UPDATE: For someone who just graduated with a communications degree, you all have certainly left me speechless. I cannot thank you enough for the support you have shown me in my time of need, and for proving that, when community exists, we are never truly alone. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, I was able to walk across the stage today to the encouraging words of my family, friends, and mentors. I was able to honor the incredible achievements that my class and I have accomplished. And, now, I am officially able to fully accept my job offer, and will be headed to New York this summer! Yesterday’s challenge has turned into today’s victory, and tomorrow’s adventure. THANK YOU!! <3

Hello, everyone! My name is Mykal Bailey. I am a Media, Journalism, and Film major and graduating senior at Howard University (the real HU!). I created this campaign to help pay off my remaining balance of roughly $7,500, so I can receive my degree and begin my career :)

This year has been an especially trying one. My mother lost her job at the hands of the Trump Administration, I lost my job, my scholarship (amounting to $5,000) was discontinued, and then I had an unexpected abundance of emergency expenses.

I believe that I have been a valuable member of both the Cathy Hughes School of Communication, as well as the Howard community at large. I finished my degree with a 3.84 GPA and will be graduating Summa Cum Laude. I have been involved in many student theatre and film productions, and have represented Howard as a student volunteer, activist, and scholar. I was a member of the first figure skating team at any HBCU, an inaugural member of the M.I.T. Knight Science Journalism HBCU fellowship, representing Howard, and a Ralph Bunche Center study abroad ambassador, encouraging other HU students to explore study abroad opportunities. I've attached some of my other work below, if you're curious.

With that being said and with all the love I have for my Howard community, I am still ready to begin the next steps of my life. I have a tentative job offer that rests on my graduation this Friday, and it is so important to me that I finish my Howard journey on a high note.

I have applied for emergency assistance from the Alumni Association and have started a new part-time job to help make ends meet. With your contribution, we can cross the finish line together! Thank you!

If you are interested in seeing some of my work, please feel free to explore the links below: