Hello everyone. My name is Violet, and I’m setting up this GoFundMe account in support of my wonderful niece, Aliyah. She is a very hardworking, passionate, and ambitious young woman who has been presented with a life-altering opportunity to study abroad in South Korea in a matter of months.

Aliyah never hesitates to go that extra mile and reach for her dreams, and that program to study overseas is something she’s worked so hard for. But like many a student, she’s been faced with financial issues that may not be able to enable her to delve fully into it. That's why I’m reaching out to friends, family, etc. asking that you help make a dream become a reality for a person who so deserves it. If we could get 800 people to donate just $10 she could meet her goal!

Below is a letter Aliyah actually wrote: If you are capable of donating or just passing along her letter, we both would be very grateful. Whatever you are capable of contributing, big or small, it all counts!

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안녕하세요 여러분! 저는 한국에서 유학을 가고 싶은 대학 3학년 알리야입니다!

Hello everyone! My name is Aliyah, and I am a full-time student at Tennessee Tech University majoring in Fashion Merchandising and International Business. In eight months, I have been granted a remarkable opportunity to study abroad in South Korea, a land whose deep culture, technological advancement, and fashion world have captivated me for years. I am here today to request that you listen to me as to why I wish to be there and why it will be a transformative experience for me.

About Me

I am a full-time Tennessee Tech University student pursuing a Fashion Merchandising and International Business major. I am a Los Angeles, California native who grew up appreciating a keen sense of culture, entrepreneurship, and drive. My junior year of high school took me all the way to Tennessee as part of a move that took me out of my community, out of my safety net, and out of everything familiar, but it prepared me to be stronger, more determined, and single-minded in pursuing goals.

Education has always been incredibly important to me. I’ve worked hard for years to pursue academic excellence, not just in the classroom but through real-world experiences that have shaped who I am. While I previously worked with the university’s Office of Sustainability, helping manage a free thrift store and promote sustainable fashion, I’m currently involved in the International Student Union, where I have the opportunity to connect with students from all over the world, celebrate global cultures, and help foster inclusion and understanding on campus.

These encounters have made me further determined to create a career that integrates ethical fashion, international business, and cultural understanding. My future is working overseas supporting brands to develop socially responsible growth that respects diverse cultural heritages. Immerging abroad in South Korea is a move towards that future. Korea is not only a world center of fashion and technological innovation but also a nation whose work ethic, heritage, and new-age inventiveness are in complete sync with what I hope to be. This program will enable me to live through a totally different school system, be immersed in Korean culture and Korean language, and get a firsthand experience of the international business world. It is a wish that has been in me for years, and now with your support, I get to fulfill it.

Why South Korea?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of experiencing life beyond the borders of my hometown. South Korea, with its vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, stands at the intersection of everything I’m passionate about, global business, creative expression, and cross-cultural understanding. From Seoul’s bustling markets to the serene temples of Gyeongju, every corner of the country holds a story I’m eager to learn from.

I’ll be studying at Chung-Ang University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious and innovative institutions, known for its excellence in both business and the arts. Attending Chung-Ang University will not only allow me to take courses directly related to my major but also give me the chance to learn alongside Korean and international students, explore diverse perspectives, and grow both academically and personally.

This program will engage me in Korean language, culture, and international commerce—fields that will inform me of the basis for my future career. The influence of South Korea on fashion, sustainability, and world markets is immense, and this opportunity will allow me to experience those influences from the inside out.

The Financial Breakdown

While I am working hard to save money and applying for every scholarship available, the total cost of this trip is more than I can manage on my own. Your donation would go toward:

Round-trip airfare: $1,700

Tuition and academic fees: $5,415

Housing and living expenses: $2,000

Books/materials and Insurance: $615

Transportation and cultural excursions: $800

Total goal: $10,260

Any amount you’re able to contribute, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to this dream. If you’re unable to give at this time, I completely understand and still appreciate your support through shares, kind words, and encouragement.

What This Means to Me

Studying abroad is not a vacation; it's a jump forward to a day when I'll be a globally conscious professional and cultural advocate in every room that I walk into, especially as someone who is aspiring to be an entrepreneur. As someone who has worked hard to fund my education while juggling jobs, this opportunity represents growth, resilience, and faith in what’s possible when community comes together.

I hope to come back not only with knowledge, but with experiences, things learned, and relationships that I can bring back to my community. I promise to document things and bring them back to all of you, whether it's through social media posts, photos, or real-time updates back from Korea.

If you've made it this far, thank you. Thank you for looking at my heart and believing in my aspirations. Your support, whether financial or emotional, means more to me than anyone will ever know. I literally wouldn’t be doing it without the community around me.

읽어주셔서 대단히 감사합니다!