Hi, community.

My name is Adong Akot and I’m a Senior at the University of North Texas studying Digital Business & Marketing.

I’ve been putting up a good fight to keep pushing for a better future for myself. I’ve worked through semesters, paid for rent and school out of pocket, and took out loans when I needed to. I’ve been figuring out financial aid, enrollment, and every little detail as a first-gen student with no guidance.

I am now set to graduate in Spring 2026, becoming the first person in my entire bloodline to receive a university degree. It hasn’t been easy as a First-Gen student. I’ve paved a path and stayed focused to show those before me and those after me, how you can change your life with a bit of opportunity.

This week, something incredible happened. I reached out for support in my city’s community Facebook page, and so many people came together to uplift me. A professor even reached out and offered to cover $800 of my remaining school fees, which I’m incredibly grateful for. With her help, I’m now only trying to cover the last portion of my tuition.

I’m raising $1,500 to help pay for the remaining classes that my financial aid doesn’t cover. Every dollar goes directly toward tuition, so I can graduate on time.

My dream is to graduate, continue building my tech and UX career, and launch my own business. I want to use my education to build something that will honor my journey.

I will be posting full updates of:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and for your community support. I used to wish for times like this and now I am overwhelmed in the best way by the community wrapping their arms around me. This means so much more to me than I can put into words.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-Adong Akot

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BYsELNXv2/?mibextid=wwXIfr