More than an education, a future!

Hi friends! I am seeking your support today on behalf of a really good friend of mine, Maria Murerwa. Maria and I met in New York City and became instant friends! Maria is originally from Rwanda and has been in the states studying for longer than it usually takes an average student to finish a Bachelor’s degree because of some of the challenges she has face. She is currently facing a SERIOUS THREAT that may impede her ability to accomplish her dreams. I am asking you to find it in your hearts and pockets to help her out in any way you can. When you help someone with their educational goals, you are helping yourselves and the world at large become a better place!

A little bit about Maria from Maria herself:

Hello everyone, my name is Maria Murerwa. I am 29 years old, originally from Rwanda, trying to make my dream of higher education a reality. I am the first born of two children, and the first generation in my family to attend college. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and community studies at City University of New York, at the Murphy Institute. My goal is to complete my education and work with women and children. My dream is to acquire a high quality education and skills that can impact and improve the lives of people in communities like where I come from, and I believe that can be achieved through job training and income generating projects. I am currently facing financial constraint and my dream of attaining a bachelor’s degree is severely threatened. Coming from a country that went through so many atrocities, I have committed my life to being part of a positive change and education is a key towards that change.

At the age of 6, I lost my mother to a tooth infection. This was something that could have been prevented had we had proper medical facilities then.  My parents separated when I were very young and I never has a relationship with my dad. I was raised by my grandmother and uncle. My grandmother, just like my parents had no formal education, and because of that she made sure that I got an education neither she nor my parents had. When I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to go to university,  but I didn’t know how I would be able to afford it but I knew that I wanted to get a good education and for me that meant coming to the United States to study International development/ peacebuilding and development. My journey has been interesting and frustrating to say the least. I can tell you more if you have questions.

I am extremely eager to continue my education. I have been privileged to come to the United States in the quest of achieving this dream. For the past six years, with the assistance of family members, friends and numerous campus and summer camp jobs, this dream has slowly been coming true. For most students, it takes four years to complete an undergraduate degree, for me, I’m going on my seventh year. Despite the hardships I have faced in these years and that I continue to face today, it would have been easier to given up; but I am not even close to giving up.

I am reaching out to you today to share where I am in this journey and request your financial assistance that will enable me to reach my goal of attaining my degree. I am missing 21 credits to graduate. With your support, I can graduate this academic year. At this moment, I do not have funds to take classes this spring semester which begins on January 30th. My most immediate and urgent need is to raise money to pay for at least 12 credits and resume classes in the spring semester, so that way, I can also stay in my student status (F1). These 12 credits will cost $6,720 for the spring semester. The remaining 9 credits during the summer semester will make the 120 credits that I need to graduate. My long term goal to acquire my degree is to raise $ 11,760 for tuition for the year 2017-2018. 

Any little bit will help tremendously! Much gratitude in advance for your support!