Nicaraguan Student

Hello! My name is Lilliam Arguello, I am 22 years old and until very recently I lived in Nicaragua where I was an architecture student at Universidad Americana (UAM). I need one more semester to graduate and there is nothing in the world that would make me happier than to finish my schooling and become an architect. In April of this year things in Nicaragua changed a lot because of the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and its FSLN party. The Nicaragua economy has gone downhill due to the repression and censorship against its citizens. The crisis in Nicaragua is taking everything down and tourism and exportation has been one major area that has been affected. Thousands of peaceful protestors have been out on organized walks since April asking for early elections and the removal of the dictatorship of Ortega-Murillo and in return have been persecuted and in some instances killed.   I, as many others, had to flee my only home, leaving behind my family and friends, afraid for my life, as I had been identified as taking water to the protestors. My family is no longer able to assist me with my studies, as most of the business have suffered, which in turn reduces their monthly income and God only knows what the future will bring. Since my freshman year I had been fortunate enough to be a recipient of half scholarship from UAM and my family helped me with the rest of the tuition and books. I am currently working two days a week at a nursing home but what I earn is not enough to pay for my studies. I was very lucky to get this job, as my prior non-US living and lack of US job experience was a determent for many. I just registered to take my classes online and I have to pay for the tuition by October of this year and this is where I ask for your help. I am embarrassed to ask, but desperate, as I would very much like to graduate as an architect. I have an opportunity to finish my last semester on-line but I need eight thousand dollars ($8,000) – this would cover my classes, books, degree – everything! I will be eternally grateful with all the help I receive from you and your friends.   I promise to return to GoFundMe and help more people who in the future find themselves in a situation similar to the one I live in today. My sincerest thank you, Lilliam