Hello,

I am Nishtha Prabartana, and I'm an international student from Bangladesh who came to the US alone for my undergraduate degree. I faced 4 years of struggles no one warns you of—the isolation of being thousands of miles from home, the weight of carrying your family's dreams on your shoulders, and the constant fight to prove you belong. Through countless moments of doubt, late nights, and sheer determination, I earned my degree.

After nearly a year of searching for work post-graduation—sending out applications, receiving rejection after rejection, and in an unforgiving job market—I finally received good news: I was accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language program at Southern New Hampshire University.

Why This Matters to Me

In my culture, there's immense pressure to pursue "practical" or "profitable" careers. But I chose a different path; I chose to pursue something that will allow me to help people who, like me, have been made to feel like outsiders because of the way they speak English.

I know firsthand the exhausting reality of monitoring every word, every accent, every grammatical choice—not just to communicate, but to avoid being judged, dismissed, or labeled as "less than." I've watched brilliant people doubt themselves simply because English isn't their first language. I’m fascinated by the English language, not because it’s amazing but because I understand how frustratingly complex it is. But more than that, I understand the profound isolation that comes with being made to feel like you don't belong because of how you speak.

Why I Need Your Help

My parents are retired and have already sacrificed so much to support my undergraduate education, depleting most of their savings in the process. I cannot—and will not—ask them to bear this burden again.

The total cost for my first year (two semesters) at SNHU is approximately $32,000-$34,000, covering tuition, fees, housing, health insurance, books, and other essential expenses.

As an international student, I'm limited to working only on-campus part-time jobs, which I fully intend to take on to help cover my living expenses. However, my classes begin on January 5, 2026, and despite a year of tireless efforts, I haven't been able to save enough to bridge this gap.

What Your Contribution Will Support:

- Graduate tuition and fees: $15,674

- On-campus housing: $9,200-$11,200

- Health insurance: $1,649

- Books and materials: $1,000

- International student administrative Fee: $350

- Other essential living expenses

Your contributionwill help me to not just achieve my own dream, but to be able to give back—to help others who've been in my shoes, who've felt invisible or inadequate because of language barriers.

A Promise

If you choose to support me, please know this: I will not take this lightly. I will work harder than I ever have.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you're able to contribute financially or simply share this campaign, your support means the world to me.

With gratitude and hope,

Nishtha Prabartana

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Note: I'm happy to verify my acceptance letter, program costs, and student status to anyone who requests it.