My name is Kaden. I am a high school senior attending a small school in central Alabama, struggling to graduate.

I have been in my school's band program long-term, starting off in 7th grade at the height of Covid-19. I've always had a passion for music; the creation, the execution, the way it brings people together. For this innate passion, I continued to participate in the band program, despite the outrageous funds that seem to keep piling up.

I am, by all means, not a very good student. I struggle with adhd, medically recognized asd, and a plethora of other disorders that for the sake of it, I will label as generalized anxiety and depression.

I never received proper assistance or care for these disorders. I have failed many classes due to it, in which I took the time to make up during summer school ($250 a class).

I haven't had a summer break in three years. I have been at school non-stop for three years, ensuring I have enough credits to graduate.

Money doesn't come easy to my family. My parents work themselves to the bone to provide me and my brother a stable, comfortable life. However, we are drowning in the many debts we have to pay so I can finally graduate.

Fundraising has always been a chore that seems nearly insurmountable. Paying for my summer classes has taken hundreds out of my parents' pockets. I have applied to dozens of jobs in my area with a total of zero calls back. I've attempted taking on art commissions but nobody will buy. I have no other way to lessen this debt for my struggling parents.

My band "fair share" fee has racked up to a total of $1,422. I've been playing in class on my spare trumpet because my main has been damaged and we cannot afford repairs.

My cap and gown payments for graduation are still roughly $150. General class fees are nearly $100. My band specific Letterman jacket, which I've wanted for years but could never obtain, is $300+ with the cheapest options available selected.

I am running out of time. I want so badly to graduate. To move on to better things, to finally realize that life can exist outside the confines of debt and school. I want to help my parents. I want to help myself.

Any donation counts.