Hello, my name is Zachary, and I’m an educator of 5+ years who is currently living abroad in Japan and teaching at a local university. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, and I always thought that it would be the career that I would work until retirement, that is, until I was diagnosed with (SLE) Lupus this past year.

Some may remember early in my teaching career when I was hospitalized for a few weeks with a compromised immune system and Sepsis; at that time, the doctors were unsure of what caused me to have an outbreak like that, and from that moment on I’ve worked closely with doctors over the years documenting each and every outbreak.

This past year I was once again hospitalized and this time we were able to finally get a proper diagnosis, which ended up being Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is an autoimmune disease. After receiving this diagnosis, I was able to work with my doctors to come up with various different strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle without having to heavily alter my daily routine, however, due to the nature of this sickness, I was strongly recommended to stop teaching since there’s a high probability that the nature of that work can trigger my sickness as has been documented in my past outbreaks.

The idea of ending my teaching career pains me, but for the sake of my health and family, after consulting with family, mentors and most importantly God, I’ve decided to pursue my second passion after teaching, which is in computers. To pursue this goal, I’ve ended my PhD studies at my previous university and enrolled in the B.S.: Computer Networks and Cybersecurity program at the University of Maryland.

Upon enrolling in this program, I learned that due to the fact that I’ve earned and borrowed toward a master’s degree, I’m no longer eligible to receive federal aid towards a bachelor’s degree. Thankfully, the university has awarded me a generous scholarship toward my studies, but it still only covers a fraction of the costs needed to graduate from the program, which is why I’m reaching out to you now.

Those who know me, know that I’m not one to run away from hard-work, and in order to make my dream come true and to change careers, I’ve picked up a second job on the side so that I can fund my degree while also supporting my family at the same time. The amount needed to start school is $6,000 and the overall amount of tuition necessary to achieve my goal is $25,000. I’m hoping to start school this fall at the earliest and next spring at the latest. If you can afford it, even the smallest donation would mean the world to me.

God-willing, I’m hoping to have my degree by the time that I return to the United States within the next 2-3 years, and I’ll do whatever I have to do to in order achieve my goal, but any support toward my cause would be eternally appreciated. Please do not feel obligated to donate if you are not in a position to do so, I simply started this fundraiser because I’ve decided to stop trying to do everything on my own, and to try and open up and accept support from those who are willing/able to offer it.

Even if you cannot afford to support me financially, words of support are always appreciated as well!

Thank you so much for your consideration and taking the time to read my story.

God Bless,

Zachary Mayberry