Hi everyone,

My name is Jasmine, and I’m currently a sophomore in college majoring in Dental Hygiene. I’m also a first-generation college student, which means I’m the first in my family to navigate this complex world of higher education — and while I’m incredibly proud of that, it hasn’t been easy.

Right now, I’m facing a financial situation that’s becoming harder and harder to manage. I’ve done everything I can to stay on track: working almost every day, applying for aid, and budgeting as tightly as possible. But despite all of that, my financial aid has stopped covering my needs, and the only thing they’re offering me now is more loans — debt I’m terrified of taking on.

My mom is my only financial support system. She’s already juggling rent, bills, groceries, and so much more, and still tries to help me whenever she can. But I see how much pressure it puts on her, and it breaks my heart. I want to relieve her stress, not add to it.

Every paycheck I earn goes straight to my tuition, leaving nothing left over — not even enough to hang out with friends or take a breath. There are moments I feel like I’m falling behind, like I could have done more to find scholarships or support. But I’m doing the best I can, and sometimes that still doesn’t feel like enough.

If I can’t cover my remaining tuition, I may have to transfer schools, which would mean losing credits and starting over, costing even more time and money. That’s something I truly want to avoid.

I’m asking for help — not just for myself, but for my family and for the future I’m working so hard to build. Anything you can give, even if it’s just sharing this page, means the world to me.

Thank you for reading my story, and for supporting students like me who are trying to make a difference in their lives and communities.

With love and gratitude,

Jasmine