Hi my name is Dalia. I am a second year student at the University of Toronto studying Global Health and Physiology with a minor in Cinema. I have been supporting myself through the Robert Davies Black Excellence award and government aid for a year now. I’ve been able to cover my own rent and tuition through my academics. My parents contributed to a weekly allowance of 100-120 a week for food and necessities. In 2021 my sister reported them to the authorities for abusing me and my 2 siblings. I was diagnosed with C-PTSD due to the severe and constant abuse since I was 6. They stopped physically abusing me but the damage was there and they moved to other ways. Denying me money or delaying it until I was hungry and tired even refusing to pay for medication in time making me experience withdrawals for days. I stayed and relied on them until the inconsistency made my life worse. They discouraged me from getting a job and supporting myself. End of september I went no contact. My cousin whom I love dearly had her wedding in Egypt and I decided to go because she was the closest person I had in my family. The day I was going back home I got into a fight with my sister, it was minor a spat and resulted in my brother and father becoming violent. I suffered a concussion my body was covered in bruises and cuts. I am suffering from the memories of the past and the current situation with no familiar support. I have my friends but I haven’t been able to support myself while applying to jobs. I’ve been doing odd jobs taking loans from friends but it’s not enough to maintain a stable access to food, transportation, and get winter clothes. I am grateful for every second, cent, and prayer my friends have spent on me. I do not want to go back to my parents for support and I don’t want to leave school. I worked hard to get here and I hope you can support me in staying.