College Tuition Fund for 2.5 Years

My name is Minerva Rivera, and I am a first-generation, Mexican American woman. I am attending Sonoma State University (SSU) to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Biology.

I have created this GoFund-me account to raise money for two and a half years of college tuition at Sonoma State University. Unfortunately, I do not qualify for financial aid, and my parents are unable to afford my cost of attendance and housing. Tuition and on-campus living at SSU are about $26,784 a year. The goal amount reflects 2.5 years at SSU which includes the following:

- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meals 
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Other education costs

I've spent the past four years of my life studying at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) while also being a part-time worker. Although I was faced with doubt, mental health disorders, personal and financial hardships, I persevered. I'm proud to say I graduated from SBCC in May 2021 with an Associate's Degree in Biological Sciences. Since then, I've been using my part-time income to support myself; however, working while attending school has proven to significantly affect my grades. Studies show that "70 percent of full-time college students are working. However, students who work 15 hours or more per week are more likely to have a C average or lower, while those who work less than 15 hours are more likely to have a B average or higher." My goal is to attend university without working a part or full-time job. Therefore, this fundraiser will allow me to fulfill that goal. 

If you have a full-time job with extra income, have access to generational wealth, have a kind heart, or believe in the right to a debt-free life, I invite you to donate. 

If you are unable to donate, I invite you to share, comment, and like!

Thank you for reading, listening, sharing, interacting, and gifting monetarily. I will continue to update everyone with my financial need and journey to SSU.