**UPDATE** I was granted the Federal SEOG grant. I now need $2762 to register for spring classes. I also update the fundraiser request to only reflect this semester. Thank you!

Dear Friends, Family, and Generous Individuals,

Greetings! For those that don’t know me, my name is Hope Calogero. I am a senior at Alaska Pacific University where I am pursuing a degree in marine and environmental sciences. I am a single mom of four amazing children to which I hope I am inspiring and teaching them resilience, dedication, and commitment. I also work part time as a contractor learning new things, from remodeling, cleaning, and business marketing to support my family.

As a single mother of four children, pursuing higher education has been both a challenge and a dream. Balancing the responsibilities of parenting, work, and academic commitments has required resilience, determination, and a deep passion for learning. Despite facing numerous obstacles, I have maintained a strong commitment to my education and have been fortunate enough to be selected as a NOAA Hollings recipient in 2022.

In 2018 I realized that I have had a deep passion for the outdoors and a desire to contribute to a more sustainable Earth, particularly for my community. Throughout my education I have seized opportunities to conduct impactful research that addresses environmental concerns within my community. Notable projects that I have worked on include, “The Spatial Variability of Mercury in the St. Louis Watershed Across Four Landscape Types” providing crucial information to policymakers and the local tribe regarding methylmercury concentrations in a Minnesota watershed. Another project, "Population Stability of Manoomin," identified which wild rice stands were at a greater risk of extinction due to high sulfur levels in lakes, supporting tribal efforts to establish strict standards for sulfur in Minnesota waterways.

My journey with NOAA has fueled my passion for environmental science, conservation and deepened my understanding of the importance of maintaining species diversity within our oceans. This past summer’s internship allowed me to engage in meaningful research and gain hands-on experience, reinforcing my commitment to environmental stewardship.

My ultimate goal is to have a career with an organization that allows me to contribute to research that makes a significant difference in the environment to better our planet. This dream is becoming a reality thanks to various opportunities that have opened my eyes, including an internship with NASA that taught me to never give up, that I have what it takes, to focus on what I love and enjoy, and to always reach for the stars.

I am reaching out for assistance to alleviate the financial burden associated with my education. As a dedicated student and mother, I am committed to excelling academically and contributing to my community. However, none of this will be possible unless I complete my degree. Despite my achievements, including accolades such as Student of the Year and Service to the College awards for outstanding academics and leadership abilities, I have faced challenges securing additional funding opportunities, making my educational journey incredibly challenging.

Your support will not only help me achieve my educational aspirations but will also contribute to my mission of making a positive impact on the environment and our community. I am sincerely grateful for any assistance you can provide, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Sincerely,

Hope Calogero