I never imagined I would have to ask strangers, friends, and people I may have never even met for help paying for my education. But life has brought me to a place where I genuinely don’t know what other option I have.

My name is Yashita, and I am an international college student trying to finish my degree. I have about a year and a half of college remaining, and completing my education has become more important to me than I can put into words.

Recently, my father, Kiran, passed away.

Losing my father has changed everything for my family. His health had been declining for a long time, and he had also been unemployed, which meant that our family’s financial situation had already become extremely difficult. His passing has left not only an enormous emotional loss, but also a financial situation that we simply weren’t prepared for.

Right now, there is very little left for my family to rely on.

My mother is also facing this loss without the financial security or support that she needs. Our family has very limited resources, and the people around us are also dealing with their own circumstances. We have tried to find ways to manage my remaining college expenses, and some family friends and friends have already stepped in and contributed whatever they could. I am incredibly grateful for every person who has tried to help us.

But it still isn’t enough to cover what I need to return to college and complete my degree.

And this is where I am struggling the most.

I am so close to finishing.

I have already spent years working toward this degree. I don’t want to lose everything I have worked for because of circumstances that are now beyond my control. More than anything, I want the opportunity to finish what I started, graduate, and become financially independent so that I can eventually take care of myself and my mother.

My education isn’t just a degree to me anymore. Right now, it represents the possibility of rebuilding our lives.

I know that asking for financial help is a very vulnerable thing to do. I also know that everyone has their own responsibilities, expenses, and struggles. I am not expecting anyone to give more than they are comfortable giving.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how small the amount, it would genuinely mean more to me and my family than I can explain. Every contribution will go toward my remaining college tuition and expenses needed for me to complete my education.

And if you aren’t in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser with someone else would still help me tremendously.

I never expected to be in this position. I never thought I would have to ask people for help simply to finish something I had already worked so hard toward.

But I am here now, and I am choosing to keep going.

For my future.

For my family.

For my mother.

And for my father, whose memory I will carry with me through everything that comes next.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for any kindness, support, encouragement, or help you are able to give. I will never take it for granted.