Mariah Zaragoza, my niece, has always been a shining example of dedication and perseverance. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her class at Laytonville High School, earning the highest honors and making her family incredibly proud. After high school, Mariah set her sights on UC Santa Barbara, where she has continued to work hard and pursue her dreams. Her first semester in Fall 2025 was challenging, but she pulled through with determination and resilience. Mariah has earned multiple scholarships and received tuition discounts for being Native American. She has applied for every grant available and has worked tirelessly to cover her expenses. Despite her efforts, there is still a remaining balance that needs to be paid for her to begin the Spring 2026 Semester. The original amount owed was significant, but with her own savings and as much help from the family as possible, we have managed to reduce it to a much smaller balance. This last bit is crucial for Mariah to continue her education without interruption. The funds raised will go directly toward covering her Spring 2026 Semester fees, which include undergraduate campus fees, student services, technology fees, health insurance, and room and board. Every dollar will help Mariah stay on track with her studies and maintain her well-being during this important time. Mariah is a dedicated student who has always been self-motivated and committed to her goals. As the days pass and the start of the Spring 2026 Semester is already underway, she is falling behind, which is devastating for her and her well-being. Your support will make a real difference in her life. Mariah will graciously and personally thank every donor individually, as this means the world to her. Thank you for considering a contribution to help Mariah continue her journey.