<div>Hi, my name is Gladys Garcia, but my friends call me GiGi. I am 20 years-old, Venezuelan, and currently studying Politics and International Relations at Aberystwyth University in Wales.
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<div>I have a 2:1 average grade, I speak 4 languages (Spanish, English, French, Mandarin), and I am musician (I play violin and Piano). I play in the town orchestra, the university's string ensemble, a strings quartet I put together with some fellow students, and in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
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<div>I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, but now, I’m terrified I might lose it all.
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<div><strong>My World Changed Overnight</strong>
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<div>I left my country in September 2023 to pursue higher education studies. My mother agreed to be financially responsible for me during my studies. However, she backed down on the 11th of May 2025.
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<div>I’m meant to start my final year of university this September (2025). But as my mother withdrew her financial support stating the following, I am at risk of not graduating:
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<div>“It’s unfair that you're in Europe living your life while I’m stuck here. I should be traveling, living the life I put on hold for you.”
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<div>I was completely shattered. My mother is the only family I have, and now, I feel like I have no one.
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<div>As an international student my tuition fees are £15,375. Which even with the amount of work I have been doing I am unable to get. My student visa only allows me to work 20h a week, and I already have issues with standing for long periods of time due to overworking myself.
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<div><strong>I'm Doing Everything I Can: </strong>
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<div>As of today, I have 6 different jobs, I am a:
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<li>Youth Support Worker at Ceredigion County Council
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<li>Cover Supervisor with New Directions at Penglais School
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<li>Student Ambassador of the International Politics Department
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<li>Student Representative of Lifelong Learning Languages
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<li>Waitress/Bar staff at a local hotel
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<li>Private tutor in Languages and Music with Seren: Arts &amp; Languages Institute
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<div>However, I cannot keep all my jobs once term starts again given my visa restrictions, which makes it impossible for me to pay my tuition fees.
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<div>I've applied for hardship funds at my university, but they only offer £280 for food once per term. I have also applied for a £5000 scholarship, but due to my nationality keeping me from participating in internships at global peacekeeper organisations such as NATO and the UN, I didn't pass the interview stage.
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<div>This fundraiser is here to help me cover as much of my tuition as possible, so I can also use some of the money I earn from my jobs to cover basic living expenses while at university (e.g., groceries). I’m doing everything I can to contribute myself, and your support helps me bridge the gap between what I’m able to earn and what I need to continue my studies.
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<div><strong>What's at Risk</strong>
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<div>If I cannot continue my studies:
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<li>My visa will be revoked, which implies a permanent mark in my migratory record making it almost impossible for me to get any other visa in the future with my weak passport
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<li>I will be sent back to Venezuela, a country I deeply love, but where, as my mother said "I have no home to return to"
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<li>I will lose the future I've worked so hard to build.
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<div><strong>My Dream</strong>
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<div>I didn’t come this far just for myself. I want to go back to Venezuela one day and help rebuild it through diplomacy, justice, and education. I believe change is possible. This education is my foundation; the one chance I have to create lasting change for my country and community.
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<div>This summer, I was selected for a fully funded placement in rural Thailand, where I would teach English in primary schools and earn my TEFL certification. It’s an incredible opportunity. But I might have to give it up, to keep working and survive.
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<div><strong>Please Help me Stay</strong>
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<div>If you can donate even £5, you are helping me stay in school, stay safe, and stay hopeful.
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<div>If you can’t donate, please share this campaign, you never know who it might reach.
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<div>I’ve never felt more vulnerable than I do now, but I believe people care, and I believe in asking for help when it’s the only option left.
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<div>Thank you for reading, for caring, and for giving me hope.
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<div>From my heart,
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<div>GiGi
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Trying to Graduate with Six Jobs and No Family Support

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