Hi there! I'm Merri:)

What do I do?

I'm a Wildlife and Conservation Biology major at the University of Rhode Island! I'm taking a semester off (more on that later...) to work my two jobs in beauty and childcare. In my limited free time I care for my bearded dragon, Hugo, make time to see my wonderful friends, and stay active in my community where I can. 

What happened?

When I went to go pay my Spring 2025 tuition, I found out my financial aid had not been applied correctly. I battled with my university's administration and even the Department of Education, but they all said nothing could be done for me.

I have tried every avenue and have spoken to every person. Endless meetings with endless conversations that lead me down the same path: right back where I started. At an over $10,000 bill I need to pay before I can enroll in classes again.

Why do I care?

Wildlife conservation has been something close to my heart since before I knew there were words to describe it. I remember growing up and watching Bindi the Jungle Girl thinking to myself "one day, I'll be just like her," and I'm almost there. I'm over 60% of the way done with my degree and I'm not stopping until I'm finished. This Earth and its creatures need a voice to speak for them and I will be that voice. I want to create accessible and fun conservation education for people of all ages, abilities, and learning styles, so that everyone has a chance to love this planet, our home, as much as I do. My dream is to make wildlife conservation available to all so that all will want to conserve wildlife.

Thank you so much for your time and I truly hope you consider donating and sharing.