Support Immigrant Transgender Student's Education

Dear Community and Friends,

I am a transgender person from Iran, and need your support to continue my education, and gain some stability and safety in doing so. I have been in a very precarious situation for the past year, with no savings or safety net, no family in the U.S., and on the verge of homelessness. I recently lost my father and couldn't even go back home to see him or my family due to my circumstances here. This loss has added to my responsibilities in terms of supporting my family back home on top of managing my own life. This program will uplift me from this precarity, help secure housing and other basic needs, and help me realize the goals that brought me here over 1” years ago. My future and everything I have worked for in the past 10 years are on the line.

Below is my story, my goal, and a detailed list of costs for this fundraiser.

Where I’m coming from:

Born and raised in Iran, I taught myself poetry and English because I was passionate about the arts and used it to navigate the complexities of life as a transgender person in Iran and beyond. At the age of 16, I came alone to the U.S. after receiving a generous scholarship for my writing from Idyllwild Arts Academy, one of the most prestigious art high schools in America.

After graduating in 2016, I took a gap year and later returned to pursue a degree in Peace Studies with a focus on Environmental Studies at Goucher College, supported by a full scholarship.

I have been in the U.S. for 10 years, and when given opportunities, I have risen to the occasion and transcended beyond what my circumstances might have allowed. I have published pieces, collaborated with thought leaders and artists, and made a lot of valuable connections. My journey has just begun, and I still have so much to offer.

Where I’m headed:

I am deeply interested in addressing the pressing challenges of our time, including leveraging emerging technologies to empower underserved communities and tackle global crises. My focus is on building a career in decentralized technologies and, eventually, using technology as a tool to better understand the impacts of climate change in hopes of responding appropriately. I am particularly interested in the use of technology in marine conservation, research on whale sounds, and using Language Learning Models to better understand the impacts of climate change on marine mammals.

Looking ahead, I hope to use my unique background to contribute to human-aligned technological advancements and environmental sustainability. I aspire to further my studies in this field by pursuing a master’s or PhD program in the future. My ultimate goal is to give back to my community and beyond, driving innovation and resilience in meaningful ways.

How You Can Help:

I need your help to enroll in a program that can help foster a transition in my life. The past year has been especially challenging and this program can help me navigate the current chapter and lead me to new opportunities. This program is my only shot at gaining some momentum to move forward and to gain some stability in the meantime.

Your support will give me the time and stability needed to pursue long-term solutions and secure the opportunities I’ve spent the past 10 years building toward. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Detailed List of Costs:

Program Tuition and Associated Costs: $17,000 USD ($3,000 registration and processing fees + $14,000 tuition)

Rent and Utilities: (12 months): $13,000

Total Goal: $30,000