Meet Hasina and His Family

Meet Hasina Rakotondrabeharison and his exceptional family, whose journey has traversed international borders, seas, and academic milestones. Hailing from Madagascar, Hasina stands as the first in his family to achieve a college degree, a feat he attributes to his family's unwavering perseverance and determination. Now, as he embarks on the next phase of his educational journey, Hasina seeks your support.

Hasina's upbringing amidst the rich tapestry of Malagasy culture instilled in him a profound reverence for education and a fervent desire to effect positive change wherever life took him. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, his commitment to higher education remained resolute. Driven by a quest for academic excellence, Hasina set his sights on the United States to pursue a Bachelor's degree. Through sheer tenacity and hard work, he not only earned his degree but thrived, leaving an indelible mark on his professors and peers alike.

Bachelor’s Degree Journey

Several years ago, Hasina made the challenging decision to relocate with his wife and children to the United States, driven by the hope of securing a brighter future. "Leaving our homeland and loved ones in Madagascar was no easy feat, but our determination to provide a better future for our children, coupled with my ambition to complete my education, fueled our journey," he reflected.

In March 2019, Hasina and his family embarked on their American adventure, with Hasina pursuing studies in political science, with a focus on international relations, along with a minor in supply chain management. Graduating with a bachelor's degree, he began exploring professional opportunities. However, as an international student, his employment prospects were constrained by visa limitations. To continue gaining valuable work experience and comply with visa regulations, Hasina must enroll in a master’s program before his visa expires on July 28th. If not, he and his young family will have to move back to Madagascar, and it would take up to eight years for them to return, if at all.

Despite securing a prestigious internship at the district office of Representative Simpson in Idaho District 2nd, Hasina encountered barriers due to his non-citizen status, rendering the internship unpaid. Many potential employers expressed interest in hiring him but were unable to do so due to visa constraints.

Recognizing the value of further education in enhancing his qualifications, Hasina aspires to pursue a master's degree in Business/Data Analytics, a field he became passionate about during his tenure at Amazon. Not only would this advance his career prospects with his current employer, but it would also open doors to opportunities at other esteemed organizations, while extending his visa for an additional three years.

Additionally, Hasina's wife is in the middle of a permanent residency process which would be disrupted if he does not enroll somewhere ahead of his visa expiration and they are forced to go back to Madagascar.

Next Steps: Master's Degree

Hasina is resolute in his pursuit of a master's degree in business analytics, viewing it as pivotal in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for success in his chosen field. Having received acceptance from three distinguished programs, Hasina sees this degree as instrumental in realizing his dream career as an International Business Analyst for a multinational corporation.

Hasina has made a down payment on a Master's Degree program at the University of Denver Colorado that he will be beginning this coming fall . However, U.S. visa requirements show that in order for him to qualify for a visa, he needs to demonstrate that he has sufficient funds in his bank account to pay for his tuition. He already has received a 50% scholarship through his efforts and the generosity of the institution, is seeking additional grants and scholarships where he can, but in the immediate term he needs to demonstrate that he has $42,000 in reserve. Your generous support will aid in covering tuition fees, educational materials, and equipment, alleviating the financial burden exacerbated by visa regulations and his familial responsibilities.

Why Your Support Matters

By contributing to Hasina's educational journey, you are not only assisting him in achieving his personal and professional aspirations but also empowering his family and community. Hasina envisions utilizing his expertise to bridge gaps in international business, foster global economic growth, and give back to society. Your support affords him the opportunity to thrive academically and seize the chance to make a meaningful impact. Thank you for considering a donation to support Hasina's academic pursuits and brighten the future for his family and beyond.