My name is Zacharias Barron, and I just finished my first year at Johns Hopkins University. While I am incredibly proud to be the first in my family to attend such a school, being a low-income student comes with "hidden" hurdles that most people never see. This summer, I’m facing a reality that feels a world away from the classroom: I have no safety net to get me back to campus. While I’ve managed to secure my way home to Pittsburgh for now, I am terrified of being stranded here come August. My family is struggling and unable to help, leaving me to handle the massive costs of moving my life back to Baltimore—U-Hauls, storage, gas, and tolls—entirely on my own.

I’m working as hard as I can this summer to save, but I am still coming up short for the $1,500–$2,000 needed to ensure I don't lose everything I’ve worked for. I want to spend my summer preparing for my sophomore year, not panicking about whether I can afford the 215-mile trip back to my education. Even a small donation of $5 or $10 is more than just a contribution—it’s a lifeline that keeps me moving forward. I’ve fought so hard to get into Hopkins, and I’m asking for your help to make sure I can actually stay there. Thank you for believing in me and having my back when things get heavy.

Best,

Zacharias Barron