The final stretch: help Jess with PhD tuition

Hi, I'm Jess, and I am currently finishing my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, like a lot of folks, my PhD was significantly derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other obstacles.

I originally intended to finish my PhD in summer 2021, and moved to California to begin working as a postdoc. However, things did not go according to plan, and I did not receive my degree at the end of summer 2021. As a result, I had to enroll again for the following semesters.

Unfortunately, this meant taking on the cost of registering for two dissertation credits per semester- and, as I was surprised to learn after the fall semester, these were no longer covered by my tuition waiver, as I was not employed by OU as a graduate assistant. Adding to the problems, without my degree complete my postdoc position hasn't really officially started yet, and so I've faced multiple periods where I have gone unpaid by the University of California Berkeley. My finances, in other words, have been absolutely devastated.

I am set to defend in July, but cannot do so until my balance for spring semester- $2400- is paid, and I still have no funding for summer credits either. As a grad student, federal financial aid is only available if you register for at least 5 credits a semester, and I am not eligible for most private loans. My family is unable to assist me financially, and my credit card was long ago maxed out by just trying to survive. I'm looking at the serious possibility that, despite every obstacle I've already had to overcome in pursuing this degree, what finally will prevent me from finishing will be this tuition bill.

I am requesting $4000 to pay the remaining bursar balance and to offset some of the cost of summer tuition, as well as to help with some basic living expenses while I complete my degree. Any help is appreciated, and I am grateful to the amazing community who have already done so much to help me get this far. I am already doing my best to pay this kindness forward, and thank you for contributing and/or sharing.