Keeping Kate in School (Forward, forward!)

Hello y'all, my name is Mari Herreras, and my daughter's name is Kate Herreras-Zinman. I never thought that I'd be in this position asking for help in such a public way, but I don't have a lot of options. This past year or so, I've taken on 100 percent of my daughter's college and personal expenses with some supports from financial aid mixed in here and there. For the most part, I've been fairly proud of myself--although it often feels like I'm in a dance that's two steps forward and one step back.

Our dear friends and community members know that Kate has had her share of challenges with an autism spectrum diagnosis as a young kiddo, and then ADHD, OCD, depression and anxiety. The challenges presented themselves with many difficulties in school, social stuff, and not having parents that completely understood what Kate needed and when she needed it most. I've been working on that--especially during these college years.

At the University of Arizona, Kate has had many "two steps forward, one step back" moments. It's worth noting that some of those "two steps forward" this past year have been remarkable--scholarships, incredible writing professors, and continuing to celebrate living her authentic self after coming out as trans more than a year ago.

I'm here on GoFundMe because a "one step back" moment has created a situation which could prevent Kate from continuing her plans for next semester and finishing her studies overall in the film and TV department. I could also lose the house I inherited from my mother last year. Kate missed an important financial aid deadline while struggling with mental health challenges and keeping up with her summer classes. This means I have to come up with $6,000 to make things right with the university in order for her to continue classes in the spring. I can't do this in payments--it has to be in one lump sum before the end of the fall semester.

I've sold cars to pay for supports needed a long the way. I've had garage sales. I've sold other things. I work full-time and carry Kate on my insurance. Trying to figure out how to pay this in the next two months--I don't know how I am going to do this and everything else I do to keep the kiddo moving forward at the same time. It could mean selling my house, but I'm turning to my community first to ask for help.

Believe me, I know this is a difficult time for many of us. Paycheck to paycheck is real. Supporting our kids going to college or other endeavors is a challenge. I know it has been for me, and that's doing everything I possibly can. I'm not one that asks for help publicly and it's always been difficult for me to ask for help. I wouldn't pester any of you if it wasn't important on so many levels.

Thank you for whatever you can throw into the pot. We so appreciate any help. A big thank you, and if I can toss some poetry your way, or December tamales--please let me know.