Help Andrew Finish Law School

Hi, my name is Andrew Lin from Taiwan, and I’m reaching out to you from Sydney, where I’m currently studying Law and Commerce at the University of New South Wales. My dream is to become a compassionate and socially engaged lawyer, advocating for those who need a voice in our society.

From Single Mom's Hope to Law Student's Fight

My story starts with my mother, who had me at 19 while she was still a student. She made the difficult decision to raise me on her own, and that choice shaped the person I’ve become. From her, I learned resilience, a sense of purpose, and the freedom to explore the world with curiosity. Her strength and determination have been my guiding light.

Growing up in a humble household, I worked hard to make the most of what I had. Thanks to the help of a generous family friend, I was able to attend a world-renowned university, immersing myself in an environment where diverse cultures and ideas come together. This experience has allowed me to steadily pursue my goals, and I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received.

Unfortunately, an unexpected financial crisis has put my education and future in jeopardy. The support I once relied on has come to an end, and while I’ve taken on tutoring jobs and secured a paralegal role at a criminal defence law firm to stay afloat, the financial gap remains more than I can manage alone. As an international student, I’m not eligible for government loans or financial aid, which is where I hope you might be able to help.

Since arriving in Australia, I’ve been proactive in seeking ways to learn and contribute. Before I even started law school, I volunteered at the Aboriginal Legal Service. I faced my fear of public speaking by competing in the UNSW Mooting Competition, where I was honoured to be named Best Oralist. I later reached out on my own and was fortunate to join a criminal defence law firm, where I’ve been gaining firsthand experience in the legal system.

At some point, I realized you don’t need to feel completely ready. You just need to care enough to begin. I believed the work mattered, and I’ve held onto hope, even when the way forward wasn’t always clear.

Now, I’m at a point where I can’t move forward alone. But I’ve seen how one gesture of kindness can change a life, because that’s what brought me here.

This fundraiser is not just about covering tuition. It’s about continuing a quiet dream my mother and I have shared from the beginning. We don’t deny the weight of where you come from, but we believe even more in the power of action, imagination, and belief to carry you beyond it.

If you choose to support me, you’re not just helping a student stay in school. You’re standing behind someone who has fought for every chance and is committed to giving back, just as others once did for me. Because I know what it means to go without, I hope to one day be the person who helps others take the steps they can’t take alone.

Behind everything I’ve done stands the quiet strength of my mother. The letter below is from her, offering a glimpse into our journey through her eyes:

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Eileen, and I am the proud mom of Andrew.

When I was eighteen, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant during nursing school. I felt afraid and uncertain about the future, but the tiny life growing inside me gave me the courage and strength to move forward. I decided to raise Andrew on my own, promising to provide him with a home filled with love, safety, and hope.

Continuing my studies seemed impossible at times, but learning gave me purpose and meaning. Earning my nursing license, followed by studies in psychology and anthropology, changed how I saw myself and the world around me. More importantly, these experiences helped me become the mother I wanted to be: someone who could raise a child with compassion, confidence, and a sense of curiosity.

Andrew and I have been a team of two, reading together, exploring nature, and sharing thoughts about life. He has a kind heart and a genuine interest in the world, always open to new ideas and perspectives. Since he was little, we would attend local activism events together, where he observed and asked thoughtful questions. As he grew older, he began exploring human rights topics, eager to understand how different people live and think.

Over the years, I have watched Andrew grow into a young man who meets challenges with resilience and pursues his goals with quiet determination. Living and studying in Australia has shown him how varied experiences and viewpoints shape the way people live and work. This journey has helped him mature in ways that wouldn't have been possible without stepping beyond the world we knew.

Today, he stands at a crossroads. Without additional support, he cannot continue the path he has worked so diligently to build. We've traveled this far together, and now we humbly ask for your help to keep his dream alive.

Every act of kindness brings him closer to his vision. I know that one day, he'll find ways to help others just as you're helping him now.

With heartfelt gratitude, Eileen

Thank You from Andrew

Every donation, no matter the size, helps me stay one step closer to becoming a lawyer dedicated to justice and compassion. If you cannot donate, simply sharing this campaign would mean the world to both me and my mother.

Thank you for believing in the power of education and new opportunities.

With gratitude, Andrew Lin