My name is Carlos Gallo. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an interest in medicine and becoming a doctor to help those in need. I was born in Peru, but at the age of 13, I had to migrate to the United States due to my parents’ economic hardship at that time. A few years later, I became a U.S. citizen, graduated from high school, and my dream of becoming a doctor flourished even more. However, I started working at the age of 16 and had to save money for my college career. Every dollar I earned went toward my education; every work shift brought me a step closer to helping people—not just in the U.S., but with my ambition to help people worldwide. However, the cost of medical school in the U.S. crushed that hope, forcing me to work harder just to survive. During a visit to Costa Rica, I discovered the Universidad Autónoma de Centro América (UACA), where affordable, world-class education reignited my dream.

It has been almost two years since I made the decision to leave the United States to pursue the dream I’ve longed for, but the path has been brutal. I’ve missed holidays, birthdays, and baby showers—moments that left me clutching my phone, tears streaming as I longed for family. My faith has been my anchor. Before I decided to study at UACA in Costa Rica, I went on a mission trip to an orphanage in Uganda with my church. There, we built a playground, painted their school, and played different games with the children—some of whom were sick, leaving me feeling helpless as I wished I could have helped them medically.

The day before we left the orphanage, the children had their faces painted with butterflies and stars. Their bright smiles hid their desperate need for medical care I couldn’t yet provide. I knelt beside them, their tiny hands in mine, and felt their silent trust, encouraging me even more to fulfill my goal of providing care to them. They surrounded me for a photo—thumbs up, faces glowing with hope—and I whispered with a breaking voice, “One day, I’ll return as a doctor.” Their laughter haunts me with purpose.

Now, as a U.S. citizen studying abroad, I’m stretched thin financially. A cost of $610 a month for a cramped apartment, $300 for food and transportation, and U.S. debts gnaw at me. I am required to travel to and from the United States every four months to follow protocol while my student visa is still being processed, which has taken longer than expected. This is a burden I cannot afford. With no work allowed on my tourist visa and savings depleted, I’ve drained my retirement fund—every penny I saved for my future. I can’t endure this anymore. I’m selling my car—my last lifeline—to fund the $31,400 (16,130,038 colones) I need for the rest of my tuition and to fulfill the remaining amount for my medical journey. Two years stand between me, my promise to those children, and my dream of becoming a doctor. I’m raising $40,000 to cover tuition, rent, food, and travel. Each donation brings me a heartbeat closer to reviving my dream. If you can’t give, sharing with friends or your church community could change my life. Thank you—¡Pura vida!