My name is Szilard (the 'z', is silent) an international student from South Africa with an unwavering passion for wildlife conservation studying in the United States. I made the life-changing decision to shift my career path from a background in sports to follow my true calling—protecting and conserving wildlife.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University. I completed the prerequisites at a local community college, advancing 2 years into the Bachelors program where I earned a 3.92 GPA. When transferring to the main campus, I was guaranteed a scholarship that would grant me in-state tuition rates, making my education financially feasible. However, just a few weeks before the start of the semester, I was painfully informed that the scholarship I had been promised would not be awarded after all. This devastating news came as a crushing blow, threatening to derail everything I’ve worked so hard for. My academic journey and future are now in jeopardy. This scholarship was crucial, as without it, I face a tuition cost of $30,000 per academic year—an amount that is simply beyond my means.

As an international student on a student visa, I have limited work opportunities, and I am not eligible for financial aid or loans in the United States. The sudden news that I will not receive the scholarship has left me in a dire situation. Without immediate financial support, I will be disenrolled, forcing me to leave the country, and abandon my dream of completing my degree in wildlife conservation—a degree I am only a year out from completing.

I am humbly and sincerely seeking your support in this critical time. Your contribution will directly support my lifelong ambition, allowing me to stay enrolled and complete my studies. This degree is not just a personal goal; it’s a stepping stone to a career dedicated to preserving our planet’s wildlife and natural habitats.

Your support would mean the world to me and would allow me to continue pursuing my passion. Please consider contributing to my GoFundMe campaign and sharing it with others who might be willing to help. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to achieving my dream and making a valuable impact on wildlife conservation.

Thank you for your consideration.