Help Brianna Achieve Her College Dreams

Hello!! My name is Brianna Repede Swan. I am a student going into my first year at Susquehanna University! I am a Black Trans Youth that is studying Creative Writing and Business Marketing as a double major. I am a first-generation high school student, meaning that nobody else in my family has finished high school or university. When I was 17, I had to flee my home because of who I am and what I identify as. Going into the world where you have to leave for your safety and your survival has been incredibly hard to overcome. Over the past few years since I have moved to Philadelphia, there have been countless nights where I did not know what I was going to eat, where I was going to sleep or if I would ever find the people who I know would love and accept me. But despite all of the obstacles that I have been through, I have always known deep down that I had the ability to push through and reach my dreams of graduating high school and attending college... and after four long years of multiple schools, endless sleepless nights and a grind that many would find almost unthinkable I have done it! I have gotten into Susquehanna University who believed in me and has given me the chance to make my dreams possible.

In college, I cannot wait to join Susquehanna's GO program where I can study abroad and make friends internationally. I am so excited to be in a smaller school environment where I will get the chance to make real connections with my professors and peers. I know in so many ways college will be very difficult, but I truly cannot wait for both the hard parts and the good parts because I am just so happy to be going.

Although Susquehanna has given me generous scholarships and financial aid packages, I do not have biological family that can help me with the rest of tuition and living expenses that go along with this next step. That is why I am asking my community, my chosen family, and any allys to young Queer people like me to achieve this amazing milestone. Please consider donating however much you can, every dollar counts - and every share counts too.