My name is Di’Jour. I’m a senior in high school, and right now I’m trying to make it to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa this fall. Getting here hasn’t been simple. I lost my mom, and that changed everything for me. She was the person I would’ve gone to for guidance, support, and especially something as big as college. Going through this process without her has been really hard, especially at a time when I need that support the most. My dad is still here, but he isn’t helping me financially with college, so I’ve had to accept that this is something I have to figure out on my own. Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to make it work. I’ve applied to as many scholarships as possible, I’m planning on working, and I’ve been trying to stay focused on my goals even when things feel uncertain. Even with all of that, the cost is still more than I can handle alone. Between tuition, housing, and just basic living expenses, it adds up fast. I’m doing my part, but I’ve reached a point where I know I need help. Going to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa means more to me than just attending college. It’s my chance to build a future for myself, to create stability, and to prove that I can still move forward no matter what I’ve been through. I’m asking for support because I truly don’t want money to be the reason I can’t go. Anything helps, even something small, and if you’re not able to donate, sharing this would mean a lot to me too.