Hopeful Future HBCU Graduate

Hey, my name is Asianea Seymore. I am a 21-year-old film major at Dillard University. I have been attending Dillard University for three years, where I also joined the track and field team and became a member of the cheerleading squad. I have always loved school, which helped my decision to attend an hbcu after high school to further my education. I enjoy writing, dancing, running, and many other things. Since beginning my journey at Dillard I have dealt with many trials and tribulations, not just within my school environment but involving my home life as well. I have always been resilient and persevered over the many hurdles that were thrown in front of me, but at some point during 2020 I started to trip over all the hurdles, and just the little mistakes I started to make discouraged me from believing I could make it over any more hurdles. That mindset crept in and allowed me to continue to trip over the hurdles and go on a downward spiral. When I started Spring Semester 2020 I was excited but also very anxious. I was trying to figure out how to be a full-time student while balancing a part-time job to be a provider for myself to pay tuition out of pocket and take care of my brother. I would try to go to class and focus, but I would be more concerned about the well-being of my younger brother all the way in California. It became a lot to juggle. With that already being on my plate, the whole world was hit by the pandemic. But I stayed in school and was able to make it through a couple of more semesters. But this February, school became too much financially, and my classes were dropped, leaving me to return home. I returned home a little bummed because I felt like I had failed everyone, but I was optimistic I would return if I stayed focused. Then the impossible happened that literally turned my whole world upside down. It still feels unreal and is hard to talk about, but my brother was killed in front of me in March. I lost whatever little hope I had left, and to be completely honest, I'm still trying to piece myself together. I'm not even sure what path I'm on anymore but the only thing that is clear to me is that I want to finish school. It was something I claimed I was doing for him, so even with him not being here physically I need to hold up my end of the deal. I want to make him proud and finish what I started. But the only thing is losing him put me in an even greater hole financially then I was already in, because I lost motivation to do anything, even as little as getting out the bed. But I want to do this. So anything anyone can do to help I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for even taking the time out to read it!