Hi friends,

This is Alla. I’ve created this GoFundMe because, without your help, I won’t be able to pursue a long-standing personal and professional goal: earning my master’s degree.

To be honest, this is my third attempt to begin graduate school in the United States. My first try didn’t work out because my English wasn't yet strong enough. The second time, I was accepted to Georgia Gwinnett College, but after careful thought, I realized the program wasn’t the right fit for my goals. So I kept searching—and this time, I’ve found something that truly aligns with my path.

As many of you know, higher education in the U.S. can be expensive. My family in Russia isn’t able to help financially in a consistent way, and I’ve never been one to ask much from them anyway. I grew up independent—an older sister to a sibling with a mental disability, in a family shaped by divorce. There’s no pity in that—it’s simply the reason I’ve always felt responsible for figuring life out on my own and becoming someone strong enough to support my mom, my brother and my own family in the future.

But as a newcomer to the U.S., independence is harder to come by. Because of my visa status, I’m not allowed to work, get a student loan and receive federal student aid like FAFSA or government scholarships. I’m currently in a personal situation where I have no one who could sponsor me.

After a lot of research, I found a fully online program that perfectly matches my professional goals: a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication Management, followed by a Master of Science in Communication at Purdue University. The certificate’s credits fully transfer toward the master’s degree, making the path more flexible and financially manageable.

I’ve already passed the language exam and submitted my application. If you’d like to learn more about my motivation, background, and plans after graduation, please read my Personal History Statement and Academic Statement of Purpose.

Any support means the world to me—whether it’s a donation, a kind word, or simply sharing this with someone who might care. Please only give if you and your loved ones are in a position to do so—your well-being matters most.

Here’s a breakdown of current and upcoming costs:

Duolingo English Test: $70

Purdue Application Fee: $75

Installment Plan Setup Fee: $60

First Tuition Payment (Due August 25, 2025): TBD (I’ll update this as soon as I receive the amount)

Total Cost of The Program: $24,600

Thank you from the bottom of my heart —

Спасибо!