Support Juan's Transition to Graduate School

Juan is an international student from Colombia who just graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Mathematics, earning Magna Cum Laude honors. This fall, he will begin a fully funded graduate program at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he has received a Teaching Assistantship that covers his tuition and includes a monthly stipend.

Juan has worked hard to get to this point. He is committed to education, service, and his Catholic faith. I’m organizing this fundraiser to help him bridge a narrow, work-restricted gap between now and the start of his assistantship in late August.

Due to the terms of his student visa, Juan is only allowed to work on campus. Since he is no longer a student at his undergraduate school and has not officially started his graduate program, he’s not eligible for employment during this period, even though he still needs to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and insurance. He is also responsible for student fees totaling $2,000–$3,000, which are not covered by the assistantship.

This is a one-time fundraiser to help Juan with those living and academic costs during a summer where he is not eligible for employment.

A note from Juan:

My name is Juan, and I’m so thankful you’re reading this.

I’ve always believed that if I work hard and stay grounded in my values, things will fall into place. I recently graduated with honors in Mathematics, and I’ve been given the opportunity to continue my education through a Teaching Assistantship that begins this August. This position will cover my expenses going forward, and I’m grateful for the stability it brings.

Because I can’t work this summer under my visa, I’ve committed to volunteering at Trinity Woods Catholic Retreat Center in Washburn County, Wisconsin. I’ll be part of a team running activities like canoe trips, climbing, and zip-lining to help youth disconnect from daily distractions and encounter Christ. It’s a fruitful way for me to serve others and grow in faith, even if it doesn’t provide income.

You can learn more about Trinity’s mission here: https://trinitywoodscatholic.com

This fundraiser will help me cover basic living expenses and student fees during this short transitional period of unemployment. I am deeply grateful for your support.

Juan