Hi, I am Imani Smith! In 2021 I graduated top of my class at Mays High School in southwest Atlanta, Ga as the valedictorian on her way to University of Miami with a bright future. Although academically I have thrived as a new college student, I am struggling elsewhere with extreme unfair housing accommodations. I have been placed on the housing waitlist, along with a host of many of my classmates, since February of this year. I have been promised updates and reassurance of something regarding my housing at least by summer and there has not been any promising news shared so far. With my sophomore academic year just around the corner (August 22nd), I have yet to be rest assured of somewhere to live on or off campus that will be financially supported by the university. As the independent young woman I am, I have taken matters into my own hands to save up for an off campus apartment. However, it has just not been enough. Miami is ranked #10 in the most expensive cities to live in the country and their real estate market is a nightmare! Especially for young and driven scholars like myself who just do not have the time to dedicate to a full time job (although I have already applied to numerous paid internships which are part time hours) and to my studies so that I can refrain from dropping my GPA which would ultimately lead to losing all of my scholarships which pay for my education. My issue here has been overwhelming and stressful to say the least for MONTHS now. The bottom line is that if I can not afford housing financially elsewhere, without on campus arrangements, I can no longer attend University of Miami as a full time in-person student. This will mean that all of my scholastic accolades that has carried me this far will come to waste, just because of inadequate housing. I am sharing my story with you all pleading that you may be able to help in anyway the Lord may allow you to. My goal is set to a value so that I can at least start somewhere. The funds I raise here will support fees and a security deposit for a home, a portion of first months rent so that I can build off of future rent/ utilities with the small amount I was able to save independently, and potentially go towards a form of transportation being that I do not have a vehicle to get to and from campus with. I ask you to please share my story with your loved ones. Anything at all is appreciated: a prayer, a share, a resource, or a donation. I thank you in advance, God bless.