Urgent Help Needed For Black Pre-Med UNCC Student

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a sense of urgency. I'm in a tough spot and could use your support. My name is Victoria Smith and I am a third-year Pre-Med student majoring in Psychology and Africana Studies and minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality at UNC Charlotte. I identify as a queer, Black, disabled woman; and hold great pride in my identities as they have greatly shaped my experiences and are a catalyst behind my passion in the work and studies I do.

My Current Situation:

Recently, my car's transmission decided to give up on me. It's been a reliable vehicle for years, helping me get to work, run errands, and take care of everyday basic needs for a college student. But now, without a functioning car, I'm facing a significant obstacle. Within the past two weeks, I have been unable to buy groceries or basic toiletries, have been late to work and I have gotten behind on bills due to not having access to transportation. Within the past year, I have faced a great deal of obstacles including past car troubles (spark plugs, ignition coils, housing insecurity and homelessness, lack of family support, having to work two jobs, and all while balancing academics. My car broke down during a much-needed break that was for Spring Break. Some friends and I went to the mountains which resulted in my car breaking down, and a mistaken break-in within the cabin we were staying at resulting in a very traumatic week that took more out of me. Rather than relaxing, it led to quite the opposite, where I was scrambling to not allow any rest or recharging; just days before classes were starting back up.

I'm seeking assistance to raise funds for the repair costs. After speaking with different mechanics, the he estimate to fix the transmission is approximately $7,000, and unfortunately, as a college student already working two jobs, I don't have the financial means to cover this unexpected expense on my own.

Why I Need Your Help:

Having a car is not just a convenience for me; it's a necessity. It's how I commute to school and work every day to provide for myself, alongside how I ensure I am able to make appointments and meetings. Without a working vehicle, my daily life has been extremely disrupted, and I'm afraid of the impact it will continue having on the longevity of my livelihood.

As a dedicated community activist, my commitment to serving others has always been the cornerstone of who I am. From organizing events to advocating for change, I've found immense fulfillment in working alongside my community to make a positive impact. However, in this moment, I find myself in a position where I am the one in need of support from the very community I've dedicated myself to serving.

Balancing the demands of being a student while working two jobs has always been a challenge, but recent events have amplified the difficulty tenfold. The sudden and unexpected need to repair my car's transmission has thrown me into a financial crisis, pulling me further away from my academic pursuits and dreams of obtaining a double major in Psychology and Africana Studies, with minors in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

My ultimate goal is after undergraduate to earn both a PhD in Psychology and an MD so that I can support and empower other children and young adults who face similar struggles as myself being QTBIPOC and living through traumatic experiences. I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through research, clinical practice, and advocacy. However, the current circumstances have diverted my focus and consumed valuable time that should be dedicated to my studies.

As I navigate this car emergency, I humbly reach out to my community for assistance. Your support will not only alleviate the immediate financial burden but also allow me to refocus my energy on pursuing my educational aspirations. With your help, I can continue on the path toward achieving my goals and, ultimately, giving back to the community that has always been my source of inspiration and strength.

How You Can Help:

I understand that times are tough for many, and any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to me. If you can spare even $5 or $10, it will bring me one step closer to getting my car back on the road and my life back on track. Even if you do not currently have the funds, please share with a few friends, and getting the word out would mean everything.

I'm truly grateful for any support you can provide during this challenging time. Your generosity will not only help me fix my car but also alleviate the stress and worry that comes with unexpected financial burdens. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering my request and for being a beacon of hope in my time of need.

Side Note:

All funds raised will be used exclusively for repairing my car's transmission. I will provide updates on the progress of the repair and any leftover funds will be donated to a charity supporting individuals facing similar challenges.

Thank you for considering my plea, and standing by me during this challenging time. I am eternally grateful for your kindness and generosity.

Kindly,

Victoria Smith