My name is Brinaye, and I’m a first-generation student at UCLA, my dream school. Getting here was never easy, but I’ve worked so hard to make it possible. I’m also the first in my immediate family to graduate from high school, and I’ve carried the weight of not just my own dreams, but my siblings’ hopes too.

Over the summer, I was told over and over again that my tuition and fees would be fully covered, and that I might even receive a reimbursement. I held on to that reassurance until everything changed.

On September 24th, I was suddenly told that I actually owe $5,000, and that if I don’t pay by October 10th, I will be dropped from my classes and immediately lose my housing.

I have already maxed out all of my loans. I come from a single-mother household, and as the oldest of three siblings who struggle mentally, I’ve always tried to be the one holding things together. But the truth is, my only support system, my mom, is already stretched thin and struggling financially. We don’t have anywhere else to turn.

Being an out-of-state student makes this even harder, but UCLA has always been my dream, and I’ve poured everything into being here. I am also a Resident Assistant and deeply involved on campus, doing everything I can to give back to my community. But now, despite all of that, I am at risk of losing everything I’ve worked for in just a matter of days.

For those who know me, you know I’ve never been the one to ask for help, but in a time like this, it’s my only option. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward keeping me enrolled and housed so I can continue my education. Even if you can’t give, simply sharing this would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me during the most difficult moment of my journey.

— Brinaye