Help Curtis to Graduate!
Donation protected
Hello everyone!
I am a sixth-year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). I am excited to be approaching my final semester at the university! However, I need help getting there.
Here is my story:
I earned 60+ college credits in high school hoping that I wouldn’t have to pay four years-worth of out-of-state tuition. Most of the universities that I would be applying to would consider me out-of-state since I live in Washington DC. I challenged myself with those advanced classes, and after completing them, I applied to the University of Maryland, College Park, with the dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. My late grandfather, who was an airplane mechanic in the United Sates Air Force during the 1960s, inspired me to pursue this career. I was not directly admitted to the school of engineering for unknown reasons: a setback. Luckily, I could apply again as an internal transfer student, but since the engineering major was a limited enrollment program, I was only allowed to apply once more. To ensure that I met all requirements, I spent two years taking pre-requisite and gateway courses, while also improving my GPA, which was not an easy task. My graduation date was pushed back to Spring 2019. Those technical classes were very difficult, and it was easy to slip through the cracks. In Spring 2016, I anxiously applied to the A. James Clark School of Engineering, fearing that I would be denied for another unknown reason or overlooked requirement. Thankfully, I was accepted in Fall 2016! I studied as best as I could but faced major setbacks: having to repeat three classes, enduring depression from stress and disappointment, and having to withdraw from the university due to financial hardship. My graduation date was pushed back indefinitely. I still cheered on my peers and celebrated with them when they graduated, but at the same time, I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t complete the degree as soon as I liked. I felt like I had fallen through the cracks.
About 6 months after my withdrawal from UMD, something miraculous happened! Thoughtful people at the university (including former President Wallace Loh) demolished my debt and allowed me to continue my education in Spring 2020! They even found grants to increase my financial aid! I am extremely thankful that they heard my call for help and were able to assist. Fast forward a year later (present day), I am in a similar situation: I am at risk of withdrawal if I am unable to pay the balance on my account from the previous semester. I have explored several avenues to pay tuition at UMD: applying for grants and scholarships, working part-time jobs (federal work-study), applying for financial aid from the university and the federal government, as well as taking out federal and private loans.
Here is the plan:
Last semester, the out-of-state tuition that I needed to pay (subtracting the aid that I received) was $14, 900. With this fundaiser, I hope to raise $16,000, accounting for processing fees for each donation. I also accept donations through Venmo and CashApp (send them to the username: CurtisTheArtist). This mission will help me to pay off the balance, allow me to register for Spring classes, and complete my final chapter as an undergraduate at UMD!
I aim to pay the balance by February 5th (the end of the "add-drop" period, where students can adjust their class schedule). Ideally, I would like to pay this balance before the start of classes (January 25th), which is a bold goal. Who knows? With your support, it may be possible!
It’s because of you that I will be able to continue my pursuit of becoming an aerospace engineer. A few people doubted my resolve, which discouraged me, but it also made me want to prove them wrong. I will do my best to make the most of this opportunity that you provided! I pray that only blessings come your way and that your kindness will be repaid! Watch me thrive! I won’t let you down.
Sincerely,
Curtis Williams
I am a sixth-year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). I am excited to be approaching my final semester at the university! However, I need help getting there.
Here is my story:
I earned 60+ college credits in high school hoping that I wouldn’t have to pay four years-worth of out-of-state tuition. Most of the universities that I would be applying to would consider me out-of-state since I live in Washington DC. I challenged myself with those advanced classes, and after completing them, I applied to the University of Maryland, College Park, with the dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. My late grandfather, who was an airplane mechanic in the United Sates Air Force during the 1960s, inspired me to pursue this career. I was not directly admitted to the school of engineering for unknown reasons: a setback. Luckily, I could apply again as an internal transfer student, but since the engineering major was a limited enrollment program, I was only allowed to apply once more. To ensure that I met all requirements, I spent two years taking pre-requisite and gateway courses, while also improving my GPA, which was not an easy task. My graduation date was pushed back to Spring 2019. Those technical classes were very difficult, and it was easy to slip through the cracks. In Spring 2016, I anxiously applied to the A. James Clark School of Engineering, fearing that I would be denied for another unknown reason or overlooked requirement. Thankfully, I was accepted in Fall 2016! I studied as best as I could but faced major setbacks: having to repeat three classes, enduring depression from stress and disappointment, and having to withdraw from the university due to financial hardship. My graduation date was pushed back indefinitely. I still cheered on my peers and celebrated with them when they graduated, but at the same time, I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t complete the degree as soon as I liked. I felt like I had fallen through the cracks.
About 6 months after my withdrawal from UMD, something miraculous happened! Thoughtful people at the university (including former President Wallace Loh) demolished my debt and allowed me to continue my education in Spring 2020! They even found grants to increase my financial aid! I am extremely thankful that they heard my call for help and were able to assist. Fast forward a year later (present day), I am in a similar situation: I am at risk of withdrawal if I am unable to pay the balance on my account from the previous semester. I have explored several avenues to pay tuition at UMD: applying for grants and scholarships, working part-time jobs (federal work-study), applying for financial aid from the university and the federal government, as well as taking out federal and private loans.
Here is the plan:
Last semester, the out-of-state tuition that I needed to pay (subtracting the aid that I received) was $14, 900. With this fundaiser, I hope to raise $16,000, accounting for processing fees for each donation. I also accept donations through Venmo and CashApp (send them to the username: CurtisTheArtist). This mission will help me to pay off the balance, allow me to register for Spring classes, and complete my final chapter as an undergraduate at UMD!
I aim to pay the balance by February 5th (the end of the "add-drop" period, where students can adjust their class schedule). Ideally, I would like to pay this balance before the start of classes (January 25th), which is a bold goal. Who knows? With your support, it may be possible!
It’s because of you that I will be able to continue my pursuit of becoming an aerospace engineer. A few people doubted my resolve, which discouraged me, but it also made me want to prove them wrong. I will do my best to make the most of this opportunity that you provided! I pray that only blessings come your way and that your kindness will be repaid! Watch me thrive! I won’t let you down.
Sincerely,
Curtis Williams
Organizer
Curtis Williams
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Begin your fundraising journey
