Hi everyone,

This September, I’ll be starting the fall semester of my junior year in college, a moment I’ve worked incredibly hard for. But despite my best efforts, the journey ahead has become harder than I could have ever expected.

This year alone, my tuition has increased by $10,000, and due to recent financial aid cuts-particularly those impacting low-income, first-generation immigrant students like myself-it has become nearly impossible to make ends meet. I have always taken pride in being self-sufficient, covering tuition, housing, food, and all other expenses on my own. But now, for the first time, I’m facing a future I may not be able to afford.

This summer was meant to be a time to work and save. Instead, life had other plans.

I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad in France: a program that was highly competitive and aligned perfectly with my dreams of becoming an international lawyer and diplomat. As part of this program, I began studying my third language, opening doors to a future where I can represent and advocate for communities like mine on a global scale.

But just as I began to plan for this next step, tragedy struck. I lost my grandmother, someone who cared for others with love and strength. I had to fly across the world to say goodbye, which cost me money I couldn’t afford to lose. Not long after, I was in a car accident that left me injured and in physical therapy for two months, preventing me from working and earning an income this summer.

Now, I find myself at a crossroads. I am deeply committed to my education and my future, but without help, I may not even be able to meet my basic needs, let alone cover tuition.

I don’t have a safety net.

I’ve always relied on myself but right now, I’m turning to my community. To the people who know what it means to fight for every step forward.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Whether you can contribute financially or simply share this campaign with others, your support genuinely means the world to me. Every act of kindness helps me move closer to a future I’ve dreamed of, and worked for, since I was a child.

With love and gratitude,

Elni De Jesus