Help Nikita Graduate: Contribute to Her Final Semester

My name is Nikita, and I am two months away from graduating with my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College. I have been working toward this goal since 2016, and after years of dedication, I’m finally on the brink of completing my degree.

I was born in South Africa, the eldest daughter of two incredible parents who have been my biggest supporters, even though it has meant years of being apart. Being an immigrant and an international student in the U.S. has meant navigating a taxing system, with limited access to funding and the constant pressure of visa requirements. I don’t qualify for federal aid, and as an international student, I’m not legally allowed to work in the U.S. The journey has been anything but easy, but I have made it this far because of the unwavering support of my family, friends, mentors, and even kind strangers who believed in me.

My dream is to help transform the mental health system, especially for underserved children with special needs. Over the years, I’ve seen the critical gaps in mental health care and how deeply it affects those who are most vulnerable. I’ve seen the struggles of children whose mental health needs go unmet, often due to lack of access. Through my degree and the work I will do, I am committed to changing this narrative. I want to create a space where every child, especially those with special needs, can receive the mental health care they deserve. This degree is not just a piece of paper to me, it is the key to making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

However, I’m facing one last challenge: I need to raise $12,051 to cover the tuition for my final semester. Without it, I won’t be able to graduate in May 2025, which would mean falling out of good standing with my visa, and I won’t be able to continue my journey toward making that difference.

I’ve fought for this degree with everything I have, but I can’t overcome this final obstacle alone. If you are able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. Every dollar will go directly toward my tuition, helping me cross this last hurdle and continue my path toward graduation. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others would be just as meaningful.

Your support, whether financial or through sharing, brings me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of making a sincere, lasting impact on mental health care.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in me.