Help me get to Amherst!

Hi there! Thanks for checking out my page. It is such a dream for me that I've been accepted to UMass Amherst's Honors College as a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major! I began my career as a full-time student in the fall of 2020 at a local community college. As it has been for many, the pandemic was a reality check for me regarding happiness and fulfillment with my work/career. It was an urgent call for me to release my fear of failure, in exchange for the peace that comes with inspiring and necessarily challenging work. My affinity and curiosity for the natural sciences naturally became my trajectory, and I have been nonstop schooling ever since (including a full-time summer semester). Having never finished high school, in addition to a ten-year gap in formal education, this was a huge feat for me and only the first step to my goal of transferring to a 4-year school. For so many reasons, I couldn't have imagined that this day would come and that I could make it happen.

 

I am fortunate to have the majority of my tuition covered by federal and state grants, however, remaining and upfront costs such as relocating and books/supplies, are a major concern. Through January 24th, I will be working my behind off with side-gig work and will be so tremendously grateful for any financial generosity and help along the way.

 

I will also use this opportunity to pilot my microscopy photography side-project! It is my hope that I am able to weave my love of art and science in a meaningful way throughout my career. I've been observing and photographing life in micro for about a year now, and wow, it is so cool to be able to share a glimpse of life's beauty on this out-of-sight scale. In gratitude, I am offering prints of microbiological specimens for donations of $100 or more! To keep it fun and inspiring, I am open to specimen requests (but please keep it PG). Featured as an example, my GoFundMe page photo is a chain of diatoms; single-celled algae whose cell walls are composed of glass (silica). They are regenerative oxygen powerhouses and a key partner in climate change mitigation. <3

 

If you made it this far, thank you for reading!

If you're donating, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Love always,

Abbey