Help Saafir Achieve His Academic Dreams
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Hello, my name is Saafir Hale. I’m a cybersecurity student at WGU (Western Governors University). I’m grateful to God and everyone who has supported me on my educational journey. My mom, Celecia, raised me across London, California, and Atlanta, GA. She homeschooled me for the latter part of my school years, ensuring I graduated from high school at 15. Further, I continued being trained in Data Analytics, obtaining two certifications. Now, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance with the plan to obtain a Master’s in Cybersecurity and, eventually, a PhD in Space and Aeronautical Engineering. I recently completed my first year in college, as my program is self-paced. I intend to finish this program early and attempt to graduate next year.
After years of job interviews and applications, I was recently accepted for a full-time paid cybersecurity internship, which started on August 16th. This is a big step towards my goal of securing a junior position in cybersecurity or networking to enter the aerospace cybersecurity industry. Unfortunately, months before beginning this internship, my full-time work hours were reduced at my first job, but even as I have this new internship, I continue working the other as a second job on the weekends. I have applied for financial aid, but my attempt at getting a scholarship was unsuccessful. I need help to cover all my educational expenses for this upcoming year.
This journey hasn’t been easy as I’ve watched my mom fall ill, and she has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months. For those of you who know my mom, she has always supported and invested in me, providing, but due to her recent health issues, it is challenging. I also faced many years of rejection for many jobs and internships, but I am grateful that the time has come for me to gain the career experience I need. Further, I am trying to alleviate the struggle to keep up with my assignments by reducing my travel time to my internship. I currently commute on public transportation, and it takes me over three hours per day (this is valuable time that can be used and not wasted). Also, with this new internship, we have to make on-site visits to clients. It sucks that I don’t have a car. Getting my first car would significantly help me manage my responsibilities more effectively.
Lastly, I can truly say that despite these challenges, my passion and drive for Cybersecurity is even greater now. I am determined to finish and finish strong. Humbly, this is why I request your support. Any contribution you can make will go a long way in helping me continue my education, achieve my career goals, and get my first car. To help me fundraise, please feel free to share this with your network. Thank you so much for your support and belief in my journey. Please keep our family in your prayers as we do yours.
Saafir Hale
Organizer
Saafir Hale
Organizer
Sandy Springs, GA