Wes White Barriers to Disability Education

Dear Friends, Family, and Benevolent Strangers,

My name is Wesley White, a 35-year-old resident of Loveland, Colorado. I was born with a physical disability known as cerebral palsy, a condition that profoundly affects my daily life, from basic mobility to finding stable employment. Despite these obstacles, I've always aspired to be an integrated, contributing member of society. But the reality is not easy: I'm still fighting to keep my dreams alive, just like many others with disabilities.

Achieving a college degree is a critical pathway for people like me to attain societal mobility. I’ve always dreamt of obtaining one, but life had other plans. My mother, who suffered from Type I diabetes, required my constant care as her condition worsened over time. Tragically, she passed away in 2015 due to complications. After taking time to grieve, I was able to rekindle my dream of higher education, earning my spot at Brigham Young University.

During my time at BYU, I discovered my passion for helping others like me—those with physical or mental disabilities—navigate their academic journey and transition into the working world. The stark reality is that only about 13% of graduates with disabilities secure full-time employment. For those with cerebral palsy, like myself, this statistic dwindles to a disheartening 6%. I want to be part of the change, improving these numbers, and facilitating better opportunities for all.

My ambition is to obtain a Masters in Higher Education, with an emphasis on Student Affairs, from the University of Pittsburgh. This degree would position me at the forefront of change, enabling me to guide disabled students through the challenges of higher education. Thankfully, the University has generously agreed to cover a significant part of my expenses.

However, I find myself approximately $29,000 short in covering my housing and food expenses for the two years in Pennsylvania. Despite securing a part-student internship, the stipend barely scratches the surface of these costs. Your contributions would bridge this gap, ensuring I can focus on my studies and subsequently make a difference in the lives of countless disabled students.

In the spirit of complete transparency, your donations will be allocated exclusively for my housing and food expenses. Your generosity will directly support my journey to Pittsburgh and my efforts to help improve the quality of life for students with disabilities.

In conclusion, my heart brims with deep gratitude for your time and consideration. Every dollar brings me one step closer to my goal, one step closer to shaping a world where disability does not dictate opportunity. Even if you can't contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network is equally valuable.

I am earnestly looking forward to starting this journey in the fall of 2023, and with your help, I know it's possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Wes White