Support Zayda's Journey to AMDA and a Brighter Future

Hi, I’m Zayda. I’m 19 and I was born in Austin, Texas. I started teaching myself how to dance in middle school to help regulate my emotions, and ever since then, I’ve never questioned what I wanted to do in life. I love dancing and performing; I love being able to connect with people through dance.

It’s been a dream of mine to go to The American Musical Dramatic Arts Academy (AMDA). I struggled a lot mentally in high school and went through a lot of pretty traumatic events. This caused me to start using substances that I shouldn’t have been using at that time in my life. I didn’t do the best in school, and lots of colleges didn’t accept me as I didn’t have much for them to see. I auditioned for AMDA my junior year of high school with no hopes of getting in, but I did! The first and only college that saw me for more than the grades I once had.

It’s taking a lot for me to tell my story because I know I had an opportunity once in my life to change for the better, and I let it slip on my own terms. I guess I didn’t want to be seen as a failure.

In order for me to start my first semester, I need a total of $8,197 by my move-in date (October 14th). I know that is so much to ask in such a short amount of time, especially when I’m asking people who don’t know me much and haven’t been through life with me. I know what I’m asking for takes a lot of trust, and I understand how important that is, especially in today’s economy.

I love dancing and performing; it’s the one thing in life I feel myself doing. I’ve worked very hard to get where I am, and I will continue to work harder to reach my goal. I would love some help on this journey. Anything helps, even if it’s just a share. That means the absolute world to me, and I will forever be grateful for any kind of support!

Of course, I don’t want you guys doing all the work. I’d hate that. I’m currently working a full-time job to provide for myself as well as for college, but the extra help would be absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for listening to my story and being kind enough to even view my GoFundMe.

Sincerely, Zayda