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Hi, my name is Noni and I am raising money to support my mental and physical health during time away from school.
I decided to take a medical leave halfway through the semester after struggling with depression and PTSD during the pandemic (and especially after coming out to my family as trans). Before the fall 2020 semester started, I was in inpatient treatment for my depression and I slowly came to realize that I could’t give my mental health the attention it needed while in school. Leaving when I did in mid-October left a balance of $1,514 that I have to pay Amherst College before I am allowed to return. The school awarded me money at the beginning of the fall semester to move off campus and I owe a prorated amount of it back.
I get health insurance through Amherst College, which I am so fortunate to have, but due to my leave, my coverage ends January 4th. If I don’t have health insurance, I will not be able to continue my hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) which has helped in my mental health immensely. I already have to pay the copays for my testosterone and antidepressant (which amounts to ~$100/month) but paying for these medications out of pocket would be impossible for me. I also would not be able to get gender affirming top surgery, which is another reason why I wanted to take a leave from school. Amherst College’s health insurance covers the expenses associated with top surgery, and finally being in a body that I can call home would help my mental health and self-image. I would also not be able to cover the expenses of therapy out-of-pocket. Having said all of this, being covered by health insurance is one of my top priorities. Health insurance that would cover me until August 14th, 2021 (at which point I will be reenrolled in school and have Financial Aid cover the costs) purchased through Amherst costs $1,368.
I also have to make up credits that I’m missing before I return to Amherst, but paying out of pocket for community college classes, even with a job, is going to be difficult for me since I do not qualify for financial aid at Holyoke Community College, and Amherst College provides loans to cover tuition costs only. For 8 credits (2 classes, the amount I’m missing) at Holyoke Community College, the cost of attendance is estimated to be $2,001, fees included for the spring semester.
Helping me with these expenses would help tremendously on my path to finishing my education, working on my mental health, and living the full life I want. Thank you for reading.
EDIT: YOU GUYS IM LATE ON THIS BUT I MADE MY GOAL IN LESS THAN A DAY. I was cooking dinner the night I posted this and saw I reached 60% of my goal in a few hours. It's still so surreal to me. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Any extra money over my goal is going in my savings for books/supplies for next semester and rent. I don't know how else to say it but thank you a million times thank you. I feel so seen and supported and loved. Thank you
I decided to take a medical leave halfway through the semester after struggling with depression and PTSD during the pandemic (and especially after coming out to my family as trans). Before the fall 2020 semester started, I was in inpatient treatment for my depression and I slowly came to realize that I could’t give my mental health the attention it needed while in school. Leaving when I did in mid-October left a balance of $1,514 that I have to pay Amherst College before I am allowed to return. The school awarded me money at the beginning of the fall semester to move off campus and I owe a prorated amount of it back.
I get health insurance through Amherst College, which I am so fortunate to have, but due to my leave, my coverage ends January 4th. If I don’t have health insurance, I will not be able to continue my hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) which has helped in my mental health immensely. I already have to pay the copays for my testosterone and antidepressant (which amounts to ~$100/month) but paying for these medications out of pocket would be impossible for me. I also would not be able to get gender affirming top surgery, which is another reason why I wanted to take a leave from school. Amherst College’s health insurance covers the expenses associated with top surgery, and finally being in a body that I can call home would help my mental health and self-image. I would also not be able to cover the expenses of therapy out-of-pocket. Having said all of this, being covered by health insurance is one of my top priorities. Health insurance that would cover me until August 14th, 2021 (at which point I will be reenrolled in school and have Financial Aid cover the costs) purchased through Amherst costs $1,368.
I also have to make up credits that I’m missing before I return to Amherst, but paying out of pocket for community college classes, even with a job, is going to be difficult for me since I do not qualify for financial aid at Holyoke Community College, and Amherst College provides loans to cover tuition costs only. For 8 credits (2 classes, the amount I’m missing) at Holyoke Community College, the cost of attendance is estimated to be $2,001, fees included for the spring semester.
Helping me with these expenses would help tremendously on my path to finishing my education, working on my mental health, and living the full life I want. Thank you for reading.
EDIT: YOU GUYS IM LATE ON THIS BUT I MADE MY GOAL IN LESS THAN A DAY. I was cooking dinner the night I posted this and saw I reached 60% of my goal in a few hours. It's still so surreal to me. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Any extra money over my goal is going in my savings for books/supplies for next semester and rent. I don't know how else to say it but thank you a million times thank you. I feel so seen and supported and loved. Thank you