This New Smith College Graduate Needs Our Help

I'm Jessica Bacal, and I'm writing on behalf of Vanessa Bethel, an exceptional Smith graduate from a low-income background who is starting post-grad life. Her parents are no longer alive. Vanessa's visa is expiring, so she's returning home to the Bahamas. She will use her Smith sociology degree to work toward systemic solutions to help other low-income people. The Bahamas is extremely expensive, and of course, there's an increasing divide between the very wealthy and those with little to nothing.

Below is a small piece of Vanessa's story; please consider a gift to her when you think about giving this December! She didn't ask me to create this GoFundMe, but has said that she is grateful.

Vanessa Bethel grew up in the Bahamas, initially with her father in a 2x4 and plywood shack with no running water, then with an aunt in Nassau after her father died.

Vanessa was (and is!) so bright, driven, and organized that after graduating high school, she was accepted at every college to which she applied; however, she couldn't afford to go. She had always loved animals, so she got a veterinary job and rose through the ranks over the next ten years.

But Vanessa still wanted an education. Ultimately, she decided to sell the small piece of land her father had left to her so she could come to the United States. She attended Smith College on a nearly-full scholarship, her funding supplemented by a loan, and completed a Sociology degree in May 2022.

Now, with her visa expiring, Vanessa must return to the Bahamas. I'd love for her to be able to help with the transition.

I would love to raise $12,000 for Vanessa Bethel so she can put down a deposit on an apartment, pay for a few months of rent while she secures a job -- she already has leads -- and perhaps get a used car. Public transportation is complicated on the island. I don't want her to worry about being able to buy groceries or eat. This would also help with loan payments she needs to make.

Please contribute what you can! Even a tiny amount will make a difference!

Thank you.