Help Shekinah Graduate and Reclaim Her Future!

From Shekinah Chidzero: Hey friends! I'm reaching out for support during a critical moment in my educational journey.

As a child of a single mother from Zimbabwe, and a woman of color, I have been beyond blessed and fortunate to receive high quality education and the opportunity to attend college. I have also experienced hardship, loss, serious health issues, and the emotional toll of working 2-3 jobs (at times while being a student) to pay the bills.

After being accepted into graduate school in 2020, a series of administrative errors at my university left me stuck: my undergraduate degree was never officially conferred, and I discovered — after years of trying to resolve things — that a missing senior thesis grade and an unexpected $9,000 bill had placed a hold on my transcripts and academic progress.

I spent years communicating with the university, navigating life challenges, and trying to find solutions. This April, the university finally offered a path forward:

If I can pay $6,000 by *June 9th, the financial hold will be lifted, and I can enroll in a free final course this summer to officially complete my degree.

Once I graduate, I can return to graduate school, improve my career opportunities, and move forward with my life after nearly 5 years of being stuck!

Because of the financial challenges this situation caused (including disqualifying me from financial aid and private loans), I am asking for help. Every donation — large or small — brings me one step closer to completing what I started.

Where the Funds Will Go:

$6,000 directly to clearing the university’s registrar hold before May 19, 2025.

Any additional funds (if raised) will help cover graduation fees and the remaining balance that I currently pay into every month ($9,000 total).

How You Can Help:

What I am doing:

I am working in Elementary Special Education as a classroom aide in Lynchburg, VA. But, I make less now than I did scooping ice cream 6 years ago, and yet this is SO rewarding and I love our kiddos! I have been actively looking for employment so I can pay rent, utilities, and bills. Until then, I am selling a lot of my personal belongings (clothes, jewelry, TV, laptop, etc.), my beaten-up but functional Honda (Carlos), and picking up odd jobs whenever I can! My family has been able to receive groceries and discounted meat at a church food bank, so I am clothed, housed, and fed!

I am deeply grateful for your support, your encouragement, and your belief in my future. I believe that God has already prepared amazing things for my life beyond my degree. And even if this fundraiser doesn't hit the goal, I will graduate somehow and I look forward to earning livable wages, learning in graduate school, and impacting every community and workplace I enter positively with the skills and knowledge I have gained.

Thank you for being part of my story. ✨

-Shekinah

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