Help Me Finish My Senior Year of University

Hi, my name is Journey New, and I am reaching out because I need help to complete my final year of University. Asking for help is something I have always struggled with, but at this point, I have exhausted every other option.

For 15+ years, I saved every penny I could, determined to put myself through school despite the challenges I have faced. Even through difficult times, I held onto my savings, believing they would secure my future. Unfortunately, when I did not win the full-tuition scholarship I had worked so hard for, all of my savings were drained in a single day to cover my years' tuition. Each semester costs at least $10,000 after aid, all of which I have paid out of my pocket, even taking out a $3,500 loan. But I am terrified to take out more, knowing the burden it could place on my future.

As a first-generation college student, navigating this journey has been incredibly difficult. I have struggled to access the resources and support I needed, and too many times, I have lost trust in systems meant to help students like me. Despite it all, I have continued to push forward, dedicating my time to leadership, service, and giving back to my community. Some of the ways I am involved include:

Many positions and experience at Community College and Highschool

7+ Leadership Positions, 4+ Volunteer Services, and 10+ Organizations at Rider University.

These include generous positions that the president's of my schools have entrusted me to serve on.

Beyond financial struggles, my journey has been shaped by deep personal hardships. Many of which I won't share publicly on here as it would make me fear for my safety. If you want to get to know me and talk more before deciding to support I will buy all means do that.

During winter break in 2024, I had a feeling things would not go well if I went back to Texas, and unfortunately, I was right. Things happened and I ultimately had to come to the realization that I was not welcome anymore and ultimately ended up homeless on New years Eve.

For the next month, I was homeless, bouncing between a few friends’ houses until I could return to school. Since then, I have continued to face harassment constantly. Being treated like I am worthless while every resource simultaneously refused to help me in any way.

I have worked so hard to get here, and I refuse to let these circumstances force me to drop out in my senior year and ruin everything I worked hard for. I have always been the one to support myself even living in my car at times. It feels selfish to ask for help, but I do not know what else to do. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward my tuition so I can graduate and move forward with my life.

I don't want you thinking I'm not working hard to earn the money either I do have a job on campus but even in one semester I only earned $40 with work study. I will be living in my car but I was able to get 2 FullTime jobs. I am doing everything I can to support myself right now but it is just proving not to be enough.

I ask that you please ask me before sharing my story with someone else, as I fear for my safety if it gets into the wrong hands this includes any of my biological family or non biological caregivers. If you need proof that all funds will go directly toward my education, I am more than willing to provide it. You can also check my Instagram (@newlevie), where I post frequently, though I try to keep my personal struggles off social media.

Thank you for reading, for understanding, and for any support you can offer. It truly means the world to me.