Every success story has a beginning, and for my daughter Laila, the road to her dreams has been anything but easy. Like so many of her peers, her early adolescent years were hit by the dual weight of the global pandemic. When the world went quiet, her struggles grew louder. Navigating the return to in-person high school wasn't just a transition; it was an uphill climb through a landscape of significant challenges. She faced environments where the adults meant to guide her were often ill, absent, struggling with their own mental health, or adding to her struggles. More painfully, she encountered systemic barriers and racist conduct from educators that threatened to dim her light. Throughout high school, Laila navigated social isolation, the difficulty of finding true, meaningful friendships, and the weight of bullying while trying to find her own voice. It wasn't until later in her high school career that she was diagnosed with ADHD, finally providing an explanation for years of internal friction.

In the midst of these academic and social hurdles, Laila faced one of the hardest trials during her sophomore year: the loss of her beloved grandmother. This wasn't just a personal loss; it was a foundational shift for our entire family. As she tried to keep her head above water with her own mental health, she had to navigate the heavy fog of family grief. Losing such a central figure in her life during a critical developmental year made 'business at school' nearly impossible. She spent that year learning how to carry the weight of mourning while still trying to show up for her future, a burden no teenager should have to carry alone.

Despite these hurdles and the fact that her early GPA suffered as she focused on simply surviving and grieving, Laila never stopped dreaming. She didn't just endure; she grew. Today, she is a fierce advocate for equity, a dedicated volunteer with local non-profits, and a young woman who cares deeply about the health of her community. Her goal is clear: she is going to become a dermatologist. She is driven by a passion for biology and a desire to provide the kind of inclusive, empathetic care that she knows is needed in the medical field. Her hard work and potential were recently recognized when she was admitted to the Syracuse University Verto Global Pathway Program.

This is where we need your help. Laila comes from a hardworking family of six. While her heart is set on this program, we face a significant financial gap. The specialized study abroad program does not accept federal student loans, requiring the tuition to be covered upfront. Although she is diligently applying for every local and state scholarship available, many traditional merit-based awards strictly filter by GPA, a metric that doesn't reflect the immense growth and resilience she showed while overcoming loss and mental health struggles. With four children to support, our family funds are incredibly tight, and we cannot bridge this gap alone.

We are seeking your support to ensure Laila can start her undergraduate journey with the stability she deserves. These funds will cover tuition, room and board, books, health insurance, planned group activities, meals throughout her semester, airfare, airport fees, and transportation while studying abroad. Your contribution will allow her to focus entirely on her rigorous curriculum and prove that a difficult start and a season of deep grief don't define a person's finish. Thank you for believing in Laila and helping her reach her dreams.

Studying abroad in her first year is actually a cost saver. The Verto Pathway program is less expensive than a standard year at Syracuse and is a fiscally responsible choice. Syracuse has a specific articulation agreement with Verto, so every dollar you give goes directly toward credits that count toward her degree, your support will not be wasted. Laila has spent years fighting for her mental health, her identity, and her right to an education. Your donation, no matter the size, is an investment in a future doctor who knows the value of empathy, equity, and perseverance. Please help us send Laila to her dream program and watch her change the world.

Funding Transparency:

We are so grateful for your support in helping Laila pursue this incredible opportunity. Please note that if we are unable to secure the total amount required for the study abroad program by the tuition due date, 100% of your generous donations will be used to support her studies at her alternate university. Your investment in her future is deeply appreciated, no matter which campus she is on!