Help StarBright Cross the Finish Line

Three years ago, I was accepted into my dream school Spelman College, the #1 HBCU in the nation for 18 years and counting. At the time, I was awarded just $1,000 in aid. As a student from a single-parent household, I knew this wouldn’t be enough to make Spelman possible.

Determined not to let finances get in the way of my education, I applied for more than 40 scholarships. I didn’t receive any of them. So I started a GoFundMe campaign, and thanks to the kindness of friends, family, and complete strangers, I raised over $30,000 to support my first year. Then something incredible happened Spelman reached out and offered me the Morgan Stanley Scholarship, a need-based award that covers my tuition, on campus room and board, and meals.

This scholarship changed my life. Because of it, I’ve been able to attend Spelman debt-free while focusing on academics and preparing for my future as a physician. In gratitude, I used most of the original GoFundMe donations to help other students facing financial barriers, and the rest went toward essential academic expenses that my scholarship did not cover.

Now, as I enter my senior year in August, I’ve hit an unexpected roadblock. Due to housing changes and circumstances that are beyond my control, I am no longer able to reside on campus. While my scholarship continues to cover tuition and school-related fees, it does not extend to off-campus living expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, and senior-related costs like club dues and graduation fees.

I need to raise $3,500 by August 1 to cover my living expenses and stay on track for graduation, with hopes to meet full goal by graduation in May 2026. Every dollar raised will go directly toward covering my off-campus housing, transportation and senior year needs.

That’s why I’ve launched this new campaign “Help Me Cross the Finish Line.” Spelman has given me so much, and I’m so close to completing this journey. Your support whether through a donation or sharing this campaign means the world.

I’ve accomplished so many things and have continued to give back through book drives, movie screenings, advocacy work and volunteer along with completing my studies. Now I need your help to cross the final finish line.

My expenses include:

I appreciate your support in helping me finish my undergrad journey strong. Please donate if you can, or share with your network to help me reach my goal!

Lastly, be sure to follow me on social media under Astronaut StarBright to see all that I have been up to and what the next journey will bring!

Thank you,

Taylor