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Help Sebastian Attend College!

Hi everyone, my name is Sebastian Newman. I am 18 years old and live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am the oldest of three kids, and I’m a hard working, straight-A scholar with Down Syndrome. I graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School this May and am excited at the opportunity of attending Lesley University in September, but I need help with the tuition. My parents have always worked very hard to support me and my two brothers, but my tuition costs are $60,000 and I was refused financial aid and/or student loans from the federal government because of my disability, so I am asking for any donations or page shares you can give.

Although I have a learning disability that makes me a little slower than others, I have never let that define me, and plan to continue working hard to overcome any challenges that come my way. Not even two open heart surgeries before the age of 10 could stop me from playing football and rugby, sprinting in track and field, and wrestling competitively at the high school level. From working as a Mayor’s Youth counselor through the City of Cambridge for four years to canvassing and doing data entry for Marc McGovern on his 2017 campaign for mayor, I have been lucky enough to have some incredible experiences that influenced my career interests.

The Threshold Program at Lesley interests me because it offers courses that could help me learn the skills I need to work with kids. Although I already have some experience as an assistant camp counselor, I would be excited to do more work in that area. Not only does Lesley offer great academic opportunities designed for kids with disabilities. It also spoke to me because it has dorms where I can have a social community and learn to live on my own. While the school is really big, the Threshold Program itself is smaller with a lot of nice facilities, supportive teachers and staff, and friendly students. I think it will be an important stepping stone where I can learn the skills I’ll need to get a good job and live independently as an adult.

With your help, I’m really hoping I will be able to go to Lesley University and have a typical college experience Any donations or page shares would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team: Sebastian Goes to College (6)

Sebastian Newman
Organizer
Raised $3,055 from 20 donations
Cambridge, MA
Blake Newman
Beneficiary
Bonnie and Andrew Sofer and Tenneriello
Team member
Raised $550 from 5 donations
Tor Newman
Team member
Raised $450 from 3 donations
Luna Adler
Team member
Raised $376 from 7 donations
Carol Tenneriello
Team member

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