My name is Alicia, I am 18 years old, and I have earned a spot in medical school in the UK. Now, I need your help to turn this dream into a reality.

For fee status purposes, although I was born in the UK, my time spent in the US meant that I will be charged the impossibly high international student fees instead of the more affordable home student rate. I'm not eligible for any scholarships and wouldn't be able to get a student loan from either the US or the UK due to my unique situation. I have exhausted all my resources searching for a way to pay for university, and this fundraiser is my last chance.

After spending most of my life in the US, I applied to highly competitive medical schools in the UK. They were all prestigious Russell Group universities, the British equivalent of Ivy League colleges. Only 10-20 international students worldwide are accepted into each of these programs every year, and I was honored to earn one of those places. But even though I have worked toward this dream for the past decade, even scoring in the 99th percentile in the medical entrance exam (the UCAT) and earning all academic qualifications the university requires, finances present the biggest challenge of all. Without a way to overcome them, I might have to say goodbye to my goal of dedicating my life to helping others as a doctor.

My goal of studying medicine first appeared when I was 5 years old and experienced a severe allergic reaction, ending up with a stay in the pediatric intensive care unit overnight. Although that was a terrifying experience, the medical professionals found a way to comfort me, and I knew I was in good hands. After that, I realized that I could provide the same feeling of safety to others going through difficult times in their lives, and I was inspired to pursue the field of medicine. From a young age, I was trying to help where I could, donating my hair to a cancer charity before the age of 10 and volunteering wherever possible.

My commitment to medicine was later strengthened when my mother received her first diagnosis for the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma. I was there to hold her hand through her cancer journey, from diagnosis to aftercare, and was the one responsible for cleaning her stitches and changing her bandages. This was the moment when I realized I couldn't see myself doing anything else in life... medicine was my only option, as it was a field where I could provide the empathy others needed and the care they deserved.

After medical school, I would love to become a reconstructive surgeon that specializes in breast reconstruction for cancer patients and melanoma treatment, inspired by my personal circumstances. I would want to work in the NHS in the UK, where healthcare is free to all and is not just a privilege for those who can afford it. I understand that the doctors in the UK might earn a fraction of what they earn in the US, but for me, medicine is about more than just a number in a bank account: it's about making a difference in the lives of others, no matter what situation they might find themselves in. But although I have my foot in the door and a place in a medical school, my dream cannot become a reality without the funding for it.

Every donation would count, no matter the amount. All the money raised will go toward tuition, books, helping pay for a roof over my head during my studies, or putting food on the table for me. I deeply appreciate your consideration and would love to work with you to take the next step in my medical journey.

I want to dedicate my life to helping others, but first, I will need your help. Thank you.

Alicia xxx

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.