Help Sunnie Graduate
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When my dad was dying on the other side of the world in April, the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for me to see him before he passed. He was the primary breadwinner for our family, and his death at the age of 53 took us by complete surprise. After medical fees and funeral expenses, my mother, younger brother, and I were left with next to no income and tuition bills looming in the not so distant future.
My name is Sunnie and I am entering my fourth and final year at Boston University pursuing a combined BA/MA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. My dad was the one who encouraged me to pursue a university education in the US. While he was unable to see me graduate, I was able to let him know that I was finishing junior year with a 3.8 GPA and was competitive for top PhD programs given my years of research experience. I have made Dean's List every semester, won awards for undergraduate research, and been inducted into the honor society ΧΩΛ.
As a rising senior, I am extremely excited to step into additional leadership roles. I was elected VP of the BU American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and treasurer of the Choral Society. I also mentor underclassmen at BU and volunteer at the Boston YMCA leading STEM workshops for kids. Going into grad school, I am also hoping to serve as a mentor to young aspiring first-generation scientists, helping them start their journey on the long and winding road of academia.
I had hoped to spend this summer conducting biochemistry research thanks to funding from a fellowship sponsored by New England Biolabs, but my hours were greatly reduced since we were forced to go remote. As a result, I took on two additional jobs working as part of the summer orientation staff and creating educational content for one of my professors, and made a little money on the side selling my artwork. These opportunities have made it possible for me to make ends meet over the summer, despite my family's overwhelming financial difficulties.
I was given until August 14th, the day I move into the student residence, to settle my account. Unfortunately, due to my status as an international student, I am not eligible for financial aid, and it has been virtually impossible applying for a loan without a US cosigner. I have applied for many scholarships and received a few small ones, but the ever-increasing cost of BU tuition remains a formidable obstacle.
Please support me in my push to complete my final year and graduate May 2021. I greatly appreciate any help you can provide by donating if you are able and continuing to share. Thank you.
Breakdown of expenses:
Spring 2020 outstanding - 14,960.55
Fall 2020 down payment - 13,811.35
My name is Sunnie and I am entering my fourth and final year at Boston University pursuing a combined BA/MA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. My dad was the one who encouraged me to pursue a university education in the US. While he was unable to see me graduate, I was able to let him know that I was finishing junior year with a 3.8 GPA and was competitive for top PhD programs given my years of research experience. I have made Dean's List every semester, won awards for undergraduate research, and been inducted into the honor society ΧΩΛ.
As a rising senior, I am extremely excited to step into additional leadership roles. I was elected VP of the BU American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and treasurer of the Choral Society. I also mentor underclassmen at BU and volunteer at the Boston YMCA leading STEM workshops for kids. Going into grad school, I am also hoping to serve as a mentor to young aspiring first-generation scientists, helping them start their journey on the long and winding road of academia.
I had hoped to spend this summer conducting biochemistry research thanks to funding from a fellowship sponsored by New England Biolabs, but my hours were greatly reduced since we were forced to go remote. As a result, I took on two additional jobs working as part of the summer orientation staff and creating educational content for one of my professors, and made a little money on the side selling my artwork. These opportunities have made it possible for me to make ends meet over the summer, despite my family's overwhelming financial difficulties.
I was given until August 14th, the day I move into the student residence, to settle my account. Unfortunately, due to my status as an international student, I am not eligible for financial aid, and it has been virtually impossible applying for a loan without a US cosigner. I have applied for many scholarships and received a few small ones, but the ever-increasing cost of BU tuition remains a formidable obstacle.
Please support me in my push to complete my final year and graduate May 2021. I greatly appreciate any help you can provide by donating if you are able and continuing to share. Thank you.
Breakdown of expenses:
Spring 2020 outstanding - 14,960.55
Fall 2020 down payment - 13,811.35
Organizer
Sunnie Kong
Organizer
Boston, MA
