Hello, my name is Emily Calzado and I am currently a junior at NYU CAS with my intended major in psychology. When I was first accepted at NYU I was accepted through the Higher Education Opportunity Program which provides financial assistance for students that come from low income families in NYC. This program provided financial support as well as a community for me throughout my first two years at NYU and provided guidance for me in my path through college. However, I had to make the decision to put my mental and physical well being and safety before everything else which is why I had to leave the place that I called home soon after this spring semester ended. This program was only awarded to me due to my parents combined income, so since I am no longer living with them I had to use the income of the person that I am currently living with as I could not declare myself as independent for this academic year. But I am not financially dependent on this person. So as a result, I am not being awarded anymore financial aid for my remaining time at NYU. I have been searching for job opportunities but with the pandemic still going on they are scarce. My search for scholarships continues as I’m in search for more financial help, and if you know of any please DM me via instagram @emmy_calz. I don’t want to leave school because of how important education is to me personally as a first generation student and an important factor in my future success especially in the country that we live in. I am thankful for everyone who sees this anything helps and if you can share it on any social platforms please do. Thanks again and please stay safe during these troubling times.