Help Matias Continue His Education and Hockey Career

Hello everyone,

My name is Matias Aleksandrov, and my dream of completing my education and hockey career in the United States is at serious risk due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. I am an international student-athlete at McKendree University, and this school year is my junior year. My major is Management Information System with a minor in Finance.

Due to my difficult situation in life, which has resulted in the failure of all my educational and life goals, I urgently need your financial assistance to continue my studies and pursue my passion for hockey.

I am a hockey player from Russia. Since childhood, I have dreamed of playing hockey in the USA. After years of hard work, I received an invite to play in the junior league for the “New Hampshire Junior Monarchs” team, where I had four successful seasons and was one of the team leaders. My hockey success gave me the opportunity to commit to McKendree University and receive an athletic scholarship. My mom was able to pay off my college bill for the past four semesters.

During my studies, I have maintained a 3.7 GPA and have been on the Dean’s List since my first semester. As an athlete, I have been an assistant captain on the men’s hockey team since my freshman year, and I have been one of the point leaders on my team for the last two seasons. In addition to my studies and athletics, I work two jobs on campus (since I’m an international student, I can work only on campus): at the Student Success Center and as a tutor, where I help students at McKendree University with the classes in which I have excelled in earning enough money just for my personal expenses. I have also been offered the role of Student Academic Mentor at McKendree University.

My mother, Liudmila Aleksandrova, is a well-known attorney in Russia who has openly opposed the Russian government, immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine. Due to that, it was dangerous for her to stay in Russia. She had to emigrate and seek political asylum in Europe. She lives on social welfare and is unable to help me pay off my college tuition anymore.

The Russian-Ukrainian war has separated me from my mom, whom I have not seen in over three years. Nobody in my family was ready for this situation. Returning to Russia is dangerous for me, as I risk imprisonment for refusing to fight against Ukraine. My mother has lost everything; all her assets were seized by the Russian government. My life plans are at serious risk. I may not finish my degree due to financial limitations. My hockey career is uncertain. Everything that I have lived for since childhood, what I have dedicated fifteen years of my life to, and my successes and hopes could collapse. The anxiety and depression of potentially losing everything are overwhelming, yet I remain determined to stay strong. Despite receiving the best possible scholarship, I cannot cover the remaining costs for the last four semesters.

Due to such circumstances, I am asking for your financial help! With this money, I will pay for:

Tuition ($24,620)

Student housing ($13,500)

Class-related expenses and fees ($2,940)

As an international student, I have come to appreciate the opportunities the USA offers. Your generosity will not only help me finish my education but also give me hope in the face of adversity. Your support will allow me to attain my future!

Sincerely, thank you for believing in me!

Thank you in advance!