Hi- I'm Chaira, a grade 12 student currently attending Kelowna Secondary School in BC, Canada. As of today, May 15, my parents have unexpectedly decided to stop giving me any financial support because I am gay.

I recently committed to Smith College in Massachusetts, but I am now in need of 15,000 USD (18,160 CAD) per year to attend (I plan to attend for 4 years to complete my bachelor's degree) as that is part of the amount my dad said he would contribute when I filled out my CSS profile. This money will cover my room and board at Smith. I have a little bit of money saved up from a past summer job and am trying to get a job currently, which has not been very easy so far.

I am hoping to study computer science with the goal of helping human trafficking victims after graduation.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

There is more about my story on my Instagram account (@chairaharder), under the tag "support".

!!! UPDATE:
 
I am currently working two jobs this summer- one full time and the other part time!

!!! UPDATE:

I am currently studying at Smith College and have expenses for the first year covered!!! I'm loving it here and having such a great time. Thank you SO much to everyone who has helped me get here!