Making UC Berkeley Possible

Hi! My name is Jerry Javier. I'm sixteen, graduating a year early from a small charter school in Pahoa, Hawai'i (one of the poorest ares in the state). I have been fortunate enough to come from a wonderful high school, HAAS, the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science PCS. I am happy to say that I am now an incoming freshman to UC Berkeley! Out of state tuition is very expensive for one of the best universities in the nation, and the extra $20,000 that is required to attend does not fit into my single mom's budget. I have worked very hard to gain a place to UC Berkley at the age of 16. Despite only going to school until 5th grade, I entered high school determined to learn. I quickly became a straight A student, with a GPA of 4.3 after taking AP class. In addition I have been a Varsity Cross Country runner for two years, student council member, Chief and Editor of the yearbook, community volunteer, Running Start student taking classes at the local university, performer, and monthly columnist at the Big Island Chronicle. Though I have accomplished much I have done all this while taking my junior and senior year concurrently so I can graduate a year early. During my high school years I have lived with my mother, and three younger sisters in a one roomed house. My mother has struggled to support her four kids, and I am the first of the family to go to college. Any amount that you could donate would help greatly. The donations are to be used for tuition along with scholarships that I will be applying for. I hope that I can get a great education at an amazing school. If you have any questions please contact me! Thank you!