Help Bry’anna Cross the Finish Line

My name is Bry'anna Vesper, and I’m a first-generation college student studying Human Development at Howard University—82% done with my degree, just 40 credits away from becoming a graduate. I’ve worked two full-time jobs this summer, trying to hold on to the dream I’ve carried since I was a little girl: to become an OB-GYN and fight against the maternal health crisis disproportionately affecting Black and Brown women across this country.

But now, that dream is slipping away.

Howard University recently informed thousands of students that any unpaid balances would be sent to collections by July 31st, with a 28–30% fee added on. They made this announcement on June 4th, just weeks after retroactively adding thousands of dollars to our student accounts without notice due to their transition from Bison Web to Bison Hub. Many of us were blindsided.

At the beginning of summer, I owed $9,890. I immediately got to work—taking every shift I could, working day and night—and brought that number down to $6,000 with the hope of continuing to pay it down to at least $2,000, which has historically allowed students to register for the next semester. But now, the rules have changed again.

Today, my balance sits at $7,980—a result of unannounced account adjustments and the increased minimum payment required to register. If I can’t pay the full balance, I won’t be able to return. I won’t be able to finish my degree. I won’t be able to graduate from the university I’ve worked so hard to stay in.

I carry a 3.6 GPA, despite the adversity I’ve faced. I’ve made it this far with no financial help from family—many of my relatives have passed, are incarcerated, or live far below the poverty line. I’ve worked tirelessly, not to ask for handouts, but to build a better future for myself and the community I hope to serve one day as a doctor.

Howard was supposed to be a home for Black excellence—a place where students like me, who come from difficult circumstances, could grow, thrive, and change the world. But instead, we’ve faced instability, inaccessible offices, housing insecurity, and constantly rising costs. The financial aid office is nearly impossible to reach. Refunds go missing. Bills aren’t posted until days before they’re due. And now, we’re being threatened with collections for balances we didn’t even know we had.

I am not asking for pity. I am asking for help.

I am asking for equity.

I am asking for the chance to finish what I started.

If you can donate, please know you’re not just helping me stay in school—you’re investing in a future doctor who is determined to fight for Black maternal health, for health equity, and for systemic change.

If you cannot give, please share this campaign. Visibility is powerful.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With love and resilience,

Bry'anna Vesper