First-Gen Latinx's at Columbia University

I am a first-generation Latinx pursuing higher education. I am pursuing at Columbia University since the Population and Family Health program with a certificate in Global Health encapsulates the areas I am more passionate about in the Public Health sector.

I was granted 50% tuition through a Fellowship to which I applied; I was denied the FAFSA due once again to my immigration status because to qualify, I must be a US citizen. Unfortunately, I will still face the challenges of not knowing how to cover my living expenses and the other 50% of the tuition. It is not fair once again how the education system is preventing me from receiving financial assistance and how it is pushing me to withdraw from my education goals. However, I am not ready to do it, so I am here sharing some of my journey and receiving support because I want to continue pursuing my education. It is my right, but sometimes the system is complicated to navigate and understand.

As of September 21st, it has been almost a month since I started this journey. I am sharing some of the most recent updates with you.