Pay my tuition for college

My name is Juan Faith Jackson, and I’m an international student-athlete currently studying in the United States at High Mowing School. I came here alone at the age of 15, just after competing in the Paralympics in Tokyo. My journey to this point has been anything but easy, but every challenge has shaped who I am today.

At the age of six, I suffered a dislocated elbow in an accident. Due to poor medical conditions in my home country, what should have been a treatable injury resulted in the amputation of my arm. Since then, I’ve been fighting not just to survive, but to thrive to build a life of purpose, resilience, and hope.

With the dream of receiving a quality education and playing the sport I love soccer I made the life-changing decision to move to the U.S. I was blessed to receive a full scholarship from the HeartShapedHands Foundation, High Mowing School, and Black Rock FC. These opportunities changed my life and gave me the foundation to believe in something bigger for my future.

Today, I’m reaching out with humility and hope. I’ve been accepted to Luther College in Iowa, a school that truly sees my potential and has offered me their best financial package. But despite their generosity, I still need to raise $17,000 to attend and as an international student, I don’t qualify for federal aid. My family cannot afford the tuition, and I’ve exhausted every possible resource. Without this support, my dream of continuing my education and playing soccer in college may come to an end.

Going back home isn’t just a return it’s giving up on a future I’ve worked tirelessly to build. My home country is plagued by instability, drug abuse, gang violence, and broken systems. I’ve come too far, through too much, to let that be the end of my story.

Being here in the United States has opened my eyes to what's possible. I’ve grown as a student, an athlete, and a person. I’ve formed relationships that have changed my life, and I’ve found purpose through soccer my passion, my anchor, my way of making sense of the world.

This ask isn’t just about tuition. It’s about staying in an environment where I can thrive, continue growing, and work toward a future where I can give back. I dream of using my journey to inspire other young people who are fighting for a chance kids like me who dare to believe in something greater.

If you choose to support me, know that you’re investing in more than just an education you’re investing in a life of purpose, resilience, and hope. I promise to pay it forward.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for believing in second chances, in potential, and in people.

With gratitude,

Juan Faith Jackson