<div>I started college as a low-income student with no family support, working hard to survive on my own. I made it through community college with financial aid, but once I transferred, things got harder. In the middle of it all, I was left to figure everything out on my own. I don’t like “outing” people as it doesn’t seem fair. I don’t have any family or friends to lean on. Everyone is struggling around me. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’ve been homeless and struggling to find food. Every day is a fight just to survive. All I want is to graduate and give myself a better life, but I have no support. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I have only a few weeks left to pay my tuition or I won’t be able to keep going. Any little bit helps and means everything to me.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I decided to add a bit more. I’m a first-generation college student studying astrophysics. I would be the first scientist in my family. I come from a long line of laborers and first responders, and I’ve always dreamed of breaking that cycle and doing something different.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With this money, I would pay off my spring semester balance so I can continue to have a place to lay my head at night. It’s just me and my ESA. I don’t have a support system. I’ve reached out to my university for help, even during the semester, but there just hasn’t been enough available. This is honestly my last resort. I’ve always been determined to do everything on my own, so turning to strangers online was a tough decision to make.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Any money donated would go directly toward paying off my spring semester tuition. I currently owe $4,272. I did win a $10,000 scholarship, which helped bring the total down to this amount. I also work at the university as an undergraduate research assistant and have been putting my earnings toward tuition. I’ve applied to several jobs to help my situation, but it’s been difficult finding another one that fits.
</div>

Laura Baker

Help Me Stay in School and Off the Streets

Still $2,782 to go. Help us build momentum.