Dear community,

Over the past year, I learned that I was under-treating my autoimmune thyroid condition. I began falling into an invisible health crisis that culminated in my being unable to function well in my daily life. Once it was discovered and my prescription changed, I began feeling much better and recovering. However, my finances have not recovered, and I’m now in a vulnerable, precarious situation. 
I am currently on Medical Leave from my Ph.D program at UC San Diego (https://communication.ucsd.edu/people/phd-students/kim-clark.html). Students on Medical Leave are not considered students, because we are not enrolled. This means we are not affiliated with the University and don’t have access to any support. Due to being unable to work during this time, I am facing expenses that are difficult for me to meet for my basic needs, such as food, rent, and transportation/auto expenses. 
(Sagey, my live-saver and soulmate n me)
Because of where I am in my academic timeline and how that has dovetailed with my Medical Leave, my reinstatement is tied to a number of university offices and entities. While I am working on re-enrolling, I have a hold on my account due to owing back rent. Although local government has been empowered to freeze or adjust rents during the viral pandemic, the University makes its own independent decisions on these matters.
(NWSA women of color Panel)
I need to remove the hold on my account in order to re-enroll, take my candidacy exam, and access my living expense funds. Housing costs are high in San Diego, and take 75% of my funding, which stopped in September. At this time I’m unable to add a roommate because of my canine support animal, and the shelter in place restrictions.