Support Nick's Journey to Columbia University

Hi! My name is Nick, and I’m the man who is asking for your support. I started this GoFundMe following my acceptance to Columbia University, an Ivy League university in New York City. I have compiled the costs of moving for school and I am coming up short on funds. I am asking for any help you may be able to provide, as every penny counts right now.

I am considered a nontraditional student because I am 29 and started my career at 19 after graduating from Universal Technical Institute with an automotive technician certificate. I have worked for the past 10 years in the hospitality industry while continuing to work in the automotive field.

I worked 3 part-time jobs while maintaining a 3.95 GPA to support myself through my Associate’s Degree. I graduated with high honors, was president of my chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and won multiple awards while spearheading multiple community service projects. This is simply scratching the surface of my accomplishments over the past two years.

I don't like asking for help and have always relied on myself. However, this is a higher goal, which will completely change the direction of my life and help me move out of the proverbial rat race, and into a position where I can focus on giving back to my community, just as I am asking you to help me.

No amount is too small, and everything helps.

If you are currently unable to donate at this time, I would be grateful if you shared this GoFundMe link with your friends, and family, as well as on your social media accounts. I want to get this GoFundMe in front of as many eyes as possible so I can reach my goal.

I will use this funding as follows:

*Moving Truck & Car Transport Carrier Rental to NYC - $3,239.00*

**Apartment Deposits and Fees in NYC - $14,350.00**

***In Transit Expenses - $3,191.00***

Total Cost of Move

$20,780.00

*This includes all rental services and insurance.

**This amount includes first, last, security, general fees, and broker fees as required by landlords in NYC. It may increase or decrease. I have not found an apartment yet, but this amount reflects the market rates on rent and requirements in NYC. University Housing will cost approximately the same as off-campus housing and I am not guaranteed a spot in university housing, but it will cut my commute to a walk. I have requested on-campus housing but have not heard back.

Any excess funds, or remaining funds will be used to pay for tuition.

***This includes gas, food, hotels, parking, tolls, and other expenses needed from moving day to arriving in NYC.

****I am not hiring moving assistance from movers as that would cost even more, and I am happy to move by myself as my friends have graciously promised to help.

I understand this sounds like an outrageous amount of money, and it is. Unfortunately, this is the reality of what it will cost me to move to NYC to attend his classes. This is why I desperately need your assistance. As a college student juggling 3 jobs just to make ends meet, I clearly cannot do this all on my own.

I will keep everyone up to date on how I am spending the money by providing updates and receipts; I want you to know exactly how your hard-earned money was used and that it was used appropriately to assist me in getting my Bachelor’s Degree and continue forward until I receive my Law Degree at Columbia University.

Thank you so much for taking the time today to help me get to NYC so I can attend Columbia. Also, I thank you for watching my video so you can better understand who I am and what I am trying to achieve in my life.

Your support is so much appreciated. I hope you have a great rest of your day!