<div>My good friend Christi came from South Africa to the US two years ago as an AuPair. During the process, she fell in love with the United States and developed a passionate desire to fulfill her dreams of obtaining a college degree. She applied to the college in her town where she was an AuPair. In order for her to fulfill these dreams, she is in need of some finances<strong>.</strong> Per government regulations, Christi is not allowed to work in her first 12 months as a student in the United States. Christi was told she must take full-time classes, year-round, to maintain her student status (F1). <strong>Needless to say, she needs our help.</strong> Christi’s passion is to continue with her classes, but without funding for this semester, she not only won’t achieve this dream but will likely have to return to South Africa.
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<div>Her long-term plan is to:
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<div>Work all summer after her first year.
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<div>Apply for part-time jobs to provide an income and fund herself.
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<div>Complete her 2-year degree and transfer so she can complete her education in the US.
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<div>How you can help:
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<div><strong>LIKE</strong> this post.
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<div>Leave an encouraging <strong>COMMENT</strong> for Christi.
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<div><strong>SHARE</strong> this post to bring awareness to anyone who can donate.
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<div>If you’re able, <strong>DONATE</strong> to help Christi.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/83375413_1728595963449368_r." width="100%" />
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<div>READ CHRITI'S STORY IN HER OWN WORDS BELOW!
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<div>Hello Everyone!
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<div>Thank you kindly for your interest in my story :
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<div>My name is Christi Pretorius and I am currently 23 years old. I grew up in Pretoria, a town in South-Africa.
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<div>Currently Im enrolled in a 2 year college in the Bay Area, California wanting to transfer to a 4 year University.
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<div>In 2021 I got the amazing opportunity to become an au pair here in the US. After a year and 8 months, I realized that my time as an Au-Pair was coming to an end, and I had to look to the future. My desire to obtain a college degree and the opportunities that is offered in the US made me change my status to an F1 VISA. Although I had a sponsor and a guaranteed 2 year commitment , due to unforeseen circumstances I had to switch sponsors with no financial assistance.
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<div>I started my studies in the Fall of 2024 and I am currently in my first semester. Financially it has been a struggle due to the VISA and VISA regulations, I am unable to find a job legally.
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<div>I am obligated to enroll for a full load of elective spring classes to legally maintain my F1 status, to stay here in the US, and ultimately graduate in Spring 2027.
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<div>My plan was to work as much as I am legally allowed to on-campus throughout semester in order to afford the current Fall semester , but unfortunately all current campus jobs are already filled.
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<div>This is a massive, unforeseen expense. One I cannot afford without help.
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<div>No matter how determined or hardworking you are- as an international student it is very hard to receive funding, seeing as we are not eligible for resident rates or financial aid. I am not allowed to work off campus and may only work 20 hours per week on campus. I am not able to take out loans because I am not a US citizen and do not have a US co-signer.
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<div>This is a very stressful time and a time where I must humbly ask for help. Every dollar donated will make a huge difference. I am determined to work hard and do as much is expected of me.
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<div>I trust God to lead me , I know He will provide.
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<div>Please help me reach my goal of $10 000 so I can pay my first year and fulfill my dreams. 
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Brenda Spies

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Support Christi's Education Journey in the US

Support Christi's Education Journey in the US

Still $7,170 to go. Help us build momentum.