My name is Theo, and I am a student from South Africa who has just received the opportunity of a lifetime.

I have been officially accepted to Whittier College in Los Angeles, California, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Education. This moment is deeply personal to me, because after months of self-doubt, financial hardship, and academic pressure, a U.S. college believed in me enough to invest $34,000 per year in my education.

I was awarded the John Greenleaf Whittier Dean’s Scholarship ($32,000 annually) and an additional $2,000 Residence Grant. This is the highest level of merit-based aid Whittier College offers. I am incredibly grateful — but despite this generous support, there remains a financial gap that I cannot close alone.

Why I Am Asking for Help:

Even with my scholarships, I am still required to cover:

My $400 enrollment deposit (required to secure my place)

A $5,000 advance payment required for international students before traveling to the U.S. (this amount goes directly toward tuition)

The remaining portion of tuition, housing, and meals, which I plan to continue paying through an approved payment plan once I arrive on campus

Coming from a financially constrained background, raising these amounts in a short time is extremely difficult. What makes this even harder is that Whittier College is the only U.S. college I applied to and was accepted by, making this opportunity incredibly rare and meaningful.

Transparency & Trust

With confirmation from Whittier College’s admissions office, all funds raised through this GoFundMe will be sent directly to Whittier College and applied to my official student account. This ensures transparency and guarantees that every donation goes straight toward my education.

My Commitment

I am not asking for a handout , I am asking for a chance.

I am fully committed to:

Maintaining strong academic results to keep my renewable scholarship

Enrolling in a payment plan to continue covering remaining costs

Seeking on-campus student employment once permitted

Completing my degree and continuing to graduate studies in education

Education is not just my dream, it is my responsibility. I want to give back, uplift others, and prove that talent and determination should never be limited by geography or finances.

How You Can Help

Donating any amount, no contribution is too small

Sharing this campaign with others who may be willing to help

Supporting a student who is trying everything possible to change his future through education

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support, whether through a donation or a share, brings me one step closer to stepping onto campus and beginning this journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Theo