Hello, my name is Nattie, and I’m about to enter my final year of college to earn my Bachelor of Art in fashion design at Kent State University (KSU).

I moved across the country to join Kent State’s fashion design program three years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made. I never considered myself fashionable, but I am artistic, and saw it as a way to blend art with a practical career. Every day, my craftsmanship, eye for design, and appreciation for fashion deepen, and I’ve become more well-rounded and skilled since the first day of classes. I‘m currently studying and completing an internship in New York City.

I am a dedicated student with a 3.3 GPA.

I have never failed a class and even made the dean's list several times.

I don’t have enough funds to finish my degree.

Money has always been very tight, and so far, tuition has been a combination of a small two-year scholarship from KSU, money from me working, my savings, and what my parents were able to put together.

My family doesn’t have the money to pay for my college education

outright. My parents are still paying off their student loans, and because they had me so young (my mom was 19 when I was born) they haven’t had the opportunity to build enough wealth.

· Because of my age, I am still considered a dependent of my parents, therefore I qualify for a very small level of Federal Student Aid.

· I’ve always worked a job while attending college to pay for my own rent, bills, and groceries. I have sacrificed, stretched every dollar, and bought less than my peers—living without much besides a mattress and a desk in my room in my shared apartment.

Now, my savings and other funds are running out. I didn’t want to make this page, but I am determined to graduate from KSU. If I don’t get this money, I will have to delay my graduation by a year.

The 15,000 dollars will cover my remaining tuition. I will still be working for my rent, food and supplies.

You can check out my portfolio and see my work. I don’t have many

extracurriculars, as I’ve focused entirely on school and making what money I can.

Fashion is as ingrained in the human experience as food, dance, music, and language. Fashion is as old as

civilization itself, if not older. I am excited to be able to make my mark and contribute to this long-standing human tradition.

Rich people shouldn’t be the only people controlling the direction of the fashion industry. We need more middle, working, and poor class people in key areas of the fashion industry.

My portfolio: https://ncampb26556d.myportfolio.com