My name is Taylor Paquette and I am a part-time social work student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis looking to crowdsource my remaining tuition. After nearly a decade of working in politics, I decided to go back to school and study to become a therapist and community educator while still working full-time. I am passionate about dismantling the systems that cause suffering and oppression, both in the individual and in our community. I sit on the board of a reproductive rights organization, volunteer with the unhoused and use my skills and experiences to further justice and liberation for the St. Louis community.

I am currently working with a local mental health nonprofit in an entry-level position where I will be supporting ER patients that would like to be connected to services and resources, including mental healthcare. I am professionally starting over and no longer have the income to pay for school without going into debt.

I am asking my community to help me out so I can continue to help others and potentially fund the education of social work students. If I exceed my fundraising goal or down the road I receive a scholarship or grant to supplement my tuition costs, I will give the excess funds to a non-white social work student in financial need in the St. Louis community. That is my promise to you as a person supporting my journey. If you'd like to find ways to help other social work students pay for school, please comment and I will connect you. If you are not able to financially help, please share this fundraiser.