Help Bunny Stay in Grad School – Fall 2025 Term

Hi, my name is Bunny Burchett. I am pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Business Administration at the University of Hartford, where I have maintained a 3.91 GPA. My goal is to use this education to design inclusive training programs, support organizations, and empower adult learners in rural and under-resourced communities like my hometown in Eastern Kentucky.

Currently, I am facing a significant financial challenge. My Fall 2025 tuition and related expenses total about $8,000, and without help, I may not be able to continue.

My Journey

I grew up in a poor family that relied on government assistance. For most of my life, college did not feel like an option because there were no funds or role models to make it possible. I did not begin my college journey until I was in my 30s, and now I have become the first in my family to graduate high school, earn an undergraduate degree, and pursue graduate school.

I am also neurodivergent, which means I have experienced how traditional education can leave learners behind. That perspective drives my passion for inclusive design and accessibility. It is also why I am excited to be starting work with UHart’s SHINE Labs, where I will contribute to research that helps create learning environments where every student can thrive.

This degree is not only about me. It represents breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and paying forward the support I have received.

Why I Need Help

I was unexpectedly laid off, and my unemployment benefits have ended.

To cover basic bills during that time, I relied on credit cards and now carry a $3,000 balance. Paying this off will allow me to reapply for a GradPLUS loan, but without a cosigner, private loan options are unavailable.

I have applied for scholarships and begun work with SHINE Labs, but it does not cover my immediate needs.

I also do gig work as an ESL tutor, but the pay is up to $10.20 an hour (You rarely ever get a full hour of work, so it's more like $5), and hours are limited. It helps a little, but it is not enough to cover tuition or bills.

Where Your Donation Goes

Your support will make an impact in three key areas:

Tuition & Fees ($4,543): Covers tuition, registration, and tech fees for my Fall 2025 term.

Debt Relief ($3,000 – stretch goal): Reducing this balance allows me to reapply for a GradPLUS loan so I can cover future terms without turning to fundraising.

Books/Supplies (~$457 – stretch goal): Helps me manage essentials while I continue my job search, tutor part-time, and focus on my studies.

⏳ Payment Plan and Deadlines

I am on a strict university payment plan with three major deadlines:

$1,514.33 due September 20, 2025

$1,514.33 due October 20, 2025

$1,514.33 due November 20, 2025

If I miss any of these payments, I risk being dropped from my program. That’s why every donation between now and September 20th is critical to keeping me enrolled.

How You Can Help

Every contribution matters:

$25 covers books and supplies for a week.

$50 pays for one day of tuition.

$100 supports academic resources and software.

$250 covers a week of classes.

$500 or more significantly offsets tuition and brings me closer to my goal.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your network. Sharing is just as powerful as giving and helps me reach more people who may want to support.

Why This Matters

I have worked hard to overcome generational and systemic barriers, and I have proven I can succeed academically. At this point, finances are the only thing standing in my way.

Supporting me does more than help me stay in school. It allows me to continue building the tools I need to give back. My long-term goal is to design workforce development programs and mentorship opportunities for rural and first-generation students who face the same challenges I did.

Crossing the graduation stage will represent more than a degree. It will represent breaking cycles of poverty, showing that neurodivergent learners can succeed, and proving that first-generation students can thrive at the graduate level.

With your help, I can stay enrolled, graduate, and create opportunities for others. Thank you for believing in me.

—Bunny

Edit: If this looks different from what you remember, it's because I edited it to match the new goal after learning I had misunderstood the billing statement.