Turn Struggle Into Strength: Help Mary Study Abroad!

Hi! I'm Mary! A disabled (yet determined) returning college-student in her 40s chasing a dream to study Positive Psychology abroad in France! But I need YOUR help!

I’m no stranger to hardship. Mental health struggles forced me to drop out of college in 2003. My husband and I were robbed at gunpoint 3 years later. After moving and fulfilling a dream of being a professional musician, on-stage flashbacks causing me to step back.

I fought hard to overcome and I turned my breakdowns into breakthroughs! So after all that adversity, I re-enrolled to study Psychology at 40. I’m now an honor student, on the deans list, and determined to be the light I needed in my darkest moments.

But adversity wasn’t done testing me.

On July 4th of 2024, I woke up terrified. The whole left side of my body was numb. The ER said it wasn’t a stroke and sent me home. But things got worse. I couldn’t walk right. I couldn't read. I could barely think. Pain and stiffness took over my entire body.

I was later diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (a painful autoimmune disease), and recently I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (where my brain and body don’t communicate quite right).

After doing a medical withdrawal from my classes, I’m returning to college. I am BOUND AND DETERMINED to make my dreams come true and FIGHT for my future.

My college is offering me the chance to complete an entire 3-unit Positive Psychology course (that I need take to graduate) in the form of a 2-week study abroad opportunity! There, I’ll be able to immerse myself in a different culture.

I’ve never been overseas before!! I’ll be able to expand my heart and mind so that I can bring this new understanding of the world back with me, and (in turn) bring that knowledge, passion, and compassion to others in the community.

Please consider donating.

EVERY - SINGLE - DOLLAR helps me turn my pain into purpose and gets me one step closer to my dream.

This is a huge leap for me. Will you take it with me?

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Your support will help cover:

• Program Tuition: $4,050 (includes hotel stay and tuition)

• Airfare: $1,000

• Meals & local transportation during the program: $800

• Pre-Program Housing (for physical recovery prior to start of class): ~$500

• Travel insurance, passport, and required fees: ~$400

• Medical/emergency buffer: ~$250

Total Goal: $7,000

I have fought hard to rebuild my life.

Now let's make it GLOBAL!