Restore Hope for a First-Gen International Student

I am a first-generation international student from Siem Reap, Cambodia. I am the eldest sister among three siblings. Throughout my time spent in a public high school in Siem Reap, I have always dreamt of attending college, but knowing that finances has always been a struggle for our family, I know that I would have to work extra hard to make my dream a reality. I know that if I couldn’t figure out options for myself, our family would not be able to afford to send me to college in Cambodia or anywhere else.

My dream came true when countless hours of work paid off and I secured a scholarship to attend Lafayette. I will never forget the moment I said goodbye to my family at the airport – it was my first time on an airplane and I became the first person in my family to leave Cambodia.

While at school, I dedicated myself to earning every penny I could, knowing that the money I was saving wasn’t just for me. Every semester, I took on 4 jobs while taking a full course load. It was the foundation of my future, the safety net that would ensure I could afford the basic necessities for college—things as simple as toiletries and school supplies. But it was more than that. I wasn’t just working for myself; I was working for my brother and my sister back home in Cambodia. I dreamed of helping my brother go to college one day. He is in tenth grade right now and is looking forward to going to college after his high school graduation. I dreamed of giving my sister the college experience where she does not have to worry about any financial burden. That is also money used to support my mother for her medical bills and doctor’s appointments. Every dollar I saved wasn’t just money; it was hope, security, and a promise for a better future.

But all of that changed in an instant. When I was scammed out of my entire savings of $15,000, it felt like my world collapsed. It impacts me mentally. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about everything that money represented. It was the countless hours I spent working late nights, the sacrifices I made, the dreams I held onto so tightly. That money was supposed to ensure that I could continue my college journey without worrying about how I would afford the basics, and it was supposed to help my brother and sister take their first steps toward a brighter future. Now, without it, I’m left wondering how I’ll make it through, how I’ll manage to afford even the simplest things, and how my family will cope with the loss of the opportunity I so desperately wanted to give them.

The loss of that money isn’t just a financial setback; it’s an emotional blow that’s left me feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. It’s a reminder of how fragile our dreams can be, and how easily they can be taken away. I'm reaching out for help so I can continue my studies and provide my family with the opportunities they deserve.