Hi, I’m Kelby Hughes a fourth year at Howard University. If you know me on campus, you’ve probably seen me with my phone, snapping selfies with students from all walks of life and sharing our moments on Instagram. I love using those photos to break down barriers and bring people together. Beyond social media, volunteering and helping others are my passions whether I’m mentoring local high schoolers, serving meals at community events, or organizing on campus initiatives, I’m always looking for ways to give back.

Like many Bison, I thought my semester was covered until Howard’s switch to a new billing system suddenly showed a balance of nearly 19K making me eligible for housing and class registration. Now I’m scrambling to figure out where the charge came from, and I have until August 4th to pay or risk putting my school year on hold.

Asking for help isn’t easy for me. I’ve always taken pride in handling things myself, but I’ve learned that true maturity means knowing when to lean on your community. That’s why I’m here today, humbly asking for whatever you can give whether it’s $5, $50, or simply sharing this page with your network. Every little bit brings me one step closer to the classroom, the friends I’ve made, and the chance to continue serving this incredible campus.

I know this is a big ask, and I realize the odds may feel long. But I’m not done fighting for my future yet. With your support financial or otherwise I can jump back into this year, keep building connections through my instagram page, and continue using my time and talents to uplift others.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Anything you can donate, share, or even send a quick word of encouragement means the world to me. Let’s make this next chapter unforgettable.