Hello, my name is Sonia Achaleke, and I’m currently a rising fourth-year medical student in the United States. I came to the U.S. as an asylum seeker at the age of 15, and my journey to this point has been filled with challenges and uncertainty. Despite this, I’ve remained committed to my dream of becoming a doctor and giving back to the communities that shaped me.

Because of my immigration status, I’m unable to access financial aid, which has left my mother to carry the full burden of my tuition on her own. She has worked tirelessly to support me through my first three years of medical school—often working overtime and even holding two jobs at once to provide for me and my siblings. Watching her make these sacrifices has only strengthened my determination to succeed.

As I enter my final year, my tuition is increasing, and additional expenses, such as residency applications and away rotations are making it even more difficult for us to keep up. I’m deeply worried about not being able to complete my medical education due to these financial barriers.

As the oldest child, I feel the responsibility to keep pushing forward; not just for myself, but for my family.

My total tuition for my fourth year is $53,682.92. I’ve been fortunate to receive $26,000 in scholarships, but I still need $27,682.92 to cover the remaining balance.

Any support, no matter how small; even just $1 or sharing my story would mean so much to me and my family. Thank you for your kindness and support.

You Can Help Sonia Right Now

Your donation directly helps Sonia cover:



Every donation goes straight to helping me pay for medical school.

Take Action

Thank you for reading my story, sharing it, and giving what you can. Your generosity brings me one step closer to becoming a doctor, a dream I’ve carried with me since coming to the U.S. as an asylum seeker.