Hi everybody!

My name is Joy and I am from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am an upcoming senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying both psychology and philosophy, with an interest in forensics and law.

Choosing to attend CU Boulder was one of the most important decisions of my life. I needed a change, space to grow, and become my own person. I grew up in an environment that lacked stable parental roles and was deeply impacted by addiction and domestic abuse. In that space I often felt like my goals and dreams were constantly being delayed because of circumstances out of my control.

Those experiences shaped much of my childhood. They allowed me to learn independence very early, but also caused me to carry emotional weight no child ever should endure. Moving across the country by myself wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It was my first step in building a life surrounded around learning and growth and not on survival.

In addition to these family challenges, I have also sustained a brain injury that impacts me daily. While the effects might not always be visible, it impacts me cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Some days seem to require significantly more effort to keep up with my peers. I have tried to maintain a steady job to support myself, but due to the impacts of my brain injury and suggestions from my medical team, I am currently unable to balance work and academics.

For the last 2 years that I have attended CU, my mother has been supporting me financially. However, in the most recent months her mental health struggles have made it very difficult for us to maintain any kind of relationship. Due to continuous threats and harassment, I have had to file a restraining order against my mother. While this has pushed me to grow in new ways, it has also created financial uncertainty and caused psychological strain.

I am starting this fundraiser to help relieve the financial burden that threatens my ability to continue my education at CU Boulder. The funds raised will go directly towards my tuition, rent, brain injury related medical expenses, and other educational costs.

For the remainder of my time at CU, I plan to pursue research opportunities, internships, and community events aligning with forensic and law. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school and dedicate my career to advocating for individuals affected by abuse, systemic injustice, and environmental stressors. I am hoping to use both my education and life experiences to create a meaningful change.

My journey so far has been far from easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. Teaching me strength, empathy, and perseverance. Your support, whether that be through donating or sharing, means more than I could ever fully express. Every donation, no matter the size, gets me closer to finishing my degree and building a life I have always dreamed of.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and allowing me to see the joy in this sometimes messy world.

Warmly,

Joy