balance is $4,325, and I am having plenty of trouble coming up with that amount in a short period of time. I have asked the school for help, but financial aid has said that they have given me the maximum they can give me.
I have asked for emergency funds, but I was denied twice.
This is the main reason, why I am doing this gofundme page. I have come so far and to stop here is not an ideal option for me.
I am currently taking 5 classes, of nothing but higher division courses. As challenging they are I have not led up. I have Aced many of my midterms. I currently have all A's in all of my five classes.
I might have this big burden haunting me daily, but I try to not lose sight of what my overall goal is.
If you find it in yourself to help me out, just remember that this is for a great cause. I do believe in equity and equality. I am here to make a change in the lives of many. I am here to spark and interest in STEM for the future generations. I am not just a student or an engieneer; I am an extension to help future generations make it through the STEM field pipeline. I am someone who looks like them and for some that might mean a lot, when someone is making a choice in their career path.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and thank you for your generous donations.
Godbless us all,
Arturo
Organizer
Jeffry Verduzco
Organizer
San Diego, CA