Two years ago, I came to the United States and stepped into a life that felt completely new. I was a high school junior learning how to adjust to a new country, a new school, and a new environment, while also trying to hold on to the dreams I had for myself and my family. Over time, that uncertain beginning became the foundation for who I am now. Through high school, I pushed myself to grow by getting involved in leadership opportunities, community service, writing, STEM and healthcare experiences, and internships. Those experiences helped me find my direction, and today I am a college student pursuing biology with hopes of building a future in medicine and research. As the eldest child in my family, reaching this point carries so much meaning for me because it represents not only my education, but the sacrifices, hope, and hard work that brought me here.

Right now, my household relies on a single income, and the cost of college has become a serious and ongoing challenge for my family. I am doing everything I can by applying for scholarships and looking for work, but I still need help covering the continuing expenses that come with staying enrolled, including tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, and other required school costs. Support through this fundraiser would help relieve some of that pressure so I can stay focused on my classes, research opportunities, and the future I have worked so hard to build. Because these expenses continue throughout the school year, recurring donations would give my family steadier support as these costs come up month after month, and one-time donations would also mean so much.

Asking for help is not easy for me, but this journey means more than I can fully express. The past two years have taught me to be grateful for every opportunity, every person who believed in me, and every step that made it possible for me to keep moving forward. If you are able to support me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you are not in a position to donate, sharing my fundraiser would still help me tremendously. Thank you for believing in my education, in my future, and in everything this journey means to me and my family.