Help Ferris student from Botswana

I am raising funds for an international student from Botswana, who is midway through his second year at Ferris State University and is unable to cover his tuition. His parents drained their life savings to fund his first year of college and while he worked the maximum hours allowed as an international student throughout the summer, he fell short of being able to make the exorbitant tuition payments. If he is unable to pay for the tuition, he will have no choice but to return to Botswana where just 4% of the population attends college and where wages are so low it would take a lifetime to save enough to finish school. As an international student, resources are very limited when it comes to assistance including federal financial aid and loans that are available to US citizens. International students are unable to work off-campus and can only work on campus up to 40 hours a week in the summer and 20 hours/week during the school year making it impossible to fund their tuition on their own. This student works the maximum hours allowed in the IT department and as an orientation leader. While seeking community support in this manner may not be a permanent solution, I am hoping to buy him some time by covering his tuition for fall semester (and possibly spring). In the meantime, we will be looking at the very limited amount of competitive scholarships available to international students and possibly looking at different universities that have better support mechanisms in place for international students. I personally know this student and will have any funds raised transferred directly to his Ferris account (which can only be applied to his Ferris bill, the funds cannot be withdrawn). Below is his personal plea for help that he wrote to the university, who, at this time, is not willing to help “since he has three years of college left”:

As an international student hailing from the heart of Botswana, a land where educational opportunities are often limited, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the transformative experience I have had at Ferris State University. My journey here has been one of determination, resilience, and hope, and I am writing to share my story with you. As I stand at the crossroads of my academic journey, I am compelled to seek support to overcome these obstacles and continue striving for excellence. The path I have chosen has led me to this point, and I am determined to navigate these challenges with resilience. In this essay, I humbly present my case for financial assistance, detailing the significance of my educational aspirations, the strategies I have developed to ensure a successful future, and the role that your generosity could play in shaping not only my destiny but also the broader community. As I lay out the circumstances that have led me here and articulate my vision for the future, I implore you to consider the profound impact that your support can have on my journey toward academic achievement and personal growth.

Growing up in Botswana, where higher education is a luxury afforded to only a small percentage of the population, I never lost sight of my dream to pursue a degree in Technology particularly Computer Information Systems. However, life had other plans in store. A family crisis, marked by my parents' unfortunate divorce, brought a wave of uncertainty into my life. The financial stability that had once supported my dreams was not as bedrock anymore, and the path to pursuing higher education seemed almost insurmountable. In a world where challenges can be overwhelming, I realized that my dream was at risk of fading away. I sought to aid their concerns financially by self-tutoring my way towards to the end of high school and spent 20 months in the mist of a global pandemic finding a school which was the best fit for me.

My unwavering determination and the support of the university's community led me to Ferris State University, a place where possibilities know no bounds. The opportunity to study abroad is a privilege that very few from my background get to experience, and I am acutely aware of the significance of this chance. I am pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems, not only to fulfill my personal aspirations but to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in my home country along as grow in my expertise in this vastly rich land. My goal is to bridge the gap between the tech industry and the less fortunate, using my skills to create opportunities and inspire the youth of Botswana to pursue their dreams.

The role I undertake in hardware repair on campus perfectly intersects with my pursuit of a Computer Information's major. Through this job, I not only gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting and repairing computer hardware but also reinforced the theoretical concepts I learned in my academic program. The synergy between my studies and this practical work enhances my understanding of the subject matter and prepares me for real-world challenges in the field. As an international student, I am restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the fall semester. While I value the opportunity this job provides for skill development and resume building, the financial support it offers falls short of covering my tuition expenses. This constraint presents a significant challenge as I strive to excel in my studies and meet my financial obligations. As I continue to invest my time and effort into both my major and this job, finding additional means of financial support becomes imperative to ensure I can fully focus on my education and academic success.

In my pursuit of addressing the financial challenges I face as an international student; I have proactively applied to become a Resident Advisor on campus. This opportunity not only holds personal growth potential but also offers a practical solution to alleviate the costs of living and food expenses. By taking on this role, I aim to create a supportive and inclusive living environment for fellow students while also mitigating some of the financial burdens that come with pursuing higher education abroad. Despite my commitment to exhaust every available means of financial support, including my hardware repair job, the limitations on work hours during the fall semester leave me still falling short in terms of covering my tuition expenses. The costs associated with tuition, housing, and other essential expenses remain substantial, and without additional support, I face a challenging road ahead in terms of maintaining my academic pursuits while managing the financial strain. As I continue to seek solutions to this complex situation, I am determined to persevere and find the necessary means to secure my education and future prospects.

Working as an Orientation Leader over the summer has also pushed me beyond my comfort zone, enabling me to enhance my leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Guiding new students through their initial weeks on campus has not only been rewarding but has also shown me the power of mentorship and community building. Each day, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be a part of an institution that values holistic growth and provides avenues for personal and professional development.

This experience has solidified my appreciation for Ferris State University and ignited a hunger for more of its opportunities. As I walk alongside these incoming students on their journey, I see the potential to make a meaningful impact on their lives, much like how Ferris has impacted mine. I am driven by a desire to continue learning, growing, and seizing every chance to give back to this institution that has given me so much. If circumstances were to prevent me from completing my degree, the repercussions would extend far beyond my personal aspirations. It would be a lost opportunity for Botswana, where skilled professionals in technology are few and far between. The chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of young minds back home would be diminished. This is a responsibility I take to heart, and I am committed to seeing it through.

At this crucial juncture, I find myself in need of significant financial support to sustain my education during the upcoming semester. Recognizing the challenges that the current financial situation poses, I am committed to taking proactive steps to ensure a more stable future. As I stand at the crossroads of my academic journey, I am compelled to seek support to overcome these obstacles and continue striving for excellence. The path I have chosen has led me to this point, and I am determined to navigate these challenges with resilience. In this essay, I humbly present my case for financial assistance, detailing the significance of my educational aspirations, the strategies I have developed to ensure a successful future, and the role that your generosity could play in shaping not only my destiny but also the broader community. As I lay out the circumstances that have led me here and articulate my vision for the future, I implore you to consider the profound impact that your support can have on my journey toward academic achievement and personal growth.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity Ferris State University has given me. Your institution has not only changed the trajectory of my life but has also given me the tools to change the lives of others. I am confident that with your continued support, I can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and emerge as a beacon of progress and hope for my community and beyond.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am honored to be a part of Ferris State University, and I am eager to continue my journey of growth, learning, and impact. Together, we can make a difference that extends far beyond the boundaries of our campus.