My sister Rocio and I came from the Dominican Republic to study in the United States, fulfilling a family dream that has been with us since we were born. We are both part of the tennis team at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and while we are grateful for our athletic scholarships, covering the rest of our tuition has always been a challenge for our family. The difference in salaries between our home country and the U.S. makes it difficult, and right now, our mom is the only one working because our dad lost his job and has been struggling to find another.
This fundraiser will help us pay the remaining tuition after our scholarships, allowing us to continue our studies and get closer to graduating in 2028. I, Manuel Espinal, am studying exercise science: fitness specialist, and my sister Rocio Espinal is studying sports management. We have both played tennis since we were very young, and our passion for sports has shaped our lives and our goals. We hope to use our education and experience to inspire others to be active and healthy, whether through tennis or any form of physical activity. Helping people live healthier lives through sports is our mission.
If you’ve taken a moment to read our story, thank you — it truly means more than you know. My sister and I are working hard every day to pursue our education, not just for ourselves, but for our family and the dreams we’ve carried for years. We believe that through discipline, sports, and education, we can build a better future and inspire others to do the same. If you feel moved to support us, whether through a donation or simply by sharing this with others, it would make a real difference in our journey. Every bit of help brings us one step closer to our goals. And if you can’t donate, that’s completely okay — your support, your time, and even a simple share means everything to us. Thank you for believing in us.