Help Seni Attend the HIHIT Program at UT Austin

Help Me Attend the Career-Changing HIHIT Certification Program at UT Austin this Summer

Hi, my name is Oluwaseni but everyone calls me Seni. I’m reaching out with a hopeful heart and a vulnerable ask.

After graduating with my Bachelor's degree, I thought getting my "big-girl" job would be a breeze. After all, I had done the hard part, but life had other plans. It took me four months to get a job and even then, it was a contract job which could have ended at any time, which it did. That was May 2024. Since then, I have applied to over 100 jobs with no luck of getting gainful employment. Something had to change.

In March 2025, frustrated and desperate for a change, I applied and got accepted into the UT Austin Health Informatics & Health IT Professional Education Program (Summer Cohort).

This program has the potential to open doors I’ve been knocking on for years by educating me on relevant skills needed in today's career market and allowing me to network with the right employers. It’s an opportunity I worked hard to earn, and it means everything to me. Unfortunately, Financial Aid is not offered since this is not a degree program But right now, I’m at a difficult crossroads: without financial support, I won’t be able to attend.

The total cost of the program is $8,400, and after a full year of being unemployed and struggling to keep up with basic bills, I simply can’t afford it. I’ve exhausted my savings, taken on odd jobs, and cut back in every way possible. Still, I’ve come up short and unfortunately Financial Aid is not offered since this is not a degree program.

Asking for help like this is incredibly hard as it feels like I am exposing my private life and problems for the world to see. There’s shame and embarrassment in not being able to carry it all on my own. But recently, the people around me have shown me the strength that comes with being honest and vulnerable. I’m choosing to trust that community, compassion, and kindness are still very real forces in this world.

This program isn’t just about education; it’s about rebuilding and taking my life back. It’s about taking one powerful step forward, gaining the tools I need to get back into the workforce, and finally moving toward the kind of life I’ve been working toward for years. I know what I’m capable of, and with your help, I won’t have to let this opportunity pass me by.

I understand that times are hard, so if you can give, any amount helps. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this with someone who might be able to means just as much.

Thank you for reading this, for caring, and for believing in second chances.

- Seni