Supporting Student Parents

Hi, my name is Jean Paul Al Arab, and I’m raising funds to support student parents at the University at Buffalo, including myself. After a video of me walking the graduation stage with my 6-month-old son, Mtanos, went viral on TikTok, I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement. That moment meant everything to me—it wasn’t just about graduating; it was about showing my son that every late night, every class, and every shift at work was worth it. As a full-time dad balancing two jobs while pursuing my degree at UB, I made a promise to my son: we would walk that stage together. Before graduation, I confirmed with a prep coordinator that it was okay to walk with a baby. No one objected, so I thought everything was fine. That’s why I was surprised when I was nearly stopped, and campus police were called. Thankfully, my professors stood by me, and the crowd showed incredible support. I didn’t mean to disrupt anything—I just wanted to honor my promise. Since then, many people have asked how they can help. I reached out to UB’s department that supports students who are also parents, including myself. We discussed ways this fundraiser could support student parents through care packages, emergency childcare, supplies, or other forms of assistance. The donations will go directly toward helping student parents at UB. I’ll be responsible for managing the funds and coordinating with the department to ensure they’re used transparently and meaningfully. This isn’t just about me—it’s about helping other parents finish strong, just like I did. Thank you for supporting this cause and helping us recognize and uplift parents in higher education.