A little over a month ago, I moved from Tennessee to St. Louis to begin my Master of Social Work at Washington University. I came here to pursue a dream that I have worked incredibly hard for. I want to work with medically complex children and their families, and I truly believe that this is where I am supposed to be.

Getting here took a lot.

I graduated from Vanderbilt University debt-free in May. I recently had my first publication come out. I have spent years working toward an education and a career that I care deeply about. Moving to St. Louis and beginning graduate school was supposed to be the next step in building the life I have worked so hard for.

But right now, I am struggling.

I have two jobs because I knew I would need to work while pursuing my master’s degree. During the week, I work as an extended day counselor. On the weekends, I work as a caretaker for a 47-year-old man. I have been doing everything I can to support myself and make things work.

I have even been applying for a third job.

I am not sitting around waiting for things to get better. I have been trying to find more work, applying for jobs, going to class, and doing everything I can to make enough money to stay afloat. I am trying so hard to make this work.

Unfortunately, my weekend job has become unpredictable. My client’s mother recently contracted COVID, and because of that, I have been unable to work my scheduled shifts. I was depending on that income, and suddenly losing it has put me in an incredibly difficult position.

I was already trying to stretch every dollar and make everything work. Losing that income has made things even harder. Now, I am trying to make it through the month while worrying about rent, tuition, and other basic expenses.

My program is supposed to provide students with a $500 monthly stipend to help support us. However, there was significant confusion and poor communication about when we would actually receive it. Many of us expected that money earlier, only to find out that we would not receive it until the end of the month. I had been counting on that money to help me make it through September.

I have asked my university for help. Unfortunately, they have been unable to provide assistance for my current situation. I have looked for other solutions. I have two jobs. I have been applying for a third. I have continued going to class and doing everything I am supposed to do.

I am doing everything that I know how to do.

I moved to a completely new city to pursue this degree. I left behind everything familiar and took a chance on myself because I believed that this was where I was supposed to be. I firmly believe that God brought me to St. Louis for a reason. I do not believe I came all this way for nothing.

I am going to fight to survive and stay here. I am going to keep trying. I am going to keep showing up to class, applying for jobs, and doing everything I can to build the future I came here for.

But right now, I need help.

I am raising money to help me make it through this month while I get back on my feet and my income stabilizes. The money raised will go toward immediate expenses like rent, tuition, transportation, groceries, and other necessities.

I have tried my best to handle this on my own. I am still trying. But sometimes, you can do everything you are supposed to do and still need a little help.

Any amount would mean more to me than I can explain. And if you are unable to donate, sharing my story would mean just as much.

Thank you for helping me stay in St. Louis and continue pursuing the future I have worked so hard to build.