Help Leyla:need 7K in tuition or will be sent home

Hello. My name is Leyla. I’m from Uzbekistan and came to the United States when I was in high school. I’m a musician. I play the violin, piano, and I also sing. I began my musical studies when I was 6 years old and have had my musical career as my major since I was 7 years old. The education was intense. It was difficult, but the training allowed me to come to the US in hopes to build my life here in this country.

Now I’m a doctoral student at Claremont Graduate University. As an int'l student with F1-Visa, I was prohibited from working or taking student loans. I'm not from a wealthy family, and my parents do not support me financially, so I have constantly faced financial struggles over the past 10 years. There are many obstacles in finding jobs, the visa limitations, and therefore my highly unstable financial situation, I now have an outstanding balance of $6612 in my tuition payments at CGU that I’m unable to pay at the moment. If I do not pay the balance and fail to register for Spring 2024 semester, I will be deported back to Uzbekistan this Spring. Uzbekistan is a beautiful country with the rich history, but I would really like to avoid being sent back there for numerous reasons. One of the biggest reasons, I do not wish to go back is because none of my diplomas will be recognized in Uzbekistan, so the work that I have been doing for 13 years now will be completely lost and disregarded by sadly highly corrupt Uzbek governing institutions.

Also, it has been my dream to receive a doctoral degree in music. I always envisioned myself as a university professor sharing my experience and knowledge with aspiring students. Being in the States for over a decade now, also showed me that there is a need for more musical education for youth. With this need in mind, I acquired another dream of building a net of schools for pre-college education that focuses on music. As I reflect on my own story, it was my conscious decision to pursue music as my long-life career at the young age of seven. If I was such a child, I’m sure there are other children, who dream of becoming a musician as well & need training & support from an early age.

As an international specialist, I would be so very happy to give back to this country with my uniquely combined knowledge and expertise that I received back in Uzbekistan and here in the United States. If given the opportunity to complete my PhD education, I plan on creating special programs and courses that would only strengthen the US school system and change the lives of so many students who would have been unable to pursue a career of their dreams otherwise.

Turning these dreams of mine into reality is impossible without finishing my education first. If I’m deported, I will never be able to realize my aspirations whatsoever. I really need your help today. Thank you in advance for every donation. I sincerely appreciate any help.