Hi, my name is Gabriel Correia de Souza, and I am an international student from Brazil studying Mechanical Engineering at RIT.

This is not easy for me to write. I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to figure things out on my own, no matter how hard it gets. But right now, I’ve reached a point where I truly need help.

I came to the United States in 2022 to study and play soccer at Finger Lakes Community College. From day one, I knew this journey wouldn’t be easy financially — and it wasn’t. But I never stopped working.

My first job was as a cleaner (janitor) on campus. After that, I took every opportunity I could. I became a Resident Assistant (RA), which allowed me to live for free while supporting other students. I worked the maximum hours allowed for international students during the school year.

During the summers, I worked full-time doing physical labor as a groundskeeper — cutting grass, cleaning, and maintaining the campus — 40 hours a week. I saved everything I could.

At the same time, I pushed myself academically and earned scholarships and awards that helped me stay in school.

Because of all this — multiple jobs, long hours, sacrifices, and support from people who believed in me — I was able to complete my time at community college and transfer to RIT, one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering, with a strong co-op program.

I didn’t get here by luck. I got here by doing everything I possibly could.

Right now, I still work 20 hours per week, manage a demanding engineering course load, and pay for my living expenses like rent. Despite all this, I can no longer cover my tuition.

My account is now on hold due to an unpaid balance of $19,000 for this semester.

To make matters worse, I was recently offered a full-time co-op position this summer, earning $21/hour — an opportunity that could truly change my life and allow me to support my family.

But I cannot accept it until I pay this semester and remove the hold.

My family and I have always found ways to overcome every financial obstacle — through work, faith, and persistence.

But this time… I’ve done everything I could.

This fundraiser is my last option.

If I can raise this $19,000 by May 12th, I will be able to continue my education, start my co-op, and finally move toward financial stability — not just for me, but for my family as well.

If you don’t know me, I hope this shows you how hard I’ve worked to get here.

If you do know me, you already know I never stop fighting.

Any support, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this, would mean more than I can put into words.

Thank you for giving me a chance.