My name is Melisa, and I am a third-year student at Howard University majoring in Human Performance: Sports Medicine. My dream is to become a physical therapist and help people—especially those who are physically challenged—regain their independence and confidence. Howard has always been my dream school, and being part of this community has inspired me to work even harder toward my goals.

This year, Howard University announced a significant 40% increase in the cost of attendance. This unexpected change has made it extremely difficult for me to afford my tuition and housing for my third year. I was raised by a single mother who has always worked hard to support my education. The recent increase has been a lot on her, and she has been working overtime to help cover my costs, but it’s still not enough. While I have received a Pell Grant and another grant through FAFSA, most of the financial aid offered to me has been in the form of loans, which I am unable to take out. I have been relying on my personal savings, but it is simply not enough to cover the new expenses.

During my freshman year, I was part of the Quad step team, which quickly became a second family to me. That community gave me a sense of belonging, support, and motivation to keep pushing forward, even when things got tough. Staying at Howard means more to me than just earning a degree. It is about building lifelong connections, networking with future leaders, and being part of a family at the Mecca. Your support will help me continue my education, pursue my passion for physical therapy, and give back to the community in meaningful ways. Any contribution will make a difference and bring me closer to reaching my goals.