My name is Jasmine, and I am the lead vocalist of Static Brian. Since 2021, I have been struggling to be able to go to school due to financial restraints. I initially was at Pace University in 2021, but left due to not being able to afford it any longer. After I left in 2021, I received a paraprofessional certification, assisting in classrooms at Philadelphia charter schools to help my community and do something fulfilling. While I was teaching, I always knew I wanted to go back to school. Teaching was such a wonderful experience, but I knew it wasn't what I was meant to do forever. While teaching and already having a low income, I started my band, Static Brian. Starting Static Brian has taken a lot of risks and investments that have added up greatly, but I would do it over and over because I love music so much and my bandmates so much. And with investing a lot into this band, I've had no intention of having any reward for it. Besides the recognition we've fostered, Static Brian is a non-profit band, and we've mainly donated our funds and raised money for people in dire situations. And this is exactly what our band is about: playing the music, having people like the songs we write, and helping our community.

During this time of starting Static Brian, I ended up going back to Pace University and hoping I would receive more grants or scholarships, but after returning to Pace, I was hit with a huge bill, so my mom and I had to take out a private loan of $45,000. My mom, Kate, is a single mother and has two amazing kids, John and Camilla, whom I am so proud to be the big sister of. I have worked for over four years trying to get back to school and receive more money, but appeal after appeal, they still denied me. I was so desperate for my degree, and I felt as though time was running out to get my bachelor's, so we just did it. I am very confident that with my degree, I will do more than just accomplish my goals. I'm studying marketing, advertising, and integrated marketing with a minor in media management to be able to optimize the skills I've developed within the music and fashion industry, hoping to make both industries better for the artists within them. However, I'm concerned that with the high interest rate on my private loan and the substantial amount of $45,000 I was required to borrow, my mom, siblings, and I could face a financial crisis for the rest of our lives. I want to be able to continue my education and continue playing with my band without the possibility of it ending because of a terrible financial situation. If anyone could help with even $1, it could potentially save my family's future. Thank you :) #staypure #stayemo