
Help Lily attend college (UCI) this fall
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Vina and I am setting up a page to support my friend Lily who will be attending UCI this fall. Lily has been unhoused since the age of 15, living in shelters and staying with friends, and sees attending UCI as her opportunity to create a better life for herself.
She's been working tirelessly with the social workers and staff at UCI, but certain bureaucratic issues are making it difficult for her to attend UCI with the support she needs. For example, given her status, she should be able to qualify for CalGrants, but since she is a few months short of establishing her residency in California, she's left with quite a hefty tuition bill and limited support for housing. We are expecting that after her first few quarters at UCI, she will be able to get more support from the university. These funds will support her with tuition and housing expenses.
She shares her story below...
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My name is Lily Nguyen and I write this now, humbly asking for your support.
With any means of support, I would have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in my studies, unencumbered by the worries of basic needs. Being able to continue to propel my education at UC Irvine would be a profound step forward as I am passionate about community liberation, and most importantly, just being a 19-year old college student worried about midterms as opposed to the myriad of financial burdens that often weigh heavily on my shoulder.
Jumping from shelter to shelter and growing up low-income exposed me to the harsh realities of homelessness, fostering within me a deep empathy for those experiencing similar struggles and igniting a drive to advocate for systemic change.
I've witnessed firsthand the uphill battle that poverty creates, limiting opportunities and creating barriers at every turn. Yet, this adversity has only fueled my determination to succeed, not just for myself, but for the countless others facing similar struggles. Meeting my goal would be more than just a financial relief for me, it would be a lifeline of hope and a chance to transcend the challenges I have faced. This would not only alleviate the financial constraints that often hinder individuals like myself from accessing higher education but also provide me with a renewed sense of stability and purpose.
With full transparency, I’ve been feeling some reluctance drafting my Gofundme bio and starting my campaign, mainly due to a fear that was culturally conditioned upon me. Growing up, it became an unspoken rule to not ask for help. The idea of reaching out for help was accompanied by this fear that seeking support would cast a shadow of inadequacy upon my character, who so desperately wanted to prove that she was self-sufficient and resilient.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, every word of encouragement you offer, would make a significant difference in the quality of my life. I understand that times are challenging for many, and I am deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide. Whether you're able to contribute financially or simply help spread the word, your involvement matters immensely.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you in advance for your kindness and support. The funds raised will go straight towards tuition and housing expenses. It is my commitment to ensure that every resource provided will be channeled towards achieving the goals I’ve set forth. Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable in a space where asking for support goes against the grain of my upbringing.
With deep gratitude,
Lily Nguyen
Organizer and beneficiary
Vina Vo
Organizer
Hayward, CA
Lily Nguyen
Beneficiary