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Hi, my name is Beryl, and I’m going into my final year as an international Ph.D. student in Educational Administration and Human Resource Development at Texas A&M University. I’ve spent the last several years researching a problem that affects so many lives, often silently: toxic leadership in the workplace.
My work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. I study how toxic leadership harms employee morale, engagement, and overall well-being, and how we can replace it with leadership rooted in psychological safety, empathy, and dignity. My goal is simple but urgent: to help build safer, healthier workplaces for people everywhere.
But now, I’m facing a harsh reality that threatens to end that mission.
What Happened?
This week, I was informed that due to sudden budget cuts to the Department of Education, my research assistantship and funding will not be renewed for the upcoming year. As an international student, this doesn’t just mean no paycheck, it also means losing health insurance, legal limitations on work opportunities, and being at serious risk of having to drop out after years of dedication, sacrifice, and progress. And I’m so close, just one year away from completing my PhD.
Why This Matters
Like many international students, I moved across the world chasing a dream. I’ve weathered culture shock, loneliness, academic stress, and financial hardship with a heart full of hope. I’ve poured that hope into my research, believing that if I can help create more humane, respectful, and inclusive work environments, then all of this would be worth it.
To come this far and be forced to stop now… it’s devastating.
How You Can Help
I’m humbly asking for your support to cover tuition, health insurance, and living costs so I can stay in school, finish my degree, and continue advocating for workplace justice.
Your donation, no matter the size will help me:
- Maintain my immigration status
- Access medication and therapy during this turbulent time
- Complete my dissertation research on psychological safety and toxic leadership
- Graduate and give back by doing the work I was called to do
Why I Still Believe
Despite the heartbreak, I still believe that I didn’t come this far just to come this far. And I know I’m not alone. If you’ve ever worked in a toxic job, felt undervalued, or watched someone struggle under poor leadership, you know why this work matters.
- If you can donate, thank you.
- If you can share this with your network, thank you.
- If you just want to send a word of encouragement, please do, that means everything right now.
With love and gratitude,
Beryl