Isaias's August Rent, Bills, and Living Expenses

Hello friends and family! My name is Isaias Rogel, a first-generation queer Latinx MFA student at NMSU. I recently made a big move from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois to Las Cruces, New Mexico. I left behind a full-time job at Whole Foods Market, my emotional support group (including my family, friends, and mentors), and the work I undertook with my therapist to better understand and live with the trauma and anxiety that I carry with me. This was a necessary shift for me and—as my mentors, therapist, and family agreed—a change that I was ready for.

Unfortunately, I used all of my savings to make this move. And although I was awarded a Graduate Assistantship, that covered tuition and rent—the amount of money I made my first year was not enough to replenish my savings. It was very much necessary to be frugal with my pay to make rent, bills, and have money left over for groceries. I am not employed by NMSU during summer break. And although I did receive a summer research stiped, I needed to be careful with my limited finances to make it through May, June, and part of July.

I have now used up the entirety of my savings and summer stipend. I am asking for your help to make my August rent, to pay bills, to pay for medication, and to have funds for additional living costs.

I am also asking for an additional $500 dollars to help me purchase a new laptop. I teach Composition 1, work as an editor for Puerto del Sol, and required to attend lectures through Zoom calls. This requires I have a working computer. Unfortunately, my 5-year-old laptop is running poorly, and I cannot risk losing my ability to continue my studies and teaching at NMSU.

Your contributions will help pay for:

August rent: $510

Comcast bill: $50

T-Mobile bill: $60

Medication for August: $50

Groceries for July + August: $400

Initial Tuition Payment plan payment: $300

Additional Living Costs: $630

New Laptop: $500

I greatly appreciate any help and it would mean everything to me! <3 <3