Help Send Gissel to Coding School
Hi there!
My name is Gissel Diaz. I am not used to talking about myself or asking for financial support, but at this time, I will share a bit of my journey with you. Software Engineering has meant a lot to me since I was a kid. Now I find myself $7,000 away reaching my goal.
I am a first generation queer Dominican person who always dreamed of getting a degree. Six years ago, I got the opportunity to migrate to the United States from the Dominican Republic. While that mean joining my family after 17 years of life apart, it also meant leaving my university one term before completing my degree. I had to start over many times in different schools and universities while working full time once I arrive. I even had to change careers. I was able to work for a clinic that allowed me take night classes and weekend classes. I worked hard to become an EMT and eventually a Health Educator, but for economical or family emergencies, I haven’t been able to reach my goal to finish a full program.
Video of my Snake Game using Python
Since the COVID pandemic hit, even while working as a healthcare essential worker, I took every opportunity to use my time to take free online courses, including Stanford University’s Code in Place 2021 while supporting my family. I practice coding daily through Freecodecamp, Codewars, and Codecademy. I finally took the leap of faith this month and applied to The Grace Hopper Program which is an immersive software engineering course for women+ students.
Yesterday, I got the news that I got accepted to The Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy!!!
I worked hard until June so that I could take a chance and build an emergency fund and become a full time student for the next 17 weeks. I have been waiting for this my whole life, and although I’m scared of not working, I know that this is the right time for me.
I need your help and support to get started. I would not be able to attend without paying for the $3000 deposit due before my program begins on August 1st 2021. I am raising a total of $7000 for finish my emergency fund, which is going towards food, utilities, and housing/ living costs while I complete my studies and find my next job.
I hope to use the knowledge that I’m going to gain through programing and apply it in the medical field. Please share this fundraiser with your friends and family. Any support will be deeply appreciated, whether you share this post, donate $5, $25, $100 or more, or spread the word. Even the most minimum help you can give, will support me greatly as well as my family who I support, and my community.
Donating here will avoid the GoFundMe fees:
Venmo: @puzzlenerd
Cashapp: $yandelydf
Zelle/ PayPal: [email redacted]
You can find me on Instagram @yandelydf.
Lastly, stay safe out there and thank you in advance. I look forward to helping the next generation of coders once I am on the other side of this journey.
Sincerely Gi