My name is Nayeli. This past spring I graduated from high school. I am the second person in my family to have the opportunity to do so, as well as a first-generation college attendee, for which I am grateful to have this chance.

Since moving to the US in 2018, I have been working very hard to learn English and have been making high honors at the high school where I attend. I was accepted to Bard College, and while I received a scholarship and loans that cover the majority of the costs, I am still shy of the full tuition. 

I have never grown up with access to money, and while I am honored to be accepted to Bard this "gap" money is not something either my family or I can afford. I applied for multiple local scholarships of which I was granted one for $250, but that doesn't come thru till next semester. I also have been working multiple jobs all summer. I was able to play the first school payment with generous donations and all the money I have saved, but I am still far from reaching the amount that would make it possible for me to attend my first year. 

This is an ask from my community and friends, to help make this dream happen for me, and with me. This will give me not only an opportunity to further my learning journey but allow me to give back to my community. I am attending in order to learn languages as a way of ensuring our voices are heard, especially as immigrants in this country.