Hello community,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg and throughout my four years at Smith College, it’s the power of giving and receiving help because it truly takes a village to reach our dreams.

Today, I’m turning to you: my village, my international community, friends, family, professors, mentors, and everyone I’ve crossed paths with because I need your support now more than ever.

I’m beyond grateful and proud to have been accepted into the Master of Architecture program at the University of Toronto, one of the most prestigious programs in Canada. This opportunity is a dream come true. But while I’m celebrating this milestone, I’m also facing the heavy reality of figuring out how to fund my education.

Unlike research-based master’s programs, the M.Arch at U of T is course-based and does not offer financial aid. I’m taking out student loans to cover my tuition, but there are many other essential costs that neither my family nor I can afford. This is where I need you!

What Your Support Will Help With:

A Laptop and Architecture Materials

Throughout my time at Smith, I was able to borrow a laptop from the school, but I had to return it upon graduation. Right now, I don't own one. Architecture laptops that can run design and rendering software typically start at $2,000+.

Moreover, architecture supplies needed for studios such as model building are notoriously expensive.

Accommodation in Toronto: Rent, Groceries, Phone Plan

Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. A single room in a shared apartment ranges from $1,350 to $1,600/month.

Add to that a Canadian phone plan (starting at $30/month, compared to the $15/month I had in the U.S.), groceries, and miscellaneous expenses.

Relocation Costs

I need to cover transportation to Toronto, as well as basic furnishings for my room (bed, desk, and essentials).

✨ A Little About Me

As a first-generation college graduate in the U.S., I’ve successfully supported both myself and my family financially through multiple jobs, all while balancing a rigorous academic workload. Throughout my four years at Smith College, I remained deeply committed to giving back to my community whether it was supporting fellow international students through multiple initiatives with the International Student Office, advocating for mental health through social media by highlighting the power of physical exercise, or co-leading the Fun Run Club as Co-President to create an inclusive space for wellness and connection.

Before that, during my time at the African Leadership Academy (ALA), I served as a Student Ambassador, chaired the Interact Club, and even founded an art club to provide students with a space for creative expression. “Giving” whether it’s time, energy, or support without expecting anything in return has always been a part of who I am, and it’s something I deeply value.

To be honest with you, asking for help, especially financial help, is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. You have no idea how many times I doubted myself or put off posting this GoFundMe. But I’ve come to realize that asking for help doesn’t take away from my strength instead it expands it. Talking to my best friend reminded me how important it is to reach out when we need support. That’s why I’m finally sharing this today.

For more context, I think it’s important to mention that my family is currently facing financial hardship and is unable to contribute to the cost of my graduate studies. In fact, throughout college, I’ve been the one supporting my mom and sister financially as much as I could.

Goal: $25,000 CAD

This amount reflects the estimated living expenses for my first year as an M.Arch student. It would provide immense relief and allow me to focus fully on my studies. Once I arrive in Toronto, I plan to look for campus jobs to support myself through the rest of the year.

Any contribution, big or small, means the world to me.

And if you can’t give, simply sharing this with your network is a huge help.

Thank you so much for being part of my journey! ❤️