Message from the organizer: Since Carmen is not eligible to create a GoFundMe account herself, she has asked me to start one on her behalf. Once she meets all the requirements, this fundraising page will be fully transferred to her.

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About Me

My name is Carmen Jones, and I am currently in my first year of college at the University of the Pacific, where I am majoring in music therapy and also studying percussion.

Growing up, I lived with my grandmother and father. I would often have to help take care of both my grandmother and father, and would play music for them. My grandmother has arthritis, and after each surgery, I would help her with basic household tasks and personal needs. Her arthritis made it hard to care for my father, and I quickly learned how to handle his medication and know what to do when he was going through a medical emergency. I began to notice that the times I played music for them, our interactions, and the level of care I was able to give them were different from when I didn't play music for them. I found it interesting how music could change our interactions during these times.

Since then, I have enjoyed the idea of being able to help people, primarily through music. I feel music is another way of communicating, and it is something that everyone can enjoy, whether they are listening to it or singing/playing an instrument.

Helping my family started my interest in helping others, and joining the band in high school allowed me to strengthen the connection between helping others and the power of music. Playing in the band helped provide me with an outlet as I developed into a better musician. I began assisting others to become better musicians, and seeing others succeed and become confident and independent in their skills are some of my favorite memories. It wasn't until the end of my freshman year of high school that I learned about music therapy.

Having to grow up quickly as a child and take on adult responsibilities while caring for others is not something I would want anyone else to experience. I want to be able to apply the skills I've learned to manage my own stress through music and help other children. I have always enjoyed working with kids. When I was in elementary school, I would visit the special education department and play with the kids during lunch. In middle school, I would frequently visit a different school and volunteer and help with the kindergarten to 3rd-grade students.

How your support helps

Moving out and becoming independent while pursuing my education has come with some financial challenges that may cut my college career short before I even have a chance to begin.

Currently, I am facing financial hardship with my tuition. I am officially on my own and no longer receive financial assistance from my family. Despite receiving scholarships, working, and other forms of financial aid, I am finding it challenging to cover tuition and basic living expenses.

Every donation, regardless of its size, will be used directly to cover my tuition and purchase the necessary materials for class.

Your donations will help me stay in school while I pursue my dreams and be able to give back to my community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with others who may be able to help. Every bit of support means the world to me.

Thank you,

Carmen Jones