Hello everyone,

My name is Monesha Sydney, and I am reaching out for some assistance. I lost my dad to pneumonia a few months ago. It has taken me quite a while to write this message because I find it difficult to ask for help, and writing this also makes his passing feel real in a deeply painful way. I still struggle to understand how he could have been here on a Saturday and gone by Monday. How is this real?

Mentally and emotionally, I am surviving, but I struggle with the fact that I was so far away when he passed and that I couldn’t be with him in that moment. I would have cherished the chance to tell him one last time how much I loved and appreciated him, and how proud I am of him.

I was born and raised in Barbados and have been studying in Canada for the past three years with my dad’s financial support. I have always wanted to study overseas, but despite strong grades and the ability to cover some tuition with a loan, the remaining costs were still too high for my family to afford. My dad made me a promise: he would help me study overseas one day – and he did.

I would be lying if I said I haven’t thought about giving up. There are moments when I consider not finishing my degree and going back home, but then it feels like I would be wasting my dad’s hard work and sacrifices. He worked 12–14-hour days and took on extra jobs to support our family financially. My dad never gave up, and he always encouraged me to do the same: “Just try, Monesha…just try.” So here I am, holding on and trying.

I am currently in my final year, and have just completed the fall semester. With my dad’s financial support and the scholarships I have received, I have been able to pay for my tuition so far. Although I work, as an international student, I can only work around 20 hours per week, and my income goes towards rent, groceries, and my medication, because I have Type 1 Diabetes.

Right now, I need help to pay for school. In order to return for my final semester in January and register for classes, I need to clear this semester’s balance of $6,929.42. Even if I can only raise enough to cover the outstanding fall semester balance, I would be extremely grateful, as it would allow me to register for my final semester and continue working toward completing my degree. However, I would still need to pay my spring semester tuition balance later.

I know that I started this fundraiser around the holidays, but I would truly appreciate any support you can offer. Whether it’s a $1.00 or $5.00 donation, sharing this fundraiser, or offering words of encouragement as I navigate the loss of my dad, I would be grateful. It all means more than I can express.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and helping me continue to make my dad proud. I would love to finish my degree for myself, but most of all, for him.