Hi everyone, my name is Samayah. I’m a first-generation college student studying Business Management at UIC. I was raised by a single mother of three who did everything she could for us, but wasn’t able to financially support my college education. I’ve worked hard, applied for aid, and reached out everywhere I could, but I’m still $7,000 short of what I need to stay enrolled this semester (January 16th). I currently have a job, but my income isn’t enough to cover tuition on my own. College means everything to me — it’s about breaking cycles and building a future not only for me but for my family. This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, because I’ve always been taught to handle things myself, but any support or even sharing this would truly mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and believing in me.