My Tuition Fee for SMU

The Beginning:
(This is me with my Uncle, Grandmother, and sister)

In 1990, when I was only six-years-old, the first open presidential election was held in my country. I decided on my own to walk more than 3 miles by myself to hear one of the presidential candidates speak in a neighboring village. My parents had no idea where I had gone! When I arrived, I was heartbroken to learn that I had missed the speech entirely. Tired and exhausted from the trek, I suddenly realized that I still had a chance to see the candidate. Though I only got a glimpse of him from a distance, that day was when I saw and believed that change was possible. Somewhere deep down inside of me I felt that I too could be an agent for change in my country, and my love of politics was sealed.

Who Am I Now?
My name is Zadi Zouzougbo and I come from the Ivory Coast, West Africa.  After earning my Masters Degree in Economics from the University de l’Atlantic, I left my country to move to the U.S in 2012 to study Human Rights.  From 2002-2011, I witnessed violations of human rights first hand when my country was in civil war.  I made the choice to come to the U. S. to study how to  prevent the type of atrocities my country was experiencing. 
I was here for the 2012 election and was working at Richland College as it was one of the voting places for that precinct.  I couldn't believe how quiet and respectful everyone was towards each other - no protesting, no one's life being threatened because they were casting their vote, and no violence.  It was another "ah-ha" moment for me.  If this can be done here, it can be done in my country.  I know that to make these changes will require educated people that have the vision, passion, and drive to make these changes happen.  I am one of those people.

What I've Been Doing Since I've Been In The US:
After graduating from Richland College in Dallas, Texas, I sought admittance to Southern Methodist University.  While at Richland, I was a member of the Richland College Honors Academy, The Richland Honors Club and Phi Theta Kappa.  I was one of four students to receive a Richland College Faculty Scholarship.
In December of 2016, I became one step closer to my dream after being admitted to the SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.  Southern Methodist University is one the few schools nationwide that offers a program in Human Rights.  

"Michel was a member of the Richland College Honors Academy and Phi Theta Kappa honor society (the 2-year college equivalent to Phi Beta Kappa at 4 -year institutions). As my student in Honors-level Public Speaking, I saw that Michel was an excellent student, always eager to learn. He was a strong leader in our class and always took the toughest assignments in order to challenge himself. He was also held in high esteem by his classmates and was the type of student who was willing to assist others in group and team projects. ln short, he was the type of student who makes every class a pleasure to teach!"


Carol H. KentRichland CollegeSpeech Faculty/ Faculty QEP Director

"Zadi is a student and professional mentee, who in the last two years I have had the privilege to watch become an exceptional scholar.  Zadi is a quiet, compassionate, and relaible leader, who I am certain will one day make a difference in the lives of the 20+ million citizens of the Ivory Coast.  His life-long dream is to better himself so that, he can become an effective and efficient human rights leader, who is dedicated to building stronger communities and creating opportunities at the local and national levels."
"It is very difficult for international students to find and secure part-time employment on campus and to excell academically.  When he found campus employment, he was able to maintain an exceptional work ethic, grade point average and commitment to his leadership development."
"I am confident that Zadi has the maturity as well as the intellectual and professional capacity to excel at SMU.  I sincerely hope that he will be given the opportunity to pursue his educational goals at SMU, and to one day become a world changer in the Ivory Coast and in our world."
LaQueta L Wright, Ph.D.
Dean of Social Sciences
2006 Fulbright-Hays Fellow
Richland College
Here I am (that's me 4th from the right standing) doing community service work with my classmates.

Why I Need Your Help:
Now I need your help to continue my dream so that I can return home and put my education to good use.  What makes my case difficult is that I am on an F-1 visa status meaning I am limited to working 20 hours per week at an on-campus job, so I have no possibility to earn enough to pay for my tuition. The money raised here will be used not only to pay my first semester of tuition but will also go towards the cost of my books, school health insurance, as well as room & board. Classes begin on January 23rd, so I am hoping that you all will help me raise enough funds before then in order to register for my first semester of classes.

What I want to do with my diploma:
Since I was a boy, I have dreamed of learning about Human Rights for such a long time! When I finish my SMU degree I will go back to my country to be an agent of change. This money will surely allow me to complete my Master's degree in Human Rights, and it will indirectly also and surely impact the life of millions of my people in the Ivory Coast. I will be so grateful and honored to receive a donation from you because after witnessing war in my country, I want to use all the skills and knowledge that I will learn at SMU to impact in terms of social justice and reconciliation in my country through universal, public education for all children just as Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" to prevent these horrors from ever happening again.

These children and I will be so grateful to you if you are able to make a donation towards my education.   Also, at the end the semester I will give an update to everyone regarding my performance and everything concerning your donation.

Thank you so very much!!!

Zadi Michel Zouzougbo