Help me stay at Howard
Donation protected
This is a campaign on behalf of my dear sister please read her story below.
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As a kid, whenever anyone asked me “What do you want to do when you grow up?” without hesitating I answered, “I want to change the world!” My simple childhood fantasy quickly evolved into an interest in politics and a growing involvement in my local community. As I think about my future, my goals are multifold- and Howard University is the first step towards such aspirations.
My name is Fatima and I am a 20 years-old Junior Bison, majoring in Political Science. As an international student from Senegal, West Africa, attending the Mecca is a journey that is as academic as social. Despite not speaking a word of english, or never stepping a foot in the USA, my parents supported financially and morally my choice to attend Howard. Being part of a community that encourages diversity as well as overall academic excellence helps me gain the skills necessary to evolve as a leader, while also enabling meaningful personal growth. Enrolled in the Fall 2015-2016, Howard has since become a home.
Taking up to 21 credits a semester, I have been able to achieve Junior standing in two (2) years. Within those two years, I have been offered the privilege to be part of * (proof of statement can be provided) :
-The COAS Dean’s list
-The Honors and Scholar Development Program (requiring a 3.7 academic standing or higher)
-The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
-The Interfaith Fellowship Program of the Rankin Chapel that promotes religious dialogue within the Howard community and beyond
- The Hilltop, Howard University’s student newspaper as a student writer as well as a contributor
These prestigious institutions allowed me to build my academic profile and encouraged me to accelerate my graduation process. The F-1 Visa process for International students is of three (3) years, renewable for the fourth year (4th) upon financial approval. While my parents have been more than supportive in funding my education, personal family events have made the task heavier than before. Graduating in three (3) years will alleviate the burden of having to go through the financial visa check, that is mandatory to renew my visa stay, and thus pursue my education at the Mecca. Under that circumstance, taking summer classes was necessary to ensure an early graduation scheme. However the cost of the classes at Howard University are of 800$- 900$ per credit. While I was able to register to other colleges of the area to lessen the fees, some of the classes I needed were only available at Howard. I am thus enrolled for a Howard University summer program of 4 credits, with an assessment fee of $3,920 dollars (that fee does not include books, or GoFundMe percentage over donations).
As an F-1 visa holder, I am not allowed to get a payroll job and while I do occasionally babysit when the opportunity is presented, the latter is far from covering such expenses.
Attending the summer program is imperative to help me stay on track of my graduation scheme and ensure my academic progress at Howard. It was a huge decision to leave home to attend college in the USA and getting my Bachelor’s degree from the Mecca is a gratification that I am eager to offer to my parents (that have always been supportive despite challenges.)
Any gesture will make a great impact and will surely be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and generosity.
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As a kid, whenever anyone asked me “What do you want to do when you grow up?” without hesitating I answered, “I want to change the world!” My simple childhood fantasy quickly evolved into an interest in politics and a growing involvement in my local community. As I think about my future, my goals are multifold- and Howard University is the first step towards such aspirations.
My name is Fatima and I am a 20 years-old Junior Bison, majoring in Political Science. As an international student from Senegal, West Africa, attending the Mecca is a journey that is as academic as social. Despite not speaking a word of english, or never stepping a foot in the USA, my parents supported financially and morally my choice to attend Howard. Being part of a community that encourages diversity as well as overall academic excellence helps me gain the skills necessary to evolve as a leader, while also enabling meaningful personal growth. Enrolled in the Fall 2015-2016, Howard has since become a home.
Taking up to 21 credits a semester, I have been able to achieve Junior standing in two (2) years. Within those two years, I have been offered the privilege to be part of * (proof of statement can be provided) :
-The COAS Dean’s list
-The Honors and Scholar Development Program (requiring a 3.7 academic standing or higher)
-The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
-The Interfaith Fellowship Program of the Rankin Chapel that promotes religious dialogue within the Howard community and beyond
- The Hilltop, Howard University’s student newspaper as a student writer as well as a contributor
These prestigious institutions allowed me to build my academic profile and encouraged me to accelerate my graduation process. The F-1 Visa process for International students is of three (3) years, renewable for the fourth year (4th) upon financial approval. While my parents have been more than supportive in funding my education, personal family events have made the task heavier than before. Graduating in three (3) years will alleviate the burden of having to go through the financial visa check, that is mandatory to renew my visa stay, and thus pursue my education at the Mecca. Under that circumstance, taking summer classes was necessary to ensure an early graduation scheme. However the cost of the classes at Howard University are of 800$- 900$ per credit. While I was able to register to other colleges of the area to lessen the fees, some of the classes I needed were only available at Howard. I am thus enrolled for a Howard University summer program of 4 credits, with an assessment fee of $3,920 dollars (that fee does not include books, or GoFundMe percentage over donations).
As an F-1 visa holder, I am not allowed to get a payroll job and while I do occasionally babysit when the opportunity is presented, the latter is far from covering such expenses.
Attending the summer program is imperative to help me stay on track of my graduation scheme and ensure my academic progress at Howard. It was a huge decision to leave home to attend college in the USA and getting my Bachelor’s degree from the Mecca is a gratification that I am eager to offer to my parents (that have always been supportive despite challenges.)
Any gesture will make a great impact and will surely be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and generosity.
Organizer
Soukeyna Diouf
Organizer
Silver Spring, MD