Adia's College Fund
Donation protected
My name is Adia Xaba and I am a senior at Temple University studying Speech Pathology, I have a 3.4 GPA and am extremely hard working. I made myself this gofund me account because I told myself that in 2018 I was going to start being more vulnerable and transparent and ask for help when I need it, even if I think I may receive a no. My mother told me that this year for me is about letting go of doubt and making "THE BIG ASK". I know how hard I work but suck at giving myself credit and found it hard to write "my story" so I asked a dear friend and sister of mine to help me. The following was written by Samara who is someone that has been on this journey with me since it began. Please take the time to read:
Everyone has a person they've met in their life that once they arrive you think about how fortunate you are to know them, because they are special. Adia Xaba is a rare person in today's world. In a generation when most are caught up in appearance and status Adia still encompasses the idea of hard work and ethic as a means to your dreams. Since the moment I met her Adia has been giving, supportive, a shoulder when needed and the splash of cold water when I am getting away from reality. Her quiet strength stemming from her ability to understand the world around her and keep a level head. Unmoving in the things that she is passionate about or the people she loves..she's just someone who you know will always have your best interest at heart and will always show you your importance in her life.
So it's easy to imagine how she is with her own goals and aspirations. Adia could have stayed in her hometown of Washington DC and went to a community college. Maybe transferring out of state once she got the credits. But she knew that she needed to go and take her steps into the world and her future without the comforts home can bring. She boldly moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University to find herself and her future. Temple became the backdrop to her journey as she worked toward her Degree in Speech Pathology. Long nights that turned into morning spent typing up papers in the tech center or researching in the library; racing between professors office hours and study groups. Not to mention having to be self sufficient as well. Coming out of pocket for books, food, living expenses and tuition. So Adia wasn't required to just be a successful full time student; but employee as well as her lively hood and ability to survive on her own depended on it. Trying to balance her dreams with the demands of the real world, it's enough to drive any person crazy: feeling the weights of the world on your shoulders.
But Adia always seemed to pull it off. Managing her 3.4 GPA to not just do well but excel in her studies. That feat shouldn't be taken lightly either as every semester Adia had to register for class late due to financial constraints. Though she receives financial aid and receives as much help from her family as they can give, her costs of tuition still leave a difference. I've watched Adia time and time again face this issue and never fold. She looked at her problem square on and put the work in necessary to stay in school. If that meant waiting tables all summer in DC or selling watches in the airport then so be it. She's given up holiday breaks, weekends and literally any time needed outside of her classes so that she can get her degree. In times when most people would have given up Adia did not. She had to take a year off from school and that was the biggest blow. When you have to realize that the life plan you had mapped out doesn't mean it'll go that way, and you find yourself living a point in your life you never saw coming. Its in those moments that define successful people. When one must determine if this is where their dreams ends...
I am happy to say Adia had more faith in herself and her goals than multiple down moments. Though it was hard getting up everyday surrounded by people moving forward when you feel stuck; she knew that she had to focus on her steps and not compare. She has to dig deep and honor her truth: that she didn't work this hard, come this far to just give up. So she spent that year hustling and renewing her focus and drive. She emerged from that year ready to resume what she started.
Everyone has a person they've met in their life that once they arrive you think about how fortunate you are to know them, because they are special. Adia Xaba is a rare person in today's world. In a generation when most are caught up in appearance and status Adia still encompasses the idea of hard work and ethic as a means to your dreams. Since the moment I met her Adia has been giving, supportive, a shoulder when needed and the splash of cold water when I am getting away from reality. Her quiet strength stemming from her ability to understand the world around her and keep a level head. Unmoving in the things that she is passionate about or the people she loves..she's just someone who you know will always have your best interest at heart and will always show you your importance in her life.
So it's easy to imagine how she is with her own goals and aspirations. Adia could have stayed in her hometown of Washington DC and went to a community college. Maybe transferring out of state once she got the credits. But she knew that she needed to go and take her steps into the world and her future without the comforts home can bring. She boldly moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University to find herself and her future. Temple became the backdrop to her journey as she worked toward her Degree in Speech Pathology. Long nights that turned into morning spent typing up papers in the tech center or researching in the library; racing between professors office hours and study groups. Not to mention having to be self sufficient as well. Coming out of pocket for books, food, living expenses and tuition. So Adia wasn't required to just be a successful full time student; but employee as well as her lively hood and ability to survive on her own depended on it. Trying to balance her dreams with the demands of the real world, it's enough to drive any person crazy: feeling the weights of the world on your shoulders.
But Adia always seemed to pull it off. Managing her 3.4 GPA to not just do well but excel in her studies. That feat shouldn't be taken lightly either as every semester Adia had to register for class late due to financial constraints. Though she receives financial aid and receives as much help from her family as they can give, her costs of tuition still leave a difference. I've watched Adia time and time again face this issue and never fold. She looked at her problem square on and put the work in necessary to stay in school. If that meant waiting tables all summer in DC or selling watches in the airport then so be it. She's given up holiday breaks, weekends and literally any time needed outside of her classes so that she can get her degree. In times when most people would have given up Adia did not. She had to take a year off from school and that was the biggest blow. When you have to realize that the life plan you had mapped out doesn't mean it'll go that way, and you find yourself living a point in your life you never saw coming. Its in those moments that define successful people. When one must determine if this is where their dreams ends...
I am happy to say Adia had more faith in herself and her goals than multiple down moments. Though it was hard getting up everyday surrounded by people moving forward when you feel stuck; she knew that she had to focus on her steps and not compare. She has to dig deep and honor her truth: that she didn't work this hard, come this far to just give up. So she spent that year hustling and renewing her focus and drive. She emerged from that year ready to resume what she started.
Organizer
Adia Yandeya Xaba
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
