Hello everybody, my name is Jorge Duran. Thank you for taking the time to read about my story and support this fundraiser.

I'm an immigrant student currently pursuing a graduate degree in Digital Animation and Visual Effects at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, part of Brooklyn College. I'm one semester away from the end of this fantastic journey that started with a dream of building a better future from the ground up. It has been an enormous struggle to get this far given my father and benefactor's sudden death during my first semester mixed the extreme circumstances we all find ourselves in by the current pandemic. Given these hardships, I need your help to make it through the finish line.

Your support will provide me with a chance to graduate in May 2021. All the funds collected will go straight to cover my tuition's outstanding balance. I can't emphasize how grateful I am to everyone who has stood by my side during these difficult times, particularly during this hectic and chaotic year. 

During my search to get support in funding my studies, I have come to realize that so many college students are going through similar struggles as mine, given how underrepresented immigrant students are and the lack of resources available for us. This has led me to develop a new life goal in which I become part of the group of people who support immigrant students in a similar situation to mine. I want to be a voice for international and immigrant college students in my community, support them as a peer and mentor in college and within the film and digital design industry.

Immigrant and international students' resources are very limited and scarce, a devastating reality that I've experienced firsthand. Due to my current Visa status, I have to enroll as a full-time student limiting any opportunity to apply for a job. Additionally, any federal aid or potential loan opportunities are inconceivable for foreigners

Learning to face diverse challenges was already part of the journey when I committed to starting my Master's degree. Unfortunately, the situation shifted and became more difficult at the end of my first semester, when my father passed away due to complications related to diabetes, blood pressure, and stress. During his lifetime, he worked hard to help his community and everyone around him. He was an incredible mentor and a loving husband who provided for my mother, brother, and me.

I've made my degree my top priority since I arrived in New York, with outstanding grades and an overall GPA of 3.64. I have only one semester left, I'm very close to the finish line, and I can't let it slip from my grasp. I take pride in my school, and I value my education more than anything; Feirstein has an incredibly creative environment with a supportive student body, and the Immigrant Student Success Office at Brooklyn College is guiding me during these difficult times. I've found a place where I can grow professionally to build a better future for my family and me. I'm in the middle of my thesis (www.genesis-thesis.net ), the most crucial step in my academic life, and I can't give up now.

I sincerely appreciate the time you took to read about my story and this fundraiser. Any contribution would be highly appreciated. I know these are challenging times, and not everyone has the option to donate; however, if you could share this with someone who might be interested in helping, it would be a tremendous aid. To pursue my true passion in life is the best way I know to honor my father.

If you cannot support through this GoFundMe campaign, my Venmo is: @Jorge-Duran-09

Please, help me share this fundraiser and boost this campaign!

Thank you very much for your support. If you have any further questions or inquiries about this campaign, please, let me know, and I'll be glad to offer more information and details.


NOTE: The first five thousand dollars that have been donated helped me to move forward during 2019 and 2020. This semester (Spring 2021) is my last one, and the outstanding balance needs to be covered in full in order for me to finish my degree. This campaign is my last hope.

Since GoFundMe requires specific documentation and credentials to withdraw the funds donated that I don't have as a foreigner, my close friend, Alejandro Garcia, is registered as the beneficiary of this campaign.